It seems as if the off-season is finally beginning to pick back up again as we approach the final weeks before training camp. The unsigned free agents are slowly trickling down to their new teams, which leaves some hope that the Red Wings roster may still be improved.
The biggest names of the year are off the board, and so are some of the surprises like Patrick Kane and risers like Anthony Mantha, who finally signed with New Jersey earlier this week. The former Red Wings forward had been hoping to parlay for a high AAV contract, but this late in the summer found himself accepting a two year, 3.75 million dollar contract from the Devils.
On the homefront, Detroit was apparently active in their pursuit of Mantha up until talks broke down following former GM Steve Yzerman stepping aside. Without certainty in the executive chair, the Red Wings may find it difficult to attract outside free agents going forward.
For the moment however, the team has re-signed restricted free agent goalie Carter Gylander. The Red Wings goalie for their ECHL affiliate Toledo Walleye, Gylander was called up for several games in Grand Rapids last year. The 25-year-old had a 7-0-1 record with a 1.62 GAA and .942 save percentage with one shutout in eight games with the Griffins.
Meanwhile, Michael Hutchinson joins Jack Campbell on the list of netminders to sign their last NHL contract before retirement with the Red Wings this offseason. Hutchinson played in one NHL game for the Red Wings in the 2023-24 season and spent the majority of his time with the Grand Rapids Griffins, playing in 32 games for the team. After the Griffins, Hutchinson signed in Finland’s Liiga in 2024-25.
Red Wings Extra
Red Wings fans hoping for Russian forward Yegor Vinogradov should prepare themselves for holding out hope a little longer. The 23-year-old center re-signed with his KHL Club Torpedo Novgorod earlier this morning.
Vinogradov did make an appearance at Red Wings prospect development camp this year, but it appears that he would prefer to stay close to home with a secure contract in hand.