NHL Free Agency: Why Detroit Red Wings Fans Must Be Disappointed

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The Detroit Red Wings have become accustomed to success in recent years, but may be kicking themselves over recent losses in the free agency period.

This is not to say that Detroit will no longer have a playoff caliber team, but the prospect of no Nicklas Lidstrom (and no replacement) at the blue line for the first time in 20 years is a scary thought.

With the loss of their talismanic captain and relatively few positives coming from the month of July, the Red Wings need to find a way to regroup in 2012-2013.

Here are a few reasons why the citizens of Hockeytown have every right to be disappointed in GM Ken Holland, and how he handled their miserable offseason.

Ryan Suter

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The Minnesota Wild have snapped up the services of unrestricted free agent Ryan Suter from the Nashville Predators.

This was a huge disappointment for the whole Red Wings organization, who had the talented defenseman within their grasp.

Suter was the man touted to be Nick Lidstrom's replacement, but according to the Boston Herald, a $90 million contract over 13 years was not enough to bait him.

On top of Lidstrom's retirement, the Wings will have to make due without top-four defenseman Brad Stuart, who left Detroit to reunite with family in San Jose.

Overall, the Red Wings defensive situation was poorly dealt with and could cause them some grief next season.

Zach Parise

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After an anticlimactic season with the New Jersey Devils, Minneapolis native Zach Parise is also set to join up with the Wild.

Both Parise and Suter were seen as key puzzle pieces to rebuilding an out of sorts looking Detroit Red Wings, but all of that speculation has just been flushed down the drain.

Parise was one of the most sought-after free agents this year, and it's no wonder why.

The American scored 31 goals during the regular season, and put up 15 points in the Devils' run to the Stanley Cup Final.

The funds were ready and available to go after Parise, however, somewhere along the line Ken Holland went wrong.

No Plan B... Yet

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Talks have been swirling around ever since losing out on their top two targets that either Shane Doan, Alexander Semin or Rick Nash will be on their way to Detroit.

Thus far, no action has been taken on the part of the Red Wings, but we could see some developments in the coming weeks.

To me, Semin would be the perfect acquisition.

He would help fellow countryman Pavel Datsyuk rack up the goals, and hopefully ease up on his bad attitude.

While signing a proven goalscorer isn't necessarily a top priority, Semin would certainly boost their playoff credentials.

As for defensemen, well let's just say things don't look too promising.