He has to be careful, because they need places for guys to play. Then you have players like Finnie getting ELCs too. For every late pick signing, it shakes plans up. Gibson will sign his ELC but it may not come until after the season. He should have it by opening day next year, maybe sooner if they’ve made other decisions already. He’s earned that bonus.
2 months ago, I would’ve told you, 2 of Wendt, TJ Hughes and Graf would have a good chance to sign with Detroit. Now, not so sure. They may be telling Wendt what they told Graf last spring. That his best place is back in the NCAA, and let’s talk again next year. With every Finnie signing, it takes those opportunities away. Even though Finnie will be playing in the WHL next year, unless he somehow sticks in Detroit. It’s still a contract.
We’ll see with Graf. Still think there’s a good chance he signs but that’s why it’s not been the slam dunk it was likely to have been. Hughes has been on their radar too. If they sign Graf, they likely don’t sign Hughes now. If they really want Hughes, and are waiting on him before signing, or not signing Graf, they could lose both. I wouldn’t think that’s what Graf is waiting for, but he’s been in contact with Detroit for over a year now.
If they don’t get either, don’t count out them shifting to Gabe Klassen or Trevor Wong. Heard they’re not in on Matthew Sop anymore, unless something falls through on his end. At one point it was likely Leafs or Detroit. Also, keep an eye on a Finnish kid named Jusso Mäenpää. Small center, who’s proving he can play against men. Detroit has scouted him quite a bit. Think they want Hughes though. That’s what I’ve been told, but not sure he wants them.
As for Buium, they’re almost forced to sign him, and all signs point to them wanting to do so this Spring too. Very willingly. The rumors he’ll return if they don’t win a NC, I don’t buy, but you never know. It won’t be to force a trade though. He has a good relationship with Detroit, and they’ve been in normal contact with him.
Another Dman, they’ve still been connected to is Sam Mayer. Detroit and the Rangers have always kept an eye on him the most, but neither has had a spot for him. Then thought he was signing with the Blues until they signed Biakabutuka. If Detroit signs an undrafted dman, Mayer is probably that player though. Just still don’t think they have room. They’ve drafted really well. They do have room if they want to keep ASP and Johansson in Sweden next year. That’s two more decisions to be made.
They really are in a great position to make a trade to help the NHL team, with all of their D prospects. Fully expect that to happen this summer btw, that will open up a spot or two.
Oh one other player I know they’ve been watching, is Oliver Peer from Flint OHL. Don’t think he’d get an NHL deal though. More likely a deal in Grand Rapids, and spend most of next year in Toledo.
Once again, expect them to sign an UN-drafted forward. Don’t think it’ll be two anymore though. Maybe this summer they’d look at another one, but not this Spring. I’d now be surprised if it were two, and they won’t settle either. It’ll be someone they’ve targeted.
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