Daniel Alfredsson and Mikhail Grabovski were added to the mix of free agents linked to the Red Wings on Thursday, although nothing has really changed as far as Detroit’s acquisitions wish list is concerned.
Stephen Weiss continues to be the Wings' top priority, as well as trying to hammer out agreements with Daniel Cleary and Damien Brunner.
The Wings are also interested in Alfredsson and Grabovski, depending on their demands and what happens with Detroit's other top targets.
Once Val Filppula hits the open market on Friday, the Wings will be looking for a second-line center.
Grabovski, 29, is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 183 pounds, skates exceptionally well, has terrific playmaking ability and, perhaps most important, is extremely close to the Wings' Pavel Datsyuk.
Three times in his five-year NHL career, Grabovski has scored at least 20 goals, with his best season being in 2010-11, when he had 29 goals and 58 points.
Grabovski was placed on unconditional waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday and must clear waivers on Friday at noon before the Wings can approach the creative Russian forward.
If Grabovski goes unclaimed, which is a distinct possibility, he'll become an unrestricted free agent, able to sign with any team but the Leafs.
It’s not a stretch to think that the Datsyuk connection would make Detroit the frontrunners; however, after he was placed on waivers, Grabovski unleashed a profanity-laced tirade toward Toronto head coach Randy Carlyle in an interview with TSN.
You have to wonder how Grabovski’s volatile personality would mesh with Wings coach Mike Babcock, regardless of his relationship with Datsyuk.
Alfredsson is a completely different story. The captain of the Ottawa Senators, it’s hard to imagine that the Swedish legend would finish his NHL career with any other team but Ottawa.
Alfredsson, 40, has spent his entire 17-year NHL career with the Senators, but according to reports, Alfredsson is entertaining offers from other teams, including the Red Wings.
Detroit GM Ken Holland spoke to Alfredsson’s camp on Thursday and was informed that the right-handed shooting center will make his decision Friday morning.
From all accounts, it’s down to three teams for Alfredsson: the Wings, Senators and the Boston Bruins. He's been in negotiations with the Senators throughout this process, which makes you believe he will remain with them.
Alfredsson is looking for a one-year dea,l which appeals to the Wings, who are apprehensive to commit to a long-term deal with any of this year’s crop of UFAs.
