Should David Clarkson fail to reach a contract extension with the New Jersey Devils before July 5th, Clarkson will have a lot of suitors in free agency.

The Detroit Red Wings are expected to be one of them, according to a report from the Detroit Free Press.

The Red Wings are going to be among several buyers in this year's free agency class, and they're expected to be in on a few of the top free agents. Clarkson is at or near the top of their list, if he's available.

The 29-year-old winger has scored 45 goals and recorded over 200PIMs in his last 128 regular season games, and he'll cash in this off-season whether he re-signs in New Jersey or goes elsewhere..

Given the fact the Devils lost Zach Parise to free agency last year and that this is a weak free agent class, Clarkson's camp has leverage in negotiations regardless of who he's talking to, be it New Jersey or, in a few weeks time, another franchise.

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In case you missed it, I look at some potential draft targets for the Devils with the 39th overall pick.

I posted a scouting report on draft eligible forward, Zach Nastasiuk, at TheHockeyGuys..

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