Detroit Red Wings training camp - Saturday

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock must decide whether to sign a contract extension before the season or weigh his options after the season.

(Mike Mulholland/MLive.com)

Several storylines surround the Detroit Red Wings halfway through the preseason.

A handful of young forwards are battling for a roster spot created when Pavel Datsyuk suffered a separated shoulder that will sideline him for roughly four weeks.

Five defense prospects are getting a good look in exhibition games, hoping to take a job from a veteran.

And what about coach Mike Babcock, who's entering the last year of his contract?

The regular season opens in 10 days, Oct. 9 vs. the Boston Bruins. Many questions will be answered by then. Here are some that readers are asking:

Q: Are the Wings getting any closer to signing Babcock to an extension? -- John

A: We should know before the puck drops on Oct. 9, since Babcock will not negotiate during the season.

Babcock and general manager Ken Holland had brief discussions during training camp and plan to talk more in-depth later this week or on the weekend – or so the club hopes.

That's when the Red Wings are expected to make a formal offer, after ownership gives final approval on the term and salary.

I've thought all along that Babcock will keep his options open and see what's available after the season. But if the Red Wings make him an offer he can't refuse, maybe he'll sign.

However, I don't think money will be the issue, because he'll probably be the highest-paid coach wherever he winds up. I think he'll want to go to the team he believes has the best chance of winning in the next few years, whether that's Detroit or somewhere else.

Q: Is there still a chance Daniel Alfredsson could play this season. If so, what do you think he'll sign for? -- SheldonP

A: He hasn't skated, at least with the team, for more than three weeks, due to back pain. He missed training camp and he turns 42 in December.

My guess is he will retire.

But he's still trying to come back. Maybe he'll skate with the team this week to gauge his condition.

The Red Wings could use his offense, and his right-handed shot, especially on the power play. They were hoping to get 60-to-65 games from him. I'm sure he doesn't want to make a commitment if he thinks he'll spend much of the season on injured reserve.

If he returns, maybe he'll sign for a base salary of around $2 million, with a games played bonus clause.

Q: I'm not surprised that Darren Helm is injured again. Why can't he stay healthy? Do you think his injury issues, coupled with their depth at center, might convince the Wings to trade him? -- Rigby

A: He suffered a broken nose in the preseason opener last Monday, but a sore groin caused him to miss a couple of practices last week. He's listed as day-to-day, but this type of injury often lingers.

I don't believe they would look to move him. He's had a bizarre 2½-year stretch with a variety of injuries, but he's still a valuable player when healthy because of his speed and tenacity. He provides a unique dimension. Babcock had big plans for Helm, using him on Pavel Datsyuk's line in training camp.

Q: I'm curious to hear your opinion on which of the young defensemen have impressed in camp and whether any can crack the roster right away? -- Spencer

A: Xavier Ouellet has been the most impressive, not surprisingly, since he was the most-NHL ready.

Mattias Backman looked good in the two preseason games I've seen. He's mobile, makes a good first pass and has poise. The same can be said for Nick Jensen, though he's well behind the others after missing half the season in Grand Rapids due to a shoulder injury.

It's probably going to take Alexey Marchenko some time to get comfortable after being out since February with an ankle injury. But he'll be fine.

Ryan Sproul missed a couple of practices due to a strained shoulder but is ready to play. They could use his booming right-handed shot on the power play, but I'm sure he'll start in Grand Rapids.

All of them will start the season in the AHL, unless there's an injury to one of their seven NHL defensemen. I'd expect Ouellet to be the first recall.

Q: Will Datsyuk's injury and Alfredsson being in limbo enable (Mitch) Callahan or (Landon) Ferraro to stick with the team at the start? Should they take a look at (Teemu) Pulkkinen, since they could use some offense? What about a guy like (Tomas) Nosek? I'm intrigued about his potential. -- Morty

A: Callahan and Ferraro no longer are waiver-exempt (same with Andrej Nestrasil and Louis-Marc Aubry). I think Datsyuk's injury will prompt the Red Wings to keep either Callahan or Ferraro on the season-opening roster.

I'm not sure if either would be claimed if waived. Teams are fairly set with their rosters at the start of the season and like to give their own prospects the first crack at making the club.

Pulkkinen has a tremendous shot, and being a righty is a bonus, but he needs more time with the Griffins. Nosek has potential with his size and skills but needs some time in Grand Rapids.

Thanks for participating. If you have a Red Wings-related question, email me at akhan1@mlive.com.

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