Quoting: CFMan
Detroits defense right now is split being either too young or too old Trouba bridges that. Even if you signed Trouba to a huge contract its not like Detroit is in that bad of a cap situation. I honestly thought it was a lot worse but you guys free up so much space next season even if you signed Trouba to 10 or 11 million dollar contract(which he isnt worth and wont be) you guys would still be okay. Your prospect pool is basically built after this year, the only thing you need is a competent goal tender. I'm familiar with some of DET prospects but none of their goalies, do you guys have one that you think could be no. 1 in the future?
To answer your question: Detroit’s best goalie prospect is Filipino Larson (2016 R6) who just signed his pro contract after having an outstanding NCAA tournament (almost besting Cory Schneider‘s shutout streak) for the U of Denver (ending his 1 year career there). Before that he was the USHL Goaltender of the Year (lead the league in GAA and SV%). He’s only 20 and hasn’t played a pro game yet so he’s got a ways to go.
Kaden Fulcher was a late season NHL injury call up but looked like he needed more time in the AHL (he wasn’t awful though). But he’s a month younger than Larson — so same thing applies.
Best to wait until July 2020 and then take a run at Trouba.
Detroit does have some highly regarded prospects (Zadina, Rassmussen, Veleno, Cholowski, McIsaac, Hronek, Lindstrom, and Evgeny Svechnikov). And should be able to add 3-4 more with the #6 overall this year and 3x 2nd round picks. This is in addition to proven young guns like Larkin, Mantha, Bertuzzi, and AA. So the nucleus is strong-just need more top level talent.
It wouldn’t surprise me for the Wings to grab another goalie in the draft. But I doubt they move back into the first round to grab Knight (USNDT).
As far as cap situation, I hope Yzerman uses it to take on a 1year bad contract from a team against the cap and gets another draft pick (Ryan Callahan type).