Detroit Red Wings set for $20-m NHL free-agency bonanza
We speak here of the Detroit Red Wings and the approximately $20 million they have at their disposal to chase free agents, and an owner, Mike Ilitch, with the track record indicating he’s going to do just that. Question is, will realignment go ahead after Collective Bargaining Agreement talks are finished or not?
Players like Ryan Suter and Zach Parise are apt to be stoked about joining a team that already has the likes of Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and quite likely a returning Nicklas Lidstrom, and also boasts a long tradition of winning despite this year’s early exit from the playoffs.
The Wings figure to have the inside track on both these prize catches, just as perhaps the Vancouver Canucks have a possible similar advantage if Nashville flames out in the second round and the Predators determine they must do something with restricted free agent Shea Weber sooner than later if he decides not to stay. But that’s several steps removed.