Matt Niskanen-5-4-14

Pittsburgh's Matt Niskanen, upending the Rangers' Rick Nash, will be at the head of this year's free-agent class among defensemen, unless the Penguins re-sign him before July 1.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT – What do the Detroit Red Wings need to improve their defense?

"A right-handed shot," coach Mike Babcock said last week, when players cleaned out their lockers following a first-round playoff loss to the Boston Bruins.

The Red Wings had all left-handed shooting defensemen this season. Acquiring a right-hander is one of their priorities in the off-season, either through free agency, a trade or from within the organization.

“Right-shot defensemen are at a premium in the league and I mean ones that can play on the point on the power play and get points,” general manager Ken Holland said.

“We’d like to get a right-handed shot defenseman. Can we make it happen? We’ll find out.”

Babcock believes the void might be filled from within.

“(Alexey) Marchenko and (Ryan) Sproul are right-handed shots that can really move the puck and play well,” Babcock said. “Are they guys that can fit in and help us?”

Probably not next season. Each has played just one NHL game and both likely need another year of development with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Among the organization’s defense prospects, Xavier Ouellet appears to be closest to making it to the NHL, perhaps next season. He shoots left.

Here is a look at some right-handed shooting defensemen that are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on July 1 as well as some potential trade possibilities:

Unrestricted free agents

Matt Niskanen, Pittsburgh (6-0, 200, age 27): He will be the most sought-after defenseman in free agency, if the Penguins don't re-sign him. He's young, mobile and can quarterback the power play. He is coming off his best season (10 goals, 46 points, plus-33), facilitated in part by Kris Letang missing half the year due to a stroke. Niskanen will get a big bump from his $2.5 million salary. The Penguins have about $16 million in cap space but only 14 players signed, so keeping Niskanen will be difficult.

Dan Boyle, San Jose (5-11, 190, age 37): One of the game's better offensive defensemen for close to a dozen years, he was still productive at age 37, picking up 12 goals and 36 points. He's not the biggest guy (5-11, 190), but he's mobile and can quarterback the power play. He'll have to take less than the $6.7 million he earned last season. The Sharks have roughly $13 million in cap space but only 16 players signed.

Marek Zidlicky, New Jersey (5-11, 190, age 37): The Red Wings showed some interest in him last summer when he was a free agent. He re-signed with the Devils and had his best offensive season since 2009-10, picking 12 goals and 42 points.

Derek Morris, Phoenix (6-0, 210, age 35): He has a booming shot but his offensive game has steadily declined over the years (five goals, 17 points in 2013-14) and he doesn't play much on the power play. He would be a lower-cost alternative, a second- or third-pair guy.

Tom Gilbert, Florida (6-2, 204, age 31): Another good skater and puck-mover who logged a lot of power-play minutes but didn't produce much (six of his 28 points came on the man-advantage). He has decent size but doesn't play a physical game.

Matt Greene, Los Angeles (6-3, 232, age 30): A big, strong, physical stay-at-home defender with little offensive game. The Grand Ledge native earned $3.25 million this past season.

Trade candidates?

Shea Weber, Nashville (6-4, 233, age 28): Sounds like a pipe dream, and it probably is. But if the Predators look to move their franchise player, the Red Wings would be interested. He has 12 years and $82 million remaining on the 14-year, $110 million offer sheet the Flyers signed him to in 2012, which Nashville matched. That's a cap hit of $7.85 million until 2025-26.

Tyler Myers: Buffalo (6-8, 227, age 24): His name surfaced in trade rumors at the deadline, but why would the Sabres want to move him? He hasn't played as well as he did his rookie year of 2009-10, when he won the Calder Trophy, but he's still a good all-around player. The Sabres already have paid him $18 million of the $38.5 million pact (for seven years) he inked in 2012. He has a $5.5 million cap hit for the next five seasons.

Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg (6-5, 265, age 29): Another big-bodied player whose name seems to always get tossed around in trade rumors. He moves well for a big man and has a terrific shot. He can play defense or forward and log a lot of minutes. He has three years left on his deal at a cap hit of $5.2 million.

Cody Franson, Toronto (6-5, 213, age 26): He can run the power play and has a tremendous shot. He's a restricted free agent who earned $2 million this season.

Dennis Wideman, Calgary (6-0, 200, age 31): The Flames would probably like to rid themselves of the final three years of his contract at $5.25 million per season but would likely need to pick up a portion of it. He has a no-movement clause.