On the Detroit Red Wings …
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings freed themselves of Pavel Datsyuk‘s cap hit and will now turn their attention to talking to potential free agents including Steven Stamkos.
The Wings are also in on trade talks involving defensemen.
The Wings move into a new building in a year and ownership in not interested in tanking.
GM Ken Holland spoke with the Ducks about defenseman Cam Fowler.
Talk was that the Blues initial ask for Kevin Shattenkirk was Dylan Larkin.
The free agent market for defensemen is now thinner and wouldn’t be much of an upgrade.
The same can’t be said for the forward free agent market which consists of Stamkos, Milan Lucic, Loui Eriksson and others.
Lucic would be an intriguing option for the Red Wings, though he’s likely looking for a six-year deal for at least $6 million a season.
Troy Brouwer could be another option who can play up and down the lineup and is good defensively.
If they can sign Stamkos, bringing back Darren Helm would make sense.
On the Dallas Stars …
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Jim Nill appears to ready to go with Antti Niemi and Kari Lehtonen next season. He might not be making a big trade this offseason.
“I know some people think I’m crazy, but I like where we are,” Nill said this week. “I like our goaltenders; I think they’ll continue to improve under this system. I like our young defensemen and I think they deserve a chance. And I like our young forwards, and I think they’re ready to step up. If we had to go in to next season with this roster, I think we would be in good shape.”
Trading either Lehtonen or Niemi could be easier during the season as opposed to right now. Both have two years left on their deals.
The Stars blueline will be young next season, and Heika thinks the Stars could look at Brian Campbell or Dan Hamhuis.
“I think what’s great about where we are is we have cap space, we have a team where players want to play, and we have Jim Nill,” Lites said. “If we feel the need to make a move, we definitely can do that.”
Players the Stars could look at in free agency: Darren Helm, Campbell, Hamhuis,
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
John Shannon: Penguins GM Jim Rutherford said that Marc-Andre Fleury will start the season with the Penguins.
Video: Penguins GM Jim Rutherford on their offseason.