I will try to keep 'role' and contribution realistic for prospects. Nothing like "Buch play next to Larks and 45goals!" stuff. Will try to move them prospects in a reasonable and expected role (i.e. Danielson starts as a bottom six C/W with support from a veteran as a rookie, and grows into a middle six Center by 2nd or 3rd yr) and to cover gaps in the lineup through trade or plugs.
We have 5 of 6 Top Six Forward positions spoken for at this point (Larkin, Raymond, Debrincat, Kane, and Kasper), with the likely need to replace Kane in the next 18 months (which I will assume either Danielson or MBN will be able to do by then). Now there remains a couple of scenarios where someone like Mazur or even Lombardi could be a longer term Top 6 Winger in a Bertuzzi style role but I think they would be better served as two parts of a very dangerous 3rd line - and although that could happen, would love for it to, I'm not counting on it.
So we need to find a better 1LW or 2C (so Kasper can move up to LW).
The other top priority for the Wings should be addressing the penalty kill (which will partially be addressed through better coaching, time in the offseason to actually change the system, etc.), but really getting the bottom six a little more cleaned up; getting a real defensive line put into place to eat tough minutes, but also finding a more productive and "tough to play against" 3rd line.
The last part of this is getting a better balance and mix for our defensive pairings and allowing ASP to eventually take that PP1/2nd RHD spot, and hopefully move Johansson to his more natural spot of 3rd pair LHD.
So if we're looking at this off-season:
1. Top 6 Physical LW on a 1-2yr contract
2. Top 4 under 30y LHD
1. Sign Brandon Saad to a 1yr 4M dollar contract+ bonus
Saad seems like a realistic addition who gives the Top 6 a gritty, crease crasher, with veteran experience, can play in a number of situations, and can be realistically had on a short term contract. He's still a good finisher and a hard worker, can skate and keep up with the play, and likes to still play a physical, in-your-face style. Basically to emulate how Kasper worked with Larkin+Raymond. Saad will be financially motivated in this case, and in addition has prior relationship with Kane and we could move Debrincat and Saad back and forth between the lines. Could also be a nice template for Mazur to look after.
Alternatives to this would be a Jamie Benn/Duchene big point getting 1st line 30+ vet but those aren't really going to be cheap or come to DET as they are cup chasing, or paying up for a RFA (Knies, Cuylle, etc.) but I'm unsure of their availability and cost but you could chase someone like that with the expectation that they will be here for the longterm.
2. Trade for Bowen Byram
Pagnotta has reported that BUF is ready to move him for all the reasons (doesn't fit their team, can't carry his own pairing, don't want to commit X amount, already have Power and Dahlin, etc.). We were probably scouting him pretty heavily prior to the deadline, and he seems like a very strong complement to Seider, wouldn't have to carry the pair, brings a bit more offense to the two of them, and could very realistically be part of our long term build.
I'm going to toss to BUF for RFA Byram:
Rasmussen + 2025 1st + B-Level Prospect (Buium)
I imagine that BUF thinks they will get a king's ransom of Byram, but I'm not sure if that's the case. This feels like a pretty good return for the RFA that they are very publicly trying to move, who is still present a problem for most teams that he will command a 6M+ AAV contract that many probably aren't comfortable giving at this point. I think Byram, at 24, could be a very strong piece for us and really get our D core a little more balance and move Chiarot down to the third pair.
25-26 Season
Saad* - Larkin - Raymond
Debrincat - Kasper - Kane
Berggren - Copp - Tarasenko
Mazur - Compher* - Soderblom
Byram* - Seider
Edvinsson - Johansson
Chiarot - Holl
Gustavsson
This feels like a good transitional roster that can make the playoffs. Throughout the season, I would expect An. Johansson, Sandin-Pelikka, and Danielsson to all get call ups and could supplant Gustavsson/Holl, and Tarasenko respectively.
he’s the missing piece joe
