Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has been busy since the start of free agency, bringing aboard several new faces including the likes of forwards Bobby Ryan and Vladislav Namestnikov, as well as defenseman Troy Stecher and Jon Merrill, and goaltender Thomas Greiss.
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The Athletic‘s Craig Custance spoke to several executives across the NHL to gauge their thoughts on the moves that each team has made so far in free agency, and Yzerman’s wheeling and dealing earned high marks. Take a look at what they had to say below:
“I like Detroit’s signings but they’re not going to amount to Detroit winning the Stanley Cup,” said one. “I think those guys are good value for those price tags.”
Yzerman spent some time in the bargain bin and turned up very reasonable deals for Bobby Ryan, Vladislav Namestnikov and Troy Stecher. He paid a bit of a premium in a competitive goalie market for Thomas Greiss (two years at $3.6 million per) but the Red Wings should be much more competitive because of it.
“To be honest, the Red Wings have done a good job,” said another executive. “They’ll be somewhat competitive. They brought in character and leadership. Stevie Y does a great job.”
“Detroit had a good offseason,” said a Western Conference exec. “Namestnikov for $2 million. Bobby Ryan for $1 million. It fits exactly what they’re doing. They’re not going long term with anybody. They’ve got some good, cheap players who will improve their team right away. They’ve got a couple more D. They got more assets for the deadline. They’re movable contracts.”
Multiple execs brought up the character element. All the players signed seem to be oozing in character.
“Stevie is very deliberate who he puts around his team,” said one. “If a player is not a culture guy or does not serve a specific purpose, they get shipped out pretty quick. I like Namestnikov. Bobby Ryan is fine. I like Stecher. I like Greiss. Those guys are pretty good.”
Do you agree with what they had to say?
– – Quotes via Craig Custance of The Athletic Link – –
