The Red Wings checked off several boxes before the market officially opened, re-signing defenseman prospect Antti Tuomisto to a one-year, two-way contract extension on June 26 before re-upping blueliner William Lagesson to a two-year deal on June 27.

Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad all re-upped with the Florida Panthers, and Marner went to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade.

The Detroit Red Wings never had a realistic shot at landing this top-line free agent winger who ended up signing in Carolina.