Despite missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a third straight season after qualifying for 25 straight, the Red Wings this offseason added three free agents -- center
Valtteri Filppula
, defenseman Patrik Nemeth and goalie Calvin Pickard -- each on a two-year contract.
The short terms were by design.
"Obviously, being new to the organization, I want to proceed somewhat slowly and kind of get to know really what we have within the organization," said Yzerman, who was hired April 19. "I think I have a good handle on the NHL team, but the prospects we have coming, the players we have in Grand Rapids (in the American Hockey League), I wanted to give us the flexibility of providing opportunity for our young players but also trying to help the Detroit Red Wings immediately as much as possible."
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Yzerman said the Red Wings could add a right wing or defenseman if the right player and contract comes along.
Forward Michael Rasmussen, 20, the No. 9 pick of the 2017 NHL Draft, who played last season in the NHL because the Red Wings felt it was better for his development than the junior level, and defenseman
Dennis Cholowski
, 21, a first-round pick (No. 20) in 2016, who played 52 games in the NHL before going to the AHL last season, will have to win jobs. The Red Wings want them playing meaningful minutes, if not in the NHL, then in the AHL.
Here is what the Red Wings look like today: