- Ansar Khan of MLive: Looking at UFA right handed defenseman Cody Franson. Could play with Niklas Kronwall on the Red Wings top pairing, or with Danny DeKeyser on their second pairing. Comparing with Jeff Petry’s new six year, $5.5 million per season deal, Franson could ask for at least $5 million a season for five or six years. Three key questions with regards to Franson and the Wings.
1. Is Franson capable of producing more points or has he reached his ceiling?
2. Should the Red Wings commit big money and a long term to a player who might not be a top-pair defender or should they seek a better alternative?
3. How imperative is it for the Red Wings to have a right-handed shot among their top four defensemen?
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings are looking for a big, productive foward. The Blackhawks are looking to shed some salary. Patrick Sharp is has been a 30-goal scorer and is a right handed shot, something the Red Wings could use. Rumors are that the Blackhawks could be looking for a first-round pick, a top prospect, and an NHL forward on an entry-level contract. If the Blackhawks want Anthony Mantha and a first round pick, it’s won’t be happening. If the Blackhawks would go for a second round pick and a lesser prospect, it might be something the Red Wings would be interested in doing.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings are exploring trades to improve their team. With Newsday reporting that the Islanders might be interested in trading Kyle Okposo – would the Red Wings be interested? Okposo is right handed and has recorded 120 points in the past two seasons. He has one year left on his deal, and wouldn’t make sense for the Wings to trade for him without being able to re-sign him.