If you are wondering whether the Detroit Red Wings are still searching for another defenseman, William Wallinder, Axel Sandin Pellikka and William Lagesson would answer that they hope not.

Lagesson is 29-year-old veteran, a capable defender, on a one-way contract, and he probably believes he’s coming into Red Wings training camp as the No. 8 defender. Meanwhile, the 6-foot-4  William Wallinder, 23, has proven in Grand Rapids that he is deserving of a shot. Finally, Sandin Pellikka is the team’s prize defensive prospect.  Coach Todd McLellan would love for him to show himself to be ready in September.

But if you ask Detroit GM Steve Yzerman if he’s still looking for help for his defense, he would undoubtedly say he is always willing to do anything to improve the team. That includes making an August move to upgrade the defensive corps.

The problem: the UFA market is the bargain bin where making an acquisition is simply rolling the dice. The most interesting UFA defenseman is Matt Grzelcyk. But he’s a left-shot defenseman, and the Red Wings already have four left-shot defensemen.

Hakanpaa Seeks Comeback

One interesting available right-shot defenseman is Janne Hakanpaa, a 6-foot-7 Finn who says he’s healthy enough to make a comeback after playing only two games last season with Toronto because of a miserable knee injury. The 33-year old is a free agent, although there has been some talk about the Maple Leafs possibly looking at him again.

In three seasons with Dallas from 2021-24, Hakanpaa averaged 120 blocks and 223 hits per season.

Obviously, before an NHL team signs Hakanpaa, his knee will have to be examined extensively.

But there hasn’t been any rumors about Haakanpaa, except that perhaps the Maple Leafs are interested.

More likely, Yzerman is looking at trade options. That’s an ongoing process for all general managers. That’s when Yzerman has to consider what the timelines are for Wallinder and Sandin Pellikka. The Red Wings need to win now, but they also must have a path for their youngsters to use to reach the NHL.

Wallinder may have to start in Grand Rapids, but Yzerman admitted in the spring that he was close.

“William,” Yzerman said, “has really come around in all aspects of the game.”