Red Wings Rumors: Latest on Kyle Okposo and Possible Kevin Shattenkirk Trade

The Detroit Red Wings cleared Pavel Datsyuk's $7.5 million cap hit off the books last Friday thanks to a draft-day trade with the Arizona Coyotes, and they appear determined to make noise in free agency now that they're loaded with plenty of flexibility. 

And with time dwindling until free agency starts on Friday, the rumor mill is starting to churn faster than ever regarding Detroit's interests. 

Here's a look at the latest Red Wing-centric rumblings from across the NHL. 

Detroit Eyeing Kyle Okposo

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If the Red Wings come up empty in their pursuit of Steven Stamkos—whom they intend to go after, according to the Detroit News' Ted Kulfan—28-year-old Kyle Okposo will be worth a look by the team's front office. 

And as things stand, Detroit appears to be keeping tabs on the former No. 7 overall pick. 

According to Newsday's Arthur Staple, the Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild and Winnipeg Jets are all potential suitors for the talented winger. 

It's not hard to see why. 

Okposo has been a model of consistency over the past three seasons. He's tallied over 50 points in every campaign during that span, and he closed out the 2015-16 season with 22 goals while tying a career high with 42 assists. 

"Okposo has a wicked wrist shot and a nose for the net," Jimmy Wellington of SB Nation's Winging It in Motown wrote. "He is tenacious in the attack and never gives up on the play. He's willing to go to the hard areas to score but is also capable of beating a goalie with a wrister from the circles." 

Considering the Red Wings tallied a 23rd-ranked 2.55 goals per game last season, adding him to the mix would fill an immediate need and give the team depth at a position that's lacking in firepower. 

No Shattenkirk Trade in the Works? 

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On Sunday, the Detroit Free Press' Helene St. James reported the St. Louis Blues asked the Red Wings to include rising star Dylan Larkin in a potential trade for veteran defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. 

And while Detroit reportedly rebuffed the offer once Larkin's name came up, per St. James, Fox Sports Midwest's Andy Strickland passed along some new information regarding the trade talks: 

Shattenkirk has one year and $5.2 million remaining on his contract with the Blues, so it would make sense for St. Louis to try to maximize a return for the All-Star if it isn't optimistic about hammering out a new deal. 

Based on a recent appearance from TSN's Darren Dreger on TSN 1040 in Vancouver (via Chris Nichols of Today's Slapshot), things may be trending in that direction: 

"

They’ve got Shattenkirk under contract for another year, but they’re trying to extend him and it’s not looking real good. I think that [general manager] Doug Armstrong has approached the point where he’s run out of patience with this negotiation, or has faced the reality that this guy wants big money. Maybe he’s earned big money, or will as an unrestricted free agent a year from now. And he’s not going to be able to afford to keep him.

"

The 27-year-old could be worth a longer look by the Red Wings if the Blues drop their asking price, but it would be a surprise if St. Louis backed off its demands—however high they may be—this early in the process. 

Contract information courtesy of Spotrac. Stats courtesy of Hockey-Reference.com and ESPN.com unless noted otherwise.