DETROIT -- Losing Nicklas Lidstrom to retirement is a huge blow to the Detroit Red Wings, but they have a chance to land a suitable replacement.

Defenseman Ryan Suter has long been at the top of the Red Wings' 2012 free-agent wish list. Some believe he is the next-closest thing to Lidstrom.

Like Lidstrom, the 6-foot-1, 198-pound Suter is not flashy, but plays a strong two-way game. He passes the puck well, likes to join the rush and has a strong and accurate point shot. He can log a lot of minutes, in all situations.

Suter, 27, will be by far the best defenseman on the market on July 1 if he doesn't re-sign with Nashville.

The Predators reportedly resumed contract talks with Suter this week. But many believe he is destined to hit free agency, where he might double his $3.5 million salary.

Several teams will be making a pitch for Suter, with Philadelphia and Minnesota possibly among them.

Suter is a close friend of New Jersey captain Zach Parise, who will be the best available free-agent forward, if he doesn't re-sign with the Devils.

The Red Wings might try to convince both to come to Detroit as a package deal.

Money is not an issue for the Red Wings. They have 16 players signed to one-way deals for 2012-13, at a salary cap hit of $42.3 million. Add to that another $1.75 million for young Gustav Nyquist and Brendan Smith, who are on two-way contracts, and roughly $6 million for signing restricted free agents Kyle Quincey, Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader.

That would give Detroit 21 players at a cap hit of approximately $50 million. The salary cap was $64.3 million this past season and some believe it could increase to $70 million next season, depending on the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

So the Red Wings have a lot of money to spend and are highly motivated to make changes following three consecutive early playoff exits.

If the Red Wings don't land Suter, here are some other free-agent options on defense:

Jason Garrison, Florida: He has speed and size (6-foot-2, 210), a big point shot and is strong defensively. But he has no proven track record, with only one good season, picking up 16 goals – including nine on the power play – in 2011-12.

Dennis Wideman, Washington: He's a good puck-mover and point man on the power play. His lack of consistency in his own zone might be why he has played for four teams in six seasons. He has scored 10 or more goals in four of the past five seasons. Being a right-handed shot would appeal to the Red Wings.

Matt Carle, Philadelphia: A good skater and passer who hasn't been quite as strong offensively since recording career highs in goals (11) and points (42) with San Jose in 2006-07. He posted a plus-30 rating for the Flyers in 2010-11.

Filip Kuba, Ottawa: At 35, he would be a shorter-term option. He's mobile for a big man, but not overly physical for his 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame. He went from a minus-26 rating to a plus-26 in one season under first-year coach Paul MacLean, the former Detroit assistant.

Barret Jackman, St. Louis: Unlike the others, Jackman is an abrasive, stay-at-home defender with limited offensive ability. His career hasn't blossomed like many anticipated after he beat out Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 2003.

Brad Stuart, Detroit: He gave the Red Wings four-plus good seasons as a strong, physical, workmanlike defender. It's a role he adapted to, after being more offensive- minded earlier in his career. He wants to sign with San Jose to be closer to his family, which is unable to relocate. But if the Sharks aren't interested or they can't work out a deal, returning to Detroit might be his second option.

Justin Schultz: This highly skilled player is leaving Wisconsin to turn pro, and some believe he will be the third most sought after free agent behind Parise and Suter. Anaheim, which drafted him in the second round in 2008, owns his negotiating rights for the next month, but he is not expected to sign with the Ducks.

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