Detroit Red Wings Clips  July 1, 2015

Detroit Red Wings PAGE 2 St. James: Wings dump Weiss to free money, get younger PAGE 4 Red Wings re-sign Brendan Smith to 2-year deal PAGE 5 Flint Firebirds draft Red Wings pick Vili Saarijarvi PAGE 6 Would Alexander Semin make sense for Red Wings? PAGE 7 Live: NHL, Red Wings free agency rumor mill PAGE 8 Karmanos' legacy of hockey in Michigan leads to Hall PAGE 10 Unrestricted free agents who might tempt Red Wings PAGE 13 Wings buy out free-agent flop Stephen Weiss PAGE 15 Wings re-sign Brendan Smith for two years PAGE 16 NHL free agency: Red Wings seek top-four defenseman but concerned

about money, term PAGE 19 Red Wings buy out Stephen Weiss of final three years; might make a pitch

for Mike Green PAGE 20 Detroit Red Wings sign defenseman Brendan Smith to two-year, $5.5

million contract PAGE 21 Flint Firebirds select Detroit Red Wings prospect Vili Saarijarvi in 2015

CHL Import Draft PAGE 23 Red Wings apparently not buying out Stephen Weiss, giving him another

chance to prove worth PAGE 24 Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Evgeny Svechnikov headline Red Wings'

development camp roster PAGE 26 Wings buy out Weiss' contract PAGE 28 Wings lean ‘right,' but not at any cost

2    

St. James: Wings dump Weiss to free money, get younger Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 7:01 p.m. EDT June 30, 2015 As the Detroit Red Wings prepare for a bleak free agent market, they rid themselves of an underachiever for the sake of achieving a younger, financially sound future. After one last round of discussing the pros and cons before Tuesday's deadline, the Wings decided to buy out Stephen Weiss, brought in to be the second-line center but ultimately rarely even in the top-nine mix, or lineup at all. The move frees up cap space, which will really become important in another year, and frees up a roster heavy on forwards. "When we looked at our groups of forwards, most of them are young," general manager Ken Holland told the Free Press. "They need to play. We think they're ready to play. And it's hasn't worked out the way Stephen wanted it to, or we wanted it to." Weiss, 32, was signed for five years and $24.5 million in the summer of 2013. In 78 games over two seasons, he provided 29 points. The Wings were going to buy out Weiss next year, anyway, and decided to move it up a year to further provide an opening for Dylan Larkin, the 2014 first-round pick who has done nothing but impress over the past year. There was some hesitancy on the Weiss decision because ankle surgery for Pavel Datsyuk means he's doubtful for the start of the season, but ultimately, the Wings decided the cap and roster space were preferable to have this summer. Weiss will cost the Wings six years of dead money against the cap at approximate rates of $1 million, $1 million, $2.5 million, and then three successive years of $1.67 million. But doing so also yields savings of $3.8 million each of the next two years, and then $2.3 million in 2017-18. Having extra wiggle room is especially important in another year because in 2016 Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm can become unrestricted free agents and restricted free agents include Danny DeKeyser, Riley Sheahan and Petr Mrazek. Those five players easily will go from cost the Wings roughly $8 million combined this season to upwards of $20 million starting in 2016-17. Holland and the team's pro scouts will gather at Joe Louis Arena Wednesday, but it sounds doubtful they sign anyone. Take Datsyuk out of the lineup, and the Wings still have nine forwards under one-way contracts, plus restricted free agents Gustav Nyquist, Teemu Pulkkinen, Tomas Jurco and Landon Ferraro. The Wings are counting on Johan Franzen to play again, but given his history of head injuries, he is one big hit away from being sidelined again. But the Wings can't bank on having him on Long-Term Injured Reserve, and so it would seem there is no fit for a fresh outsider. "If we were going to have another forward, I would have kept Weiss another year," Holland said. "The uncertainty of the Datsyuk injury weighed in. We talked about it this morning, decided at the end to do it now. We want to see what Larkin can do. Andreas Athanasiou had a good year, where is he at? We're going with our own younger people who have put a resume together at the AHL level, and are on the verge of trying to

3    

establish themselves in the NHL. At some point in time this year, we're hoping a lot of our young kids will be NHL players." There's also a case to be made for waiting to see what happens because there are going to be a few teams who will have to unload contracts to become cap compliant (like Chicago did Tuesday in trading young star Brandon Saad after failing to get any good offers for veteran Patrick Sharp). Maybe somebody falls into the Wings' lap. The UFA market is so bleak that the few decent players available are going to get the moon. The Wings will be paying for the next six years for a guy they regret signing in 2013, which is why the emphasis is on youth and fiscal maneuverability. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.01.2015

4    

Red Wings re-sign Brendan Smith to 2-year deal Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 6:06 p.m. EDT June 30, 2015 The Detroit Red Wings locked up another of their restricted free agents, signing defenseman Brendan Smith. Smith will have a salary cap hit of $2.75 million over the next two years, which will take him a year into unrestricted free agency. "He's done a good job for us, he plays hard," general manager Ken Holland told the Free Press today. "He's 26, just really coming into his own with his best years ahead of him. He's got a brand new coach and a brand new opportunity." Smith brings the number of defensemen under contract to six, joining Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Ericsson, Danny DeKeyser, Kyle Quincey and Jakub Kindl. Alexey Marchenko has the in on making it seven, with Xavier Ouellet also in the running for the spot. Given that next year Marchenko and Ouellet, along with Ryan Sproul, will all be out of waiver exemptions, the Wings need to find out whether they are NHL-caliber defensemen. That renders it further unlikely they'll sign a blue liner when the UFA market opens Wednesday. "I've talked to lots of teams," Holland said. "Would I like to get a right-shot D-man, yes. I haven't been able to find a fit. Let's go to camp with these guys and it can sort itself out." Smith has been with the Wings full time since 2013. He had four goals and nine assists last season, when he went through his usual cycle of falling in and out of favor with former head coach Mike Babcock. Smith was benched the last game of the season after a mishap in Montreal, and remained on the sidelines for the first two games of the playoffs. He and Marchenko could form a solid partnership, as Smith likes to jump up into play while Marchenko (who shoots right) is a safe, smart, stay-at-home type. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.01.2015

5    

Flint Firebirds draft Red Wings pick Vili Saarijarvi George Sipple, Detroit Free Press 1:26 p.m. EDT June 30, 2015 Defenseman Vili Saarijarvi, selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the third round of the NHL draft Saturday, was selected ninth overall by the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League today. Saarijarvi (5-9, 163) played for Green Bay in the U.S. Hockey League last season. He has an arrangement to play for Oulun Karpat in the Liiga, the top league in his native Finland, but the Red Wings would prefer him to continue developing in North America. "We're very, very excited to have been able to draft him in our import draft today," said Firebirds general manager Terry Christensen. "I had an opportunity to go to the U-18 world championship and watch Vili play and he had a great tournament, voted the most valuable defensemen. "We feel like today we've added some offensive talent, a right-handed shot defenseman which everybody covets, of course. As important as all that (is), Vili is a character kid. Last year he didn't speak a word of English at this time. He came over and learned English on his own. We're really happy to have him." The Firebirds felt it was worth the risk to take Saarijarvi, even though he could play next season in Finland. "We're hopeful that everything gets worked out and he'll be playing in Flint next year," Christensen said. "I did talk to Vili and we expressed to him how excited we were to have been able to draft him. He was very, very excited that we did draft him. He wants to be in Michigan. He wants to be as close as he possibly can to the Detroit situation." With their second pick in the Import Draft, the Firebirds selected left wing Matyas Kantner (6-1½, 161), who played last season for HC Plzen in the Czech Republic. The Saginaw Spirit selected Finnish defenseman Markus Niemelainen (6-4, 183), who played last season for HPK Hameenlinna, with the 18th overall pick in the first round and passed in the second round. The Firebirds, formerly the Plymouth Whalers, are entering their first season in Flint. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.01.2015

6    

Would Alexander Semin make sense for Red Wings? Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 4:25 p.m. EDT June 30, 2015 Should the Detroit Red Wings take a chance on a just-discarded big Russian who shoots right-handed? The Carolina Hurricanes used the last chance possible this year to affect a buyout, putting Alexander Semin on waivers today, the first step toward buying him out. The Wings are considering doing so with underperforming Stephen Weiss, who didn't need waivers because of no-movement clause. Semin, 31, has his assets: He's a 6-foot-2 and 200-pound right-shooting right wing, which, in and of itself, appeals to the Wings, a stable full of lefties. He'd make them heavier, which is something they lack, especially with Johan Franzen's future iffy. Semin is a former 40-goal scorer who had 22 goals as recently as 2013-14. But he's spotty, too. Last season saw him produce just 19 points in 57 games. Some team will take a chance on him when he becomes an unrestricted free agent, and it'd make sense for the Wings to get into the mix if Semin can be had as a reclamation project (say, one year and $2 million). Semin would be crazy not to want to come play in Detroit with Datsyuk, even though that might not happen till November. Players had to be put on unconditional waivers by noon today, for a shorter-than-the-usual 24-hour waiver period, to enable buyouts later in the afternoon. • Live: NHL rumor mill The odds of Weiss, two years into a $24.5-million contract, being bought out lessened with Friday's news that Datsyuk had ankle surgery. Realistically, the Wings don't expect Datsyuk back before November. There isn't a another player on the team with Datsyuk's ability, but his absence does leave a gap in the middle. For starters, Henrik Zetterberg will slide back to center. Riley Sheahan is the most likely candidate for the No. 2 spot. Weiss, who never looked comfortable at wing, where he was used last season by former head coach Mike Babcock, could slot as the third middle man, with 2014 first-round draft pick Dylan Larkin a possibility to also push for that spot. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.01.2015

7    

Live: NHL, Red Wings free agency rumor mill James Jahnke, Detroit Free Press 12:50 p.m. EDT June 30, 2015 The first week of July is like Christmas for NHL fans -- as long as your team has money to spend in free agency. The Detroit Red Wings aren't expected to make much of a splash, but they could be in the market for some role players. In fact, here are 18 guys who could pique their interest in the coming days. Free agency begins July 1. Follow along below for real-time reports from Free Press beat writer Helene St. James and leading national news breakers. If something happens, you'll know about it here first. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.01.2015

8    

Karmanos' legacy of hockey in Michigan leads to Hall George Sipple, Detroit Free Press 11:02 a.m. EDT June 30, 2015 The Hockey Hall of Fame chose to recognize Peter Karmanos Jr. as a builder in its latest induction class, announced Monday. What it really did in honoring the longtime youth hockey benefactor is recognize the passion that people in Michigan have for the sport. Karmanos, already inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, has been involved in hockey for more than 40 years, from the recreational level up to the NHL. The Carolina Hurricanes, which he still owns, won the Stanley Cup in 2006 and lost in the finals to the Detroit Red Wings in 2002. His Florida Everblades won an East Coast Hockey League title, the Kelly Cup, in 2012. He started the Detroit Compuware Hockey organization with a partner in the 1970s. Countless youths have learned to love the game playing for the organization, from rec league up to Junior A. In addition to building the youth hockey organization for metro Detroit, Karmanos brought the Ontario Hockey League to the area for 25 years. He won an OHL title as owner of the Windsor Spitfires in 1988, then was awarded an expansion franchise in 1989, which started as the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors. The team's name changed over the years, from the Ambassadors to the Detroit Junior Red Wings to the Detroit Whalers and finally the Plymouth Whalers. The franchise made the playoffs in 23 of its 25 years in existence. Karmanos won OHL titles with the Detroit Junior Red Wings in 1995 and the Plymouth Whalers in 2007. Former Whalers coach and general manager Mike Vellucci played on the first Compuware-sponsored youth hockey team. He's now the assistant general manager and director of hockey operations for the Hurricanes. Vellucci had been playing in a house league before joining the Compuware program. His parents couldn't always take him to practices and tournaments, so when they couldn't, Vellucci would get a ride from Karmanos. "I think it's very fortunate and cool that I've known him since I was a young kid," Vellucci said of Karmanos. "This is my 24th year (working for him). Ran his youth hockey, ran his OHL team, ran the building. And now working for him for the Hurricanes. I'm proud that I started out in the program and am still with the program. " Vellucci still oversees the Compuware youth program. Mike Henry is responsible for day-to-day operations. "Everybody back then thought they'd be lucky to get a college scholarship," Vellucci said of the early days of the Compuware program. "Peter said, 'No, I want to give them the opportunity to be the best player they can be at the highest level, and that's the

9    

National Hockey League.' He had the vision and the dream that kids in Detroit could play in the National Hockey League. And he wanted to give them the best resources to do that. Not parent coaches. The best coaches and run the best organization." Compuware has produced 240 graduates who played NCAA Division I hockey. The organization has won 15 national championships and produced 14 NHL first-round picks. The Whalers produced 18 NHL first-round picks. After 25 years, Karmanos sold the Whalers to an owner who has relocated the team to Flint for next season. Karmanos also sold Compuware Arena to USA Hockey, which is in the process of moving its National Team Development Program from Ann Arbor. "I know everyone is bummed and upset," Vellucci said of the decision by Karmanos to sell the Whalers. "We should be thanking him for 25 years of a major junior team in the Detroit area and a good 18 years of Compuware Arena. "It's a big part of the hockey community in the state of Michigan, not just from major junior to high school state championships there. Some of the best crowds were those crowds. "I'm very fortunate to be part of that, from every aspect, not just the Whalers." Longtime Whalers broadcaster Pete Krupsky echoed the sentiment. He's now the broadcaster and media relations representative for USA Hockey's NTDP. "He battled long odds to make the Ontario Hockey League relatively successful in metro Detroit," Krupsky said of Karmanos. "With a lot of his business ventures, whether it's hockey or something else, he does things just to show people he can do it and he can be successful. He's been a success at whatever he's done, and he's pretty much done it his own way. "When I think of Pete Karmanos, I often think not so much the hockey side but coming in on a weekend morning and he's got his kids getting ready for a learn-to-skate session. "He comes in with a baseball hat and blue jeans and he looks like any other parent. He's got his kids, and they're getting ready for their lesson and he's like anybody else, looking for a good cup of coffee." Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.01.2015

10    

Unrestricted free agents who might tempt Red Wings Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 7:47 p.m. EDT June 30, 2015 Detroit — Unrestricted free agency isn't what it used to be in the NHL — but it's still interesting. Teams don't find superstars on the market anymore on July 1, but there are complementary pieces that can help. There are definitely no stars on the market beginning Wednesday, at least no one who could be considered a superstar who can turn a team's fortunes around singlehandedly. But there could be some players who can help a team such as the Red Wings, players who can fill a role or buy some time before a prosect comes up from Grand Rapids. The Red Wings have additional money to spend after buying out the contract of Stephen Weiss — a free-agent flop who was signed on July 1, 2013. The Red Wings do have money some money to spend, with roughly $56 million committed to 18 players — but with restricted free agent forwards Tomas Jurco, Gustav Nyquist, Landon Ferraro and Teemu Pulkkinen to sign. The organization must keep an eye toward the future, too. Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm are both unrestricted free agents next summer, while Danny DeKeyser, Petr Mrazek and Riley Sheahan are restricted free agents. Here are a list of potential unrestricted free agents, who could be of interest to the Red Wings and many other teams beginning Wednesday. Mike Green, Washington Position: Defense Age on July 1: 29 Position: Defense Statistics: 72 games, 10 goals, 35 assists, 45 points 2014-15 cap hit: $6.08 million Analysis: Had a lesser role for the Capitals this season and it worked to his benefit. The big decision for Green is whether he can get more money elsewhere. He'd be the right-hand shot the Red Wings are desperate for, but has he played his best hockey? Andrej Sekera, Los Angeles Position: Defense Age on July 1: 29 Position: Defense Statistics: 73 games, 3 goals, 20 assists, 23 points

11    

2014-15 cap hit: $1.75 million Analysis: The Kings gave up a first-round draft pick for Sekera at the trade deadline, who didn't make much of an impact. Sekera could be returning to Carolina, although the Red Wings have had interest in the past. Cody Franson, Nashville Age on July 1: 27 Position: Defense Statistics: 78 games, 7 goals, 29 assists, 36 points 2014-15 cap hit: $3.3 million Analysis: A much-talked about trade deadline acquisition, Franson never quite fit with the Predators. Franson is a right-hand shot, which will attract some interest from teams. Antoine Vermette, Chicago Age on July 1: 32 Position: Center Statistics: 82 games, 13 goals, 25 assists 2014-15 cap hit: $3.75 million Analysis: Acquired at the trade deadline, Vermette wound up being a healthy scratch in the first-round of the playoffs. But he played well in the later rounds, and could help a team — maybe Arizona? Martin St. Louis Martin St. Louis, New York Rangers Age on July 1: 40 Position: Right wing Statistics: 74 games, 21 goals, 31 assists, 52 points 2014-15 cap hit: $5.625 million. Analysis: St. Louis isn't returning to the Rangers and there's doubt how much he has left in the tank. Pittsburgh has been mentioned as a possible destination. Justin Williams, Los Angeles Age on July 1: 33 Position: Right wing Statistics: 81 games, 18 goals, 23 assists, 41 points 2014-15 cap hit: $3.65 million Analysis: If this were only for playoff production, Williams would be a $7 million per season player. But the Kings never made it to the playoffs, and there's still the regular season, where Williams has largely been an average player.

12    

Joel Ward Joel Ward, Washington Age on July 1: 34 Position: Right wing. Statistics: 82 games, 19 goals, 15 assists, 34 points 2014-15 cap hit: $3 million Analysis: Give Ward credit for developing into a productive scoring-line forward. He's earned it through hard work. He'd look good in a Red Wings' uniform. Matt Beleskey, Anaheim Age on July l: 27 Position: Left wing Statistics: 65 games, 22 goals, 10 assists, 32 points 2014-15 cap hit: $1.35 million Analysis: Good time to score a career-high in goals, although it helps playing on this roster. Beleskey is due a nice raise, and may not get it in Anaheim. Christian Ehrhoff, Pittsburgh Age on July 1: 32 Position: Defense Statistics: 49 games, 3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points. 2014-15 cap hit: $4 million Analysis: Concussion issues plagued Ehrhoff, who missed the majority of the season. Ehrhoff and the Penguins were to believed to have had a handshake agreement beyond this season, but you wonder whether the Penguins might be scared away. Johnny Oduya, Chicago Age on July 1: 33 Position: Defense Statistics: 76 games, 2 goals, 8 assists, 10 points 2014-15 cap hit: $2.85 million Analysis: The Blackhawks are plagued by salary cap problems and keeping Oduya looks like a pipedream. Detroit News LOADED: 07.01.2015

13    

Wings buy out free-agent flop Stephen Weiss Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 12:08 a.m. EDT July 1, 2015 Detroit — They likely would have done it in a year. Knowing they'll be under a salary cap crunch next summer, and with plenty of young players looking for an opportunity, the Red Wings bought out the remaining three years of Stephen Weiss' contract Tuesday. The decision, one day before the start of unrestricted free agency, gives the Red Wings some wiggle room financially. "After a lot of deliberation, we decided we're going to go with young players," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "We decided if he (Weiss) wasn't part of the long-term solution, let's make this move now." Weiss, 32, signed a five-year contract worth $24.5 million July 1, 2013, but never got going offensively, rarely was healthy, and last season was in and out of former coach Mike Babcock's lineup. He played 52 games and finished with 25 points (nine goals) and a minus-2 rating in 11 minutes 20 seconds ice time. In two seasons with the Red Wings, Weiss had 29 points (11 goals) in 78 games. Weiss' first season was derailed by sports hernia surgery, and it took into early this season for him to get healthy. He mainly played on the fourth line. DETROIT NEWS Wings re-sign Brendan Smith for two years The Red Wings salary cap hit the next six years for Weiss is $1.066 million in each of the next two seasons, $2.56 million in 2017-18 and $1.67 million in the final three years. Without Weiss, Teemu Pulkkinen, who is out of minor league options, and young players such as Dylan Larkin, Andreas Athanasiou and Anthony Mantha will have a chance to make the roster. The move also helps for next year's cap crunch. Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm are unrestricted free agents, and Danny DeKeyser, Petr Mrazek and Riley Sheahan are restricted free agents. "(The buyout) creates some space for us," Holland said. The Red Wings have approximately $56 million committed to 18 players, with restricted free agents Tomas Jurco, Landon Ferraro, Gustav Nyquist and Pulkkinen unsigned. But with the cap at $71.4 million, the buyout also gives Holland some room on the market. "I have a short list of players we could have some interest in," he said. "We also have some room now in case we want to pursue someone in terms of a trade.

14    

"If nothing works out, I'm prepared to go with the roster we have." Detroit News LOADED: 07.01.2015

15    

Wings re-sign Brendan Smith for two years Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 10:33 p.m. EDT June 30, 2015 Detroit – The Red Wings have re-signed defenseman Brendan Smith, a restricted free agent, to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million. Smith, 26, was a 2007 first-round draft pick who has had a rollercoater NHL career so far. Last season, Smith had four goals and nine assists in 76 games, while averaging 17:53 of ice time. Smith ended up in former coach Mike Babcock's doghouse the next-to-last game of the regular season when he batted a puck flying into the bench against Montreal back onto the ice, getting a penalty that led to the Canadiens scoring. The Red Wings called up defenseman Alexey Marchenko the next day and Marchenko replaced Smith in the lineup. Smith played the last five games of the playoff series against Tampa Bay; he did not have a point, and he registered a plus-1 rating. This leaves the Red Wings with four restricted free agents – forwards Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen, Landon Ferraro and Gustav Nyquist. Unrestricted front The only Red Wings unrestricted free agent likely to re-sign is forward Daniel Cleary. Forward Erik Cole is leaning toward retirement, while goaltender Jonas Gustavsson and defenseman Marek Zidlicky will explore other options. Detroit News LOADED: 07.01.2015

16    

NHL free agency: Red Wings seek top-four defenseman but concerned about money, term Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings will explore the shallow free-agent market Wednesday at noon, but if they emerge with nothing, they're content giving younger players more prominent roles next season. The Red Wings have ample salary-cap space this year but options are limited. The few prime free agents, like defenseman Mike Green and left wing Matt Beleskey, will command lucrative, long-term deals. Others might be signed to reasonable, shorter pacts, but are they better than what the Red Wings have? That's what general manager Ken Holland and his staff must decide. "A lot of what we're doing is going to be with the kids, but if there's something out there that makes us a better club, that's what we're looking at," Holland said. "You have to factor in the cap and all the players we have to sign (on their own team over the next couple of years). "There's a small group of players that complement what we're trying to do, but there's 30 teams exploring the free-agent market." The Red Wings could use a right-shooting defenseman with offensive skills, since they don't generate much offense from the back end. They will make a pitch for Green, who is at the head of the free-agent class. But they hesitate to get into a bidding war for him, especially if he's seeking five or six years in the $6 million-a-year range. There are concerns about his attention to detail defensively. "I'd love to get a top-four defenseman," Holland said. "There's not many top-four defensemen around and probably a number of teams in the bidding." Cody Franson (Nashville) is another option among right-shooting defensemen with offensive ability. The Red Wings like Johnny Oduya, who's mobile and solid defensively and played on two Stanley-Cup winning teams in Chicago. But he doesn't provide a different dimension than what they have – he's not big (6-0, 190) or physical, produces little offense (10 points in 76 games) and shoots left. The Red Wings have a bit of a logjam on defense with Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Ericsson, Danny DeKeyser, Kyle Quincey, Brendan Smith and Jakub Kindl. Alexey Marchenko will battle Xavier Ouellet and Nick Jensen for the seventh spot – though the winner might play ahead of Kindl. Marek Zidlicky won't be re-signed. "We would we like a right-shot defenseman, but if I can't have a right-shot defenseman we have (them) in Marchenko and Jensen," Holland said. "We've got good depth. Are we looking to upgrade? Whether it's on defense or forward, yeah, if the upgrade fits in."

17    

Up front, the Red Wings might look for a decent-sized winger with goal-scoring ability. They like Beleskey, who's 27, but expect he'll get between $4.5 million and $5 million a season. That's too much to pay for someone they believe might not crack their top six. Plus, there is a risk that he might be a one-year wonder after scoring 22 goals in the regular season and eight in the playoffs for Anaheim. The Red Wings have some interest in right-shooting wingers Joel Ward (Washington) and Justin Williams (Los Angeles), but are concerned about giving term to older players – Ward turns 35 in December and Williams 34 in October. Other than that, they see no reasonably priced alternates who would provide much of an upgrade. Their top two lines when healthy are Pavel Datsyuk (who might miss the start of the season following ankle surgery) centering Henrik Zetterberg and Justin Abdelkader and Riley Sheahan centering Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar. New coach Jeff Blashill will put Luke Glendening and Darren Helm together to form a checking line, possibly with Tomas Jurco. That leaves Joakim Andersson centering the fourth line with Drew Miller and either Teemu Pulkkinen or Landon Ferraro. Johan Franzen's status is murky due to his most recent concussion, but if he's cleared he gives the team another top-six option with scoring ability and size. The Red Wings might sign Daniel Cleary, but he won't be on their roster. The Red Wings believe top center prospect Dylan Larkin has a chance to make the team out of training camp. "We probably have interest on the market in guys that are shorter term rather than longer term, depending who they are," Holland said. "Our young players are going to be our future and are going to work their way into the lineup and allow us to be competitive. "If we don't do anything I'm satisfied heading into the season." After buying out Stephen Weiss on Tuesday, the Red Wings have 18 players signed for approximately $56 million. That leaves about $14 million under the $71.4 million cap. They'll still have some money to spend after signing restricted free agents Nyquist, Jurco, Pulkkinen and Ferraro. But they must factor in the cost of re-signing Abdelkader, Helm, DeKeyser, Sheahan and Petr Mrazek in 2016 and the possibility that the cap won't increase much, if at all. If the Red Wings don't sign a free agent, Holland will continue exploring trade possibilities. "We're trying to accomplish two things at the same time – be a playoff team and hope to get on a run, and trying to build with youth," Holland said. "We don't want to miss the playoffs. Nobody in our organization wants to go into a massive rebuild. Our ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup." Here's a list of some of the unrestricted free agents set to hit the market (some might re-sign with their current club before noon):

18    

Forwards: Matt Beleskey, Anaheim; Brad Boyes, Florida; Eric Fehr, Washington; Michael Frolik, Winnipeg; Curtis Glencross, Washington; Cody Hodgson, Buffalo; PA Parenteau, Montreal; Mike Ribeiro, Nashville; Brad Richards, Chicago; Mike Richards, Los Angeles; Mike Santorelli, Nashville; Alexander Semin, Carolina; Chris Stewart, Minnesota; Martin St. Louis, N.Y. Rangers; Jiri Tlusty, Winnipeg; Antoine Vermette, Chicago; Joel Ward, Washington. Defensemen: Francois Beauchemin, Anaheim; Eric Brewer, Toronto; Christian Ehrhoff, Pittsburgh; Cody Franson, Nashville; Mike Green, Washington; Jan Hejda, Colorado; Barret Jackman, St. Louis; Paul Martin, Pittsburgh; Andrej Meszaros, Buffalo; Zbynek Michalek, St. Louis; Johnny Oduya, Chicago; Andrej Sekera, Los Angeles; Lubomir Visnovsy, N.Y. Islanders; Marek Zidlicky, Detroit. Goaltenders: Ray Emery, Philadelphia; Thomas Enroth, Dallas; Viktor Fasth, Edmonton; Thomas Greiss, Pittsburgh; Jonas Gustavsson, Detroit; Anders Lindback, Buffalo; Karri Ramo, Calgary. Michigan Live LOADED: 07.01.2015

19    

Red Wings buy out Stephen Weiss of final three years; might make a pitch for Mike Green Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings have bought out the final three years of Stephen Weiss' contract, opting to absorb a reduced cap hit for the next six seasons rather than pay full price for a player who had little chance of cracking the lineup. The buyout will cost the Red Wings two-thirds the remaining value of his contract (three years at $16 million) spread out over twice the remaining length -- $1.066 million in each the next two seasons, $2.56 million in 2017-18 and $1.67 million for each of the three seasons after that. That is the amount that will also count against the salary cap. General manager Ken Holland said concerns about cap space next summer, more than anything prompted the move. "We didn't have cap issues for '15-16," Holland said. "We debated retaining him, given the (Pavel) Datsyuk injury. Over the last couple of days we talked about it. At the end of the day, because of 2016 and the people we got coming up (Justin Abdelkader, Darren Helm, Danny DeKeyser, Riley Sheahan, Peter Mrazek will need new contracts), people we want to keep, a year from now this (buyout) was going to be inevitable." He added, "We're going to give younger players an opportunity to play. We got 14 forwards on board." The move clears up cap space. The Red Wings are expected to make a pitch for offensive-minded defenseman Mike Green, the right-handed shooter they have been seeking. But they won't get into a bidding war for him. He could be seeking a five-year deal worth around $6 million a season. "On defense, I'm kicking some tires," Holland said. "We got some cap space, certainly. We're positioned to do something if we so choose." Weiss did not need to be placed on waivers today, the deadline for buyouts, because of his no-movement clause. The Red Wings signed Weiss, 32, signed a five-year, $24.5 million free-agent deal in 2013. Former coach Mike Babcock pushed hard for the move, expecting Weiss to fill the second-line center spot vacated by Valtteri Filppula, who later signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning. But Weiss struggled from the start and ended up missing all but 26 games his first season due to surgery for a sports hernia. He had 11 goals and 18 assists in 78 games for over the past two seasons. The Red Wings now have 18 players signed for roughly $56 million. They are about $15 million under the cap, some of which will be used to sign restricted free agents Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen and Landon Ferraro. Michigan Live LOADED: 07.01.2015

20    

Detroit Red Wings sign defenseman Brendan Smith to two-year, $5.5 million contract Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Brendan Smith to a two-year contract worth $2.75 million per season. Smith, 26, had four goals and nine assists in 76 games last season. He was a restricted free agent. An offensive defenseman at the University of Wisconsin and for 2½ seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Smith is a tremendous skater who likes to rush the puck. But his aggressiveness has led to many mistakes. He was placed in a defensive role by former coach Mike Babcock, who didn't use him on the power play. Smith was scratched from the final game of the regular season and the first two games of the playoffs against Tampa Bay after his costly penalty at Montreal in the second-to-last game, when he batted the puck back onto the ice while sitting on the bench. New coach Jeff Blashill might increase his role and give him a chance on the power play. "I think Jeff Blashill's got an open mind in camp," general manager Ken Holland said. "We know what Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Ericsson, Danny DeKeyser and Kyle Quincey can do. Brendan Smith was an offensive player in college, had points in the American League. "(Jakub) Kindl's been in and out of the lineup, did well when he was in there. Different coach, new opportunity. Let's see what some of these guys can do." Smith will be an unrestricted free agent when the contract expires in 2017. He will earn $2.25 million this season and $3.25 million in 2016-17. He made $1.275 million last season. He has 10 goals and 37 assists in 195 career regular season games. The Red Wings now have 18 players signed for approximately $56 million. The cap is $71.4 million. They still need to sign restricted free agents Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen and Landon Ferraro. All are certain to be signed before training camp. Michigan Live LOADED: 07.01.2015

21    

Flint Firebirds select Detroit Red Wings prospect Vili Saarijarvi in 2015 CHL Import Draft Aaron McMann | amcmann@mlive.com By Aaron McMann | amcmann@mlive.com If the Flint Firebirds have it their way, a Detroit Red Wings prospect will call Perani Arena and Event Center home come the fall. Vili Saarijarvi, a 5-foot-10, 163-pound defenseman selected by the Red Wings in the third round of last weekend's NHL Draft, was picked ninth overall by Flint in Tuesday's Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. Saarijarvi, of Rovaniemi, Finland, told the media over the weekend he has plans to play junior hockey in his native Finland next season, but the Firebirds are hoping to use their close locale to keep in Michigan following Red Wings development camp in Traverse City July 3-7. "It's not up to us as to where the boy plays, it's up to the Red Wings," Flint general manager Terry Christensen said. "And I'm sure they'll make a decision as to where they want him and hope that he'll reap the benefit of playing in the Ontario Hockey League." Christensen had a chance to watch Saarijarvi, 18, play in the U-18 World Hockey Championships in Switzerland in April, where he was named Most Valuable Defenseman and assistant captain for runner-up Finland, and considers him an offensive defenseman with good leadership skills. "The one thing I really liked about him is that he played in all the tough situations for Finland," Christensen said. "This guy anchored their power play, and of course in a tournament like that you get so many opportunities against great teams. He was always one of the first guys to put others over the boards and quarterback their power play." Saarijarvi played last season for the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, where he had six goals and 17 assists in 57 games, and tied for 20th among defenseman in points. He was named to the 2014-15 USHL All-Rookie second team and played in the 2015 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. "We know that he's a talented athlete, and the fact the Red Wings take him in the third round of the draft, Christensen started, "To obviously take him in the third round, they think highly of him." Christensen said Saarijarvi's one season in the USHL made him more attractive than most other European players, giving him a head start on learning the North American game and English language. A timetable for Saarijarvi's decision is not known, but Christensen said he expects him to be in attendance at the Firebirds training camp in August. "This isn't something that's going to take place over night," he said. "This whole thing is a process. Everything's happened for him quickly.

22    

"If you think about Vili, a short while ago he gets off an airplane in South Florida, he goes to a draft and he gets drafted in the NHL by one of the more storied franchises in the history of the National Hockey League. Then, a couple days later, he gets drafted No. 9 overall in the first round of the Import Draft. This has been a whirlwind tour for him." Flint takes Czech forward The Firebirds added Matyas Kantner, a 6-foot-1, 163-pound forward from Plzen, Czech Republic, with their second round pick, No. 69 overall. Kantner, 17, scored 21 goals and added 25 assists in 42 games for 18-U HC Plzen in 2014-15, and played three games for the U-17 Czech Republic team. "He's fairly good sized, has a left-hand shot and plays center of the wing," Christensen said. "This year, he put up good numbers and scored at least a point a game at the U18 level and we believe will really help improve our offense." Flint took two players in this year's CHL Import Draft as both European-born players on the Plymouth Whalers' roster last season, Victor Crus Rydberg and Yannick Rathgeb, are over the league's age limit. The OHL allows teams to carry a maximum of two European players per season. Michigan Live LOADED: 07.01.2015

23    

Red Wings apparently not buying out Stephen Weiss, giving him another chance to prove worth Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com DETROIT – It appears the Detroit Red Wings have decided not to buy out the final three years of Stephen Weiss' contract, after debating the possibility for weeks. Today was the deadline for teams to place buyout candidates on waivers and Weiss wasn't on the list. There has been no confirmation from the club about its intentions. Teams with arbitration cases will have another buyout window in August, but that's not likely to happen with the Red Wings. Weiss has struggled the past two seasons after signing a five-year, $24.5 million free-agent contract on July 5, 2013. Weiss was brought in to fill the second-line center spot vacated by Valtteri Filppula's departure to Tampa Bay but finished the 2015 playoffs as a healthy scratch. Weiss has 11 goals and 18 assists in 78 games for Detroit over the past two seasons. He missed most of the 2013-14 season after having surgery for a sports hernia. Weiss, 32, has three years remaining on his deal at a cap hit of $4.9 million. If the Red Wings had exercised the buyout this year, Weiss would have been on their cap for the next six years ($1.066 million in each the next two seasons, $2.56 million in 2017-18 and $1.67 million for each of the three seasons after that). Pavel Datsyuk's injury also was weighing into the club's decision. Datsyuk might not be ready for the start of the season after undergoing surgery last week for a ruptured tendon in his ankle. If Datsyuk experiences issues with the ankle during the season the Red Wings could be thin at center. They have Henrik Zetterberg, who they prefer to play on the wing with Datsyuk, as well as Riley Sheahan, Darren Helm, Luke Glendening and Joakim Andersson as centers. Cap space isn't an issue. The Red Wings are about $14 million under the cap, some of which is reserved for restricted free agents Gustav Nyquist, Brendan Smith, Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pukkkinen and Landon Ferraro. If Weiss doesn't secure a regular spot in the lineup and improve this season the Red Wings likely will exercise the buyout next summer, reducing their payout ($983,000 in 2016-17, $2.48 million in 2017-18 and $1.583 million in each of the two subsequent seasons). Michigan Live LOADED: 07.01.2015

24    

Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Evgeny Svechnikov headline Red Wings' development camp roster Brendan Savage | bsavage@mlive.com By Brendan Savage | bsavage@mlive.com Evgeny Svechnikov, the Detroit Red Wings top pick in last week's NHL draft, will be among the participants in the club's annual development camp beginning Friday at Centre ICE Arena in Traverse City. The Red Wings' two previous No. 1 picks, Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha, will also be among the 43 players taking part in the five-day camp, according to the roster released this afternoon. Svechnikov, Larkin and Mantha will be among 26 forwards on hand. There will also be 13 defensemen and four goaltenders. The 6-foot-2, 199-pound Svechnikov was the 19th overall pick in this year's draft after bagging 32 goals among 78 points for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He was second in scoring among QMJHL rookies. All six of the Red Wings' 2015 draft picks will take part in the development camp. Joining Svechnikov from the draft class of 2015 will be defensemen Vili Sarrijarvi (73rd overall) of Finland and Pat Holway (170th); forwards Chase Pearson (140th) and Adam Marsh (200th); and goalie Joren Van Pottelberghe (110th). Other top prospects at the camp will include speedy forward Andreas Athanasiou, who had 16 goals and 16 assists as a rookie with the Grand Rapids Griffins last season; Tyler Bertuzzi, the Red Wings second-round pick in 2013 who had 43 goals and 98 points for the OHL's Guelph Storm; and Alex Holmstrom, the Swedish Junior Player of the Year. The camp invites include Michael Babcock, son of former Red Wings coach Mike Babcock; and brothers Adam and Kevin Lidstrom, sons of Red Wings legend and Hall of Fame-bound Nicklas Lidstrom. "I'm not nervous about it," Nicklas Lidstrom said Monday after it was announced he had been elected to the Hall of Fame. "I'm more excited for them that they get a chance to (inaudible) with all the young talent the Wings have drafted. I know they're really looking forward to going out there. "I'm really proud to be heading into the Hall of Fame and I'm also proud of my kids pursuing their dream of playing hockey." The camp will be conducted by Griffins coach Todd Nelson, who replaced new Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill behind the bench in Grand Rapids. Tickets for the development camp are $5 per day and will be on sale at Centre ICE Arena. Here's the complete roster for the development camp:

25    

Forwards Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi, Christoffer Ehn, Axel Holmstrom, Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Adam Marsh, Mike McKee, Hampus Melen, Zach Nastasiuk, Evgeny Svechnikov, Chase Pearson, Dominic Turgeon, Julius Vahatalo, Jin-Hui Ahn, Michael Babcock, Nick Betz, Bryce Gervais, Alex Globke, Anthony Greco, Alex Kile, Adam Lidstrom, Conor McGlynn, Evan Polei, Tyson Spink, Jerome Verrier. Defensemen James de Haas, Joe Hicketts, Patrick Holway, Vili Saarijarvi, Jalen Chatfield, Grant Gabriele, Won-Jun Kim, Kevin Lidstrom, Kevin Lough, Marc McNulty, Jarett Meyer, David Nemecek, Travis Walsh. Goalies Jake Paterson, Chase Perry, Joren Van Pottelberghe, Tomas Kral. Michigan Live LOADED: 07.01.2015

26    

Wings buy out Weiss' contract By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily DETROIT >> Stephen Weiss is no longer a Detroit Red Wing. The Wings decided to buy out the remaining three years of his contract prior to the buyout period ending for players with no-movement clauses in their contracts, Tuesday. Weiss, 32, had three more years at $4.9 million a season left on the five-year deal he signed prior to the 2013-14 season. Weiss, who had a no-movement clause in his deal, will get paid two-thirds of the remaining deal spread out over twice the remaining length of the deal. The Wings’ cap hits over the next six years will be $1.066 million in each the next two seasons, $2.56 million in 2017-18 and $1.67 million for each of the three seasons after that. The team didn’t want to keep Weiss around if he was going to be the 13th or 14th forward on the roster, averaging less than 10 minutes a game when he’s in the lineup, or just an insurance policy if someone doesn’t play. The roster does have two question marks. Pavel Datsyuk is sidelined after ankle surgery and Johan Franzen is still recovering from a season-ending concussion he suffered last year. Datsyuk had surgery Friday to repair ruptured tendons in his right ankle. He’ll be in a cast four-to-six weeks before starting rehab. He’ll be re-evaluated around the time the team wraps up training camp. The Wings felt if Datsyuk would be back on the first of October and if Franzen, who has experienced numerous concussions, was going to play 75 games this season, the decision on waiving Weiss would be easy. Weiss was brought in to fill the second-line center spot left open when Valtteri Filppula signed with Tampa Bay. During training camp in Weiss’ first season in Detroit, he tried to play through a sports hernia. He wound up having sports hernia surgery and then had a second procedure later to repair an issue with scar tissue. He managed to play just 26 games totaling two goals, two assists and a minus-4. He played in 52 games regular season games last year and finished with nine goals and 16 assists. Weiss appeared in the first two playoff games against Tampa Bay before finding himself benched the rest of the series. In all, he’s appeared in just 78 of a possible 164 regular-season games since signing with the Wings.

27    

Restricted free agent defenseman Brendan Smith signed a two-year deal with an average salary-cap hit of $2.75 million a season. His last two-year deal had an average cap hit of $1,262,500. Smith, who’s fast-skating and puck-rushing style has led to many mistakes on the ice with the Wings, may be best remembered for his blunder in the next-to-last game of last regular season. Smith, 26, batted a puck that was in play while on the bench. He was benched by Mike Babcock for the final regular season game and the first two of the playoffs. Smith’s name was floated around at last year’s trade deadline when the Wings had talked about possibly obtaining Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf. Smith, who was the last defenseman the Wings selected in the first round (27th overall in 2007), will be an unrestricted free agent when the contract expires in 2017. He has 10 goals and 37 assists in 195 career regular season games. Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen and Landon Ferraro are four remaining restricted free agents. Macomb Daily LOADED: 07.01.2015

28    

Wings lean ‘right,' but not at any cost By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily DETROIT >> The Detroit Red Wings’ free agency shopping list hasn’t changed from a season ago. The only thing different is that the pool of potential fits to fill those needs is much smaller, which should make the end result the same … the Wings re-signing the players within their organization. “If we don’t do anything I’m satisfied heading into the season,” Wings general manager Ken Holland said during a phone interview. “We probably have interest on the market of guys that are shorter term rather than longer term, depending who they are. “Our young players are going to be our future and are going to work their way into the lineup and allow us to be competitive,” Holland added. The Wings are still looking to add a right-handed shot defenseman -- there are only 28 unrestricted ones available -- that can quarterback the power play. The top one available is Mike Green (Capitals), but he’s most likely looking for a long-term deal worth at least $6 million a season. Green, 29, can run a power play and pile up points, but he’s not air tight defensively, especially in the defensive zone. Johnny Oduya (Blackhawks) is another option, but he’s a left-handed shot and is not a big point producer. He’s a mobile defensive defenseman which the Wings’ blue line is full of already. Cody Franson (Predators) could also fit. He’s a right-handed shot and has an offensive upside. He’s also been on Detroit’s radar in the past. In all likelihood the Wings’ blue line will be made up of Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Ericsson, Danny DeKeyser, Kyle Quincey and Brendan Smith, with Jakub Kindl, Alexey Marchenko, Xavier Ouellet, Nick Jensen and Brian Lashoff fighting the final two spots. The Wings are also deep at forward, but could have interest in two players out there – Joel Ward (Capitals) and Matt Beleskey (Ducks). The knock on Ward is his age; he turns 35 in December. Beleskey, 27, is going to have teams lined up to sign him after scoring a career-high 22 goals last season. With the Wings’ top six forwards pretty much set in stone – Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Justin Abdelkader, Riley Sheahan, Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist – they most likely aren’t willing to pay him top-six forward money if Beleskey is playing on the third line with Darren Helm and Luke Glendening. Detroit also needs to slot Teemu Pulkkinen, Tomas Jurco and Landon Ferraro in the lineup.

29    

“I want to be able to have the flexibility that some of these kids can make our team or have an opportunity throughout the season to call them up if they’re playing well and we can wheel them up,” Holland said. “We’re going to explore free agency. It’s not a deep class. There’s lots of players there, but most of the players that are available we feel our young players can develop into that somewhat quickly. “What we’ve been doing on the fly is develop some of our young players in Grand Rapids into NHL players, give them some opportunities and exposure for them so we know what they can do,” Holland added. “That’s the direction we’re going.” Then there are prospects Dylan Larkin, Andreas Athanasiou, Anthony Mantha, Tomas Nosek and Tyler Bertuzzi that could get a shot to show if they are NHL ready. “We think, even if we don’t do anything, guys like Larkin, Athanasiou and Nosek are in the process of developing into Red Wings and some of them might be one more year and some of them may even be just 40 games,” Holland said. “Anthony Mantha had a year where he had some adversity. I think he’s still in our plans big time. Some of these guys are going to need two to three years in the American Hockey League. Dylan Larkin, we’re anxious to see what he can do in training camp.” The one position Holland won’t be focused on during free agency is in goal where Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek will battle for playing time. “We’ve got eight or nine defensemen in our system that we think can play in the NHL,” Holland said. “A couple of them are going to go back to Grand Rapids and one of them might make Detroit. Would we like a right-shot defenseman? Yes I would, but if I can’t have a right-shot defenseman we have one in Marchenko and Jensen. We’ve got good depth. Are we looking to upgrade? Whether it’s on defense on forward, yeah, if you upgrade it fits in.” The Wings also have to look towards next season when they’ll need to re-sign Helm, Abdelkader, Sheahan, DeKeyser and Mrazek. Macomb Daily LOADED: 07.01.2015