There is little question that Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is well respected and seems to have a pretty good handle on how to build a winning team. That being said, the Red Wings are currently in the midst of a rebuild, which may make it tough for Yzerman to lure big-time free agents to Hockeytown.
One top free agent who would not only be a perfect fit for the Red Wings but who also could be willing to come to Detroit is defenseman, Torey Krug.
Krug, who is 29, was born in Livonia, Michigan and he grew up idolizing the Red Wings, who just so happened to feature Yzerman as team captain.
Krug has been linked to the Red Wings by multiple sources, including The Hockey News.
Here is what The Hockey New writer Matt Larkin has to say about the Red Wings salary cap situation and how Krug is a good fit.
We’re finally starting to see some big contracts come off the books. Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson and Trevor Daley and goalie Jimmy Howard go UFA. That trio alone clears more than $11 million in cap space, which is good timing given there’s a strong chance the cap stays flat at $81.5 million or shrinks given the COVID-19-related revenue losses.
“Krug would be a perfect fit.”
With a flat cap, Detroit would have about $35 million in cap space. Even with RFAs Bertuzzi and Fabbri needing new pacts, Yzerman will have a chance to really put his stamp on this team – and it won’t be forcing it, as he only has 11 players signed for 2020-21, meaning he has no choice but to fill out this roster. Is the stage set to bring in UFA Torey Krug? He’s a Michigan boy who idolized the Red Wings during Yzerman’s playing days, the Boston Bruins are tight for cap space, and the Wings have very few NHL defensemen signed for next year. It’s Hronek, Danny DeKeyser, Patrik Nemeth, Seider and fringe guys like Madison Bowey. Krug would be a perfect fit.
Back in April, Larkin ranked Krug as the No. 3 unrestricted free agent, saying that if he were to leave Boston, Detroit could be his next team.
“If Krug leaves Boston, the pull toward his beloved childhood team in Detroit should be strong.”
3. TOREY KRUG, D, 29
2019-20 cap hit: $5,250,000
More than just a power-play maven. Size doesn’t hinder his defensive effectiveness as much in today’s game, and he plays with feistiness. Could easily end up the top UFA ‘D’ prize should Pietrangelo re-sign. If Krug leaves Boston, the pull toward his beloved childhood team in Detroit should be strong.
Nation, would you like to see Krug in a Red Wings uniform?
