Steve Yzerman is apparently tired with the lack of goal scoring and physicality his Detroit Red Wings have displayed since he took over as general manager in April of 2019.
Once the free agency period got underway at noon on Wednesday, Yzerman and his front office staff hit the phones hard and struck numerous deals that filled needs at the defense and center positions while also helping out the power play and penalty kill units.
The first deal that started the Red Wings’ free agent agency off was bringing home Michigan native and former Wolverine Andrew Copp.
From there, Yzerman tried to fill in the gaps with size on defense and skill on the wings.
It didn’t end there as the Red Wings continued to try and add depth in signing a few role players to smaller deals.
To begin the crazy day in Detroit, the Red Wings agreed to a three-year entry-level deal with recent first round draft pick Marco Kasper. The Austrian is expected to play next season back in Sweden with Rogle BK.
Here are some quick stats on the Red Wings’ newest additions from last season (regular season and playoffs included):
Andrew Copp (28 years old) – 92 GP, 27 G, 40 A, 67 P, +13 (between Winnipeg & New York Rangers)
Olli Maatta (27 years old) – 73 GP, 1 G, 7 A, 8 P, +17 (Los Angeles)
Ben Chiarot (31 years old) – 84 GP, 9 G, 18 A, 27 P, -15 (Montreal & Florida)
Dominik Kubalik (26 years old) – 78 GP, 15 G, 17 A, 32 P, -16 (Chicago)
David Perron (34 years old) – 79 GP, 36 G, 34 A, 70 P, +8 (St. Louis)
