The trade deadline is when the majority of Red Wings changes could be made
Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News: The Detroit Red Wings are off to a slow start and some changes are needed, but some things should stay also the same.
At least for now, Jeff Blashill should remain as their head coach. He’s in the final year of his deal and firing him now is not going to turn their season around.
Big changes could happen at the February 25th trade deadline.
Pending unrestricted free agents, Jimmy Howard and Gustav Nyquist could be valuable rental players for a contender.
Defenseman Trevor Daley has another year on his contract but could draw some interest.
Forward Luke Glendening could be made available due to the emergence of Christoffer Ehn.
Forward Thomas Vanek should fetch the usual mid-round draft pick.
Lee could get big money on the open market
Andrew Gross of Newsday: 28-year old Anders Lee will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. Lee hopes he’s able to stick around.
“I’ve come into this wanting to be here,” Lee told Newsday. “I know things are just going to have to work itself out. We do have a lot of things going on. My side of it will come, I’m sure. Right now, Lou’s got other things to do. As a team, we have other things to do. It’s so early. It’s obviously out there so we’re going to talk about it. But I don’t think there’s much to really talk about. I just would say things are fine, really.”
Lee is coming off a 40 goal season and was named team captain this offseason.
The New York Islanders could offer a Lee an eight-year deal. If he hit the open market, he could likely get $7 million a season.
It would better if the Islanders dealt with Lee sooner than later.