Ken Holland wasn't given an opportunity to lure Steven Stamkos away from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Detroit Red Wings general manager said Stamkos and his representatives never met with them during the negotiating window before he re-signed.
"Through the interview process, we never talked to him or his camp," Holland told SiriusXM NHL Network Radio on Thursday.
Stamkos - who would have been by far the biggest name on the market - agreed to an eight-year, $68-million extension with the Lightning last week, two days before free agency officially began.
The Red Wings reportedly had him at the top of their wish list, but they settled for their second choice, Frans Nielsen.
Detroit inked the 32-year-old forward - who collected 20 goals and 52 points in 2015-16 for the New York Islanders - to a six-year, $31.5-million deal on July 1.
The Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs both met with Stamkos before he opted to stay in Tampa Bay.
- With h/t to Chris Nichols
