Young Wings will be happy to see deadline pass

DETROIT -- Cory Emmerton, like many young players, will have a little sense of relief after the Monday trade deadline comes and goes.

The Detroit Red Wings rookie center isn't part of speculation, but many players don't really know if they're staying or going until after the deadline passes -- especially young guys.

"It's kind of nice when it's all said and done," Emmerton said on Saturday morning. "As much as you say you don't think about it, it's  always there. It's just part of hockey. It's more of a media thing. It's the biggest day of the year in Canada."

Emmerton actually finds that part of it entertaining.

"It's funny how they make a big production out of it," he said. "It'll be fun when it's overwith and we can just worry about playing hockey and not have to worry about what's going on with trades in the League."

Forward Justin Abdelkader, who turned 25 on Saturday, agrees.

"Obviously it's always a time of year when you never know, teams are always looking to upgrade their rosters," he said. "Players always have it in the backs of their minds. You can't really worry about it. You just have to go out and play. When it passes you don't need to worry anymore, but it's one of those things where you can control what you can control. Just go out there, play hard and do your best."

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland has already pulled off a trade on Tuesday to bring in 26-year old defenseman Kyle Quincey from the Colorado Avalanche in a three-team deal that gives Detroit depth on the blue line with eight NHL defensemen.

Backup goalie Joey MacDonald has a firm handle on that role, so all that's really left to address -- if anything -- is a depth forward to help replace the likely loss of Patrick Eaves (concussion) for the rest of the season.

"We’re all in our organization and as a management group right now focused on if we can improve our team," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "At the same time, we like our team. If there’s something there that can help us and makes sense, then that’s a great thing. Change just to change isn’t going to be the approach."