If the Detroit Red Wings are known for anything, it's their Swedes.
Nick Lidstrom. Henrik Zetterberg. Lucas Raymond. You could name countless Swedes that have graced Hockeytown's halls, from Tomas Holmstrom to Nicklas Kronwall. If this century of the Red Wings is known for anything, it's bringing the Swedes to stardom.
One such Swede is available this offseason in free agency: forward Viktor Arvidsson.
A journeyman forward, Arvidsson had his best season in recent memory, sporting a 25 goal, 29 assist campaign with the Boston Bruins. His 54 points ranked fifth among all Bruins skaters in the 2025-26 season. Now, with his contract coming to an end, Arvidsson looks to hit free agency with renewed interest.
Pickings are slim in this year's free agency class. But the 33-year-old forward would be a great addition to Detroit's depth scoring -- and might even be a temporary top-line solution.
How Arvidsson can benefit the Red Wings
Arvidsson has always been a consistent goal scoring threat wherever he's gone. Throughout his career, he's been a reliable 15-25 goal threat on both rebuilding teams and would-be contenders. This last season was his sixth 20 goal season in his career.
With the Red Wings, he'd get near-guaranteed top-six time, likely serving on the other wing alongside Lucas Raymond and whoever mans the top center role moving forward.
While a little older, the Swedish forward showed he's still got what it takes as a consistent NHL threat moving forward. He can play up and down a lineup as needed, filling in for third line depth scoring or playing part on the top line.
Best of all, he'll come in at good term. AFP Analytics has him coming in at a two year deal around $4.9M per season. While the salary price may seem a little high, it's important to note that the Red Wings have a ton of cap space -- and they'll have even more once Larkin's off the books.
Little risk to signing Arvidsson
When compared to other, riskier free agent signings like Darren Raddysh and Alex Tuch, Arvidsson comes in on the lower end of the risk spectrum. Signing Arvidsson not only replaces the production left by James van Riemsdyk, it also opens up additional opportunities on the lineup for more creative play design.
On paper, signing Arvidsson might seem like a move that blocks younger players from breaking through. This doesn't take into account the additional roster spots that are now open following the departures of van Riemsdyk and David Perron, both of whom played part in the team's top-nine. There will be plenty of opportunity for younger players to earn their spots on the roster with or without Arvidsson in the lineup.
All in all, this signing is about as low risk, high reward as it can get. If the Red Wings thrive next season, they'll certainly benefit from Arvidsson's depth scoring. If they fail, he'll be a tantalizing trade deadline acquisition for a would-be contender. As far as free agent signings go, this one seems like a no-brainer.
