If the Detroit Red Wings are unable to sign defenseman Ryan Suter, the player believed to be their top free-agent target, they will have to look to a "Plan B" in order to help fill the holes created by Nicklas Lidstrom's retirement and Brad Stuart's departure. One defenseman who was considered a "Plan B" was Dennis Wideman, but he is no longer an option. This is because he was traded on Wednesday by the Washington Capitals. The Calgary Flames acquired Wideman's rights and promptly signed him to a new five-year contract.
The Calgary Flames announced today that they have acquired and signed defenceman Dennis Wideman from Washington in exchange for Jordan Henry and a 5th round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. [...]
Contract terms: 5 year contract with an Average Annual Value of $5,250,000
Considering that Wideman was able to get $5.25 million per year, one can only imagine how much Suter will draw on the open market. With how much interest there is going to be in Suter come July 1 when free agency opens, he very well could receive offers in the range of $9-10 million per year. The competition to sign him will be fierce, but the good news is the Red Wings have more than enough cap space to make him a big offer.
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