Stephen-Weiss.jpg

Florida Panthers center Stephen Weiss has scored at least 20 goals four times in his 10-year career.

(AP file photo)

DETROIT – The NHL's free agent period doesn't start until noon on Friday, but the activity heats up on Wednesday, when clubs are permitted to begin talks with players poised to hit the market.

Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said he plans to reach out to about a half-dozen forwards.

“I'll express interest, see what they're thinking,'' Holland said.

His biggest need is a second-line center, since it appears Valtteri Filppula won't return.

The Red Wings have interest in Florida's Stephen Weiss. Other centers scheduled to hit the market include Mike Ribeiro (Washington), Matt Cullen (Minnesota), Derek Roy (Vancouver) and Tyler Bozak (Toronto). Patrik Elias reportedly is close to re-signing with New Jersey.

The Red Wings are out of the bidding for Vincent Lecavalier, who is seeking a five-year deal for $5 million per season, which is a longer term and more money than Detroit is willing to offer. Lecavalier's agent told teams he has identified a club he wants to play for. It was believed to be Dallas, but tsn.ca reports the Stars also are out of the bidding.



The Red Wings had some interest in left wing David Clarkson of New Jersey a couple of weeks ago, but it has cooled considerably as they've done their due diligence. They're not prepared to meet his anticipated demands of a long-term deal (5-6 years) for more than $5 million per season.

Boston right wing Nathan Horton reportedly is seeking a five- or six-year deal worth $6 million a season, which is more than the Red Wings are prepared to give to a player with injury issues (shoulder, concussion).

The Red Wings have some interest in right wing Jarome Iginla, the longtime face of the franchise in Calgary who was traded to Pittsburgh late last season. But there are concerns about whether Iginla, who is 36, can play an up-tempo game at both ends of the ice.

Other wingers available include Michael Ryder (Montreal), Viktor Stalberg (Chicago), Pascal Dupuis (Pittsburgh), Mason Raymond (Vancouver), Brenden Morrow (Pittsburgh), Ryane Clowe (Rangers) and Jaromir Jagr (Boston).

In the past, teams were not permitted to speak with free agents on other clubs until the first day they could sign. The new CBA allows for a 48-hour window where clubs can make their pitch before a deal can be signed.

“It's an opportunity for every team to reach out to unrestricted free agents and make a case,'' Holland said. “It's good for players. They'd get calls at noon on July 1 (in the past) and have to make a decision in two hours. That's a big decision for a player and club.

“From the club's perspective, you'd like the opportunity to make contact and tell them about our program. It gives players a chance to hear from a number of teams. It's a great part of the new CBA.''

Talks with Cleary, Brunner continue

Holland will talk again today with the agents for Daniel Cleary and Damien Brunner.

Term, not money, is the sticking point with Cleary, who is 34. The Red Wings likely don't want to commit to more than two years.

The big issue with Brunner is his lack of a track record in the NHL. He'll probably listen to what other teams have to offer on Wednesday and Thursday and then come back to the Red Wings to see if they'll up their offer.

Holland touched base with Filppula's agent on Monday but was told he will explore the market on July 5.

“There's a significant difference,'' Holland said. “That's why it doesn't appear we're positioned to do a deal. It makes good sense for Fil and his agent to hit July 3 and see what's out there. I'll stay in contact with Fil's agent.

“When players hit the open market they're probably moving on. Players usually get offers that are better because so many teams are in play.''

No decision yet on buyouts

The Red Wings might wait until Thursday's 5 p.m. deadline before deciding whether to exercise one or both of their compliance buyouts. Much depends on if they're able to make a trade, which is unlikely, or whether it appears they'll re-sign Cleary and/or Brunner.

Forwards Mikael Samuelsson and Todd Bertuzzi and defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo are candidates for a buyout.

Club makes a pitch for Alexander Edler

The Vancouver Canucks turned down an offer from the Red Wings for defenseman Alexander Edler Sunday at the draft.

Several clubs reportedly showed interest in Edler, but the Canucks thus far have opted not to move him. His no-trade clause took effect on July 1.

Edler, 27, is entering into a six-year, $30 million deal ($5 million salary-cap hit).

The Red Wings would like to acquire a top 2-3 defenseman but realize it will have to come through a trade because the free agent class is particularly thin on the blue line.