The NHL offseason is a time for hope and speculation, but for Detroit Red Wings fans, it’s starting to feel like more of the same. While the team has made some minor moves, the big splash that many were hoping for has yet to materialize. And now, we’re hearing rumors of what could have been.
According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, the Red Wings were prepared to make a significant offer to defenseman Aaron Ekblad had he become an unrestricted free agent. This is the kind of move that could have single-handedly changed the fortunes of the Red Wings’ blue line. Ekblad is a top-pairing defenseman, a true game-changer who could have anchored their defense for years to come. But, as we know, Ekblad re-signed with the Florida Panthers, and the Red Wings were left to pivot to other options.
Detroit Red Wings’ Defensive Disappointment
Instead of a blockbuster signing, the Red Wings have added Travis Hamonic. With all due respect to the player, he is not the answer to Detroit’s defensive problems. In fact, one could argue that they are part of the problem. The Red Wings’ blue line was their weakest link last season, and it’s hard to see how it has improved. The thought of a defensive pairing featuring Hamonic and Justin Holl is enough to make any Red Wings fan shudder.
Steve Yzerman’s Next Move
This leaves us with one burning question: what is Steve Yzerman’s plan? The Red Wings are entering their ninth year of a playoff drought, and the pressure is mounting. While Yzerman has a reputation as a patient and calculated general manager, the lack of significant offseason moves is concerning. The Red Wings have cap space and a desperate need to improve, yet they seem to be treading water.
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The post Detroit Red Wings Rumors: The Aaron Ekblad Offer That Never Was appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
