The Detroit Red Wings have the sixth pick in the June 22 draft, their highest selection since 1990.

But it might not be high enough to suit them. A couple of the players they covet, right wing Filip Zadina and defenseman Evan Bouchard, might be off the board.

That's why the Red Wings are trying to move up the draft, to as high as No. 3, a league source said.

Many expect Zadina to be selected third by Montreal, behind Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo) and Andrei Svechnikov (Carolina).

The Czech-born Zadina is a dynamic scorer with speed and a quick release. He had no difficulty adjusting to the smaller rink and North American style during his first season with Halifax (QMJHL), collecting 44 goals and 82 points in 57 games.

Predicting where Bouchard will go is more difficult, but he surely would be enticing to Ottawa (No. 4), which likely will trade franchise defenseman Erik Karlsson in the off-season because he's not expected to sign a long-term deal with the Senators. Arizona (No. 5) might be interested in Bouchard if Ottawa passes on him.

The Red Wings' biggest need is a top-pair defenseman with size and scoring ability. Bouchard (6-2, 193) could provide that, and his tremendous right-handed shot, in an organization that is loaded mostly with lefties, would be a bonus. He had 25 goals and 87 points in 67 games for the OHL London Knights.

The Red Wings have some assets to move up. They own Vegas' first-round pick (either No. 30 or 31, depending on whether the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup), from the Tomas Tatar trade. They also own two high second-rounders, Ottawa's (No. 33), via the New York Rangers from last year's Brendan Smith trade, and their own (No. 36).

If the Red Wings remain at No. 6 and Bouchard is gone, another option is defenseman Noah Dobson. He also has decent size (6-3, 180), offensive ability and a right-handed shot. He had 17 goals and 69 points in 67 games for Memorial Cup champion Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL).

The Red Wings also are seeking playmaking centers and are eying Jasperi Kotkaniemi of Finland. Kotkaniemi (6-2, 188, shoots left) has been shooting up the draft boards but if the Red Wings believe he'll be available later, they might trade down to acquire an extra pick.

Detroit has traded down several times in recent drafts.

Contract talks underway

The Red Wings have begun contract talks with their restricted free agents, exchanging figures.

Darren Ferris, the agent for Andreas Athanasiou, said he and Red Wings general manager Ken Holland had preliminary discussions during this week's NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. Athanasiou is arbitration-eligible this year, unlike last season, when he didn't sign until October. If either side files for arbitration, it will assure him of having a contract no later than early August.

"Arbitration will help the process, if we end up in arbitration or if Ken and I can come to an agreement before,'' Ferris said.

The Red Wings are likely to sign all of their restricted free agents (Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, Martin Frk) to bridge deals. Larkin could be the exception and ink a longer-term contract.

Red Wings, Green talk

The Red Wings remain interested in re-signing defenseman Mike Green, if he'll accept a two-year deal, and had talks with his representative in Buffalo. Green is an unrestricted free agent whose season ended in late March due to neck surgery.

Despite being in a rebuilding mode, the Red Wings need more scoring from their defense and Green would provide that. His right-handed shot also adds a different dimension.