Finally a Wings armchair that doesn't put all the prospects into the NHL. Way to go.

Well, Cozens couldn't play in the AHL, as he's in the CHL now, which means he'll need to stay there at least 1 more season. By signing Kronwall and Witkowski, along with some of the necessary prospects (and Veleno, Knight, and Cozens), the Wings are over 50 contracts, so something would have to give. I suspect that Kronwall retires, Witkowski is moved on from, Kuffner and Hirose are in GR, along with Veleno (which is where he belongs next year anyway). They'd sign their early pick, but unless Knight is playing in GR or DET, he won't be signed for a year or two (playing at BC might be better for him that GR anyway). I also think you'll see a move with Daley, and if Sulak or Cholo come even close to Ericsson, Big E ends up buried in GR.

Sulak has arb rights, right means he'll probably be pushing for an NHL deal or out clause.

I'm against bringing more D but moving out Bowey to get Hamiltion is good but it doesn't help with the log jam. Think if we retained half of Daley's salary Carolina would take him as well?

I do understand what your saying but you can't win in The NHL 2 grind/checking lines either. When most teams have traded one of those lines young skilled but somewhat inexperienced line.

My thoughts are around setting up the roster for 2020 opening day and taking into account all of the expiring contracts on D: Kronwall, Green, Daley and Ericsson. I'm hoping that the rumors of Trouba joining the Wings in 2020 come true. There will be a huge influx of young talent on defense that will probably have some of them get a sniff of playing in the NHL in 2019 due to injuries. I would be very happy with the following defensive pairs in 2020:
Dekeyer - Trouba
Cholowski - Hamilton
Sulak - Hronek

Until after the 2019 draft, I really can't figure out who will be on the opening day roster for 2020 other than Larkin, AA, Mantha, Bertuzzi, Rasmussen, Zadina and probably a bunch of underperforming 4th liners: Abby, Helm, Glendening, Ehn, de La Rose, and Nielsen. The Wings really need another high end Center as well as Veleno in their top-9. AA may end up in that role, but I would prefer that he stays on the wing, only moving to center when injuries happen.

I've wondered if there could be potential to trade for a high end center with a team that needs to shed contracts but also needs talent. IE Edmonton and Nuge. Though I can't see them wanting to move him, anyone is available for the right price. A package like Mantha, Hronek, Glendenning and a prospect/draft pick might get it done, especially if the wings took on a contract like Sekera or Russel.

Glendening yes he is on the market.
Mantha is still untouchable for now Detroit just doesn't have a lot of guys can score. 2 of those guys are Vanek and Nielsen who are eligible for social security soon. So getting Mantha at this point would cost more than he is worth. But depending on how some of our minor league players do he might be available next season.
Hronek I haven't heard much from the Wings on him but 36 games he has more points than half our D. So I would assume like Cholowski, Hronek isn't going to be traded unless it lopsided in Detroits direction.
Sekera or Russel Detroit has 4 D over 30 already and Sekera makes more than all of Detroits D.

The biggest mistake teams make while rebuilding is they think they are close and they start to trade young talent and pics for vets. I'm perfectly happy with Detroit not making any trades or sign any outside free agents till 2020 TDL. I would like to see Daley and Ericsson cut or bought out.

One last thing your looking for a fast winger to keep up with McDavid. This would be long term but what about Darren Helm? He's still one of the fastest in the league and inexpensive.
If it was up to me I'd let him go for a 5th or 6th and maybe even retain some salary. But its just a thought.

I agree that Mantha is untouchable, but I wish he wasn't. He's been better in the last half of the season, but my memory isn't short enough to remember how lazy he's looked at times. If he worked as hard as Bert, he could be a 30 goal scorer.

If Edmonton had bad contracts that expired in 2021, I'd be more up for it. Russel or Sekera's deals would be harder to stomach.

I also agree that big E or Daley should be cut or bought out. I think the logical play is to buy out E and try to move Trevor to a playoff contender looking for defensive depth form a 5th or 6th round pick. Even then, we may still have to retain, but that's fine.

As for Helm, he's still quick but not like he was. Dude's older now and it shows. I also wouldn't call him cheap, but he's not a cap breaker and he only has a couple years left on his deal. I'm basically ambivalent on him.

I would bring Vanek back if he wants to stay though. Dude can't skate in the league anymore, but he makes good decisions with the puck and he's a great tutor for the kids.