The offseason movement of former Detroit Red Wings players across the NHL and beyond has been significant, prompting a detailed update on where these ex-players have landed as of this summer.
Starting with those who remain unsigned, Filip Zadina, after opting to leave $4.65 million from the Red Wings, signed a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the San Jose Sharks last year. However, this summer, the Sharks chose not to extend his contract, leading to speculation that Zadina might pursue opportunities in European hockey.
Jakub Vrana, who struggled with substance abuse and was briefly assigned to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins by the Red Wings, remains unsigned as a UFA. Despite his challenges, Vrana seeks another chance in the NHL and is open to considering AHL offers to stay in North America.
Daniel Sprong, known for his scoring ability with 18 goals last season, surprisingly remains unsigned among this year’s UFAs. Also in search of new teams are defenseman Gustav Lindstrom, veterans Marc Staal and Sam Gagner, forwards Adam Erne and Dominik Kubalik, and goalie Magnus Hellberg.
On the other hand, several former Red Wings have secured new NHL contracts. David Perron departed for the Ottawa Senators on a two-year, $4 million deal, while defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere joined the Carolina Hurricanes with a three-year, $9.6 million agreement. Anthony Mantha opted for a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Calgary Flames, and Tyler Bertuzzi moved to the Chicago Blackhawks on a substantial four-year, $22 million deal. Zach Aston-Reese signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, and goalie James Reimer chose a one-year, $1 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres. Eric Comrie reunited with the Winnipeg Jets, signing a deal to bolster their goaltending options.
Defenseman Robert Hagg moved to Vegas after his stint with the Red Wings, while Jordan Oesterle joined the Boston Bruins on a one-year contract. Brendan Smith embarked on a journey with the Dallas Stars on a one-year deal, and Troy Stecher continued with the Edmonton Oilers. Tomas Nosek committed to the Florida Panthers, Mitchell Stephens joined the Seattle Kraken, and Tomas Tatar opted for the New Jersey Devils on a one-year deal.
Moving to minor-league contracts, Wyatt Newpower, a staple with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, moved to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Kyle Criscuolo signed with the Charlotte Checkers, Robbie Russo with the Tucson Roadrunners, and Dan Renouf with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. Alec Regula secured a two-way deal with the Boston Bruins.
Several former Red Wings players have chosen to play in Europe. Radim Simek, acquired from San Jose, returned to his former club HC Bílí Tygři Liberec in the Czech Extraliga. John Lethemon will play for Lukko Rauma in Finland’s SM-liiga, while Xavier Ouellet joined Dinamo Minsk in Russia’s KHL.
In addition to those mentioned, forwards Chase Pearson and Dominic Turgeon found homes in Europe: Pearson with Austria’s Villacher SV and Turgeon with Germany’s EC Kassel Huskies. Goalie Tom McCollum headed to the UK to play for the Belfast Giants.
The roster of available former Red Wings still considering minor-league offers includes forwards Austin Czarnik, Turner Elson, Taro Hirose, defenseman Mark Pysyk, and goalie Michael Hutchinson.
In summary, the offseason has seen a considerable reshuffling of former Red Wings players across the NHL, minor leagues, and international leagues, reflecting the fluidity and dynamic nature of professional hockey careers post-Detroit.
