Anyone who knows anything about the Red Wings will tell you that no matter what direction the team wants to go in, they have a lot to get done. That would be the case regardless of all the drama that transpired this offseason. Pair the work that needs to be done with the fact that the team needs to deal with their captain, re-sign their best forward, and extend their second-best defenseman, and things get even trickier.
So, for whoever is next to manage the Red Wings, what should be top of their agenda given all that needs to get done?
Lock Down Simon Edvinsson
Simon Edvinsson for the Red Wings | Photo: Rick Osentoski
I’ve had my gripes with Simon Edvinsson. The second half of this season was genuinely a pretty rough watch at times, and it felt like Edvinsson was responsible for handing the other team goals at times. But even with all that, Edvinsson is still a crucial part of this rebuild, and him still not getting extended is a problem.
Four months ago, I would’ve told you this contract shouldn’t be much of a problem. Luke Hughes, Jackson LaCombe, and Lane Hutson all got new deals around the same mark that Simon Edvinsson likely belongs in. I had him penciled in at around $8.25M for 8 years, keeping him below Moritz Seider and his peers who outperformed him. Since then, though, money is getting thrown around like it’s nobody’s business, and it may have driven Simon Edvinsson’s cost up.
Since then, it seems like every RFA is taking both huge dollar amounts and short-term deals. Detroit can stomach one of those two things with Edvinsson but certainly not both. The contract I’m looking at is Pavel Mintyukov’s $7.2M deal for five years. Simon Edvinsson is comfortably the better player, and his side will be using that number to lead negotiations.
When the Red Wings’ new General Manager steps in, he’s going to be rushed into getting Edvinsson a new deal. Simply put, if this drags into training camp, Edvinsson is going to be missing valuable time in the season. Getting a deal in place as soon as possible so Simon Edvinsson can report to camp and play the season is by far number one.
Figure Out the Dylan Larkin Saga
Dylan Larkin for the Red Wings | AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
I’d like some clarity here the moment the Red Wings general manager does his press conference. I want to know where this front office will be sitting on the Dylan Larkin trade request. There are reports the Red Wings are looking to mend the relationship. Either way, an answer needs to be found.
The future of this team revolves around whatever the solution to the Larkin problem is. If Dylan Larkin stays or a similar player is brought back in return, then it’s time to use draft picks and prospects to make this team into one that can compete for a cup around this core. If the return is based around futures, then selling off Justin Faulk, Andrew Copp, and John Gibson should be pursued aggressively. Either way, the team needs to pick a clear direction.
While the majority of fans, myself included, don’t want to see Dylan Larkin suiting up for this team, I’m aware that’s mostly emotional. I can get over Larkin being on this team as long as the right infrastructure is around Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat.
Oh, and also make sure the captaincy is reassigned to Moritz Seider.
Get DeBrincat On Board
Alex DeBrincat for the Red Wings | AP Photo/Paul Sancya
I maintain that regardless of team direction or future outlook, you cannot let Alex DeBrincat go by any measure. It doesn’t matter the dollar amount; you must convince him to stay long-term because this team does not have enough talent on the roster without him.
Sure, in a trade you may bring back a great player, but there are so few players who can do what DeBrincat does while bringing the effort he does every night. You simply can’t lose the Cat.
Say what you want about future outlook; the guy made Andrew Copp and Patrick Kane in his twilight years look like a solid second line. If DeBrincat actually gets minutes alongside some real talent, a 100-point player is far from out of the question.
Any number below $13M I’d be signing in a heartbeat. Anything above that better come with a max term, but regardless, Alex DeBrincat must remain a Detroit Red Wing.
Take Some Risks on Talent
Trevor Zegras for the Philadelphia Flyers | Photo: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Off the top of my head, the Red Wings were rumored to be in on Trevor Zegras, Yegor Chinakhov, Pavel Mintyukov, and Mason McTavish, all of whom would be huge for this roster had Detroit had them.
Under Steve Yzerman, it felt like any time the Red Wings had a chance to buy low on someone, they chose to hold their cards. It’s probably why this current team lacks so much flavor; it’s simply missing those injections of talent on the cheap.
It’s not a perfect science. You can end up with a player who simply doesn’t work out for you at all. But looking around the league, the teams who’ve gambled have found it paid off. Montreal took on Noah Dobson after a down year; Buffalo took on Josh Doan; half of the Penguins roster is gambles, and so on.
It takes the right player and pro scouts, of course, but having the manager to actually pull the trigger is the final step.