Steve Yzerman should know by now that he can’t afford to call out the wrong name in free agency. If he does it again, then he’ll make it that much tougher for the Detroit Red Wings to end their playoff drought, and the sense of urgency’s never been higher.
That said, I got two forwards and a blueliner Yzerman needs to stay away from this summer unless they’re a last-resort signing. For two of them, anyway. But for the player I have listed first, I’d rather see Vladimir Tarasenko return than watch the Wings move on from him only to sign a player who put up identical numbers.
Let’s start with them, then move on to another pair of names that I like, but should be ultra-low on the priority list.
Brandon Saad, Vegas Golden Knights
If the Red Wings are looking for a depth scorer who recently spent time on the St. Louis Blues top six before he ended up with Vegas, they need to do themselves a favor: Just keep Vladimir Tarasenko for another season if Brandon Saad’s a replacement you’re considering.
Yeah, Todd, that’s pretty extreme, don’t you think? Yep, but we saw Saad go from scoring 26 goals in 2023-24 to putting up just 13 last year. Really, it doesn’t make him worth bringing in, especially when you realize he’s not the most physical player in the league. Or anywhere close, to be frank.
No, save yourself another season of disappointment, and if you wanted to upgrade the middle six, there are better options.
Jani Hakanpaa, Toronto Maple Leafs
I debated putting Jani Hakanpaa here, and he’s someone I wouldn’t be opposed to signing. But I listed him because I’d only welcome him in Hockeytown if there were no other viable options.
Hakanpaa is an aggressive player who logged 65 hits in the playoffs, and he plays a similar, aggressive game in the regular season. And yeah, the Wings need a player like Hakanpaa, but I’d rather them go after someone younger, and who didn’t struggle with a knee injury all season.
Nope, get someone younger, but with a similar playing style if you want to upgrade the third pairing. Unless Hakanpaa’s a last resort, I’m not going after him.
Anthony Beauvillier, Washington Capitals
Anthony Beauvillier’s another player I like, thanks to his ability to put up quality fourth-line minutes. And honestly, he didn’t look bad with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, recording 25 points and 15 goals in 81 games.
Beauvillier landed 139 body checks, so his grit and physical nature would be a godsend to the Red Wings. But he’s beyond hit or miss, and Steve Yzerman’s gambled and lost on too many players like Beauvillier.
A true NHL journeyman, Beauvillier’s thrived in some places, while looking lost in others. And for the Red Wings, he’s not a risk worth taking unless he made it through the first day or two of free agency and they still needed an upgrade.
