A few UFAs

Just off of assuming that Detroit goes #1 or #2, I would not sign Haula and allow either Byfield of Lafreniere to play 2nd line minutes (move Fabbri to either C or W depending on who gets drafted). Besides that this is about the best you could do with what you're given. The Red Wings mess truly is going to be a few years to recover from. Those old contracts are hindering them so much. Honestly, if I was Yzerman, I would convince Illitch to bury them as you did. I know owners hate to do that but it's the best way to recover.

I've been trying to do a Detroit Armchair GM for a while now and I've been struggling to see how to fix this mess. If only one CBO was allowed, it would help out immensly.

I didn’t want to make any assumptions on the lottery. I’m a lifelong Wings fan but won’t be surprised if the team drops to fourth in the draft.

It's happened to you a few times already hasn't it? And I get that. At least this draft is loaded enough that even 4th will get you a likely NHL stud! But let's hope best case scenario!

Decently big name UFAs signing with DET

I really don't see DET going after any "major" FAs this offseason. For one, it's going to be a very short offseason; two with no cap move up, money will get a little tighter (still have room though); and three, they still have some cleanup to do cap-wise (Glendening and Helm finishing their deals, what do they do with Abdelkader and Nielsen afterwards?). I expect them to go 1 more year to clean up some of these issues (maybe they still bury Abdelkader, but I see Nielsen has having some 3-4 line value). The moves you suggest don't do anything to make them playoff contenders (and may actually stunt their growth).

If they do go after any FAs, I expect them to be short term deals (taking a flyer on a Tyson Barrie deal at 1-2 years, Cam Talbot on a 2 year deal, things like that). I do like your opinions on the Bertuzzi and Mantha deals, those are pretty close to spot on (and market value). Fabbri may only do that for 1-2 years, and not 3, but the money is right. I expect them to keep and play Svech and maybe Hirose, Rass will be in DET next season, and Veleno will make it when there is room to play him nightly (when Glendening and Helm are gone). If there is no AHL season (and it looks like there will be), maybe the prospect wash changes