NHL Free Agency: Winners and losers from day one

Loser: Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings had a chance to take advantage of persuading the Arizona Coyotes to take on Pavel Datsyuk’s contract at the 2016 NHL Draft. What do they have to show for it so far? Frans Nielsen, Tomas Vanek, Steve Ott, and Darren Helm. That’s it.

Nielsen was a fine signing by the Red Wings. He was the premier center available in free agency and as a very strong two-way center, he should slide into Datsyuk’s role and the transition should be quite seamless. Six years was a bit much for him, as was his $31.5 million price tag, but considering the market, that’s a very justifiable overpay.

Detroit decided to take a gamble on former Minnesota Wild forward Tomas Vanek, signing him to a one-year deal. Vanek’s a low-risk high-reward guy. His price tag was quite reasonable too. Detroit needs offense and they might be getting that in Vanek.

Helm and Ott were questionably given contracts. Ott received a one-year $800,000 deal that creates more questions than answers. Helm is a third line center who is getting paid $3.85 million per year. That’s a horrible way to use that cap space that they got.

At the end of July 1, the Red Wings might not be any better off than they were before despite spending quite a bit of money.

Next: Winner: Buffalo Sabres