FREEP: Quincey, Miller Won't Be Signed by July 1

In what comes as a surprise to noone, Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland told the Freep's Helen St. James the team will not extend offers to pending unrestricted free agents before July 1. St. James also reports the team intends to speak with UFAs Drew Miller and Darren Helm before free agency begins July 1.

Assuming that Pavel Datsyuk Helm and Miller return and that the Wings resign Danny Dekeyser, Alexei Marchenko, Petr Mrazek and Riley Sheahan, the Red Wings have 10 forwards signed, not including Athanasiou and Mantha. Assuming Athanasiou and Mantha start with the Red Wings, that leaves twp openings for callups (Martin Frk?) or free agents (Steven Stamkos? Milan Lucic?).

On defense, the Wings are still crowded. With Quincey gone and with Dekeyser and Marchenko returning, the Red Wings have six defensemen signed. That leaves one spot open for a call up or a free agent. Given the likelihood that young defensemen Xavier Ouellet or Ryan Sproul will be claimed if exposed to waivers, the Red Wings are very likely going to lose at least one of them for nothing -- unless Ken Holland makes a trade.