General manger Steve Yzerman receives stern warning on free agent target
Photo credit: NHL.COM
The Detroit Red Wings are in dire need to complete some big moves this summer in NHL free agency and are well positioned to do so with their salary cap.
But general manager Steve Yzerman must be careful to not jump the gun on pending free agents, including those currently participating in the Stanley Cup Finals.
After nine years without playoffs hockey, the Red Wings are linked to free agent Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers to solidify their back-end.
Though a recent advisory suggests they should avoid Ekblad.
«Yes, Aaron Ekblad is a Stanley Cup Champion. And yes, he has good two-way ability. The main concern with the Florida Panthers defender is his durability and injury history,» Kerney wrote. «He hasn't played a full season over the past six seasons because of injuries. The best way a player can improve a team is by actually playing. That's not a guarantee with Ekblad.»
Another issue is Ekblad's suspension of 20 games he got due to failing a random drug test at the end of this past season.
Perhaps Ekblad's impressive numbers throughout the regular season, in which has made him a sought-after free agent, was due to the 'performance-enhancing drugs' he was on.
''The news that I had failed a random drug test was a shock,'' Ekblad said in a statement released by the NHL Players' Association in March. «Ultimately, I made a mistake by taking something to help me recover from recent injuries without first checking with proper medical and team personnel.
I have let my teammates, the Panthers organization and our great fans down. For that, I am truly sorry. I have accepted responsibility for my mistake and will be fully prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over. I have learned a hard lesson and cannot wait to be back with my teammates.''
I have let my teammates, the Panthers organization and our great fans down. For that, I am truly sorry. I have accepted responsibility for my mistake and will be fully prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over. I have learned a hard lesson and cannot wait to be back with my teammates.''
This advisor from the analyst failed to mention his recent antics, which led to the Panthers enduring multiple penalties this past season:
With a busy summer approaching for the Detroit Red Wings, all we can hope is that Steve Yzerman will replenish the roster that should have been improved at this past NHL trade deadline.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 12 | 84 ANSWERS General manger Steve Yzerman receives stern warning on free agent target Do you think defense is the department the Red Wings must improve on the most this offseason? | ||
| Yes | 72 | 85.7 % |
| No, offence | 7 | 8.3 % |
| No, goaltending | 5 | 6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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