Before dipping into the free-agent market, the Detroit Red Wings brought back one of the longest-tenured players on their roster, re-signing forward Darren Helm to a five-year extension with an AAV of $3.85 million, as first reported by Aaron Ward.

With $18 million in cap space, it's widely expected the Red Wings are willing to spend money on a top-six forward as well, but securing Helm solidifies a spot in the bottom portion of the lineup.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Helm had several interested suitors, but opted to stick with the team that drafted him back in 2005.

Helm, 29, played in 77 games last season, collecting 13 goals and 13 assists.

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