Detroit Red Wings and the General Manager search
From Max Bultman of The Athletic (mailbag): Safe to say, the Detroit Red Wings’ offseason has not gone as planned. With Steve Yzerman now in a different position, the search remains on for a new General Manager. Problems seem to still be mounting for a team that has not made the playoffs in 10 seasons.
Suggestions that players run the team, signings were missed, and more have all come out in previous weeks. League insiders hinted that Detroit is almost being run like a baseball team as opposed to a hockey team. Now, that remains a sobering indictment.
Dylan Larkin continues to want out of Detroit. That feels like the current stance from the forward. Meanwhile, Detroit appears to desperately want a reconciliation. Maybe, there is room for things to get patched up. The possibility of developments worsening exists as well.
Larkin and the Red Wings Again
I have been told their process is their process. Detroit bears no rush to name someone. Detroit’s timeline suffered a clear jolt in July and until a new General Manager is named, we may not truly know what the Red Wings plan. What does that mean for Dylan Larkin? Again, stay tuned.
Until that decision-maker is named, the hierarchy cannot be determined. Look at what occurred with Sebastian Cossa. Detroit pivoted to Michal Postava almost overnight and that left Cossa in the cold. Strategy and Detroit have not gone well over the past decade.
Some also believe that Detroit is going to retool after the 2026-27 season. Again, no one truly knows. Meanwhile, we wait.
The K-Mart section for bargain free agents
Scott Maxwell of the Daily Faceoff: We have about six weeks until the beginning of the 2026-27 NHL regular season. Naturally, there are still some free agents out there that can be had for a reasonable price.
With sticker shock out the window, general managers may now be able to take some risks on talent and much lower price tags.
Has the Dallas Stars’ Championship window closed?
James van Riemsdyk and Michael Bunting are specialists of different callings. It is no secret that van Riemsdyk can still thrive on a power play. For a few dollars, the forward can still provide a 35-40 point season with limited risk. Bunting, on the other hand, will not command a $4.5 million salary now. His 20-20 potential is still there with the right fit.
When it comes to a pure sniper, there is Patrik Laine. Laine does not defend, he shoots the puck. Again, the winger is a power-play specialist with some even-strength upside. Defensive risks are well documented but he averages 4.49 goals per 60 on the man advantage (leads the NHL).
Someone will take a flier on Laine much like they will with Vladimir Tarasenko or Nick Blankenburg. All have their issues. Tarasenko did score 24 goals and add 23 assists last season but vanished come the playoffs. Teams waiting things out can net him for cheap much like Blankenburg. The defenseman provides good depth and can blend in well as a bottom-pairing fix.
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