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

Jake Walman

As part of the trade that sent Nick Leddy to the St. Louis Blues Walman was thought of as just a throw-in to complete the deal. However, Walman proved he can be a player in this Detroit system. By the end of the year, Walman was one of Detroit’s better defensemen. He plays in all situations and has a cannon for a shot so he could be the quarterback on one of the power-play units. Like Zadina and Stephens, Walman will not count much against the cap and should get a new contract based on his play when he came over from St. Louis.

Sam Gagner  

A player who is a coach’s dream. Will play on any line and in any situation. Gagner will not be as offensively productive as he once was but he does not have to be. He is good in all three zones and can contribute offensively in small doses. He can be brought back as simply a depth piece that knows Detroit’s system.