Latest news with #TomasTatar
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
4 Free Agent Defenders Yzerman Has To Actually Avoid
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. Advertisement Enter Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings. Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 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. Trending Red Wings Stories Could Jonathan Toews Become Latest Ex-Blackhawk to Jump to Detroit? Could Jonathan Toews Become Latest Ex-Blackhawk to Jump to Detroit? Acrimonious though the long history between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks may be, the two rivals have a rather extensive tradition of sharing players. And not just role players either. Chris Chelios. Bob Probert. Marian Hossa. And, to the recent satisfaction of Red Wings fans and ire of Hawks supporters, Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane. With longtime Chicago captain Jonathan Toews now eyeing an NHL comeback after two seasons recovering from the effects of Long COVID and Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, could he be the latest former Hawk to jump across the rivalry's dividing line and up I-94 to join the Red Wings? Advertisement 3 Red Wings Prospects Ready For The Big Leagues Red Wings Coach Gets High Praise From Oilers' Star Ex-Red Wing Jake Walman Perfect Fit With New Team 3 Special Red Wings Prospects That Are Untouchable Ex-Red Wing Tomas Tatar Signs in Switzerland Ex-Red Wing Tomas Tatar Signs in Switzerland Former Detroit Red Wing Tomas Tatar has inked a two-year contract with EV Zug of the Swiss National League, seemingly signaling the end of a 14-year NHL career for the Czech scoring forward. 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. Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement 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. Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ex-Red Wing Tomas Tatar Signs in Switzerland
Nov 2, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Tatar (21) skates with the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: (Marc DesRosiers, Imagn Images) Former Detroit Red Wing Tomas Tatar has inked a two-year contract with EV Zug of the Swiss National League, seemingly signaling the end of a 14-year NHL career for the Czech scoring forward. Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. Tatar spent the first seven years of his NHL career with the Red Wings, accruing 115 goals and 107 assists for 222 points in 407 games. He was ultimately traded to the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2018 Trade Deadline for a first, second, and third round draft pick (that first would become Joe Veleno). Advertisement After Vegas, Tatar made stops in Montreal, Colorado, Seattle, and enjoyed two tenures in New Jersey, including what seems to have been his final NHL season—seven goals, 10 assists in 74 games this year for the Devils. Trending Red Wings Stories Could Aaron Ekblad Help the Detroit Blue Line? Can Ex-Red Wings Coach Blashill Turn it Around in Chicago? Former Coach Derek Lalonde Discusses Red Wings Exit Kasper Enjoying Star Turn as Austria Marches Through Worlds With His Days in Toronto Likely Numbered, Could Mitch Marner Be a Missing Piece to the Red Wings Puzzle? From a Red Wings perspective, Tatar was part of a generation of players that (through no fault of its own) couldn't manage to live up to the lofty standard Detroit had set for itself, amidst a steady exodus of Hall of Fame–caliber talent. Advertisement After 14 seasons, Tatar played 927 games, scoring 227 goals and providing 269 assists for 496 points. That he's just shy of a few milestones (1,000 games played and 500 points) suggests perhaps Tatar might harbor fantasies of a return to fight across those lines or perhaps Tatar is satisfied with the work he's done and keen to continue his career in Europe. Do you have a favorite memory of Tatar in Detroit? If so, let us know in the comments. Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Devils' Winger Signs Multi-Year Contract In Switzerland
The 2024-25 season wasn't always easy for veteran winger Tomas Tatar. In his first stint with the New Jersey Devils, he found success on the team's top line, playing with Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer. He potted 20 goals and 48 points and was an asset to the Devils. Advertisement His second stint was a bit more challenging. Under head coach Sheldon Keefe, Tatar spent the majority of the season in the bottom six and found himself scratched at certain points. "(It was) tough," he said during his exit interview. "Definitely played a different role than I am used to. The role was not to be productive but to help the team gain momentum. So, something very new for me." Appearing in 74 games, Tatar scored seven goals and collected 17 points. "It was challenging, for sure, but for this group, I was willing to do no problem," Tatar said of embracing his new role. "Obviously, I have lots of friends, and I do really like it here. That is why I came back to try to help the team." Advertisement Understanding that Tatar, 34, was set to be an unrestricted free agent, many were not expecting him to return to New Jersey. On Tuesday, his future was confirmed as he has signed a two-year contract in Switzerland with EV Zug, the National League club announced on Tuesday. "With his enormous experience from almost 1000 NHL games and his game intelligence, he is an important reinforcement for us at center," said Zug GM Reto Kläy. "In recent years, Tomáš has regularly played on the wing. With us, he will be used as a center." The veteran has appeared in 927 NHL games, playing for the Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Montreal Canadiens, Devils, Colorado Avalanche, and Seattle Kraken. Advertisement The Hockey News wishes Tatar and his family all the best in Switzerland. Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes
