Detroit Red Wing Free Agents Stay in Division; Wings Wait to Make Move

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Marian Hossa did exactly what he said he wanted to–find a place to be long-term. He was able to secure a 12-year deal for around $68 million. He will be staying in the Central Division and the Midwest, but not as a member of the Detroit Red Wings. Instead, Hossa will return as a Chicago Blackhawk.

With most of their big names locked up, Detroit was only able to offer Hossa a 10-year, $40 million deal. Hossa and his agent had been searching for a deal that was closer to 5-6 million per year, and many believed that teams like Montreal, New York, and Los Angeles would be likely destinations for Hossa.

Hossa wasn't the only Red Wing to head to the Windy City, as close friend Tomas Kopecky joined him, signing for two years and $2.4 million. Hossa and Kopecky share the same agent, so it is no surprise that both free agents ended up on the same team.

The third and final Red Wing to leave was backup goalie Ty Conklin. Conklin was told about a week ago that Detroit would not be offering him a new contract, allowing him to turn his attention to free agency. Conklin decided to also stay in the division by heading to the St. Louis Blues for two years.

Heading into the second day of free agency, a few players from the Wings are still up in the air. Mikeal Samuelsson is a free agent who has yet to sign, and with the exit of Hossa, his return becomes more likely.

Also, the Wings will now have room to try and sign restricted free agent Jiri Hudler. The only obstacle in the way of the Wings with Hudler is, should another team come along and give him a huge offer, they may not be able to match it.

Last up is Ville Leino. Leino played in spots with the Wings this year but for the most part was down in the AHL. He has made it clear that he is ready for the NHL and will not be willing to go back to the AHL, leaving the Wings with a decision to make.

Many knew the Wings would be silent for the most part in free agency. They still need to add a few role players and depth players for the third and fourth lines, but most of the heavy lifting was done in the regular season when they were able to get Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen re-signed, preventing them from hitting the open market.

Time for day two.

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