Traverse City — The Red Wings exited the annual free-agent derby last week with a raft of forwards filling the roster, and general manager Ken Holland agreed Wednesday the circumstances might help the hunt for one of the big needs — a top defenseman.
But as he watched the first day of development camp with all seven of the 2016 draft picks participating, along with 16 from 2013-15 as well as several other prospects at Centre Ice Arena, Holland also said acquiring a No. 1 or No. 2 defenseman is a high priority for many NHL teams.