The Daily: Red Wings abandon prospects; Don’t bet Kane on Buffalo

The Detroit Red Wings have signed away their rights to goaltender Jan Bednar, center Theodor Niederbach and defenseman Tnias Mathurin. They had to sign them by 5 p.m. Saturday and chose not to.

The Niederbach decision is the most disappointing for the organization, as he was drafted 51st overall in 2020. The Red Wings were hoping he could develop into an NHL center. But he took time to develop, even in the Swedish Hockey League. He played in three different SHL organizations and never scored more than nine goals. Last season, Niederbach had six goals and 13 points for Modo.

Bednar was under contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins last season and played well (2.37 GAA, .917) for the Toledo Walleye. The Griffins could re-sign him. Mathurin is undermined by an injury.

Red Wings’ Jan Bednar deprives Dmitry Ovchinnikov of rebound chance from Mazden Leslie’s point shot pic.twitter.com/mRFzVyLt7E

-Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) September 17, 2023

Red Wings in case you missed it

Paywall Story: Given the Red Wings’ prospects and salary cap needs, DHN doesn’t see guard James Reimer being re-signed.

With William Wallinder, Antti Tuomisto and Shai Buium leading the defense, the Grand Rapids Griffins should be competitive next season.

The Red Wings’ first home, Windsor Arena, still stands. It’s 100 years old.

Red Wings offseason

AFP Analytics overall does a credible job of projecting player salaries, based on comparisons and other factors. However, their projection that former Red Wings player Anthony Mantha would get a three-year deal worth $4.7 million per season appears to be off. I can’t see a team giving him that salary, especially after Vegas scratched him in the playoffs.

Hockey Now Network

Buffalo: The betting world says Patrick Kane is unlikely to sign with the Buffalo Sabers this summer.

Chicago: Nate Brown writes that patience must still prevail this summer for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Colorado: Evan Rawal thinks there are five UFA defenders it makes sense for the Avs to pursue, including Joel Edmundson. Colorado Avalanche.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski spoke to Penguins prospect Brayden Yager about what his teammates say about him. They had a lot to say. Pittsburgh Penguins.