Ken Holland will reach out to several forwards Wednesday, when free agent talks begin

The NHL’s free agent period doesn’t start until noon on Friday, but the activity heats up on Wednesday, when clubs are permitted to begin talks with players poised to hit the market.

Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said he plans to reach out to about a half-dozen forwards.

“I’ll express interest, see what they’re thinking,” Holland said.

His biggest need is a second-line center, since it appears Valtteri Filppula won’t return.

The Red Wings have interest in Florida’s Stephen Weiss. Other centers scheduled to hit the market include Mike Ribeiro (Washington), Matt Cullen (Minnesota), Derek Roy (Vancouver) and Tyler Bozak (Toronto). Patrik Elias reportedly is close to re-signing with New Jersey.”””

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2013/07/red_wings_ken_holland_will_rea.html