Duffer’s Dabbles: Remaining UFA Cupboard Is Pretty Bare

The list includes the player who surpassed Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe as the NHL’s all-time leader in games played (Patrick Marleau). There’s also a Hart (Joe Thornton), Norris (Zdeno Chara) winners and two Vezina (Tuukka Rask, Henrik Lundqvist) winners.

Even so, the remaining crop of NHL unrestricted free agents isn’t exactly bursting with available talent, as theScore succinctly pointed out. They ran a list of those still without a contract and did so without comment.

While there are still some players who would certainly help teams, such as Kyle Palmieri and Casey Cizikas, the reality is that there’s not a lot of meat left on the UFA bones.

There are plenty of players with ties to the Red Wings, however. Three of them played for Detroit last season – forwards Bobby Ryan, Evgeny Svechnikov and Valtteri Filppula. Christian Djoos is also on the list but he’s already signed to play next season with EV Zug of the Swiss National League. There’s also ex-Wing Riley Sheahan.

Helm A Happy Av

Colorado: If you don’t think the Red Wings-Avalanche rivalry isn’t what it used to be, listen to 13-season Detroit forward Darren Helm rave with excitement about signing as a UFA in Colorado.

NYI: The Islanders kept a key piece of their puzzle, signind defenseman Adam Pelech to an eight-year deal with a team-friendly AAV. 

Pittsburgh: Can some who just turned 34 still be nicknamed Sid The Kid? A look back at Sidney Crosby’s Top 5 moments as he celebrates another birthday.

Detroit: How do GM Steve Yzerman’s offseason moves stack up for the Red Wings GM? Kevin Allen rates his moves, with a couple of interesting choices. 

Vancouver: Despite allegations of sexual assult made against hm, police have not charged Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen with a crime. His agent blasted the process and media leaks, too.

Boston: Bruins fans have spoken and the player they’d most like to see the team add to replace the departed David Krejci is Christian Dvorak of the Arizona Coyotes.