Detroit Red Wings Clips  June 26, 2015

Detroit Red Wings PAGE 2 NHL draft: Marchenko shows late rounds have hidden gems PAGE 3 NHL draft: Werenski will go early, plans to stay at U-M PAGE 6 Check it out: Red Wings release 2015-16 schedule PAGE 10 Red Wings scout excited about deep draft PAGE 12 Red Wings release 2015-16 regular-season schedule PAGE 16 Friday's roundup: Future is bright for McDavid PAGE 18 New NHL mock draft has Red Wings taking Swedish defenseman Oliver

Kylington in first round PAGE 19 Red Wings' 2015-16 schedule: Heavy in home dates first half of season, a

lot of weekend games PAGE 23 Detroit Red Wings keeping options open with 19th pick in entry draft:

Defenseman, forward or trade PAGE 26 Detroit Red Wings might continue habit of drafting forwards PAGE 28 Which NHL teams will thrive in 3-on-3 overtime? PAGE 30 Bob Duff: Red Wings well positioned to be wheeler dealers at draft

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NHL draft: Marchenko shows late rounds have hidden gems Helene St. James, 5:30 p.m. EDT June 25, 2015 Sunrise, Fla. — The first round is all marquee power and glamour. The later rounds have far less pizzazz, but this is where an area scout can really shine. The 2015 NHL entry draft, headlined by generational player Connor McDavid who'll belong to Edmonton at first overall, gets underway Friday at BB&T Center with round one, followed by rounds 2-7 on Saturday. The last few rounds go faster than a game of speed chess, with teams calling out names as soon as their number is called. Players taken past round four often don't pan out, but the Wings have a great example from 2011 of why it pays to have good scouts across the world. In the seventh round of that year, the Wings had the seventh-to-last pick. A throw-away? Hardly. On the urging of Russia-based scout Nikolai Vakourov, the Wings went with Alexey Marchenko. Marchenko, 23, is pencilled in to be a part of Detroit's lineup next season. "Marchenko was a pick that Nikolai really liked," assistant general manager Ryan Martin told the Free Press. "That's a great example of an area guy that really liked a particular player and didn't stop lobbying for him as the draft got into later rounds. That's really what you want your area scouts to do so you might find those steals." Jeff Finley, the chief amateur scout based in North America, and Hakan Andersson, the Sweden-based director of European scouting, don't have time to go out and see as much, if any, of the later-round options. Those two, and director of amateur scouting Tyler Wright, are the top three men in charge of what the Wings do at the entry draft. But as Saturday drags past noon, the Wings' four European scouts, which also includes Finland-based Ari Vouri, as well as three part-time amateur scouts, start to be more involved. "At a certain point in the draft," Martin said, "you want your area guys to have gut feelings on certain players. You want them to really like particular guys. Sometimes it becomes a matter of position, and where is the player going to develop — is he going to college, or is he an older European. There is a lot of circumstances that come into play." Marchenko appealed partly because he'd already been playing in the KHL. Now he's the front runner to grab the opening the Wings have for a defenseman, with chief competition from Xavier Ouellet. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 06.26.2015

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NHL draft: Werenski will go early, plans to stay at U-M George Sipple, 3:52 p.m. EDT June 25, 2015 Michigan defenseman Zach Werenski made sure he soaked up every moment of his trip to Florida for the NHL draft this week. The Grosse Pointe native spent a few days in Miami with his family before heading to Sunrise, Fla., site of the draft. "I've never been to Miami," Werenski said. "It's my first time, so pretty excited." The first round begins at 7 p.m. Friday and will be televised on the NBC Sports Network. Werenski, who shoots left-handed, excelled as a 17-year-old freshman last season. He ranked ninth among NCAA Division I defensemen in points per game (0.71). He scored nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points in 35 games, with eight penalty minutes. It shouldn't be long before Werenski (6-feet-2, 214 pounds) hears his name called Friday. He is expected to be the first player from the state selected and could go in the top 10. "I would say I'm excited, but at the same time, I'm pretty unsure of what's going to happen," Werenski said. "You really have no idea going in on draft day who is going to pick you." Werenski said he met with 20 of the 30 teams at the NHL combine. He didn't sit down with the Detroit Red Wings but did chat with briefly with team executive Kris Draper. Red Line Report, an independent scouting service, ranked Werenski 12th overall in the draft. The only defensemen ranked ahead of him were Noah Hanifin of Boston College (third), Ivan Provorov of the Brandon Wheat Kings (sixth) and Jeremy Roy of the Sherbrooke Phoenix (11th). Asked about his future at Michigan and whether he intends to return for his sophomore year, Werenski said: "I plan to come back. The draft hasn't even happened yet, so I haven't talked to a team. But most teams I talked to at the combine said it's kind of up to me on what I want to do and just to play where I'm happy. I was pretty happy at Michigan, comfortable there. So as of now, I do plan on going back. But obviously, things can change, so I don't want to say I'm 100% going back. But I definitely do plan on it." If he returns, he'll continue to work with former NHL defensemen Mike Komisarek, the seventh overall pick of the 2001 NHL draft. Komisarek, who joined Red Berenson's U-M staff as a volunteer assistant in January, played in 551 career NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. "When I got back from world juniors was the first time he was there," Werenski said. "He helped me a ton. He knows the ins and outs of the game. To have him there and pick his brain and ask him questions was huge.

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"He was a pretty physical player when he played. That's something I'm trying to add to my game. Why not learn from someone like that?" Komisarek said Werenski is a "special player." "He does so many things really well," Komisarek said. "His skating ability, he's smooth and he has a powerful stride. His puckhandling and his vision is tremendous. He makes that simple first play. ... I'm curious to see where he'll be five, 10, 15 years from now. I think he's going to have a really long career. He's got the intangibles in him to be a difference maker." DETROIT FREE PRESS Expectations high for U-M recruit Connor in NHL Players with local ties who could be taken in the NHL draft (listed by final ranking by Red Line Report): No. 12. D Zach Werenski (Grosse Pointe), Michigan No. 26 F Kyle Connor, (Shelby Township) Youngstown (USHL), Michigan commit No. 37 F Colin White, Ann Arbor-based U.S. Under-18 No. 39 F Dennis Yan (Troy), Shawnigan (QMJHL) No. 42 F Jeremy Bracco, U.S. Under-18 No. 47 F Jordan Greenway, U.S. Under-18, Plymouth Whalers draft pick No. 49 F Jack Roslovic, U.S. Under-18 No. 60 F Christian Fischer, U.S. Under-18 No. 68 F Brent Gates (Grand Rapids), Green Bay (USHL) No. 105 G Ryan Bednard (Macomb), Johnstown (NAHL) No. 107 F Troy Terry, U.S. Under-18 No. 114 D Joseph Cecconi, Muskegon (USHL), Michigan commit No. 117 F Mitchell Stephens, Saginaw (OHL) No. 137 D Doug Blaisdell (Dearborn), Kitchener (OHL) No. 138 D Nick Boka (Plymouth), U.S. Under-18, Michigan commit No. 157 D Wyatt Kalynuk, Lincoln (USHL), Western Michigan commit No. 158 F Cooper Marody, Muskegon (USHL), Michigan commit No. 165 F Brendan Warren, (Carleton), U.S. Under-18, Michigan commit No. 180 D Grant Gabriele, (Brighton), U.S. Under-18, Western Michigan commit No. 184 C Mason Appleton, Tri-City USHL), Michigan State commit. No. 214 D Caleb Jones, U.S. Under-18 No. 219 G Ryan Larkin (Clarkston), Cedar Rapids (USHL)

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No. 234 D Steven Ruggiero, U.S. Under-18 No. 254 G Luke Opilka, U.S. Under-18 No. 265 F Artem Artemov, Saginaw (OHL) No. 268 D Casey Fitzgerald, U.S. Under-18 No. 272 D Christian Evers, U.S. Under-18 No. 286 F Collin Peters, Sheboygan (Wis.) HS, Northern Michigan commit. Other players with local ties who could be drafted: D Nick Azar, Honeybaked D Marcus Crawford, Saginaw (OHL) F Nick Betz, (Mt. Clemens) Erie (OHL) D Jacob Olson, Hill-Murray (Minn.) High School, Michigan Tech commit F Sam Miletic, Greeen Bay (USHL), Michigan commit D Joseph Masonius, U.S. Under-18 D David Trinkberger, Muskegon (USHL) G Michael Lackey, U.S. Under-18 F Ryan Moore, Plymouth (OHL) G Zack Bowman, Plymouth (OHL) D Lucas Jaycox, Warroad (Minn.) HS, Northern Michigan commit. D James Vermuelen, Whitecourt (AJHL), Northern Michigan commit. F Liam Dunda, formerly Plymouth (OHL) F Zach Jordan, Omaha (USHL), Michigan Tech commit F Darby Llewellyn (Ann Arbor), Kitchener (OHL) F Tom Marchin, (Algonac), Muskegon (USHL) F Cullen Mercer, Plymouth (OHL) F Steven Merl, Muskegon (USHL) D Tristan Rostagno , Amarillo (NAHL), Michigan Tech commit D Zac Tierney, Cornwall (CCHL), Ferris State commit G Edwin Minney, Michigan State G Eric Schierhorn, Muskegon (USHL) Detroit Free Press LOADED: 06.26.2015

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Check it out: Red Wings release 2015-16 schedule Helene St. James, 10:42 a.m. EDT June 25, 2015 The Detroit Red Wings will start and finish their 2015-16 season with Original Six dates, from a home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs to a closing date at Madison Square Garden. The Wings will host all Original Six opponents at least once at Joe Louis Arena and will play a total of 17 games against the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto and the New York Rangers. Former Wings coach Mike Babcock and the Leafs will host the Wings for the first time Nov. 6. There's also the outdoor game against the Colorado Avalanche on Feb. 27 at Coors Field, and a home-and-home series against the Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks (March 2 at Joe Louis Arena, March 6 at the United Center), The annual trek to western Canada falls in October; usually, that's a winter affair, so here's the chance for players to see Edmonton possibly not yet in deep-freeze conditions. Mark your "eve" calendars: Thanksgiving Eve features the Bruins, and Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins will be in town for New Year's Eve. Right after the New Year, though, the Wings spend their longest time on the road, with six straight games away from home. Odds are that they'll come home after the first two games before making the swing to California and Arizona. There are 15 sets of back-to-back games on the slate. Here is the full schedule: September 22 Mon. at Chicago United Center 8:30 23 Tue. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 7:30 24 Thu. PITTSBURGH Joe Louis Arena 7:30 26 Sat. BOSTON Joe Louis Arena 7:00 28 Mon. at Boston TD Garden 7:00 30 Wed. at Pittsburgh CONSOL Energy Center 7:00 October 2 Fri. TORONTO Joe Louis Arena 7:30 4 Sat. at Toronto Air Canada Centre 7:00 DETROIT FREE PRESS Wings release exhibition schedule: Welcome back, Babs 2015-16 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE

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October 9 Fri. TORONTO Joe Louis Arena 7:30 10 Sat. at Carolina PNC Arena 7:00 13 Tue. TAMPA BAY Joe Louis Arena 7:30 16 Fri. CAROLINA Joe Louis Arena 7:30 17 Sat. at Montreal Bell Centre 7:00 21 Wed. at Edmonton Rexall Place 9:30 23 Fri. at Calgary Scotiabank Saddledome 9:00 24 Sat. at Vancouver Rogers Arena 10:00 27 Tue. CAROLINA Joe Louis Arena 7:30 30 Fri. OTTAWA Joe Louis Arena 7:30 31 Sat. at Ottawa Canadian Tire Centre 7:00 November 3 Tue. TAMPA BAY Joe Louis Arena 7:30 6 Fri. at Toronto Air Canada Centre 7:00 8 Sun. DALLAS Joe Louis Arena 3:00 10 Tue. WASHINGTON Joe Louis Arena 7:30 13 Fri. SAN JOSE Joe Louis Arena 7:30 14 Sat. at Boston TD Garden 7:00 16 Mon. at Ottawa Canadian Tire Centre 7:30 18 Wed. WASHINGTON Joe Louis Arena 8:00 20 Fri. LOS ANGELES Joe Louis Arena 7:30 21 Sat. at St. Louis Scottrade Center 8:00 25 Wed. BOSTON Joe Louis Arena 7:30 27 Fri. EDMONTON Joe Louis Arena 7:30 29 Sun. FLORIDA Joe Louis Arena 2:00 December 1 Tue. BUFFALO Joe Louis Arena 7:30 3 Thu. ARIZONA Joe Louis Arena 7:30 5 Sat. NASHVILLE Joe Louis Arena 7:00 8 Tue. at Washington Verizon Center 7:00 10 Thu. MONTREAL Joe Louis Arena 7:30 11 Fri. at New Jersey Prudential Center 7:00 14 Mon. BUFFALO Joe Louis Arena 7:30 18 Fri. VANCOUVER Joe Louis Arena 7:30 20 Sun. CALGARY Joe Louis Arena 7:00

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22 Tue. NEW JERSEY Joe Louis Arena 7:30 26 Sat. at Nashville Bridgestone Arena 8:00 28 Mon. at Minnesota Xcel Energy Center 8:00 29 Tue. at Winnipeg MTS Centre 8:00 31 Thu. PITTSBURGH Joe Louis Arena 6:00 January 2 Sat. at Buffalo First Niagara Center 1:00 4 Mon. at New Jersey Prudential Center 7:00 7 Thu. at San Jose SAP Center 10:30 10 Sun. at Anaheim Honda Center 8:00 11 Mon. at Los Angeles STAPLES Center 10:30 14 Thu. at Arizona Gila River Arena 9:00 17 Sun. PHILADELPHIA Joe Louis Arena 7:30 20 Wed. ST. LOUIS Joe Louis Arena 8:00 22 Fri. at Buffalo First Niagara Center 7:00 23 Sat. ANAHEIM Joe Louis Arena 7:00 25 Mon. at New York Islanders Barclays Center 7:00 February 3 Wed. at Tampa Bay Amalie Arena 8:00 4 Thu. at Florida BB&T Center 7:30 6 Sat. NEW YORK ISLANDERS Joe Louis Arena 2:00 8 Mon. FLORIDA Joe Louis Arena 7:30 10 Wed. OTTAWA Joe Louis Arena 7:00 12 Fri. COLORADO Joe Louis Arena 7:30 14 Sun. BOSTON Joe Louis Arena 3:00 15 Mon. at New York Islanders Barclays Center 1:00 18 Thu. at Pittsburgh CONSOL Energy Center 7:00 20 Sat. at Ottawa Canadian Tire Centre 7:00 21 Sun. at New York Rangers Madison Square Garden 7:00 23 Tue. COLUMBUS Joe Louis Arena 7:30 27 Sat. at Colorado Coors Field 8:00 29 Mon. at Dallas American Airlines Center 8:30 March 2 Wed. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 8:00 6 Sun. at Chicago United Center 5:00 8 Tue. at Columbus Nationwide Arena 7:00

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10 Thu. WINNIPEG Joe Louis Arena 7:30 12 Sat. NEW YORK RANGERS Joe Louis Arena 2:00 13 Sun. TORONTO Joe Louis Arena 7:30 15 Tue. at Philadelphia Wells Fargo Center 7:00 17 Thu. at Columbus Nationwide Arena 7:00 19 Sat. at Florida BB&T Center 7:00 22 Tue. at Tampa Bay Amalie Arena 7:30 24 Thu. MONTREAL Joe Louis Arena 7:30 26 Sat. PITTSBURGH Joe Louis Arena 2:00 28 Mon. BUFFALO Joe Louis Arena 7:30 29 Tue. at Montreal Bell Centre 7:30 April 1 Fri. MINNESOTA Joe Louis Arena 7:30 2 Sat. at Toronto Air Canada Centre 7:00 6 Wed. PHILADELPHIA Joe Louis Arena 8:00 7 Thu. at Boston TD Garden 7:00 9 Sat. at New York Rangers Madison Square Garden 12:30 Detroit Free Press LOADED: 06.26.2015

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Red Wings scout excited about deep draft Ted Kulfan, 7:36 p.m. EDT June 25, 2015 Tyler Wright has been a hockey scout the last 10 years. But he never has seen an NHL draft like the one that starts tonight and concludes Saturday in Sunrise, Fla. "Very special," the director of amateur scouting for the Red Wings said about the talent. "Everyone talks about 2003 and how good that draft was, but I feel like this draft will rival that one. "You have quite a few players who could have good, long careers in the league." The 2003 draft included goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (No. 1 overall), and forwards Eric Staal (No. 2), Ryan Getzlaf (No. 19) and Corey Perry (No. 28), all of whom have gone on to tremendous careers. This weekend's draft includes what many scouts consider two of the best young players to enter the NHL in years — forwards Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel — plus eight to 10 players who can become franchise players. At No. 19, chances are the Red Wings will land a player who should make a long and lasting impact in the NHL. The first round is today, with Rounds 2-7 on Saturday. "This is a deep draft," Wright said. "Once you get past the top 10 players, there are probably 25 guys, players who could go in second round, who could become good players in the NHL." Wright believes there also will be opportunities to move up in the first round or down to acquire another pick Saturday. The Red Wings have picks 19, 73, 110, 140, 170 and 200. "There's been more chatter than in previous drafts," Wright said. "We'll keep all of our options open." The Red Wings aren't targeting a particular position in the draft, instead looking for the "best player available" method. "There are good players out there," Wright said. "You have to go out there and find them." Still, look for the Red Wings to look for a right-handed defensemen and for goaltending. The Red Wings appear to have a deep well of forward prospects, headed by last year's first-round pick Dylan Larkin (Waterford/Michigan). Larkin turned pro this spring and was arguably one of the best players for Grand Rapids during the American Hockey League playoffs (five points, three goals, six games). McDavid dominates

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The Oilers, at No. 1, are expected to select McDavid, with the Sabres taking Eichel second. Wright believes both are generational type talents, but McDavid, in particular, is a standout player, having dominated world tournaments since he was 15. "The skill is obviously there, but it's the speed he plays with, that you just normally don't see," Wright said. "He's going to be a special player." ■Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Farjestad (Swedish League): Good size (6-foot-2, 185 pounds), finishes around the net and has good instincts. Eriksson has been rising on many draft boards and could be a steal. ■Travis Konecny, RW, Ottawa (OHL): Not big (5-10, 176), but plays with speed, grit and intensity. Konecny's offensive game is improving (68 points, 60 games). ■Jeremy Roy, D, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): A nice two-way defenseman (6-foot, 183) who doesn't overwhelm in any category. ■Evgeny Svechnikov, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL): He has good size (6-2, 200), but doesn't move his feet consistently and has to work harder defensively. Svechnikov had 32 goals his first season in North America. ■Jakub Zboril, D, Saint John (QMJHL): He has to get physically stronger (6-1, 184), but is an explosive offensive defenseman with an accurate shot. NHL draft Today-Saturday, BB&T Center, Sunrise, Fla. Schedule: Today — 7 p.m. (Round 1). Saturday — 10 a.m. (Rounds 2-7) TV: NBCSN tonight, NHL on Saturday No. 1 pick: Edmonton Detroit picks: Nos. 19, 73, 110, 140, 170, 200 Detroit News LOADED: 06.26.2015

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Red Wings release 2015-16 regular-season schedule Ted Kulfan, 1:40 a.m. EDT June 26, 2015 Detroit — The Red Wings will get to see their former head coach opening night Oct. 9 — then say hello to Mike Babcock three more times during the course of the season. The games against Babcock's Toronto Maple Leafs highlight the Red Wings' regular-season schedule, which was released Thursday morning. The schedule features a home portion of the schedule that sees 20 weekend games (nine Fridays, five Saturdays, six Sundays) at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings will host every Original Six opponent (Toronto, Boston, New York Rangers, Montreal, Chicago) at least once and play a total of 17 games against the Original Six, including four each against Atlantic Division rivals Toronto, Boston and Montreal. The Red Wings play at home on six of the eight Friday nights in October and November. The month of November itself features a home-heavy schedule with the Red Wings hosting nine games at Joe Louis Arena, ending in the longest home stand of the season, a six-game stretch from Nov. 25-Dec. 5. Highlights from the remainder of the schedule include: • The Red Wings' playing Colorado on Feb. 27 outside at Coors Field in Denver in the 2016 NHL Stadium Series. • A home-and-home series against the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks (March 2 at Joe Louis Arena, March 6 at United Center). • The Wings' traditional home Thanksgiving Eve game on Nov. 25 against Boston. • Tampa Bay, which eliminated the Red Wings in the playoffs this season, visits Joe Louis Arena Oct. 13 and Nov. 3. • Edmonton and its expected No. 1 overall draft pick, Connor McDavid, will be at Joe Louis Arena on Nov. 27. • And the annual New Year's Eve game on Dec. 31 against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins scheduled for 6 p.m. The Red Wings will finish the regular season with 14 of their last 15 games against Eastern Conference opponents. Single-game tickets for the 2015-16 regular season go on sale Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE Oct. 9 Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

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Oct. 10 at Carolina, 7 p.m. Oct. 13 Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 Carolina, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Montreal, 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Edmonton, 9:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Calgary, 9 p.m. Oct. 24 at Vancouver, 10 p.m. Oct. 27 Carolina, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 Ottawa, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Ottawa, 7 p.m. Nov. 3 Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at Toronto, 7 p.m. Nov. 8 Dallas, 3 p.m. Nov. 10 Washington, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 San Jose, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Boston, 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 Washington, 8 p.m. Nov. 20 Los Angeles, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at St. Louis, 8 p.m. Nov. 25 Boston, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27 Edmonton, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 Florida, 2 p.m. Dec. 1 Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 Arizona, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 Nashville, 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at Washington, 7 p.m. Dec. 10 Montreal, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Dec. 14 Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 Vancouver, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 Calgary, 7 p.m. Dec. 22 New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.

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Dec. 26 at Nashville, 8 p.m. Dec. 28 at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Dec. 29 at Winnipeg, 8 p.m. Dec. 31 Pittsburgh, 6 p.m. Jan. 2 at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Jan. 4 at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Anaheim, 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Arizona, 9 p.m. Jan. 17 Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 St. Louis, 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at Buffalo, 7 p.m. Jan. 23 Anaheim, 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m. Feb. 4 at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 N.Y. Islanders, 2 p.m. Feb. 8 Florida, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 Ottawa, 7 p.m. Feb. 12 Colorado, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 Boston, 3 p.m. Feb. 15 at N.Y. Islanders, 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at Ottawa, 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m. Feb. 23 Columbus, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Colorado, 8 p.m. Feb. 29 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. March 2 Chicago, 8 p.m. March 6 at Chicago, 5 p.m. March 8 at Columbus, 7 p.m. March 10 Winnipeg, 7:30 p.m.

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March 12 N.Y. Rangers, 2 p.m. March 13 Toronto, 7:30 p.m. March 15 at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. March 17 at Columbus, 7 p.m. March 19 at Florida, 7 p.m. March 22 at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. March 24 Montreal, 7:30 p.m. March 26 Pittsburgh, 2 p.m. March 28 Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. March 29 at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. April 1 Minnesota, 7:30 p.m. April 2 at Toronto, 7 p.m. April 6 Philadelphia, 8 p.m. April 7 at Boston, 7 p.m. April 9 at N.Y. Rangers, 12:30 p.m. Detroit News LOADED: 06.26.2015

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Friday's roundup: Future is bright for McDavid Associated Press 10 p.m. EDT June 25, 2015 Sunrise, Fla. — For Connor McDavid, this is only the beginning. And he's eager to see what comes next. There's no mystery, no drama, no guessing about what will happen when Edmonton makes the first pick in Friday's NHL draft. It's going to be McDavid's moment, as hockey's latest heir apparent — a 6-foot-1 center who's already been compared to the game's royalty — takes his first steps on the road to what many expect will be a rapid rise to professional stardom. "You only go through the draft process once and it's something you want to savor," McDavid said. "It's something I've been looking forward to for a long, long time. (You're) going to be so happy when you're drafted, but that's when the hard work starts." He's going to a place that saw the Stanley Cup get hoisted five times in seven seasons from 1984-90, with no titles since and not even as much as a playoff appearance since 2006. And the Oilers haven't exactly cashed in on having the top pick; McDavid will be their fourth No. 1 overall selection in the last six years. But he's supposed to be different. He gets compared to Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby — even LeBron James, the thinking being that he's a young guy who can be a leader right away and not buckle under the burden of expectations. "Time will tell, but at this age, yes, probably," Florida general manager Dale Tallon said when asked if McDavid is the best prospect since Crosby. Hobey Baker winner Jack Eichel from Boston University almost surely will be the No. 2 pick, going to the Sabres. Many in Buffalo likely were disappointed when the Sabres didn't win the draft lottery and the chance to grab McDavid. Eichel said he's looking forward to reminding them that they're getting a pretty good player. "I'm pretty confident in my own abilities," Eichel said. Quebec seeks team Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Quebec City is the ideal place for an NHL expansion team. "If you're looking at markets, I would certainly say to the NHL, to anyone, there is no better place for an expansion team in the National Hockey League than this city, Quebec, which is a great hockey center," Harper said in the provincial capital Thursday after an unrelated news conference.

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Harper spoke a day after NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced league officials will begin a formal expansion process next month. Shortly after Bettman's comment, a Quebec group said it plans to apply for a franchise. Stoll pleads guilty Kings center Jarret Stoll pleaded guilty to two reduced misdemeanor charges to resolve a felony cocaine case stemming from his April arrest at a Las Vegas Strip swimming pool. A felony charge of cocaine possession was dismissed. Chesnoff says Stoll was sentenced to 32 hours of community service. Original Six start NHL officials released the schedule for the 2015-16 season, and two openers pit Original Six teams — the Rangers at the Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks on Oct. 7 and the Maple Leafs at the Red Wings on Oct. 9. The N.Y. Islanders host Chicago on Oct. 9 in the first game in their new home, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. On New Year's Day, Boston hosts Montreal in the Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium. Bruins-Avalanche trade The Avalanche acquired forward Carl Soderberg from the Bruins for a sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft. Soderberg had 44 points (13 goals) last season. Detroit News LOADED: 06.26.2015

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New NHL mock draft has Red Wings taking Swedish defenseman Oliver Kylington in first round Brendan Savage on June 25, 2015 at 12:12 PM Detroit Red Wings fans who are clamoring for a defenseman to boost the offense are sure to like NESN.com's NHL mock draft. NESN is projecting that the Red Wings will use the 19th overall pick in Friday's first round to select 6-foot, 185-pound Oliver Kylington of Sweden. Kylington split last season between Farjestad of the Swedish Hockey League, AIK of the Swedish second division and Farjestad's U20 team in the SuperElit league. In 45 total games, he had 10 goals, nine assists and a minus-9 rating. "Detroit received very little scoring from its defensemen last season," wrote NESN's Nicholas Goss. "Kylington is a good skater, starts breakouts with quick, accurate passes and is aggressive in looking for his shot in the attacking zone. He's a bit turnover prone, but his playmaking skill would bolster a Red Wings blue line that lacks creativity offensively." Last season, he had two goals and three assists in 18 SHL games for Farjestad. In 17 games for AIK, Kylington had four goals and three assists. In 10 SuperElit games, he had four goals and three assists. According to NHL.com, he was the youngest player in SHL history to score a goal when he connected for Farjestad during the 2013-14 season at the age of 16 years, 4 months, 10 days. It came in his SHL debut. Kylington also played for Sweden in the World Junior Championship last season, recording two points in five games. "A smart two-way defenseman, who has tremendous feeling for the game and reads the plays well," wrote Rafik Soliman of EliteProspects.com. "Oliver Kylington is only average sized, but lets you forget the missing inches with his hockey sense, his strong vision and remarkable skating abilities. Owns a good shot from the blue-line and combined with this very good puck- and passing-skills, he can guide a power-play and the team's offensive game to success." NHL Central Scouting's final rankings had Kylington sixth among international skaters. "He's a talented first-round prospect," NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb said in an NHL.com story. "He's an excellent, smooth skater. He's an offensive defenseman with excellent vision and playmaking skills. He has very good eye-to-hand coordination, is dangerous on the power play. He has all the tools needed and is a finesse-type player."

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Red Wings' 2015-16 schedule: Heavy in home dates first half of season, a lot of weekend games Ansar Khan on June 25, 2015 at 10:40 AM, updated June 25, 2015 at 10:57 AM DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings would like nothing more than to get off to a good start under first-year coach Jeff Blashill and not have to battle until the final week of the season to get into the playoffs. Their schedule affords them that opportunity. The Red Wings will play 22 of their first 34 games at Joe Louis Arena, prior to Christmas. Their season opener, as revealed on Wednesday, is on Oct. 9 at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs and former coach Mike Babcock. They have a six-game homestand, their longest of the season, from Nov. 25 to Dec, 5. Some highlights in the schedule: -- They host the Pittsburgh Penguins in their annual New Year's Eve game on Dec. 31. -- They play the Colorado Avalanche at Coors Field in a Stadium Series game on Feb. 27. It will be the Red Wings' third outdoor game since 2009. -- Their only two games against the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks will be back-to-back – March 2 at the Joe and March 6 at the United Center. -- They play a season-high six consecutive road games from Jan. 2-14. It includes their lone trip to California. -- They have eight days off during an extended All-Star break from Jan. 26 to Feb. 2. -- They have 20 weekend home games (nine Fridays, five Saturdays, six Sundays). -- They close the season on April 9 at the New York Rangers (12:30). Here is the Red Wings' complete 2015-16 schedule: October 9 Fri. -- TORONTO, 7:30 10 Sat. -- at Carolina, 7:00 13 Tue. – TAMPA BAY, 7:30 16 Fri. – CAROLINA, 7:30 17 Sat. -- at Montreal, 7:00 21 Wed. – at Edmonton, 9:30

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23 Fri. – at Calgary, 9:00 24 Sat. – at Vancouver, 10:00 27 Tue. – CAROLINA, 7:30 30 Fri. – OTTAWA, 7:30 31 Sat. – at Ottawa, 7:00 November 3 Tue. – TAMPA BAY, 7:30 6 Fri. – at Toronto, 7:00 8 Sun. – DALLAS, 3:00 10 Tue. – WASHINGTON, 7:30 13 Fri. – SAN JOSE, 7:30 14 Sat. – at Boston, 7:00 16 Mon. – at Ottawa, 7:30 18 Wed. – WASHINGTON, 8:00 20 Fri. – LOS ANGELES, 7:30 21 Sat. – at St. Louis, 8:00 25 Wed. – BOSTON , 7:30 27 Fri. – EDMONTON, 7:30 29 Sun. – FLORIDA, 3:00 December 1 Tue. – BUFFALO, 7:30 3 Thu. – ARIZONA, 7:30 5 Sat. – NASHVILLE, 7:00 8 Tue. – at Washington, 7:00 10 Thu. – MONTREAL, 7:30 11 Fri. – at New Jersey, 7:00 14 Mon. – BUFFALO, 7:30 18 Fri. – VANCOUVER, 7:30 20 Sun. – CALGARY, 7:00 22 Tue. – NEW JERSEY, 7:30 26 Sat. – at Nashville, 8:00 28 Mon. – at Minnesota, 8:00 29 Tue. – at Winnipeg, 8:00

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31 Thu. – PITTSBURGH, 6:00 January 2 Sat. – at Buffalo, 3:00 3 Mon. – at New Jersey, 7:00 7 Thu. – at San Jose, 10:30 10 Sun. – at Anaheim, 8:00 11 Mon. – at Los Angeles, 10:30 14 Thu. – at Arizona, 9:00 17 Sun. – PHILADELPHIA, 7:30 20 Wed. – ST. LOUIS, 8:00 22 Fri. – at Buffalo, 7:00 23 Sat. – ANAHEIM, 7:00 25 Mon. – at N.Y. Islanders, 7:00 February 3 Wed. – at Tampa Bay, 8:00 4 Thu. – at Florida, 7:30 6 Sat. – N.Y. ISLANDERS, 2:00 8 Mon. – FLORIDA, 7:30 10 Wed. – OTTAWA, 7:00 12 Fri. – COLORADO, 7:30 14 Sun. – BOSTON, 3:00 15 Mon. – at N.Y. Islanders, 1:00 18 Thu. – at Pittsburgh, 7:00 20 Sat. – at Ottawa, 7:00 21 Sun. – at N.Y. Rangers, 7:00 23 Tue. – COLUMBUS, 7:30 x-27 Sat. – at Colorado, 8:00 29 Mon. – at Dallas, 8:30 March 2 Wed. – CHICAGO, 8:00 6 Sun. – at Chicago, 5:00 8 Tue. – at Columbus, 7:00 10 Thu. – WINNIPEG, 7:30

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12 Sat. – N.Y. RANGERS, 2:00 13 Sun. – TORONTO, 7:30 15 Tue. – at Philadelphia, 7:00 17 Thu. – at Columbus, 7:00 19 Sat. – at Florida, 7:00 22 Tue. – at Tampa Bay, 7:30 24 Wed. – MONTREAL, 7:30 26 Sat. – PITTSBURGH, 2:00 28 Mon. – BUFFALO, 7:30 29 Tue. – at Montreal, 7:30 April 1 Fri. – MINNESOTA, 7:30 2 Sat. – at Toronto, 7:00 6 Wed. – PHILADELPHIA, 8:00 7 Thu. – at Boston, 7:00 9 Sat. – at N.Y. Rangers, 12:30 x-NHL Stadium Series game at Coors Field. Single-game tickets for the regular season go on sale Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at the Joe Louis Arena Box Office (313) 471-7575), all Ticketmaster outlets (800) 745-3000 or online at DetroitRedWings.com. Michigan Live LOADED: 06.26.2015

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Detroit Red Wings keeping options open with 19th pick in entry draft: Defenseman, forward or trade By Ansar Khan on June 25, 2015 at 6:02 AM, updated June 25, 2015 at 12:51 PM DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings are keeping their options open with the 19th overall pick in the NHL entry draft. If they keep it, they might take a center, a winger or a defenseman. They might select a right-handed shooter or a lefty. They might get a bigger player or a smaller one. Or they might move the pick. They could trade down to acquire an additional pick, since they have no second round selection. They might trade up if there's a player they feel they must have and there's a deal to be done. "Everyone says it's a deeper draft," Tyler Wright, Red Wings director of amateur scouting, said. "I think every draft is a deep draft. You have to dig and find players. "Once you get out of the top 10-12 players there's a group of players that could go into the second round and be successful players – at all three positions." The first round is Friday and the final six rounds on Saturday at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. The Red Wings have six selections. They traded their second-round pick to Dallas for forward Erik Cole but received the Stars' third-round pick in return (No. 73). They dealt their own third-rounder to Columbus at last year's draft in order to move up and select center Dominic Turgeon. "We're confident we're going to get two pretty good players at 19 and 73," Wright said. "We have options, too." That includes trading down in the first round. In 2013, they moved down two spots, from 18 to 20, in a deal with San Jose and still landed Anthony Mantha. They used the additional pick to select Tyler Bertuzzi at No. 58. "We're going through every scenario as far as moving back and picking up extra picks," Wright said. "I'm not opposed to moving up either. Not going to leave any option closed." The Arizona Coyotes are shopping the No. 3 pick, which could be Boston College defenseman Noah Hanifin. It seems unlikely the Red Wings would be willing to relinquish the assets needed to move up that high, however. Wright said the team isn't looking to stock up on defensemen after taking none a year ago – they selected six forwards (mostly centers) and a goalie. "Last year we didn't really target centers; at that point the depth of defense went away," Wright said.

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Defense is an area that might need replenishing. Their top four defense prospects (Alexey Marchenko, Xavier Ouellet, Nick Jensen and Ryan Sproul) will no longer be waiver-exempt after this season. "I don't think we're really going to target specific needs," Wright said. "But if you never draft right-handed defensemen you're not going to have right-handed defensemen. If there's one area we're looking at, that's it. But we want good players regardless." The Red Wings have selected a forward with their first pick in each of the past six drafts. Brendan Smith in 2007 was the last defenseman they took with their first selection. All six forwards the Red Wings picked last year were 6-foot or taller, but Wright said they're not necessarily targeting bigger players. "It just worked out that way," Wright said. "I'm always cautious. Small players are still good players. I don't think you can discredit just because of size. If they got a big heart and can compete, they can find a way." Wright said it's a fairly deep draft for goalies. The Red Wings have three goalies in their system outside of Detroit, including Jared Coreau in Grand Rapids. Jake Paterson wrapped up his junior career last season, split between Saginaw and Kitchener (OHL). Chase Perry, their fourth pick in 2014, is coming off his freshman season at Colorado College. Tom McCollum, their top pick in 2008, is an unrestricted free agent. "You try to add a goalie if it's the right pick at the right time," Wright said. "I think goalies are a little harder to judge as far as development. If you have too many goalies that are good, that's a good position to have." Here are some players who might interest the Red Wings with the 19th pick, if they're still available: Joel Eriksson, center, Farjestads BK (Sweden): He has good size (6-2, 183) and offensive ability (vision, puck-handling, tremendous shot) and plays a two-way game. He led the Swedish junior league with 21 goals in 25 games before moving up to the men's league. Yevgeni Svechnikov, left wing, Cape Breton (QMJHL): He's a big-bodied player (6-3, 205) with good hands who can skate. He had 32 goals and 78 points in 55 games last season, second in scoring among the league's rookies. Oliver Kylington, defenseman, Farjestads BK (Sweden): A smooth skater with good hockey sense who moves the puck well and has some offensive ability. He shoots left. Jeremy Roy, defenseman, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): A two-way right-shooting defenseman with offensive upside, he had 43 points, including 38 assists, in 48 games. Colin White, center, U.S. National Team Development Program: Two-way center who's strong on the puck despite average size (6-0, 175) and has a good shot. Jakub Zboril, defenseman, Saint John (QMJHL): Good puck-mover who produced 33 points (including 13 goals) in 44 games and plays a physical game. He shoots left.

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NHL Entry Draft When: Friday (first round) and Saturday (second through seventh rounds) Where: BB&T Center, Sunrise, Fla. TV: Friday on NBCSN (7 p.m.) and Saturday on NHL Network (10 a.m.) Red Wings selections: 19, 73, 110, 140, 170, 200 Michigan Live LOADED: 06.26.2015

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Detroit Red Wings might continue habit of drafting forwards By Chuck Pleiness Posted: 06/25/15, 5:34 PM EDT DETROIT >> Six years in a row the Detroit Red Wings have selected a forward with their first pick in the NHL Entry Draft. That could again be the case this season, or it could not. The Wings have the 19th overall pick in first round of this year’s draft that begins Friday at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. “At No. 19, we definitely got some options,” said Tyler Wright, who’s the Wings’ director of amateur scouting. “We’re confident we’re going to get two pretty good players at 19 and 73. We have options, too.” The other options include choosing a defenseman or moving the pick. The Wings could trade down to add picks since they don’t have a second rounder this season, which they dealt away to Dallas for Erik Cole at the trade deadline last year. “For sure, especially with no second this year,” Wright said when asked if trading down was a possibility. “It’s obviously an option.” The Wings traded down two spots – from 18 to 20 – to get Anthony Mantha in 2013. They also picked up an additional pick and took Tyler Bertuzzi (58th overall). “We’re going through every scenario as far as moving back and picking up extra picks,” Wright said. “I’m not opposed to moving up either. Not going to leave any option closed. I’m OK with moving back.” The last defenseman Detroit selected in the first round was Brendan Smith in 2007, getting him 27th overall. The Wings’ first three picks in last year’s draft were centers, while six of the seven were forwards, who were all 6-foot or taller. The other was a goalie. “Last year we didn’t really target centers,” Wright said. “At that point the depth of defense went away. We’re excited about the bigger centers. Just because they’re centers doesn’t mean they’ll be a center at the next level. “I don’t think we’re really going to target specific needs,” Wright continued. “But if you never draft right-handed defensemen you’re not going to have right-handed defensemen. If there’s one area we’re looking at, that’s it. But we want good players regardless.” The depth on the blue line in the organization is lacking as their top four prospects – Alexey Marchenko, Xavier Ouellet, Nick Jensen and Ryan Sproul – will no longer be waiver-exempt after this season.

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“I really like our depth,” Wright said. “You get all excited about prospects, but at the same time they haven’t played a game in the league. Young kids need to develop and get better. I think we’ve got a cluster of really good prospects. We have to continue to develop them. Until they’ve been regular NHL players they have to prove it every day.” The final six rounds of the draft will take place Saturday. “You look at all three positions,” Wright said. “It’s a fairly deep goalie draft. You try to add a goalie if it’s the right pick at the right time. I think goalies are a little harder to judge as far as development. If you have too many goalies that are good, that’s a good position to have.” In the end the Wings will most likely select the best player available at No. 19 if they keep the pick. “Everyone says it’s a deeper draft,” Wright said. “I think every draft is a deep draft. You have to dig and find players. “It’s a very good draft,” Wright added. “Once you get out of the top 10-12 players there’s a group of players that could go into the second round and be successful players – at all three positions.” Detroit, which opens the season at home on Oct. 9 against Mike Babcock and the Toronto Maple Leafs, will play 22 of its first 34 games on home ice prior to Christmas. The Wings will host Pittsburgh on New Year’s Eve. Their Stadium Series game at Colorado will take place on Feb. 27. They close the season on April 9 at the New York Rangers. Macomb Daily LOADED: 06.26.2015

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Which NHL teams will thrive in 3-on-3 overtime? JUN 25, 2015 2:28p ET By John Coppinger The NHL going to 3-on-3 overtime is a game changer. With more room on the ice and more dependence on speed, it’s sure to send chills up your spine in place of sending more games to the shootout. With many teams being able to employ some top forwards, there are some teams that can put fear into opposing coaches in this new format. Here are five that will probably win more of these than they lose: Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning can beat you with two lineups. They can go Steven Stamkos, Alex Killorn, and Victor Hedman at you, or they could go for broke with the Triplets (Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov). With their speed and passing skills down low, I’d be surprised if many of their overtimes went two minutes let alone five. Chicago Blackhawks: The Hawks have two lineups they can mix and match in this format and scare you to death. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Duncan Keith are seemingly unstoppable … especially with Kane’s filthy hands and overtime success. But how about Marian Hossa, Teuvo Teravainen, and Brent Seabrook as a second unit? Not shabby at all. Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby with a healthy Evgeni Malkin and a healthy Kris Letang will be deadly, and up there with any three-man lineup in the game. Piecing a second unit together might be an issue, but Patric Hornqvist, Brandon Sutter, and Olli Maataa could be a sleeper unit that can have some success. Los Angeles Kings: Anze Kopitar, Marian Gaborik, and Drew Doughty are going to be tough on teams in the Western Conference. And if that isn’t enough, they can throw you some combination of that 70’s line with Tyler Toffoli, Dwight King, and Tanner Pearson, along with Justin Williams and Alec Martinez. For a team that led the conference with 15 overtime losses (which cost them a playoff spot), this new rule could help them the most. Detroit Red Wings: They may be getting older but the last thing Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk need is more open ice. Goalies do not want Datsyuk bearing down on them with their own defensemen having to go cross-ice to pick them up. And don’t forget Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist as a second forward unit. Honorable mentions: Ottawa Senators:

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Because any team that has Erik Karlsson on it in the 3-on-3 has a huge advantage. Team him with Bobby Ryan and Mark Stone and they’ll get some wins. Vancouver Canucks: The Sedin twins, with their skill down low and ability to find each other could be sneaky deadly. Who needs that pesky extra wing anyway? foxsports.com LOADED: 06.26.2015

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Bob Duff: Red Wings well positioned to be wheeler dealers at draft

By Bob Duff / Windsor Star

Ken Holland believes that if the Detroit Red Wings opt to become a trading partner over the next couple of days during the NHL entry draft, they are situated to do so.

“We’re probably in a better position today to explore trades than we were at any point in time because of the depth of our organization,” Holland said, before quickly adding a caveat. “But I don’t want anyone to think, ‘They’re making trades,’ because the trades have got to make sense.”

The Wings have busily stockpiled young talent over the past few seasons. There isn’t going to be room in Detroit for all of them, so one way or another some will have to go.

The combination of a weak free agent crop coupled with teams in dire need of dumping salary figures to make the draft a haven for those who deal in trade rumours.

Toronto forward Phil Kessel and defenceman Dion Phaneuf, New York Rangers winger Rick Nash and Chicago forwards Patrick Sharp and former Windsor Spitfire Bryan Bickell can be had for the right price.

Would any of them make Detroit a better team?

Probably.

Would any of them make Detroit an instant Stanley Cup contender?

No.

There’s the problem. The high-end defenceman or forward – think Drew Doughty, Jonathan Toews or Steven Stamkos – aren’t on the market.

“I’d love that somebody would drop us a superstar,” Holland said. “It’s not going to happen.

“You need superstars, you need difference makers. We’ve got some superstars, some difference makers but Father Time’s pecking away.”

Holland is referring to captain Henrik Zetterberg (34) and fellow veterans Pavel Datsyuk (36) and Niklas Kronwall (34), Detroit’s core leaders.

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“Those players can last longer,” Holland said. “Even as their skills diminish, they may not be superstars but they’re still good players. That’s what happened with (Steve) Yzerman, (Nicklas) Lidstrom. They could play until they’re 40.

“So we’ve got a core that’s older but if we can support them with youth, enthusiasm, speed, energy, it allows those players to kind of hold and maintain their status.”

This is where it gets tricky for the Wings, because they have to decipher which of their vast core of up-and-coming talent is going to continue to blossom at the NHL level, and which ones they should move before other teams figure out they aren’t going to be all that.

“How good can Tats (forward Tomas Tatar) be, how good can (forward Gustav) Nyquist be, how good can (goalie) Petr Mrazek, (forward) Riley Sheahan, (defenceman) Dan DeKeyser be?” Holland asked rhetorically. “I don’t know. You’ve got to play. We’ve got to challenge them.

“They’re going to get opportunity. Pav and Z weren’t stars at 22 and 23. They started to become stars at 26 and 27.”

Beyond them, the Wings must make long-term projections regarding forwards Landon Ferraro, Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen, Anthony Mantha, Dylan Larkin and Andreas Athanasiou and defencemen Alexey Marchenko, Xavier Ouellet, Ryan Sproul and Nick Jensen to determine which ones have the goods and which ones would be good to move for a return.

It’s not an exact science and there are further layers to the dilemma.

“The other thing that factors into any decisions we make, if you fast forward to this summer and the summer of ’16, we’ve got to re-sign Nyquist, we’ve got to re-sign (Justin) Abdelkader, DeKeyser, (Darren) Helm, Sheahan, Mrazek, Jurco,” Holland said. “When they get re-signed they go up in salary, they’re going to eat more cap space.”

Could the Wings be traders at the draft?

They are well positioned to partake.

Will they be traders at the draft?

Maybe. But don’t expect them to be major players in the moving and shaking that figures to go down.