Let's all assume that the Detroit Red Wings plan to sign both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter on July 1st. This will be to replace Nick Lidstrom and to upgrade the top-6 forwards, giving Pavel Datsyuk a legitimate scoring winger. Both, in my mind, are legitimate needs if the Wings want to continue to challenge for the Cup in the post-Lidstrom era.
Ryan Suter looks like he'll hit the open market, but will still consider returning to Nashville, while Parise apparently wants to go back to New Jersey where he just came within two games of winning the Stanley Cup.
Even if both hit the open market, there's really no guarantee that Detroit will be able to sign either. Almost every team in the league is expected to express interest in one of the players, and some will likely offer more money than the Wings. So, what is Ken Holland's backup plan?
No matter what, he has to add a top defender. Other notable UFAs include Dennis Wideman, Matt Carle, Justin Schultz (a rookie who isn't expected to choose the Wings), and not much else. Matt Carle is expected to re-sign with Philadelphia, and Wideman doesn't inspire much confidence. Sadly, I think Wideman is the only realistic option if Detroit doesn't get Suter.
As for a top forward, the likely candidate if Detroit misses out on Parise will be Alexander Semin. He's scored 40 goals in the NHL before, but his work ethic doesn't really match with Detroit. Other options could include Shane Doan and Ryan Smyth, but both are short term fixes at best.
As for trades, Ken Holland simply doesn't trade roster players and isn't a position to trade top picks or prospects. The Wings currently need their prospects. So, I'd be stunned to see the likes of Rick Nash come to Detroit.
The bottom line is that Detroit needs Suter and Parise in the worst way. The question is whether they will choose to be sign up to be Detroit's missing pieces.
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