The Daily: No Red Wings Buyouts; Gibson Fills Need; Marner Talk

On a day when the Red Wings created draft day headlines by trading for goalie John Gibson,  General manager Steve Yzerman also revealed he isn’t buying out any players before Monday’s 5 p.m. deadline.

It was wrongly presumed the Red Wings would use a buyout on defenseman Justin Holl, or maybe Vladimir Tarasenko, although Yzerman said previously he thought Tarasenko played better than his numbers.

“I don’t expect…to buy anybody out at this point,” Yzerman said Saturday after the draft.

The Red Wings wanted to address multiple areas of concern this offseason. Gibson’s acquisition from Anaheim should resolve questions about goaltending. The free agent goalie market is weak, and there are not many teams willing to deal a desirable goalie.

Considering that the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets are also exploring, or should be exploring, goalie options, the Gibson grab is a big win for Yzerman, especially because he was able to move Petr Mrazek’s $4.75 million salary in the deal. He also didn’t give up a first-round pick or a prospect. Now, he will turn his attention to upgrading the offense and defense.

His attempt to land Gibson started months ago. “Around the trade deadline. John was dealing with some injuries at that time and so the timing of it didn’t really work,” Yzerman said. “And just following leading up to the draft, as we all do our offseason work, we’ve had discussions and (were) able to get it done.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Here is the list of Detroit 2025 draft picks with scouting reports.

Detroit Assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff saw the NHL draft from a different perspective this season.

Red Wings draft pick Anton Johansson is being loaned to his Swedish team for next season.

Red Wings Extra

After the Gibson deal, the Red Wings have $19.1 million in cap space. That doesn’t include William Lagesson’s $775,000. We project he will start with Grand Rapids and be a player who comes up when the Red Wings have injuries. The Red Wings still have RFAs Albert Johansson, Jonatan Berggren and Elmer Soderblom still to sign. Patrick Kane also hasn’t yet agreed to a contract, although Yzerman said he still believes it is going to get done.

Hockey Now Network

Florida: One down, two to go after re-signing Sam Bennett. GM Bill Zito still believes he can re-sign Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand. Florida Panthers. 

Philadelphia: Marc Dumont writes that the Habs transformed quantity into quality in NHL draft week. Montreal Canadiens.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski grades the steals and reaches of the Penguins 2025 NHL draft. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Vegas: Reports say the Golden Knights and Maple Leafs are talking about a trade to help the Golden Knights get Mitch Marner signed. Vegas Golden KnightsJoon