Detroit Red Wings reportedly parting ways with five players in free agency

Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings only missed the playoffs by five points in the stands, indicating that not many changes are required to get the team to the next level.

The Wings have an interesting core of young, talented players, and many good veterans, but despite needing only three more wins to get to the playoffs, the organization could part ways with five players this summer.

Indeed, Max Bultman wrote in a recent paper for The Athletic that Jeff Petry, Craig Smith, Alex Lyon, Tyler Motte and William Lagesson could have already played their last game with the Red Wings.

Let's take a look at each of them.

Petry will be an unrestricted free agent this summer but revealed in his end-of-season media abailability that he wants to play another year. He could return to the Red Wings on a one-year deal, but could also interest another team looking for blue line depth. The defenseman scored eight points in 44 games this year.

Since he got traded to the Red Wings at the deadline, Smith hasn't been able to have the impact he wanted, scoring only two points in 19 games. Also set to enter free agency, he could walk away from the team this summer is the Red Wings don't make him an offer.

Like Smith, Motte will become a free agent, and his future in Detroit is unknown. The veteran has been playing a great role on the Red Wings penalty kill, but Yzerman could be looking to replace him this summer. This season, Motte scored nine points in 55 games with the Red Wings.

Lyon only took part in five games since the Red Wings acquired Petr Mrazek at the trade deadline, suggesting his fate in Detroit could be sealed. However, Yzerman expressed interest in bringing him back. He as the potential to become a full-time backup goalie in the NHL, and it would be surprising to see him remain in Detroit with a number three role.

Lagesson hasn't been able to stand out from the pack in Detroit, only taking part in seven games. Players who spent that much time away from the lineup usually aren't in the organization's plans. He could still remain with the team, depending on the other moves that makes Steve Yerman this summer.

Stay tuned for more.