Don’t expect the Detroit Red Wings to make a major splash when the unrestricted free agency frenzy swings into gear on Saturday.

That doesn’t mean they don’t intend to take a dip in the pool.
It’s no secret that the Wings are seeking to shore up their back end and defense is where they figure to be focused in terms of free agents.

The Wings are reported to be considering a number of veterans as possible additions, including Ron Hainsey, who just won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hainsey’s Penguins teammate Trevor Daley could also be a target of the Wings.

Brian Campbell, a two-time Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks, and Dan Girardi, recently bought out by the New York Rangers, are other possibilities.

As much as they’d also like to look at free agent forwards, the Wings might not have enough salary cap space to address both the defense and the forward situation.

Full Nelson?
Fresh off leading Grand Rapids Griffins to the Calder Cup title, Todd Nelson is one Red Wings’ prospect who is getting a look from an NHL club.

Mlive.com confirmed that the Wings have granted the Arizona Coyotes permission to discuss their head-coaching vacancy with Nelson, a job that became open when Dave Tippett was fired just prior to the NHL entry draft.

Nelson, 48, has led the Griffins to back-to-back 40-plus win seasons. Prior to taking over Detroit’s American Hockey League farm club, he served as interim coach of the Edmonton Oilers, for 51 games during the 2014-15 NHL season, leading them to a 17-25-9 record.

Street Sign
The Wings kept one of their championship farmhands in the fold, inking veteran forward Ben Street to a one-year contract extension.

Street, 30, finished second on the Griffins last season with 55 points, including a team-high 25 goals. He was also second on the team in playoff scoring, producing 8-13-21 numbers in 19 games.

A seven-season pro, Street also collected one assist in six games with the Wings last season.

Foo Flight
Sought-after NCAA free-agent forward Spencer Foo of Union College didn't pick the Wings when he made his choice of NHL team on Tuesday.

The Hobey Baker Award finalist picked the Calgary Flames over a group of finalists that included the Wings, Oilers and the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Follow me on Twitter @asktheduffer

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