Health & Fitness
Parise, Suter to Red Wings Would Be Ideal
The Detroit Red Wings will be busy on July 1.
After three straight disappointment playoffs, the Detroit Red Wings needed a big offseason.
That was before Nick Lidstrom retired and Brad Stuart moved to the West Coast. It also looks as if Jiri Hudler, who was the team's second highest goal scorer last year, is leaving.
Here's a breakdown of the Wings needs.
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Forward
It's at least somewhat possible that Gustav Nyquist or Tomas Tatar can replace Hudler. Nyquist showed he was close during callups last season and Tatar was impressive at this spring's World Championships. Assuming Henrik Zetterberg stays on a line with Valtteri Flippua, it might not be asking too much for a rookie to join that line.
Find out what's happening in Salinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Where this team needs some help is on Pavel Datsyuk's line, where Johan Franzen and Todd Bertuzzi weren't the answer last year. If Zach Parise or Alexander Semin hit the market, expect Detroit to be major players.
The Red Wings might also be interested in a rugged winger like Brandon Prust or a big center like Paul Gaustad.
Defense
Everyone and their mother knows that the Red Wings are interested in Ryan Suter, who might be the best possible replacement for Lidstrom. Suter isn't a big bruiser. He plays a smart brand of hockey and always stays between the shooter and the net. He's not an elite level player, offensively, but he's good for 40-50 points and might put up even more in the Wings' scheme. If the Wings don't land Suter, they'll be scrambling. Matt Carle is another option.
Even if the Wings sign Suter, they may not be done. The team needs to replace Stuart, who was the Wings' most physical defenseman and a warrior on the PK. Can Kyle Quincey and rookie Brendan Smith replace Smith? Possibly. But this team could get really leaky if the Wings don't get Suter and then try to replace Stuart from within. Bryan Allen might be the kind of guy to fill the job.
Goal
Joey MacDonald has been adqueate when Jimmy Howard was out. But with his propensity for injury, MacDonald isn't the safest insurance policy out there. Dan Ellis may be a good option. For University of Michigan goalie Al Montoya might also fit the bill.
