On Andrew Ladd …
Darren Dreger: Among the teams that are interested in Andrew Ladd are the Islanders, Predators, Lightning and Canadiens. When Steven Stamkos‘ situation is settled, the next wave of signings will begin.
Adam Vingan: Wonder if Ladd would be a fit for the Predators. He played under Peter Laviolette in Carolina.
The forward UFA market …
David Amber: The first signings of Milan Lucic, David Backes, Troy Brouwer and Andrew Ladd should set off a quick reaction of signings as the market could shrink quickly.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Boomer & Warrener: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said they’ll be going after some free agents. Holland: “With us trading Datsyuk, we’re in the neighbourhood of 18-20 million below the cap.”
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Steven Stamkos is the Red Wings top free agent priority, but fallback options could include:
Milan Lucic – could take six years at $6 million a season.
Frans Nielsen – will take at least $5.5 million a year, but term could be the issue. He’s 32 and it wouldn’t be ideal to give him more than four years.
Troy Brouwer – the soon to be 31-year old could get $4.5 million a season, and it might be worth it to give him a five year deal.
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: GM Holland on free agency.
“Talked to lots of players today letting them know we have interest,” Holland told the Free Press. “I’ll double back with the agents later in the week and see what the player or agent is thinking.”
The Wings need some scoring help and could be looking at Stamkos, Lucic, Eriksson, Ladd and Brouwer.
“We’re going to sign some players,” Holland said. “We’re looking at higher profile ones, but also looking to see if somebody lesser can have impact. That’s part of the cap – they can’t all be about big money.”
Holland has also been looking at defensemen on the trade market, but free agency will take precedent over that.
They have spoken with the Ducks about Cam Fowler, and they’ve had some interest in Kevin Shattenkirk. A year ago the asking price was Dylan Larkin for Shattenkirk.
