Matt Niskanen

Puck-moving defenseman Matt Niskanen is coming off a career year with the Penguins, with 10 goals and 46 points.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings need to upgrade their defense and bolster their power play.

They could do it with one signing Tuesday when NHL free agency opens at noon.

The Red Wings' top priority is a top-four defenseman to replace Kyle Quincey. They would prefer a right-handed shooter, since their other six defensemen shoot left. They would like someone who can quarterback the first power-play unit, an area that needs much improvement.

The Red Wings have been told they're on the short lists for both Matt Niskanen and Dan Boyle, the top right-handed shooting defensemen available. They're no longer in the running for the left-handed shooting Christian Ehrhoff, who is seeking a five-year deal, two more years than the Red Wings are willing to give.

Niskanen, coming off a career season with the Pittsburgh Penguins (10 goals, 46 points) is the premier defenseman available because of his skills and age (27). He likely will be seeking a maximum seven-year deal worth more than $6 million per season. The Red Wings don't have an issue with the term, since he's young. They might be willing to meet his high salary demand as well.

The Red Wings would like to sign Boyle for two years for around $5 million to $5.5 million per season. He might get a three-year offer from someone, however, despite his age (turns 38 on July 12). In addition to the Red Wings, Boyle reportedly has drawn interest from Toronto, Montreal, Tampa Bay and the New York Rangers.

The Red Wings have plenty of salary-cap space (roughly $9-10 million after signing restricted free agents Danny DeKeyser, Tomas Tatar and Riley Sheahan). But it's a thin free-agent class and there are many teams seeking what the Red Wings want.

If the Red Wings don't land Niskanen or Boyle, they might opt to trade for a top-four defenseman rather than sign a lower-cost alternatives like Anton Stralman (Rangers), Tom Gilbert (Florida) or Stephane Robidas (Anaheim).

But the cost of trading is high and the Red Wings are reluctant to part with one of their top young forwards.

Trade possibilities include Keith Yandle (Arizona), Tyler Myers (Buffalo) and Jeff Petry (Edmonton). Vancouver president Trevor Linden indicated several weeks ago that the Canucks will not trade Alexander Edler.

The Red Wings have discussed some possible free-agent forward targets, including Jarome Iginla, but that is much less of a priority. They will have 13 forwards signed (after they ink Tatar and Sheahan).

They also might sign Daniel Cleary and/or Daniel Alfredsson later this summer.

They will be so crowded up front that Tomas Jurco, their only forward who is exempt from waivers, might be forced to start the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

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