Red Wings: Conor Sheary or Jimmy Vesey worth exploring in free agency

The Detroit Red Wings could make a splash in free agency by signing winger Conor Sheary or winger Jimmy Vesey to add to the forward core.

Going into the 2020-21 season, the Detroit Red Wings need to make some changes to their roster, and a big name signing could make that difference. The Red Wings should go out and sign a younger forward like Conor Sheary or Jimmy Vesey, it would add another top tier forward.

At this point, the Red Wings fanbase is expecting them to make a move in free agency that “shocks” or at least brings some buzz around the organization. The original thought was defenseman Torey Krug, especially after his recent comments about testing free agency.

The Red Wings could go into the offseason looking to make a splash by stealing an exceptional forward in the form of Sheary or Vesey, either one, adding some depth and scoring from a younger source. Take a look at two younger options the Red Wings could sign:

More from Detroit Jock City

• Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
• Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
• Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
• This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
• 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings

Conor Sheary- LW/RW

The Pittsburgh Penguins seem to have grown quite fond of Conor Sheary, possibly meaning he could return to the Penguins.

However, if the opportunity presents itself, the Red Wings should make an offer for the winger.

Before the 2019-20 season, Sheary was shipped off to Buffalo for defenseman Matt Hunwick and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

At the 2019-20 trade deadline, the Penguins brought back Sheary in a trade that sent forward Dominik Kahun back to the Sabres.

All-in-all, Sheary played in 63 total games where he scored ten goals and notched 13 assists for 23 total points on the year.

Sheary’s -0.9 total Corsi For relative percentage (CF% rel) may not be the prettiest, but he could still be an asset for the Red Wings. He would be mostly offense, possibly being a defensive liability, but the Red Wings are already used to that, just look at the current bottom-six forwards.

The Red Wings could add Sheary as a middle-six forward who provides offense, creates scoring chances, and allows for success in the offensive zone. Sheary is 28 years old and can still be a beneficial asset for them, even on a shortened three or four-year contract.

Jimmy Vesey- LW/RW

If, for some reason, the Red Wings are genuinely hung up on snagging a former Buffalo Sabres forward, and Sheary is not the one, Jimmy Vesey might be the one. As a 27-year-old, the Red Wings could invest in a breakout season from the winger.

He would add versatility to the Red Wings core of forwards, providing another offensive presence and creating scoring chances in the offensive zone. In 2019-20, Vesey played in 64 games for the Sabres, where he scored nine goals and had 11 assists for twenty total points.

While he scored more points in his first three years with the New York Rangers after breaking through from Harvard, he could be poised for a bounce-back season. If the Red Wings sign Vesey, he could be someone to invest in over a two or three-year contract, hoping he becomes a reliable source of scoring.

By the time free agency comes, the hope is that General Manager (GM) Steve Yzerman has a well thought out plan as to who is going to be targeted in free agency. While the hope is that someone will be brought in as a “big-name” in free agency, a few smaller signings could still prove to be significant improvements.

The Detroit Red Wings will have some decisions to make, but taking a chance on Conor Sheary or Jimmy Vesey might be worth it for the organization.