Red wings at Buffalo Sabres 11-23-16

Thomas Vanek leads the Red Wings in points per game and would generate much interest on the trading block.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings haven't been in this bad a shape at the All-Star break in some time. They are one of four teams tied for the fewest points in the Eastern Conference (49).

They will need a tremendous late-season run to extend their playoff streak to 26 seasons.

The Red Wings are seven points behind the Boston Bruins for third place and the final automatic playoff spot in the Atlantic Division and seven points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for the final wild-card spot. And the bigger problem is they have several teams to leap-frog. That's difficult to do because these clubs play each other a lot, so someone gains two points every night - and there are many three-point games.

The postseason is a longshot.

The decision Red Wings general manager Ken Holland must make is when to sell. If they win a few games following the break and remain a few points out of the final playoff spot, Holland might opt to stand pat at the March 1 trade deadline, hoping there is still a chance.

But, if they don't gain ground, and especially if they fall further behind, Holland is sure to trade some assets for draft picks and start the rebuild process.

Here is a look at the Red Wings' potential trading chips:

Rentals (players who'll be unrestricted free agents on July 1)

Thomas Vanek: He's tied for the team lead in goals (12) and second in points (33) in just 37 games. He has a low cap hit ($2.6 million) and will be in demand before the deadline. The Red Wings should be able to get a second-round pick for the 33-year-old who bounced back big following a disappointing two-year stint in Minnesota.

Brendan Smith: The Red Wings aren't likely to re-sign him since he hasn't developed into that top-pair defenseman they hoped for when they selected him 27th overall in 2007. They might as well get something for him. He turns 28 on Feb. 8 and still has upside due to his skating ability and perhaps some untapped offensive potential. Defensemen are usually in demand at the deadline.

Steve Ott: If a team is seeking an abrasive fourth-line player who is always willing to fight, can kill penalties and is good in the faceoff circle, the Red Wings might be able to get a late-round pick for this 34-year-old with an $800,000 cap hit.

Non-rentals (players with at least one more year remaining on their contract or players who will be restricted)

Gustav Nyquist: His production has declined -- from a combined 55 goals in 139 games from 2013-14 to 2014-15 to 24 goals in 131 games since. That decreases his trade value. He has a hefty cap hit ($4.75 million) for a player with just seven goals (he has 18 assists) and his actual salary increases to $5.25 million and $5.5 million in each of the next two seasons, when he has a full no-trade clause. If the Red Wings are going to trade him, they'll need to act before then. The Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues have shown interest.

Tomas Tatar: A pending restricted free agent who probably will be seeking Nyquist-type money. If the Red Wings don't want to pay that much to a player whose production has declined since his 29-goal season in 2014-15 (he had 21 goals last season and has 11 this season), they might look to move him. He's been bothered by a shoulder injury that might require off-season surgery. The Blackhawks have also shown interest in him.

Tomas Jurco: After struggling to find his niche the past three seasons, he probably doesn't have much trade value, or any, despite his age (24), size (6-2, 188) and skill potential. If the Red Wings trade a couple of forwards it might open a spot in the lineup for Jurco to be further evaluated the rest of the season. Some in the organization haven't given up on him.

Mike Green: Their one defenseman who provides offense, he's had a good season, with nine goals and 24 points in 40 games and would generate interest if put on the block. He has one year remaining on his contract at $6 million and would need to waive his no-trade clause.

Petr Mrazek: How did this guy end up on this list? By being inconsistent since mid-February. He lost his starting job to Jimmy Howard earlier this season and has watched rookie Jared Coreau play most of the games since Christmas. Nobody expected these numbers (10-12-5, 3.16 goals-against average, .894 save percentage and no shutouts) after he signed a two-year, $8 million deal in the off-season. The Red Wings can protect only one goaltender in the June 21 expansion draft and Coreau has stated his case to be that guy. But moving Mrazek in-season, maybe even off-season, will be difficult despite the star potential he flashed prior to his 24th birthday. Few teams are seeking a starting goalie, especially one who's struggled like Mrazek has, and several quality goalies will be available prior to the expansion draft.