Free Agency 2012: Day 3

The third day of NHL free agency was the quietest for the Red Wings in terms of activity but they gave the fans a lot to talk about.

To start the day, Zach Parise flew back from Toronto to Minnesota and Detroit coach Mike Babcock may or may not have been waiting for him.  Reports say that Babcock was in the Minneapolis airport prior to Parise’s arrival but he may have been their en route to somewhere else (or not been there at all).

Later in the day, a Wings’ contingent flew to Wisconsin to meet with Ryan Suter.  They didn’t speak to reporters upon arriving back at Metro Airport but supposedly their standing offer is $90 million over 13 years.

Parise may announce his decision on Wednesday while Suter is expected to wait until at least Thursday.

The Wings did make a pair of of signings official.  Defenseman Max Nicastro and forward Marek Tvrdon signed to entry level deals.

Nicastro, a third-round selection in 2008, signed a two-year deal.  He is expected to join the Grand Rapids Griffins next season.

Tvrdon was drafted in the fourth round in 2011.  He will remain with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants for one more season.

On top of all that, we have Joey MacDonald’s trade request, which the Wings have said they’ll try to honor.  With the team having acquired Jonas Gustavsson, MacDonald wants to be dealt to a team where he can serve as an NHL backup.

So quiet day with a lot going on.