Top 5 UFA Left Wings to Target

With free agency officially kicking off in just under an hour, we look last at a position the Wings aren’t likely to be looking for a filler in: left wing.

With Henrik Zetterberg, Tomas Tatar, (currently unsigned RFA) Teemu Pulkinnen and (for some reason), Drew Miller all available at the NHL level, the chances of the Wings signing a free agent left winger is relatively low- but crazier things have happened.

It isn’t a great crop of free agents in the LW position, but let’s take a look at who the Wings could shoot for if they’re going off the grid.

Note: while Milan Lucic and Andrew Ladd are available and both good hockey players, it’s likely they’re going to be demanding a lengthier, more expensive contract than the Wings should be looking for.. especially when they just signed Darren Helm for five years.

Signing a left winger doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but neither do the Wings these days. If they do decide to go after one, here’s who they should target.

Chimera comes into this list as a dark horse, at the age of 37. But the guy can still play, putting up 20-20-40 numbers last season.

Unless the Wings commit to something ridiculous, he’s a prime candidate for a short-term, low money deal, considering he is… 37.

Eriksson is probably the best player on this list, but not really a sensible signing. With the Wings trending downwards, Eriksson’s offense could be much needed, but it doesn’t seem to fit in with the future of this franchise, as he’ll probably be looking to go to a contender.

Boedker hitting the open market after a 13-26-39 season in just 62 games might be cause for a raise from his $3.75 million deal, which would be bad news for the Wings. However, if he could fit into this roster under the right circumstances and a bad contract or two could be moved away, his play could be useful to a team likely to be struggling with offense next year. 

Parenteau probably isn’t the most talented player on this roster, but he does have the benefit of still being underrated in the checkbook department.

Last season, Parenteau played for just $1.5 on a one-year deal with Toronto, picking up 41 points along the way. 

Parenteau isn’t the flashiest option, but if he’s available on a short term deal (he’s 33, so he might be), one year of PAP could be a cheap enough option for the Wings. 

Seriously, don’t sign a left winger right now. Don’t sign anyone. You’re going to over pay them all, anyway.