NHL free agency rumors 2013: Red Wings update; Alfredsson, Briere have options

With the opening of unrestricted free agency on the horizon, we collect the latest rumors from around the hockey world.

Jul 4, 2013, 2:30 PM UTC

Thearon W. Henderson

* The Boston Bruins were the most aggressive team to pursue Daniel Alfredsson, according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN. The Detroit Red Wings also inquired about the 40-year-old forward, as did several other clubs.

* Detroit is also believed to be interested in Stephen Weiss, according to multiple accounts. LeBrun believes that he is the Red Wings No. 1 option on the market. Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press writes that he would be a wonderful second-line center that potentially could allow coach Mike Babcock to pair Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk on the same line.

James reports that discussions are ongoing between Detroit and free agent forwards Daniel Cleary and Damien Brunner. Cleary is believed to be looking for a three-year, $9 million contract, while Brunner is requesting a multi-year deal with an average annual value around $2.5 million.

LeBrun tweets that the club is still in negotiations with forward Valtteri Filppula, while James writes that there is a considerable gap between the two sides. It has previously been reported that the 29-year-old forward is seeking a $5 million annual salary over the course of a multi-year deal.

* Forward Tyler Bozak has received interest from the Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, Detroit and others, according to LeBrun. The Toronto Maple Leafs are still involved in discussions, as well. It had been reported earlier this week that Bozak's representatives tabled an eight-year offer with an average annual value around $5 million to Toronto. The team seemingly declined that offer.

Darren Dreger of TSN tweets that Bozak’s primary focus is returning to the Maple Leafs.

* Danny Briere has limited his teams to three, according to LeBrun. The Montreal Canadiens are still believed to be in the mix. The New Jersey Devils have yet to be eliminated, at least publicly, as an option. However, their assumed involvement is speculative. LeBrun believes the finalists to be Montreal, New Jersey and the Nashville Predators.

* The Pittsburgh Penguins do not seem likely to retain Matt Cooke, according to Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Shero has exchanged offers with Cooke's agent, Pat Morris, but that exchange occurred a "few weeks ago." Craig Adams has yet to receive a formal proposal, but Molinari presents that he potentially could be back with the club. Adam's agent, Neil Sheehy, expects to speak with Shero in the future but also stated that Adams is open to other opportunities.