from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

Darren Helm and Valtteri Filppula have played a combined 1,335 games for the Red Wings but might have appeared in their final game for the organization.

Filppula, 37, almost surely won’t be re-signed. It remains to be seen whether Helm, 34, will be offered another contract.

Helm said late in the season that he wants to continue playing. He spent most of the season on an energy line with Luke Glendening and Adam Erne, the club’s most consistent and effective combination.

Glendening, an unrestricted free agent, seems likely to re-sign with the only NHL club he has known. Erne, a restricted free agent who experienced his best season (11 goals, 20 points), likely will be signed to a multi-year deal.

The Red Wings might swap out Helm for a younger player like Givani Smith. He doesn’t possess Helm’s speed or checking ability but brings a different dimension with his physical play and net presence. Smith no longer is waiver-exempt in 2021-22, so he will be on the Red Wings roster.

read on