The Daily: Other Atlantic Teams Have Cap Space; Red Wings Need Flame?

Sunday’s DHN story explained that having $21 million in available cap space doesn’t provide as much buying power as you think it would. After the Detroit Red Wings give RFAs Albert Johansson, Jonatan Berggren and Elmer Soderblom minimal contracts, and re-sign Patrick Kane, the available cap space could be closer to $14 million.

If the Red Wings land one of the high-profile UFAs, such as Sam Bennett, they probably would have to look at making a trade to get the veteran defenseman they want.

What also should be considered is, according to puckpedia.com, three Atlantic Division rivals — Boston Bruins ($26.7 million), Toronto Maple Leafs ($25.7 million) and Buffalo Sabres ($23.1 million) — have more cap space available than Detroit.  The Bruins’ space is a bit misleading because they have three more players to sign than the other top four Atlantic teams.

By the way, the Panthers have $19 million and the Senators have $15 million. The Sharks lead the NHL with more than $41 million in available cap space.

Red Wings In Case You Missed it

Former Detroit defenseman Luke Witkowski left an impression on Swedish hockey, even if his team didn’t keep him.

Red Wings prospect Rudy Guimond is spurning college hockey to continue playing in the QMJHL.

Bob Duff writes about how veteran Calgary defenseman Rasmus Andersson might be a good fit for Detroit.

Red Wings Extra

The Grand Rapids Griffins roster will have some turnover going into the next season. Veterans Jack Campbell, Brogan Rafferty, Tim Gettinger and Joe Snively are all unrestricted free agents. Cross Hanas and Antti Tuomisto are RFAs. Plus, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Axel Sandin Pellikka, Jesse Kiiskinen and Emmitt Finnie could all start the season with the Griffins, although there is some hope that Sandin Pellikka or Brandsegg-Nygard could make the Detroit roster in training camp. We also think Ondrej Becher will have an expanded Griffins role in the upcoming season.

Hockey Now Network

Florida: The defending champion Panthers haven’t been too proud to learn from their mistakes in these playoffs. Florida Panthers. 

Montreal: Marc Dumont wonders whether Jonathan Toews might be a good fit for the Montreal Canadiens. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski looks at what it would cost for the Penguins to move up in the draft. They are currently at No. 11. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: In a paywall story, Sheng Peng delves into which six UFA defensemen would work best for the Sharks. You can read paywall stories on other Hockey now sites, if you subscribe to DHN+. You also receive ad free website browsing. San Jose Sharks.