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| Redden has spent the last two seasons with the Connecticut Whale in the AHL. (Getty Images) |
A deal was reached on Tuesday between the NHL and NHLPA that would allow teams to use one of their two amnesty buyouts designed for the upcoming summer now. It was spurred on by the cases of Scott Gomez in Montreal and Wade Redden with the Rangers, each player being told to wait the season at home before they would be bought out.
The compromise makes the situation no different for the teams -- the salary cap hits will still be felt this season and salaries will still be paid as if they were on the roster -- but it allows the players a chance to find a fresh start as unrestricted free agents.
So that process began on Wednesday when the Canadiens placed Gomez on waivers and the Rangers did the same with Redden, the move being necessary to complete the buyouts on Thursday. That means very soon these two will be looking for jobs and it might not be all that long before they find one, particularly in the case of Redden.
According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, the Red Wings are exploring the possibility of bringing in Redden to help solidify a defense that carries a lot of question marks into this season.
The Detroit Red Wings want to improve their defense and are looking at Wade Redden as a possible solution.
The decision is being discussed internally, especially with assistant coach Tom Renney, who coached Redden in 2008-09 with the New York Rangers.
Redden hasn't played in the NHL since the 2009-10 season with the Rangers. In 75 games he had just two goals with 12 assists, hardly what was expected of him when he signed a deal that carries a $5.6 million salary cap hit. As a result, the Rangers stashed Redden in the AHL to hide his salary.
At a much more reasonable salary, Redden is worth at least taking a look at for some team, and the Wings look like they are interested. He was the No. 2 overall draft pick once upon a time and was an All-Star in 2002. It's not as if his whole career has been a disappointment.
For Detroit, well, there are some concerns what that defense is going to look like. It was already thin on depth last season and then Nicklas Lidstrom retired and Brad Stuart signed with San Jose. The Wings pursued Ryan Suter in free agency but were only able to sign Carlo Colaiacovo, who is injured. If Redden can show he's still a capable NHL defenseman then it would be a good solution for the Wings.
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