- One of Detroit’s top needs this off-season is a goal scorer and among the free agent scorers that will be available this off-season Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News highlights Brooks Laich of the Washington Capitals. Laich may be Krupa believes that Laich is the quintisential Wings player and if Laich is willing to take a reasonable salary then Wings GM Ken Holland may jump if the opportunity presents itself. Krupa also believes Laich may be the right player because “like other Capitals, the 27-year-old may already have decided that his best shot at a Stanley Cup is elsewhere.”.
- Veteran forward Mike Modano is heading back to Dallas to mull his future in the NHL. It was recently stated that Modano is more than likely going to retire and if he does, a job in the Stars’ front office may be in his future. Dallas’ ownership issues may get in the way of that possibility but Modano says he is just going to be patient and see what types of opportunities are out there for him. Of course there is always the outside chance that he returns to the NHL as a player for one more season. If he does it would more than likely be with Detroit. But again, Modano returning to the NHL as a player seems like a big stretch as this point.
- According to Andy Strickland of TrueHockey.com, Chris Osgood will retire next season.
- If Osgood were to retire, the Wings could look at Jose Theodore, Brian Boucher or Marty Turco as possible backup’s to Jimmy Howard.
- Despite getting Hudler back from the KHL this past season, the Wings may now look to move Hudler this off-season via trade. According to Ansar Khan of Mlive.com the Wings may look to trade Hudler for a blueliner. Wings GM Ken Holland may have some problems however trying to unload Hudler because of his pretty hefty $2.875 million contract. Another trade option could be forward Valterri Filppula.
Source: ESPN, Detroit News, TrueHockey.com, Twitter, Mlive.com