Helene St. James

Detroit Free Press

NHL free agency arrives next month, leaving the clock ticking on the Red Wings and forward Darren Helm.

General manager Ken Holland has said there is interest in keeping him. At season’s end, Helm said he has interest in staying. What makes sense for both sides? Let’s take a look.

Helm, 29, has been with the Wings full-time since 2009-10, though he was a part of their playoff runs in both 2008 and 2009. He worked his way up from grinder to being estimated as the “the best third-line center in the NHL” according to former Wings coach Mike Babcock. A string of misfortune left Helm rehabbing one injury after another starting around 2012, and it wasn’t until 2014-15 that he again was a regular. In 75 games that season, Helm looked back in form, and had a career-best 15 goals and 33 points. He played next to Pavel Datsyuk, a role that suited because Helm has the speed and tenacity to retrieve the puck and go to the net. He played both special teams.

This past season, Helm had 13 goals among 26 points in 77 games. His role was much more in flux, as he spent time on the top line — and the fourth line.

That instability was mentioned by Helm as something he wants to discuss with Holland and head coach Jeff Blashill before deciding whether to stay. Basically, Helm wants a handle on what his role will be. This is his first shot at unrestricted free agency, and Helm knows he will be coveted if he hits the free market. He has an asset — blazing speed — that many teams are looking to add, including Washington and St. Louis.

Helm’s last contract was four years and $8.5 million, an annual cap hit of $2.125 million.

On the Wings’ end, there is interest in Helm because he is a speedy forward in the prime of his career. He can slot onto any line and both special teams. With Datsyuk’s expected departure, there will be significant minutes up for grabs. And to reiterate about speed — it’s vital to today’s NHL, and the Wings are better for being able to field Helm along with Dylan Larkin, Andreas Athanasiou and Luke Glendening.

Much of it will hinge on cost. Helm just saw what Justin Abdelkader got (seven years, $29.75 million, $4.25-million cap hit) but Helm, who never has reached 20 goals, isn’t going to get a similar deal from the Wings.

There is unquestionably interest on both sides, and the Wings would be best served by re-signing him. That said, it’s hard not to see Helm wanting to explore free agency, because he knows he’ll get good offers.

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.

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