Last place again.....

Were you expecting them to finish 1st???

No but attempting to improve the team would be nice. . No prospects moving up to Main roster after a historically bad year would be disappointing. Trying to acquire a center to play on line 2 is a must. Also at least one move weaponizing the cap is mandatory in my opinion. You can't sit back you have to try and improve

Rasmussen, Hirose, Svech are all up...who else should be there besides MAYBE Seider if he's 100% ready? Yes, they should use there cap space to there advantage I agree, just didn't feel like trying to find a fair valued trade. Also, who would be players in Free Agency they should go after that are realistic? I don't see a lot of big names wanting to sign in Detroit unless it is an over-pay.

Also, I was going to trade or sign a 2nd line centre but with Byfield next year (in this scenario) and Veleno next season (I assume) I didn't want to sign someone for more than a couple years.

Seider is the one we need to bring up. If one of the 3 prospects you have coming up can be an average 3rd line player in the NHL that would be awesome. I have my doubts but Hopefully thats the case. The only real center that could help via FA is probably Haula, I would hope that a trade to acquire a second line center would happen. Its a lost year of development with zadina playing with filppula. I see where your coming from with QB and veleno coming up but If they arent going to contribute at the NHL Level this year we can't wait for another lllooonngg year of losing to secure their potential spots. Having too many centers is never a bad thing

For the most part low risk options. The only thing about Khudobin is that it would take an aggressive contract offer such as yours to get him to turn away from being on a Cup contender, he is one of the better backups in the UFA market. IMO, I think the Red Wings should focus on someone like Georgiev or Murray; far younger, have the potential to be a longterm #1 for the Red Wings. Only thing that you'd have to be cautious of are the asking prices, since Detroit is in a rebuild you'd want to avoid giving up top prospects or 1st rounders for the goalies.

Also while I've got nothing against Polak, I think Detroit should try and target the likes of Edmundson, TVR, Braun, or Tanev (assuming they make it to free agency). If they get them on short term, cap friendly deals, they could be more valuable trade chips at the deadline.

I would be all for Detroit trying to acquire a younger starting goalie! And yes, I definitely overpaid for Khudobin for the exact reason you stated. I actually think TVR would be a good option and might come cheaper since he did not have the best season. I think the others you mentioned might be more interested in going to a contender although all would fit well with Detroit.