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You can read the last article regarding NHL free agents here
With the massive task ahead of GM Steve Yzerman to sort through expiring contracts, the minor league list is, mercifully, smaller.
Taro Hirose 23 (UFA no arbitration) qualify/tryout - last year, Hirose came into the NHL for 10 games and put up 1 goal and 6 assists. He seemed to be an instant fit and was given a chance to make the roster again. The “sophomore slump… was in full effect and he was sent to Grand Rapids to find his game. Eventually, the points started to pile up. In 35 games he accumulted 5 goals and 22 assists. Detroit, simply put, needs bodies for both organizations. Hirose has a tremendous work ethic and will need a big summer to avoid being sent down again. .77ppg in the AHL may not translate to enough impact in the NHL unless there is a huge step forward in conditioning and skills training.
Evgeny Svechnikov 23 (RFA no arbitration) qualify/exorcism/trade - the oft injured former first rounder seems to have horrible luck when it comes to injuries. The big Russian had 11 goals and 14 assists in 51 contests for Grand Rapids. Something is going to need to alter course. Svechnikov will need to stay healthy, plain and simple. There’s no reason not to qualify him and bring him into camp, unless a very good trade offer comes in the form of a defenseman. It seems like Carolina would want to try and unite the brothers Svech and they have several blue liners ( who doesn’t) that could help this club. IF Svechnikov stays healthy and performs well, he could still be a part of Detroit’s future. However, out of waiver options, it’s likely that time is running out.
Dominic Turgeon 24 (RFA w/arbitration) qualify/tryout - 10 goals and 13 assists in 63 games isn’t necessarily exciting for a minor league center. With no exact formula on how that would translate to the NHL, it seems clear that this is a depth player for the foreseeable future. Simply from the point that Detroit will need bodies in the AHL (again) there’s no reason not to at least qualify and let Turgeon battle for a job.
Elson Turner 27 (UFA) tryout/release - with 9 goals and 13 points in 61 games, Elson is more likely than not a career AHL player. For the sake of a full camp and a full AHL roster this may be another player that will pass through waivers before regular season and report to Grand Rapids. Some veteran leadership is always needed, as long as it’s not taking jobs from prospects he’s a welcome fixture in GR.
Matt Peumpel 27 (UFA) tryout/release - with 17 goals and 22 assists in 46 games, Peumpel finished second in scoring for Grand Rapids. If he decides to return to the organization it will likely be in the AHL. He may want to try and battle for a spot, or even move on to another organization if he doesn’t see an opportunity here.
Chris Terry 30 (UFA) tryout/release - 51 points (21 and 30) in 57 games was enough to make Terry the top scorer for the Griffins. A welcome voice and presence, he certainly helps to develop the young players trying to find their way. If he chooses to stay, he’ll have to pass through waivers before the season. I’m sure the Grand Rapids staff would love to have him back.
Kyle Wood 23 (RFA w/arbitration) qualify/tryout - a 6’5… right shooting defenseman, Wood had his best season in 16-17 for Tucson in the AHL with 14 goals and 29 assists in 68 games. This year saw just 4 goals and 7 assists in 49 games. However, Detroit needs defenders at every level. If he can find a way to play well defensively and chip in the occasional point, Detroit is starved at this position. It could be an opportunity for him in the fall.
That wraps up the last of the free agents. Unfortunately, not too many grade A prospects on this list. Keeping in mind the Veleno learned some hard lessons and will surely be going hard all summer, the free agents, outside of Svechnikov, don’t offer much in the way of “must keep…. Svechnikov is still living on glimpses and projected ceiling. The reality is coming clear that Detroit under the leadership of Yzerman isn’t afraid to move on from players. Hopefully this will inspire some players to go all out this summer and into the fall.
Jonatan Berggren, Moritz Seider, Joe Veleno, Rasmussen, Svechnikov, Joe Hicketts and Cholowski all have a chance to make their mark or miss the train. This year’s camp should be high level competition. Depending on the League’s decision with how to proceed, it could also be full of injuries. If the Stanley Cup Finals go into the fall and the league tries to squeeze a season in from November to April (possibly canceling all star and bye week), players are going to pay the price. If the league doesn’t, players are going to pay the bills via increased escrow. There is a fine line between doing what’s right and pushing this to an unhealthy atmosphere that could ravage the league with injuries. Here’s to hoping that the fear of shortened revenues don’t cause poor decision making that could make things infinitely worse. I’m glad it’s not on my shoulders to figure it out.