Remember the days when the Detroit Red Wings were the NHL’s model franchise? When every NHL player wanted to do the Winged Wheel?

Not anymore.

In fact, for those who do come to Detroit, they are discovering that donning a Detroit jersey is now on par with Hester Prynne’s Scarlet Letter.

It’s not a good thing. And, evidently, it stains their reputation when they seek out future employment.

When their contracts reached their July 1 expiration date, the Red Wings opted to walk away from unrestricted free agents James van Riemsdyk, Cam Talbot, Travis Hamonic, and David Perron.

The Leafs posted a James van Riemsdyk throwback goal, and fans are wondering if it could be hinting at a reunion. 👀

Leafs fans, would you welcome JVR back? 🤨 pic.twitter.com/7YAuD0CKD8

— BarDown (@BarDown) July 19, 2026

The rest of the NHL is also deciding that keeping their distance from these players is the wisest course of action.

There have been 301 contracts signed by NHL players since the July 1 UFA window opened. So far, the only UFA who played for the Red Wings last season to find gainful employment with an NHL rival is Patrick Kane. The veteran forward signed a two-year pact with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Interestingly, Kane was only one of the Red Wings’ UFAs that the team still wanted. However, Kane determined that he no longer wanted anything to do with the Red Wings.

More Concerns for out-of-work Red Wings

Beyond the reality that none of Detroit’s other four UFAs have earned new contracts, there is another issue afoot that could make it very difficult for them to earn an NHL roster spot next season.

The professional tryout offer (PTO) may be going the way of the maskless goaltender and the tie game. It might not be extinct, but it’s certainly on life support.

While lengthening the NHL regular season to 84 games for the 2026-27 campaign, the league also shortened the preseason from eight to four games. Preseason games were vital for players on PTOs. It provided them not only an opportunity to impress the team they were playing for, but also to exhibit their skills in front of pro scouts from other teams.

With 50% less preseason action, signing players to PTOs could become a thing of the past.

Former Detroit Forward Sought in Russia

Last season, Minnesota Wild winger Vladimir Tarasenko was a 23-goal scorer. He potted 11 goals for the Red Wings in 2024-25.

This summer, Tarasenko can’t find NHL work. Listed as the top remaining available NHL UFA, Tarasenko still isn’t getting any nibbles.

That has his homeland calling. Ak Bars Kazan of Russia’s KHL is seeking to woo Tarasenko home.

For now, he’s holding to the hope that an NHL pact will be forthcoming. But time is running out, and there are still no contracts for these old Red Wings.