Two Red Wings drawing interest with team expected to be sellers at the deadline.

The Red Wings aren't used to being outside the playoff picutre but that's exactly where they find themselves.

As a result most expect that the Red Wings will approach the trade deadline as sellers, and according to Detroit Red Wings insider Helen St. James of the Detroit Free Press there are two players in particular who could be particularly interesting to rival teams.

From St. James:

They play two contenders this weekend – Stanley Cup hopefuls that could have interest in rental players such as pending unrestricted free agents Thomas Vanek and Brendan Smith. Other trade partners include Anaheim (which needs scoring help) and Chicago.

In the case of Vanek in particular it seems like a trade is inevitable, he has frankly just been too good for general manager Ken Holland to risk losing him to free agency for nothing. With 14 goals and 22 assists on the season in just 44 games Vanek will likely be one of the most desired rentals at the deadline.

Smith on the other hand hasn't had as strong a year as Vanek, but nonetheless his wealth of NHL experience as well as his expiring contract will make him the kind of asset Holland can work with at the deadline to secure assets for the future.