Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman: ‘Another Move Possible’

General manager Steve Yzerman persuaded Patrick Kane to stay in Detroit, traded two veterans, brought in two goalies with NHL experience, signed a noteworthy role player and landed a six-time 30-plus goal scorer.

And he may not be done.

“I would say there’s another move possible, we’d consider that,” Yzerman said. “I don’t have anything on the go at the moment. We kind of tally up the goals in, the goals out.”

If Yzerman makes another move, it could be a trade. Currently, he has just over $20 million left in cap space.  He may need every dime to re-sign his restricted free agents Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, Jonatan Berggren and Joe Veleno.

“We have four restricted free agents today and we can estimate on a shorter-term deal and on a longer-term deal,” Yzerman said. “Set aside a certain amount of money in the budget for them and as free agency went along and we’re trying to get our own guys signed we had to tweak things a little bit, but it hasn’t changed what we think those four players are going to come in at. We will get contracts done with them, it’s just a question of when and what term we do on all of them.”

The Red Wings could use a bit more scoring. Two players Yzerman traded — Jake Walman and Robby Fabbri — combined for 30 goals. Daniel Sprong hasn’t signed and he scored 18. David Perron signed with Ottawa and also netted 17 goals. Shayne Gostisbehere, who scored 10 goals, will play with the Carolina Hurricanes next season.

Tarasenko, Patrick Kane May Play Together

Thus far, Tarasenko, with 25- to 30-goal potential, is the only new scorer brought in. The Kane re-signing feels like a significant add because it seemed likely he would leave. Kane was a 20-goal scorer, despite starting late. He’s capable of netting 30 if he plays a full season

“Obviously, we’re going on Tarasenko to add to that (goal total),” Yzerman said. “Just looking internally, we expect a little more out of Lucas Raymond. Alex DeBrincat, his shooting percentage for his career was down a little bit last year.  The great scoring chances that he had, hit the bar and went out. We think that’ll contribute a little more. I think his expected goals will turn into goals next year and his numbers will go up.”

The Red Wings anticipate Berggren to claim a roster spot and he has 20-goal potential.

“On the back end, Erik Gustafsson will contribute to some of the offense lost with Shayne Gostisbehere and Jake Walman goals,” Yzerman said. “Ultimately, hopefully we can keep a few more out of the net and that maybe it nets out in a positive way.”