The shiny new object is not always the best one.
Free agency often gives NHL GMs a major case of FOMO – the fear of missing out on older veteran players who don’t move the needle as much as they need them to.
Enter Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings.
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The Red Wings made some questionable signings last summer and should not repeat those mistakes this summer. This offseason should not be used to hand out favors to aging veterans, but rather to add key players who can help the team win.
With that in mind, here are four unrestricted free agent defenders that Yzerman needs to steer clear of.
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Aaron Ekblad
Yes, Aaron Ekblad is a Stanley Cup Champion. And yes, he has good two-way ability. The main concern with the Florida Panthers defender is his durability and injury history.
He hasn’t played a full season over the past six seasons because of injuries. The best way a player can improve a team is by actually playing. That’s not a guarantee with Ekblad.
Brent Burns
Brent Burns is a 40-year-old right-handed defender who has significant offensive ability. However, because of his age (and the high likelihood he stays with the Carolina Hurricanes), you can cross off Burns’ name on the Yzerman free agent targets list.
“We’ll see what happens, but we love it here and would love for it to work out.”
Brent Burns speaks at Hurricanes locker clean out on his future as the 40-year-old enters Free Agency this summer pic.twitter.com/PjXCJJgXRc
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 31, 2025
Cody Ceci
Cody Ceci is not a bad defender. In recent years, he has been overutilized in situations for which he’s not suitable. He had a busy season, first being traded by the Edmonton Oilers to the San Jose Sharks and then traded again to the Dallas Stars.
He’s similar to Justin Holl in some respects (and the Red Wings don’t need another Holl), so it would be best to avoid him entirely.
Tony DeAngelo
Tony DeAngelo is an offensive-minded defenseman who has no clear idea on how to play defense. If the Red Wings want to deploy a defender as an offensive weapon, they have a prospect who can fill the role better than DeAngelo can.
These available defenders are either too old or don’t move the needle in a meaningful capacity to warrant an NHL contract. They might be helpful for other teams, but they aren’t the right fit for the Red Wings.
Yzerman, grab your shades, these shiny objects aren’t worth it.
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