Team: 2020-21 Detroit Red Wings

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 8, 2020

Published: Jul. 8, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

First off, the TBL trade is if Tyler Johnson were willing to waive his no trade clause. I know that he likely would be unwilling given that the Lightning are so good, Detroit is terrible, and he would have to move, but this trade would be if he were willing to waive. I'm not too sure what value he holds at the moment with his cap hit and term. I've seen some people suggest that TBL would need to pay to dump him but I think he still holds positive value. That being said, the Wings could likely get him for cheap because of Tampa's cap situation. The pick could be upgraded or downgraded if I'm way off on the value.

I decided to sign Galchenyuk, Merrill, and Khudobin. I think the Wings will acquire at least 1 forward capable of playing top 6 minutes that needs a bounce back season. I chose Galchenyuk but another option I like is Granlund if they didn't get Johnson to play 2C. I signed Merrill to give them another Defensive Defenceman that can play minutes. Khudobin gives them another starting calibre goalie that can rotate with Bernier.

Also, signing Galchenyuk and Merrill to 1-year deals gives the Red Wings an opportunity to trade them at the TDL for futures.

Overall, this team would definitely be better than last season, but that's not hard to beat. At best, we'd finish in the mid 20's (in the league), but we'd most likely finish near the bottom again, just hopefully not 23 points out of 2nd last.