Players to watch today for the Red Wings:
LW Nikolaj Ehlers (obviously)
RD Brent Burns
RW Mason Appleton
RW Anthony Beauvillier
RW Jack Roslovic
LW Gustav Nyquist@FlyingOctoPod #LGRW
— Tony Wolak (@TonyWolak) July 2, 2025
Free agency in the National Hockey League has begun and is in full swing, with players and franchises looking to build out their rosters for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season.
So far, in free agency, two former Spartans have inked new contracts, with Jeff Petry signing with the Florida Panthers and Mackenzie MacEachern signing with the Vancouver Canucks. Now, there is one other former Spartan, Mason Appleton, that is still searching for his next deal.
Appleton has value as a bottom-six forward and a penalty killer, and will have suitors across the league. According to a Detroit Red Wings insider, Tony Wolak, Appleton is a player to watch that the Red Wings may potentially sign.
A local flare, the Red Wings are in need of a penalty killing forward on their fourth line, and Appleton would fit the bill perfectly.
Having spent seven seasons in the NHL, most of which with the Winnipeg Jets, and a small stint with the Seattle Kraken, it certainly appears that Appleton and the Jets are breaking a part, making his landing spot elsewhere most certain.
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