Islanders' Kyle Okposo: Detroit showing interest in pending UFA

The Red Wings are one of five teams actively pursuing Okposo, a pending unrestricted free agent, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports, citing a league source.

Analysis:

Wings general manager Ken Holland was able to trade Pavel Datsyuk's $7.5 million cap hit to the Coyotes during the first round of the NHL Draft on Friday night, thus giving him a golden opportunity to go after an elite forward on the open market come July 1. Of course, Detroit isn't the only team eyeing Okposo -- Winnipeg, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Minnesota are also said to be in the mix as potential suitors. Remember, Okposo is just 28 years old and in the prime of his NHL career. He's dropped 184 points over the past three seasons, including a career-high 23 power-play tallies in 2015-16. Wherever he lands, Okposo should garner a fat new contract. Islanders general manager Garth Snow looks like a genius for getting him at an average annual value of $2.8 million five years ago.