As recently reported, Dan Cleary has been re-signed by the Wings to a five year contract extension with a cap hit of 2.8 million per season.

Considering what Cleary has brought to the Wings the past two seasons, the numbers seem on the mark. Cleary would’ve likely potted 25 goals on the season - if not more - before going down with a broken jaw and for the past two seasons he’s come to the table bringing everything he’s got - playoffs included. For a guy that plays in all situations, likes to use the body, is a heart and soul player who stands up for his teammates and can score the pretty goals, the garbage goals, and the big goals, this is a worthy contract. Wings fans across the world are undoubtedly finding this contract satisfactory at the least.

With Cleary now tied up, the Wings have few key signings to make before knowing what they can spend on this years open market. Hasek will likely give way to rookie Jim Howard, Valterri Filppula will look for a raise (possibly on a long-term contract), and Red Wings management have already suggested they are looking to re-sign Andreas Lilja to a modest raise, although the addition of Brad Stuart and his recent admission that he might like to stay in Detroit past the current season will likely make management hold off negotiations with Lilja for the time being. Other question marks are Aaron Downey, Dallas Drake and Darren McCarty, as well as Chris Chelios who up to this point has given no indication this is his last season. Regardless, none of the latter four possible contracts would exceed a million dollar cap hit.

With the Cleary signing, the Red Wings now have 10 forwards, 5 defenseman, and 1 goaltender locked up for a total of roughly 39 million for the 2008-2009 season. Reports suggest that the cap could go up as high as 54 million next year, leaving the Red Wings with a possible 15 million in cap space with only depth players to re-sign. As it stands, the Red Wings most pressing needs for next season are a physical second pairing defenseman and a top six forward with size. Brad Stuart will likely be a target prior to July 1st while Mike Commodore would also be an admirable acquisition should he test the market in July. Should the Wings fail to add a bona fide physical defenseman, they will look to re-sign Lilja, or possibly integrate any of Johnathan Ericsson, Derek Meech, or Kyle Quincey into the top seven.

Where forwards are concerned, a name that would fit the Red Wings like a glove (as well as Babcock’s unspoken requirements) is Brian Rolston. His speed and defensive awareness would likely get high marks from Babcock and his size and sniper-like shot would give the Red Wings right side a much needed offensive boost. The fact that he’s a Michigan native is simply an added bonus. Now that Cleary is locked up and the Wings have a better idea of what sort of money they’ll have to work with, the Wings will likely be players for Rolston in the off-season should he choose not to re-up with Minnesota. Although signing Henrik Zetterberg to a long-term contract remains their top priority come July 1st, recent comments from Ken Holland suggest contract negotiations between the two camps will move swiftly and smoothly once Zetterberg is eligible to be re-signed, which likely won’t impede the hunt for new blood during free agency.