The Detroit Red Wings Have Roster Decisions Ahead Of 2022-23 Season

Last season the Detroit Red Wings showed early that they can be competitive again and win some games. The second half proved that Detroit still has a long way to go and that the rebuild is not yet over. With that said the Red Wings have some free agents, both RFA and UFA, available for contracts if Detroit sees potential and a reason to bring them back into the fold.

Detroit has $35.771 million in cap space but has some deals to be struck before free agency hits on July 13th and they can hit the free-agent market themselves.  RFA’s include forwards Filip Zadina, Mitchell Stephens, and defensemen Olli Juolevi and Jake Walman. The UFA list includes forwards Sam Gagner, Taro Hirose, Carter Rowney, Defensemen Danny DeKeyser, Marc Staal, and goaltenders Thomas Greiss, Calvin Pickard, and Magnus Hellberg.

Detroit does have cap space but not all of these free agents will be returning. My guess on who returns:

Filip Zadina 

An excellent skater with a deceptive shot and has plenty of potential. Still young and able to play the system Detroit incorporates, Zadina was snake bitten last year as he could not buy a goal, regardless of who his linemates were. Zadina has not fully lived up to his potential but he showed signs last year he is coming around. Worthy of a new contract as he does not count much against the cap.

Mitchell Stephens

Came over from the Tampa Bay Lightning in the offseason, Stephens impressed before his injury, contributing in all three zones and providing a spark every time on the ice. A good 4th liner with 3rd liner potential he deserves a contract based on his performance before the injury. A good, solid player who will not ask for big money but deserves a chance to show what he can do in a full season.