On the Detroit Red Wings …

Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings and RFA defenseman Ryan Sproul are expected to get a one-year contract done before the start of training camp. Sproul is no longer waiver exempt and would require passing through waivers to be sent to the AHL.

The Red Wings have held talks with Dan Cleary about him playing another season with Grand Rapids in the AHL.

On the Colorado Avalanche …

John Shannon: Hearing that the Avalanche could consider Lane Lambert and Bob Boughner for their vacant head coaching position.

Craig Custance: Davis Payne would be an interesting option for the Avalanche. He’s still able to talk to teams. The Flames were considering him.

Craig Custance: If the Avs call the Ducks, it’s believed the Ducks would give them permission to speak with Paul MacLean.

On the Dallas Stars …

Mike Heika: (answering twitter question) Shouldn’t be worried that Valeri Nichushkin hasn’t signed yet. Thinking it will be a one-year deal. He’s looking for a little more and the Stars want it a little less.

On the Ottawa Senators …

Bruce Garrioch: Senators GM Pierre Dorion exchanged emails with Cody Ceci‘s reps yesterday – no update given.

On the Arizona Coyotes …

Sarah McLellan: Coyotes GM John Chayka on the Tobias Rieder contract talks.