Quoting: ISeeBlueHeLooks
I would be very surprised if Yzerman brings in Schmidt, who will be going into his age 31 season and has a cap hit of nearly $6 million for three more years. Left D is an issue, at least short term, but they've invested so much draft capital on that position I don't think they acquire anyone a on a deal longer than two years unless it's a guy like Pettersson who is younger and has a more movable contract when the prospects are ready. Edvinsson, in all likelihood, will be on the roster next year. Johansson has a chance to make the club sooner rather than later, and they have a good number of other LHD draftees that they think highly of in Wallinder, Buium, Viro, Sebrango, and McIsaac.
I don't see any problem with getting Schmidt. Detroit has two big problems on their left side, they need someone to play 2nd pair with Hronek and help him out defensively (Marcus Pettersson fits perfectly here) and they need someone that can QB the 2nd PP and play top line with Seider and mentor him. Schmidt is one of several guys that would fit that job.
I see it as much more likely that Yzerman gets Schmidt (or one of the other options) to do that job than that he puts Edvinsson on the top line fresh out of camp after no experience at all playing on the smaller NHL sized ice.
Schmidt is still young enough that he can be traded after one or two years without problems. Detroit's ability to retain salary as well as the fact that the cap is starting to increase again helps enough that we shouldn't have any problem getting more back than we paid for him.
Schmidt has one advantage over other options, like Martinez or Scandella, and that is that he plays both sides. In case of injury to Seider or Hronek that could be very valuable.