Notes on Detroit for Fans of Other Teams

Team: 2020-21 Detroit Red Wings

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 13, 2020

Published: Jul. 13, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Just a couple thing I have to say based on things I've been seeing a lot.

First off, Anthony Mantha. Some Mantha trades I've seen are just not there in value while others don't make sense for the Red Wings. A common argument I've seen from fans of other teams is that Mantha has never had over 48 points and is already 25 years old. While this is true, Mantha was having a breakout year and had 38 points in just 43 games this year. That is on pace for 72 points in 82 games. Red Wings fans view Mantha as a 30-goal, 60-70 point guy, so the Wings won't trade him as a 50-point guy. Also, Mantha has not said he's unhappy in Detroit or requested a trade, and Detroit has never said that he's on the trade block so he's not for sale unless someone is willing to overpay.

Second, Cap dumps. Most people seem willing to give somewhat fair compensation for cap dumps. Realistically, the Red Wings will only be willing to take on 1-2 cap dumps this offseason. I'm not aware of many other teams willing to take on cap dumps and due to the flat cap and the supply vs demand, cap dumps will cost a lot this offseason. The Red Wings will basically accept their 1 or 2 best offers. Because of this, I think it will cost a lot more this offseason than previous seasons to dump cap. The offers that we do accept will result in some good pieces coming back for our rebuild. All of that to say that we aren't going to take on cap dumps for less value because we suck and they could play on our team as some people seem to think.

Third, we're not giving up draft picks for veterans just because we suck. The Red Wings are clearly rebuilding and we have worked hard to trade away our good players for futures. It makes no sense for us to turn around and swap those picks for veterans or other NHL players even if the value is fair. I don't see us giving up draft picks unless it's for a player that could realistically be a part of our future.

Our biggest team needs this offseason are a goalie, 1-2 LHD, 1 RHD (If Seider isn't ready), and 1-2 middle 6 forwards (That will play on our 2nd line). Lots of people seem to suggest that Detroit will attract no free agents at all which I disagree with. I agree that Detroit won't attract any top-tier free agents (which wouldn't really make sense for the direction of our team anyway) or even upper-mid tier free agents. I think that some guys looking for extra ice-time, extra money (we have the ability to overpay), etc. will be willing to sign in Detroit though.

In the ACGM, I included a Eriksson cap dump I like and some realistic free agent signings. We'd still have over $6 million in cap which would be enough for another cap dump or an increase in salary to the free agent signings.