DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings defenseman Andreas Lilja is an unrestricted free agent who hopes to re-sign with the Red Wings. He returned following the Olympic break after missing 12 months with a concussion.

"I feel great, no problems,'' Lilja said. "Both me and my family love it here. We have to wait and see what happens.''

The Red Wings likely will re-sign Derek Meech, a restricted free agent who won't cost much. They have the flexibility to trade him if he can't crack the roster.

And that might be best for Meech, who hasn't nailed down a regular spot in the lineup in three years.

"I had opportunities here and there, things just haven't worked as I've liked them to,'' Meech said. "But that's not to say I didn't have a great experience here.

"If there's an opportunity to go somewhere and get some minutes, that's ultimately what any player wants to do. That'd be great.''

Odds and ends

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock on unrestricted free agent Todd Bertuzzi: "Bert had a year that he has to feel good about. It didn't go great all the time, but had a real good stretch, fell off and then really finished strong. Detroit was a good fit for him as far as the players he got to play with. Now, him and (GM ) Kenny (Holland) will have to work that out.''

Restricted free-agent forward Patrick Eaves, who missed the last four games against San Jose because of an elbow injury, would like to return. "I loved it here, had a great year,'' Eaves said. "The people in this organization, everyone was first-class. It's a great place to be.''

Enforcer Brad May, who is contemplating retirement, said he is "going home to Toronto and reflect on this experience. I don't know if I'm going to play or look to do other things. Everybody here in Detroit's been incredible, top to bottom. It'll come down to my family. I'll go home and have a couple of bottles of wine with my wife.''

Red Wings assistant coach Paul MacLean will interview this week for the head coaching vacancy with the Columbus Blue Jackets.