Report: Red Wings on Niskanen's short list

It's no secret that the Detroit Red Wings are in the market for a top-four right-handed defenseman, and it appears as though they are very much in the running for the most sought-after free agent who fits that description.

According to Ansar Khan of MLive, the Red Wings have been told that they are on Matt Niskanen's "short list", and it appears as though they are ready and willing to meet his asking price.

As per Khan:

Niskanen, coming off a career season with the Pittsburgh Penguins (10 goals, 46 points) is the premier defenseman available because of his skills and age (27). He likely will be seeking a maximum seven-year deal worth more than $6 million per season. The Red Wings don't have an issue with the term, since he's young. They might be willing to meet his high salary demand as well.

The Red Wings enter the free agency period with $14.7-million in available cap space, and Niskanen may end up being one of the team's highest paid players come July 1.