Latest news with #DylanLarkin
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Red Wings' Andrew Copp Could Be Dealt Says NHL Insider
Despite recent team reports, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos believes the Red Wings will consider dealing forward Andrew Copp Image The Detroit Red Wings are entering an important season for the franchise as they are looking to finally insert themselves into the playoff picture for the first time in nine seasons. Advertisement This means they need to make improvements to get themselves over the hump that kept them six or so wins out of the postseason this last year. Detroit has been rumored to be talking to several big name free agents while also looking to add depth in key areas of need like goaltending. To clear cap space, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos believes the Red Wings could deal forward Andrew Copp and retain some of his salary. The radio host has been noted to have made hot takes in the past. NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) on X NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) on X Nick Kypreos: The Red Wings could be open to retaining a hefty amount of Andrew Copp's cap hit for the next two years in a trade - Sportsnet Advertisement The reports seem to be counter productive as many Detroit players noted that Copp is a strong, positive influence in the locker room. He played just 56 games this season before sustaining a season-ending injury in late February in which he needed surgery to repair his left pectoral tendon. Copp and others on the team like captain Dylan Larkin noted during their end of season press conferences that they went through too many skids this past season as the Red Wings went 4-5-1 to open up the season in October, hit another snag in December when they went 5-7-2 and again fell off in March, when they went 4-10-0 before finishing the season on a hot streak. Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. When wanting to limit something like this it's hard to imagine they would get rid of a player that is beloved by many on the team like Copp and it wouldn't disrupt the room and make things worse. Newcomer Patrick Kane even mentioned during his press conference how much he enjoyed playing with Copp as a teammate over his two years with the franchise. Advertisement Copp is a hometown kid from Ann Arbor who played at the University of Michigan, where he served as team captain in his third and final season. He was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets and early on solidified himself as a solid depth forward that had would produce 30-40 points. Copp came to the Red Wings before the 2022-23 season as a free agent and has shown to be a solid middle- to bottom-six forward that also kills penalties and is solid on the face-off dot with a 50.7 per cent winning percentage that ranks second on the team. The only problem is his contract is quite expensive for a depth forward as he makes $5.625 million per season with two more years left on his deal. This price point looks rough as of right now as he places him in the same conversation as the likes of Vincent Trocheck, Zach Hyman and Jonathan Marchessault. The trio of players all record 60-80 points or more while Copp lacks behind and this causes some to dislike his contract. Advertisement More Red Wings: From Svechnikov To Raymond: Grading Detroit's Last Ten Years Of First-Round Picks However, fans can be hopeful for the future as the cap continues to climb with a player like Copp and his skill set becoming more valuable at his current number when the cap goes up and less of the team's money is allocated to him. Additionally, the Florida Panthers just finished proving for the second straight year that every team needs role players to win and that's exactly what Copp can provide. He finds himself among the likes of Toronto's Scott Laughton and New York's Casey Cizikas, who are depth players that can make an impact but one not always felt on the scoresheet. Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Red Wings' dream scenario in 2025 NHL Free Agency
The post Red Wings' dream scenario in 2025 NHL Free Agency appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Detroit Red Wings missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the ninth consecutive season, and know they must make changes. Ultimately, they fell short again and hope to get the right pieces to get back into the postseason party. If the Red Wings' dream scenario in 2025 NHL free agency comes true, it could instantly vault them back into the playoffs. Advertisement What would that dream entail? Well, first, the Red Wings badly need to sign a superstar. While they have a plethora of stars, including Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat, none of them can consistently put a team on their backs. But if Detroit gets its way, it may get that guy in the offseason. Numerous things can go well in the offseason, and several moves could propel Detroit forward. While it was a disappointing season for the Red Wings, there is hope. Overall, several dream scenarios could turn Detroit's fortunes around and put them back in the playoff hunt. The Red Wings sign Mitch Marner in NHL free agency Detroit could be a great landing spot for Mitchell Marner, and the Red Wings must capitalize on this. Currently, he is the biggest NHL free agent on the market and is one of the best players in the NHL. Advertisement Marner had another fantastic season, generating 27 goals and 75 assists for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a dynamic playmaker who can make anything work on the ice. Additionally, he sets up other players for success. Imagine Marner on the same line as Raymond and Jonathan Berggren? If the Red Wings can snag Marner, they could have a lethal first line. Marner will cost some money. So far, Detroit has approximately $21 million in cap space, so they would have to rework some contracts to give themselves the best chance at signing him. Marner is looking for around $13 million annually, so the Wings would have to find a way to move some pieces around to get him on board. Red Wings re-sign Patrick Kane The Red Wings also must re-sign Patrick Kane. While there are several spots where Kane could land, Detroit has been a perfect fit. Kane had a good season, scoring 21 goals and 38 assists, including 12 power-play goals. While he is 36 years old, Kane still has some elite qualities, especially on the extra-man attack. Advertisement The Red Wings don't need to sign Kane to a long-term contract. Instead, they could offer another one-year deal, or at worst, a two-year contract. Kane is seeking around $3.5 million, which would be a fair deal for what he provided them this past season. Detroit was fourth on the power play, and Kane was a significant reason why. Consequently, letting Kane walk would be disastrous, but signing him would alleviate one of their problems. Detroit strengthens blue line It is no secret that the defense was bad last season. The Red Wings struggled often with keeping up with other teams and surrendered numerous goals. Detroit allowed 3.23 goals per game, ranking 27th in the NHL. Additionally, they were 23rd in high-danger chances allowed by the defense, as they gave up too many scoring opportunities. While Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson were solid on the defensive side of the zone, their teammates were not so great. Advertisement The Red Wings would be smart to add a defenseman through NHL free agency. Of the NHL free agents available, Aaron Ekblad is the best on the market. After everything he has done to help the Florida Panthers make three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances, he is the best commodity on the market. Significantly, he would cost around $7.8 million with a cap hit of $11 million. Plus, he is seeking seven years. If the Red Wings cannot sign Marner, then Ekblad must be the priority. Detroit improves the penalty kill The Red Wings had the worst penalty kill in the NHL last season. Yes, goalie Cam Talbot struggled often, as did backup Alex Lyon. But the defense also allowed way too many shooting chances on the power play, especially against divisional rivals like the Panthers, Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning. As noted before, Ekblad would be a good addition to the defense. However, if the Wings are seeking an alternative, they would find a gem in Joel Armia. He was very valuable for the Montreal Canadiens last season, who were ninth on the penalty kill, thanks in part to Armia, who had three shorthanded goals. Advertisement Ultimately, the Wings need a player who knows how to cut down the passes in between the lanes while also being a threat to score. Getting someone like this through NHL free agency would be a dream, and it might end a long playoff drought. Related: 3 best destinations for Rangers' K'Andre Miller in 2025 NHL offseason
USA Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Eminem's daughter, Barry Sanders among celebrities, athletes in Rocket Classic pro-am
DETROIT — The Rocket Classic kicks off this week, but the party starts with a big event one day before. The Delta Dental Pro-Am will take place Wednesday at Detroit Golf Club, with a star-studded lineup of locals and athletes who went pro in something other than golf. Headlining the list is NFL legend Barry Sanders and current Detroit Red Wings stars Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat. The Detroit Lions special teams unit will also be represented well, with kicker Jake Bates, punter Jack Fox and long snapper Hogan Hatten. Former NFL kicker Jason Hansen, who played on the Lions for 21 years, will be joining his strong-legged brethren on the course. Joining the athletes will be influencers and celebrities, highlighted by Hailie Jade, daughter of rapper Eminem. Here is the full list of celebrities who will be hitting the links. 2025 Rocket Classic pro-am participants Each group will be paired with a PGA Tour pro who is the Rocket Classic field, and the pros will play nine holes. he event features free admission and free parking free for fans. The PGA Tour tournament begins Thursday with 156 players in the field.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Could Aaron Ekblad Help the Detroit Blue Line?
By looking at his 2024-25 season, you wouldn't guess that Aaron Ekblad was once the NHL's first overall pick, but there it is on his résumé: 2014, Round 1, Pick 1, to the Florida Panthers. Now, one win away from his third straight Stanley Cup Final and a chance at a second straight championship, Ekblad is also on the brink of playing his way out of Florida's price range and leaving the only NHL franchise he's ever known. Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. Ekblad—now 29 years old—is just over a month away from hitting free agency, where AFP Analytics project him to command a seven-year contract worth $7.8 million annually. It's been a turbulent season, featuring two suspensions: first 20 games for PEDs, which stretched into the first round of the playoffs, then two more games once he arrived in the postseason for a round one hit on Brandon Hagel. Yet, as one of the giant of Florida's championship-caliber blue line, a vanguard of the bruising Panthers success, Ekblad is poised to reap the fruit of his labor if and when he hits the UFA marketplace in July. Can Ex-Red Wings Coach Blashill Turn it Around in Chicago? Former Coach Derek Lalonde Discusses Red Wings Exit Kasper Enjoying Star Turn as Austria Marches Through Worlds With His Days in Toronto Likely Numbered, Could Mitch Marner Be a Missing Piece to the Red Wings Puzzle? Dylan Larkin Celebrates the Birth of Baby Girl Over the weekend, Detroit captain Dylan Larkin gave Red Wings fans unequivocal cause for celebration when he and his wife Kenzy announced the birth of their baby girl, Lennyn Marie Larkin, born on the 19th of May. Ekblad won't impress you with his offensive profile. His career high in points is 57 (from the '21-22 season), and he's coming off a three-goal, 33-point season in 56 games played. It's Ekblad's work over the last three postseasons that will attract attention in free agency. Ekblad is a minute-eater: physical, imposing, and defensively reliable. Over those three playoff runs, he's averaged 23:57, 22:33, and now 22:21 for Paul Maurice's team. This year, he's already matched his regular season goal total (three) in the playoffs to go with seven assists for 10 points in a dozen playoff games. So, could he be a fit in Detroit? Ekblad brings some of the physicality and championship experience the Red Wings covet. As a right shot, he could be a great veteran partner for one of Simon Edvinsson or Albert Johansson. Ekblad also fits the physical mold of the sort of defenseman GM Steve Yzerman tends to pursue. At the same time, Ekblad isn't a signing free of risk. As we discussed with his current teammate Sam Bennett, so much of Ekblad's profile screams 'will command a free agency overpay,' and at 29, he's not a bad fit for Detroit's timeline but signing him to a long-term deal (really anything longer than three years) carries a fairly substantial risk, especially considering his rugged style of play. Ultimately, when I consider Ekblad's case, it seems more like than not he commands too great a salary to really make sense for the Red Wings. While he is a stylistic fit, I don't think he's the right candidate for a free agent splurge this summer. Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.
National Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Canucks: Why Vancouver is now a harder sell to lure NHL free agents
Article content Signing free agents here is a challenge — with tax structure, travel, and even lack of a proper practice facility. Guentzel chose Tampa Bay and Reinhart remained in Florida with the state's no-tax advantage, while Toffoli chose San Jose. Article content While the Canucks' primary target is to land a centre through a trade — especially with the 15th overall selection in the 2025 Draft to dangle, along with a roster player and prospect — but they also need a top-six winger. Article content They struggled to score this season with a 23rd overall ranking — despite free agent Pius Suter and Kiefer Sherwood reaching new highs with 25 and 19 goals respectively — and it raises the question, 'Who is going to score?' Article content Can Pettersson rebound from 15 goals? Can Conor Garland hit 25? Will Nils Hoglander and Dakota Joshua improve dramatically from eight and seven goals respectively? Article content Landing credible support for Pettersson and Filip Chytil via a trade isn't easy. In a world of no-trade lists, no-movement clauses and franchise unrest, it's fair to ask who wants to come to Vancouver? Article content Article content You would love to hear that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, 28 — who has four-consecutive 30-goal seasons and is fed up with nine-straight no-playoff years — wants a change of scenery. If he really wants out, and doesn't have Vancouver on his 10-team, no-go list, you give the Red Wings whatever they want. Article content The Canucks would get a true No. 1 centre with an $8.7-million annual salary cap hit for the next six seasons. And with the cap ceiling rising from $88 million to $95.5 million, $104 million and $113.5 million over the next three years, his contract would age well. Larkin was also a world hockey championship teammate and roommate of Hughes and they have trained together. Article content A prime UFA target is Panthers pivot Sam Bennett, 28, but he may not check out of Florida because he tops the club's re-sign list. The Ontario product leads the Panthers in post-season scoring with 10 points (7-3) in 13 games after hitting a career high with 51 points (25-26) in 76 games. Article content Article content Bennett will get a big bump on his expiring $4.25-million cap hit because he is hard to play against and a menace on the forecheck. He's second overall in playoff hits (68). projects a six-year extension at $6.67 million per season, but it could go higher in a bidding war. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
