panoo

Detroit defenceman looking for longer term deal
Dave Waddell, Windsor Star
Published: Thursday, August 02, 2007

Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland expects to sign a defenceman within a week, but it’s not likely to be Danny Markov.

Holland said he’s putting the final touches on a new contract for Derek Meech, who is a prime candidate to replace Markov.

The Wings will give Meech a long look in training camp because he’ll have to pass through waivers to be assigned to their AHL farm team in Grand Rapids.

“We think he’s ready to be a NHL defenceman, but that’ll be up to him to prove in training camp,” Holland said. “He’ll certainly get a lot of games during the pre-season.”

As for Markov, the Wings remain interested in the gritty Russian defenceman.

Detroit has offered him a short-term deal worth about the same as last season’s $2.5-million deal. Markov is reportedly seeking a longer term pact in excess of $3-million per season.

“Money more than term is the problem,” Holland said. “We’d love to have him back, but he’s still just sitting out there.

“I haven’t talked to his agent in about a week.”

That Markov is still available in early August can also be put down to the Niklas Lidstrom factor.

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