The Detroit Red Wings brought aboard several new faces yesterday on Day 1 of free agency, notably forward Bobby Ryan and former Michigan Wolverines defenseman Jon Merrill on one-year contracts. They also made a trio of depth signings.
However, while there may still be signings yet to be made up front, one position they still need to take care of is between the pipes. And after several of the top available goaltenders have already found new homes (or decided to stay put), the options for GM Steve Yzerman are very limited compared to yesterday.
Detroit is in the market for a goaltender to pair up with Jonathan Bernier after the announcement that veteran Jimmy Howard won’t be returning.
Gone are the likes of Matt Murray (traded to Ottawa), Brayden Holtby (signed with Vancouver), Jacob Markstrom (signed with Calgary), Anton Khudobin (re-signed with Dallas), Corey Crawford (signed with New Jersey), Cam Talbot (signed with Minnesota), and Henrik Lundvqist (signed with Washington).
However, there are still a handful of veteran netminders who need new addresses.
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The most notable name remaining on the market as of this morning is New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss. The German native is coming off a three year deal that carried a $3.33 million cap hit, and posted a 16-9-4 record last season with a 2.74 GAA and .917 save percentage.
One potential that Yzerman could also consider is New Jersey Devils goaltender Cory Schneider, who was once one of the highest regarded young players in the NHL, but has struggled in recent years. Signing Schneider would be a reclamation project for anyone who chooses to offer him a contract.
Another option would be Aaron Dell, who has been a solid backup with the San Jose Sharks the last few seasons.
Additionally, veteran goalies like Mike Smith, Ryan Miller and Craig Anderson could potentially garner interest, though each of them are 38 years of age or older.
Red Wings fans, which of these remaining options do you envision Steve Yzerman going after?
