DETROIT -The Detroit Red Wings are among a handful of NHL teams pursuing big, undrafted forward Victor Ejdsell, who had a breakout year in Sweden's second-highest league.

Ejdsell (6-5, 220) returned home Friday after visiting Detroit earlier in the week during a tour of select cities. Chicago and Nashville are reportedly in the mix as well. He is expected to decide soon.

Ejdsell had 25 goals and 57 points in 50 games for BIK Karlskoga of HockeyAllsvenskan. He turns 22 on June 6.

"He's evolved into a strong two-way center," Red Wings assistant general manager Ryan Martin said. "His move from wing to center helped his defensive game. He's got good hands and offensive ability."

Hakan Andersson, the Red Wings director of European scouting, saw Ejdsell play for BIK Karlskoga. He recommended him to Jiri Fischer, the team's director of player recruitment, who's in charge of scouting free agents at every level. Fischer went to Sweden to watch him play.

Ejdsell signed with HV 71 after considering a number of offers from Swedish Elite League teams.

Salajko to return

Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill confirmed that goaltending coach Jeff Salajko will return next season. Salajko was the only member of the coaching staff whose contract had expired.

Salajko was promoted last season from the Grand Rapids Griffins, due in large part to his good working relationship with Petr Mrazek. Mrazek, however, struggled (3.04 goals-against average, .901 save percentage), while Jimmy Howard flourished (2.10 GAA, .927 save percentage).

Abdelkader out for Worlds

Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader won't be joining teammates Dylan Larkin, Danny DeKeyser and Howard on Team USA for the World Championship (May 5-21). Abdelkader doesn't need arthroscopic surgery for his knee.

"He wanted to play, but the recommendation from doctors was that rest was more important," Blashill, the U.S. head coach, said.

Deadline for picks

Martin said the club will not sign Hampus Melen and Adam Marsh, their seventh- round picks in 2013 and 2015, respectively, before the June 1 deadline. Marsh will re-enter the draft.

Big defensemen Mike McKee and James de Haas, fifth- and sixth-round picks in 2012, won't be signed to NHL contracts prior to the Aug. 15 deadline, but might be inked to minor-league deals (with Grand Rapids or Toledo). McKee played at Western Michigan and de Haas at Clarkson University.