Ken Holland-locker clean out.jpg

Red Wings GM Ken Holland has spoken to other teams about some of his players as the March 1 trade deadline approaches.

(Brendan Savage | MLive.com)

DETROIT - Ken Holland has made and received many phone calls leading up the trade deadline during his nearly 20 years as Detroit Red Wings general manager.

This year is unlike all the others. This time, he's not looking to add a piece or two for a playoff push, he's gauging interest in some of his players.

For the first time in more than a quarter century, the Red Wings are potential sellers. Holland said Monday he has been speaking with GMs as the March 1 trade deadline approaches. His team is last in the Eastern Conference after going 0-3-1 the past week.

"Certainly, we're in a way more difficult position today than we were a week ago," Holland said. "There's about a third of the season to go. Our players and coach, everybody is going to get ready and try to win a game on Wednesday against St. Louis. (8 p.m. at Joe Louis Arena, NBC Sports Network). I'm looking at the standings, but at the same time I'm talking to people and seeing what their needs are.

"I'll work the phones and if something makes sense, we'll do it. But it's not just a matter of me determining I'm going to be a seller because there's got to be a buyer."

The Red Wings (22-24-10) are seven points out of the final wild-card playoff spot but would need to pass eight teams to reach it.

"We're either going to do nothing or we're going to be a seller," Holland said. "If you're a seller, you're only selling to about 10-12 teams. Half the teams might determine they're either going to stand pat or they're a seller as well."

If the Red Wings sell, they're only dealing rentals (player slated to become an unrestricted free agent after the season).

Thomas Vanek tops that short list. He is tied for the team lead with 14 goals and is second with 36 points, in just 43 games. His $2.6 million salary would make him easier to fit under the cap for teams seeking an offensive boost. Vanek missed Sunday's game in Minnesota due to an ankle injury but might be ready to play Wednesday.

The Red Wings might be able to land a second-round pick or some combination of picks and a prospect for him.

Brendan Smith, another impending UFA, doesn't have as much trade value but defensemen usually are in demand at the deadline.

Fourth-line forward Steve Ott also could be a rental if a team is seeking an abrasive presence and penalty killer who is good on faceoffs.

"The trade deadline for the most part is rental season," Holland said. "Can there be a hockey trade (player for player, not involving rentals) at the trade deadline? Yeah, but realistically the real hockey trade season is June, when you go to the draft.

"Right now, teams that have deemed they've fallen out of it aren't looking to do hockey trades, they're just looking to get some futures, trade players they don't think are going to be back the following year. If you're looking to do a hockey trade, there's more (potential trade partners) in June.

"Teams that are looking to go on a run are trying to add, they're not looking to move a player out."

So, if the Red Wings look to make a bigger trade involving someone like Gustav Nyquist (two years remaining at a $4.75 million cap hit) or Tomas Tatar (restricted free agent), it would be more apt to happen in the off-season.