On the Detroit Red Wings …
Ansar Khan: The Red Wings think they could be close to re-signing Darren Helm.
Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: The Red Wings need a top-two defenseman. They could look at some of the available free agents or they could go the trade route, even if it costs them a lot.
Forward free agent targets include Frans Nielsen and Kyle Okposo.
Jason Demers might be an option on the blueline and could cost $5.5 million a season.
Kris Russell and Dan Hamhuis are also available.
The price to trade for a top Dman like Kevin Shattenkirk or Cam Fowler is high.
Teams that have shown interest in Shattenkirk include the Bruins, Canucks, Flyers, Oilers, Rangers and Sabres.
The Oilers reportedly offered Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for Shattenkirk and were told it wasn’t enough.
The Ducks are reportedly looking for a top-six forward or maybe a top-nine and mid-round draft pick for Cam Fowler.
Moving a top forward in trade for Shattenkirk could create more cap space to go after a Kyle Okposo or Troy Brouwer.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks could use a top-six left winger, a backup goalie, and possibly a third line center.
James Reimer could be lower-cost option, with other options being Al Montoya, Jhonas Enroth, Carter Hutton and Chad Johnson.
The Ducks internal budget is expected to be more than last years $65 million, but they won’t be a cap team.
Cheaper free agent options like Eric Staal and Jason Chimera may not be fits. Thomas Vanek is a right-handed shot.
Jamie McGinn will likely get more money elsewhere. Shawn Horcoff, Chris Stewart and Mike Santorelli won’t be returning to the Ducks.
David Perron is expected to test the open market. The Ducks and Perron have expressed some interested in re-signing.
The Ducks won’t just give Cam Fowler again. An in-season trade for Fowler may be more likely.