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Finding a 2nd LHD for our long-term Top-4.

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ElProfessor

Registered User
Mar 23, 2025
29
18
The question I asked before -- "is this Albert Johansson?" -- seems to have been answered. No. He is a great 3rd pair D who can fill in on the top-4, and a great asset, but not the answer.

**********

FREE AGENT OPTIONS:

This Summer: Ivan Provorov and Vladislav Gavrikov are really the only two options left.

Next Summer: Nothing. Top LHD's under 30: Niko Mikkola (30, 21pts), Mario Ferraro (27, 12ppts), Logan Stanley (28, 12pts), Jake Bean (28, 7pts), Jacob Moverare (27, 6pts), Juuso Välimäki (27, 5pts), Jeremy Lauzon (29, 1pt)

If we draft a LHD in the 1st in June.....best case-scenario.....he'll spend 2025-26 in Euro/CHL/NCAA, 2026-27 in the AHL, and be ready for Detroit by 2027-28. Best-case.

Provorov ----- Gavrikov
Age: 28 ----- 29
Size: 6-1, 213 ----- 6'3, 220
Role: 2nd Pair ----- 2nd Pair
Points (last 3yrs): 32, 27, 31 ----- 23, 19, 33
Games Played (last 3yrs): 82, 82, 79 ----- 77, 72, 80
AFP Projection: 5yrs, 6.4M -----5yrs, 5.4M

...I don't think either is a long-term top-4 LHD on a Stanley Cup contender. But either could help us get through the next 2yrs until a potential 2025 pick could be ready. And I think Gavrikov would be preferred by Yzerman and co., as he's much better defensively, and much harder to play against. Signing a contract longer than 2yrs, though...he blocks Wallinder/Buium from the lineup. And after 2 or 3yrs, he's probably going to be a $5-6M 3rd Pair D (maybe with the new cap that won't be bad?).

**********

DRAFT OPTIONS:

Top 30'ish LHD Prospects:
-Matthew Schaefer, 6-2, 183. I think he's overrated, but he'd be the top-choice I imagine.
-Cameron Reid, 6-0, 170. Not much tape on him, but idk that we want another small top-4 D (ASP).
-Jackson Smith, 6-3, 190. Think he's very overrated...don't like him at all.
-Kashawn Aitcheson, 6-1, 198. I actually like him a fair bit more than Schaefer..
-Sascha Boumedienne, 6-2, 183. 2nd Rd Pick to most experts. Don't know much about him.
-Kurban Limatov, 6-3, 198. Ditto. 2nd Rd Pick to most experts. Don't know much about him.

**********

My opinion:

1. Sign Gavrikov. Give him a little extra AAV to keep the contract to 4yrs.
2. Trade our 2nd and whatever else (maybe Wallinder/Buium?) to move into the mid-1st and select Kashawn Aitcheson

2025-26:
Gavrikov -- Seider
Edvinsson -- Johansson (then ASP)
Chiarot -- Gustafsson (then Johnansson)

2026-27:
Gavrikov -- Seider
Edvinsson -- ASP
Wallinder/Buium -- Johansson

2027-28:
Gavrikov (then Aitcheson) -- Seider
Edvinsson -- ASP
Aitcheson (then Gavrikov) -- Johansson

Not a perfect solution. But pretty good given what's left on the board for us.
 
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ElProfessor said:
The question I asked before -- "is this Albert Johansson?" -- seems to have been answered. No. He is a great 3rd pair D who can fill in on the top-4, and a great asset, but not the answer.

**********

FREE AGENT OPTIONS:

This Summer: Ivan Provorov and Vladislav Gavrikov are really the only two options left.

Next Summer: Nothing. Top LHD's under 30: Niko Mikkola (30, 21pts), Mario Ferraro (27, 12ppts), Logan Stanley (28, 12pts), Jake Bean (28, 7pts), Jacob Moverare (27, 6pts), Juuso Välimäki (27, 5pts), Jeremy Lauzon (29, 1pt)

If we draft a LHD in the 1st in June.....best case-scenario.....he'll spend 2025-26 in Euro/CHL/NCAA, 2026-27 in the AHL, and be ready for Detroit by 2027-28. Best-case.

Provorov ----- Gavrikov
Age: 28 ----- 29
Size: 6-1, 213 ----- 6'3, 220
Role: 2nd Pair ----- 2nd Pair
Points (last 3yrs): 32, 27, 31 ----- 23, 19, 33
Games Played (last 3yrs): 82, 82, 79 ----- 77, 72, 80
AFP Projection: 5yrs, 6.4M -----5yrs, 5.4M

...I don't think either is a long-term top-4 LHD on a Stanley Cup contender. But either could help us get through the next 2yrs until a potential 2025 pick could be ready. And I think Gavrikov would be preferred by Yzerman and co., as he's much better defensively, and much harder to play against. Signing a contract longer than 2yrs, though...he blocks Wallinder/Buium from the lineup. And after 2 or 3yrs, he's probably going to be a $5-6M 3rd Pair D (maybe with the new cap that won't be bad?).

**********

DRAFT OPTIONS:

Top 30'ish LHD Prospects:
-Matthew Schaefer, 6-2, 183. I think he's overrated, but he'd be the top-choice I imagine.
-Cameron Reid, 6-0, 170. Not much tape on him, but idk that we want another small top-4 D (ASP).
-Jackson Smith, 6-3, 190. Think he's very overrated...don't like him at all.
-Kashawn Aitcheson, 6-1, 198. I actually like him a fair bit more than Schaefer..
-Sascha Boumedienne, 6-2, 183. 2nd Rd Pick to most experts. Don't know much about him.
-Kurban Limatov, 6-3, 198. Ditto. 2nd Rd Pick to most experts. Don't know much about him.

**********

My opinion:

1. Sign Gavrikov. Give him a little extra AAV to keep the contract to 4yrs.
2. Trade our 2nd and whatever else (maybe Wallinder/Buium?) to move into the mid-1st and select Kashawn Aitcheson

2025-26:
Gavrikov -- Seider
Edvinsson -- Johansson (then ASP)
Chiarot -- Gustafsson (then Johnansson)

2026-27:
Gavrikov -- Seider
Edvinsson -- ASP
Wallinder/Buium -- Johansson

2027-28:
Gavrikov (then Aitcheson) -- Seider
Edvinsson -- ASP
Aitcheson (then Gavrikov) -- Johansson

Not a perfect solution. But pretty good given what's left on the board for us.
Click to expand...
I think it's a little quick to cast AlJo as a 3rd pair guy long term. Who knows if he has room left to grow. Sure he's a little old for a rookie, and I really wish that he'd gotten more NHL reps earlier, so maybe he has less growing to do than most rookies. But he also might keep learning and getting over some rookie mistakes/nerves to become a bona fide top 4 guy. I think within 2-3 years, it's very likely that he'll be at least good enough to support a better partner in the top 4.

I think that we can bet on one of AlJo/ASP filling a top 4 role next year. I do think we'd be wise to get a decent LD anyway though. Then if we end up with 5 good D because AlJo and ASP are both top 4 D, to go along with Provorov/Gavrikov, we can let someone dominate third pair minutes or move the odd man out. We just need to sign or trade for 1 good defenseman. Yzerman acquired 5/6 of Tampa's elite defense through means other than the draft. Please Stevie Y, you should be able to manifest a single good defenseman for us through trade/FA. Why do you only acquire bad players?

With our pick, I'd rather target a forward with real scoring potential. Kane, Debrincat and Larkin are a lot of this team's scoring. Cat is nearing the end of his productive prime. Larkin is at the end of his. Kane is near retirement/leaving as a UFA. We're banking too heavily on Danielson, Buch, Mazur and MBN to be productive. We need someone really creative that can distribute the puck and generate offense.
 
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HisNoodliness said:
I think it's a little quick to cast AlJo as a 3rd pair guy long term. Who knows if he has room left to grow. Sure he's a little old for a rookie, and I really wish that he'd gotten more NHL reps earlier, so maybe he has less growing to do than most rookies. But he also might keep learning and getting over some rookie mistakes/nerves to become a bona fide top 4 guy. I think within 2-3 years, it's very likely that he'll be at least good enough to support a better partner in the top 4.

I think that we can bet on one of AlJo/ASP filling a top 4 role next year. I do think we'd be wise to get a decent LD anyway though. Then if we end up with 5 good D because AlJo and ASP are both top 4 D, to go along with Provorov/Gavrikov, we can let someone dominate third pair minutes or move the odd man out. We just need to sign or trade for 1 good defenseman. Yzerman acquired 5/6 of Tampa's elite defense through means other than the draft. Please Stevie Y, you should be able to manifest a single good defenseman for us through trade/FA. Why do you only acquire bad players?

With our pick, I'd rather target a forward with real scoring potential. Kane, Debrincat and Larkin are a lot of this team's scoring. Cat is nearing the end of his productive prime. Larkin is at the end of his. Kane is near retirement/leaving as a UFA. We're banking too heavily on Danielson, Buch, Mazur and MBN to be productive. We need someone really creative that can distribute the puck and generate offense.
Click to expand...
If Aitcheson gets into that ASP-Cossa range...why the hell not trade up and get him, in addition to a top scoring forward?

I'm with you on Johansson. But he just gets pushed around too much to be in the top-4 without bringing much offense to the table. I think his ceiling -- on a Stanley Cup contender -- is really good 3rd pair D who can fill in the top-4 when needed; not someone you rely on as a top-4.
 
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Barry Amsterdam said:
Aitcheson over schaefer is a ridiculous take.
Click to expand...
Unfriendly Ghost said:
I can't believe I read that. What?
Click to expand...

Run the Jewels said:
Perhaps this poster works in Detroit's NA scouting department.
Click to expand...

Rzombo4 prez said:
And that is why this board needs age limits...
Click to expand...
I agree that I'd rather Schaefer. I feel the general response to this take is too rude though. We can all read TSN's draft list. We come to this wretched hive of scum and villainy to see people's opinions. Sometimes a hot take ends up looking brilliant. It's at least usually a pretty good way to learn about a player. Internet GMs regurgitating slightly modified versions of the same 3 lists everyone reads like nature's primitive chat bots certainly have less novel insight. OP's wrong, but I think we're far better off asking why they like Aitcheson so much, and think Schaefer is overrated. Maybe we'd all learn something.
 
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ElProfessor said:
If Aitcheson gets into that ASP-Cossa range...why the hell not trade up and get him, in addition to a top scoring forward?

I'm with you on Johansson. But he just gets pushed around too much to be in the top-4 without bringing much offense to the table. I think his ceiling -- on a Stanley Cup contender -- is really good 3rd pair D who can fill in the top-4 when needed; not someone you rely on as a top-4.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't mind moving up from our second. I misunderstood and figured that you meant taking Aitcheson with our first.

I guess that I might have other priorities though if I'm making trades. Perhaps instead of signing Gavrikov/Provorov we use some assets to trade for a reliable solution in the top 4. Maybe there's a chance to move our top pick up and target a more premium scorer. Maybe...etc. I'm not as high on Aitcheson as you so getting him isn't as big of a priority for me. I'm not opposed, and if Yzerman does it, I'll be happy about the long term implications on our defense.

And I agree that's what AlJo looks like right now. I just don't see why that has to be his ceiling. I can't imagine him carrying a first or second pairing. I can see him developing into someone that you can rely on as the lesser player on first or second line though. In fact, I feel pretty good about that projection.
 
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HisNoodliness said:
I wouldn't mind moving up from our second. I misunderstood and figured that you meant taking Aitcheson with our first.

I guess that I might have other priorities though if I'm making trades. Perhaps instead of signing Gavrikov/Provorov we use some assets to trade for a reliable solution in the top 4. Maybe there's a chance to move our top pick up and target a more premium scorer. Maybe...etc. I'm not as high on Aitcheson as you so getting him isn't as big of a priority for me. I'm not opposed, and if Yzerman does it, I'll be happy about the long term implications on our defense.

And I agree that's what AlJo looks like right now. I just don't see why that has to be his ceiling. I can't imagine him carrying a first or second pairing. I can see him developing into someone that you can rely on as the lesser player on first or second line though. In fact, I feel pretty good about that projection.
Click to expand...
If it weren't for ASP, I'd tend to agree with you. But I just don't think Yzerman's goal is to ice a top-4 with two guys who are pretty much non-factors physically.
 
Here's a suggestion folks aren't going to like but I'd ask Edmonton about Nurse with a bit of retention. I don't think he'll age poorly, and I don't think he would look out of place next to Seider.
 
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HisNoodliness said:
I agree that I'd rather Schaefer. I feel the general response to this take is too rude though. We can all read TSN's draft list. We come to this wretched hive of scum and villainy to see people's opinions. Sometimes a hot take ends up looking brilliant. It's at least usually a pretty good way to learn about a player. Internet GMs regurgitating slightly modified versions of the same 3 lists everyone reads like nature's primitive chat bots certainly have less novel insight. OP's wrong, but I think we're far better off asking why they like Aitcheson so much, and think Schaefer is overrated. Maybe we'd all learn something.
Click to expand...
Look, I like Aitcheson a lot. I am not, however, about to pencil him in as a top pair defensemen four years from now. Is it possible? Theoretically yes. Is it something you want to bank on???? For the record I will be critical of anyone who tries to address immediate roster issues through the draft. Drafting 18-year-olds doesn't allow for it. Moreover, if the point of the post is to seek attention by proclaiming Aitcheson a top-pair defensemen and the best defensemen in the draft, we have a thread for that.

Provorov and Gavrikov aren't signing in Detroit. It is well documented that you think our free agency issues are a function of poor talent evaluation. Our free agency issues are a direct result of being an unpopular market when the team is bad. The best available free agents aren't coming to scenic SE Michigan when we are bad. This is especially true in a rising-cap environment. My money says Gavrikov re-signs in LA.

We absolutely need a top 4 LHD. If that player is coming next year, they are coming through the trade market. The best case scenario for next year is that ASP holds his own on the middle pair and we find someone outside of the organization to pair with him. Aljo as a 5 would be fine.
 
Winger98 said:
Here's a suggestion folks aren't going to like but I'd ask Edmonton about Nurse with a bit of retention. I don't think he'll age poorly, and I don't think he would look out of place next to Seider.
Click to expand...
Would really depend on how much retention and what they ask in return. But I would like an high hockey IQ partner for Seider a steady eddy. Nurse wonders a lot.
 
Rzombo4 prez said:
Look, I like Aitcheson a lot. I am not, however, about to pencil him in as a top pair defensemen four years from now. Is it possible? Theoretically yes. Is it something you want to bank on???? For the record I will be critical of anyone who tries to address immediate roster issues through the draft. Drafting 18-year-olds doesn't allow for it. Moreover, if the point of the post is to seek attention by proclaiming Aitcheson a top-pair defensemen and the best defensemen in the draft, we have a thread for that.

Provorov and Gavrikov aren't signing in Detroit. It is well documented that you think our free agency issues are a function of poor talent evaluation. Our free agency issues are a direct result of being an unpopular market when the team is bad. The best available free agents aren't coming to scenic SE Michigan when we are bad. This is especially true in a rising-cap environment. My money says Gavrikov re-signs in LA.

We absolutely need a top 4 LHD. If that player is coming next year, they are coming through the trade market. The best case scenario for next year is that ASP holds his own on the middle pair and we find someone outside of the organization to pair with him. Aljo as a 5 would be fine.
Click to expand...
Gavrikov would be the guy to go all out for if he hits the market.

I'm not willing to write off Albert's longterm chances to be in the top 4.

Short term ie for next season we need a different solution.
 
HisNoodliness said:
I agree that I'd rather Schaefer. I feel the general response to this take is too rude though. We can all read TSN's draft list. We come to this wretched hive of scum and villainy to see people's opinions. Sometimes a hot take ends up looking brilliant. It's at least usually a pretty good way to learn about a player. Internet GMs regurgitating slightly modified versions of the same 3 lists everyone reads like nature's primitive chat bots certainly have less novel insight. OP's wrong, but I think we're far better off asking why they like Aitcheson so much, and think Schaefer is overrated. Maybe we'd all learn something.
Click to expand...
Whatever the proposed age limit for posting is, you’re too mature for it. ;)
 
I like Dumoulin for the short term, winner a pro and defense first guy. He'd be the best alternative since Brayden McNabb and Joel Edmundsson arent available.
 
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