Red Wings: 3 Offseason Targets For Defense

The Detroit Red Wings missed the cut for the playoffs again and definitely need a change to their defense. Jeff Petry is going to become a free agent if he doesn't retire and Justin Holl is one of the most likely buyout candidates around the NHL this offseason.

Though Albert Johansson played 61 games, he didn't have great overall numbers and would ideally be the team's seventh defenseman heading into next season. With the expectation that Axel Sandin Pellikka is a full time NHLer, that means that the team will at least need one top-4 defenseman added this summer.

Dmitry Orlov

The Red Wings probably don't need a top-4 defenseman for a long time, so bringing in someone for 1-3 years would do the trick. That is within the term Dmitry Orlov is likely demanding as he is 33 years old. His experience is something Detroit should be looking for when adding a veteran d-man as he has had many playoff appearances, including this season. He will demand a lot less than his current cap hit of $7.75 million AAV and would be able to play both sides of the ice.

John Klingberg

John Klingberg stepped his game up to a whole new level in the playoffs this season for the Edmonton Oilers and is looking like he is worth an investment of a few seasons and a raise. He is playing on the second pairing, exactly where the Red Wings will need a defenseman to play next season. Klingberg has been good at both ends of the ice and is moving the puck out and up the ice excellently. He is another player who knows what it takes to get to the playoffs and perform there.

Vladislav Gavrikov

It remains to be seen whether the LA Kings will be able to keep Vladislav Gavrikov as the team is eliminated and he doesn't have a contract yet as free agency approaches. The veteran is definitely a top-4 d-man and will be able to be that for whichever team for a number of years yet. He will likely require the longest term out of the probable offseason additions on defense, but there wouldn't be much overlap with Ben Chiarot, so money and space will be freed up for the majority of the contract. Gavrikov is strong defensively, and with the offensive talent the Red Wings have, that is what is needed more right now.