Players Detroit Red Wings Could Target to Bolster Roster

The Detroit Red Wings have gotten off to a solid start to the season, but the team isn't perfect. In fact, no NHL team is perfect, and that is why NHL general managers are constantly busy looking for ways to improve the roster. Well, unless your name is Brian Burke, and it is the holiday season.

While the NHL's trade freeze is currently in effect, that shouldn't stop general manager Ken Holland from compiling a list of players to contact opposing general managers about after the holiday season. With that in mind, here are some players the Red Wings should target to bolster their roster.

Marek Zidlicky, New Jersey Devils

Len Redkoles/Getty Images

The Detroit Red Wings could use an offensive defenseman that can contribute on the power play, and Marek Zidlicky is a low-cost rental that Holland should consider. 

Although he's 37, Zidlicky is a pending UFA with 17 points in 33 games. He's on a New Jersey team that is struggling mightily, and he'd be a good fit for the Red Wings. He isn't a long-term solution, but he could be added to the roster without the subtraction of key prospects.

His price would likely be low, because many teams won't be looking to add him next summer with defenders like Cody Franson, Mike Green, Johnny Boychuk, Paul Martin and Andrej Sekera slated to be available.

David Perron, Edmonton Oilers

Derek Leung/Getty Images

David Perron has shown he can be a 20-goal scorer at the NHL level, but this year, he's struggled in Edmonton. To be honest, though, the entire franchise has struggled, and Perron really could benefit from a change of scenery. The Oilers winger has two years left on his deal and carries roughly a $3.8 million cap charge.

Perron would fit in nicely in the top six, and he would provide insurance in the event someone like Johan Franzen goes down for an extended period. Although the Wings have a number of talented young players who could step up in that scenario, Perron could be a very underrated addition to the roster.

Tyler Myers, Buffalo Sabres

Bill Wippert/Getty Images

Tyler Myers has eight points this season in 31 games, and that is exactly why the Red Wings should be interested in the 6'8", 219-pound blueliner. His value is at an all-time low, and he is worth taking a risk on because of his potential. A new market could do him some good. The Buffalo Sabres may be riding high right now, but ultimately, they are still looking to build. 

Adding a prospect for Myers would be a win for Buffalo, and it would give the Wings a maligned defender who has top-four potential. This is by no means a comparison, but fellow behemoth Zdeno Chara didn't hit his stride until 25—after the New York Islanders had traded him to the Ottawa Senators.

There is still time for Myers, and the Red Wings should try and poach him while his value is still low.

Justin Williams, Los Angeles Kings

Glenn James/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Kings are currently projected to have $8.8 million next summer to re-sign 10 players, including Tanner Pearson, Tyler Toffoli and Robyn Regehr.

The team may also have to find a replacement for Slava Voynov, but his legal status is still up in the air. When looking at the youth that is going to be locked up, and the Kings forwards that are currently locked up, Justin Williams is a player who could be squeezed out or poached in free agency.

Therefore, Kings general manager Dean Lombardi would probably like to move him for something, and the Wings have a number of prospects they could dangle.

This would allow Lombardi to continue to stimulate the youth movement, and the Wings would add a quality top-nine winger who is money in the postseason. While Williams isn't a likely add, he is the type of player the Wings would want for their roster.

Keith Yandle, Arizona Phoenix Coyotes

Norm Hall/Getty Images

Although the Red Wings could use a right-handed defender, I am sure Holland would welcome Keith Yandle to the roster. The 6'1", 190-pound defender has 20 points in 31 games, and adding him to the roster would take some pressure off Niklas Kronwall.

This would then give the Red Wings another top-four defender, and it would give them flexibility to maybe package a young forward for a right-handed defender.

Defense is the biggest area the Wings should look to improve upon, and acquiring Yandle would really bolster the roster for the playoffs. The cost may be a little high, but it would be a wise investment.

Stats via NHL.com, financials via Capgeek.

Tom Urtz Jr. is an NHL columnist for Bleacher Report who also covers the New York Rangers. 

Follow @TomUrtzJr