DETROIT >> The Red Wings had high hopes entering the unrestricted free-agent market early this week, but like many teams, those hopes came away a bit diminished.

They still got some things done. The Wings improved their depth, got a proven goal-scorer in James van Riemsdyk, and before free agency began upgraded the goaltending by acquiring John Gibson.

But the big names in free agency either stayed put, or had sights set on a particular location.

“We were certainly open to it,” general manager Steve Yzerman said Thursday, of his free-agent week. “The guys that we were hoping to talk to signed before free agency with their club, or got traded in the case of Mitch Marner (rights traded to Vegas, where he signed), we didn’t even get an opportunity to talk to these guys.

“It’s not much you can do about it.”

The Wings acquired Gibson in a trade with Anaheim for goaltender Petr Mrazek and two future draft picks, then signed forwards van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton, and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker in free agency.

The fact the salary cap increased, helping nearly every team be competitive financially going after certain players, and the fact there were so few impact players available in a weak free-agent class combined to make this a frustrating week for most teams.

“There weren’t as many what we would consider high-end free agents available this year,” Yzerman said. “It wasn’t really a shock to us we weren’t able to get anything done with the bigger-name guys.”

What Yzerman is hopeful of now is possibly a looser, more active trade market in the coming weeks.

Some teams are close to the salary cap ceiling and might need to shuffle players out. Or, after signing free agents, they might be looking to unload players at a certain position.

Whatever, the trade market could become active the rest of the summer.

“We’re going to kind of wait and see if any opportunities arise,” Yzerman said. “We’ll certainly explore. I know there’s teams that are looking to move people for various reasons depending on where they’re at, but less this year. More teams have cap space.

“Possibly over the next week, or two, teams are still figuring out a few things. A couple teams are looking to do things that we do have some interest (in).”

The Wings could use an impact top-six forward, but Yzerman specifically identified a top-four caliber defenseman as something he’d like to acquire.

“Preferably a right shot but doesn’t have to be,” Yzerman said.

The Wings have missed the playoffs the last nine consecutive seasons and are looking at a competitive uphill climb to break that streak. But Yzerman feels the Wings have gotten more competitive in the last week.

“Maybe constructed a little better than at this stage last year,” Yzerman said. “I’m hopeful we take a step. I’m expecting like, Mo (Seider) and (Lucas) Ray(mond) have been in the league four years now, but I expect them to take another step. Marco (Kasper) to continue on the path or trajectory he was on last year. Simon (Edvinsson) got better and better as the year went on. Albert (Johansson) went from a seventh or eighth (defensemen) role to suddenly playing in our top four (defensemen) and there’s room to grow. We expect John Gibson to give us a boost and make us stronger overall.

“We’re a little bit better. How many points does that translate to during the season? We’ll find out.”

Yzerman is pleased and optimistic with the acquisitions the Wings did make.

“We were able to address some needs,” Yzerman said. “Starting with the trade for John GIbson, we make that move with the intention that we’re better in net. We stop more pucks. It makes us a better team, we’re expecting of that with John and Cam (Talbot) as a pair.

“Jacob Bernard-Docker on defense gives us a little bit of depth. Not a big-name signing, or whatever, but he’s been an effective player in his time in Ottawa, in particular. He plays hard and competes and gives us depth on the blue line.

“Up front, JVR, a left wing, a big body who scored (16) goals last year and has had 18, 19 goals the last couple of seasons. Mason Appleton as well, a right winger he plays on the penalty kill and chips in a little bit of offense. Todd (McLellan, head coach) will be able to put together a checking line that can contribute a little bit offensively, as well. He fills a need for us with a right shot, right winger, a little bit different style of play.”

Yzerman touched on several other topics during a 25-minute conversation with reporters:

Yzerman likes the flexibility the Wings now have with van Riemsdyk available. “He can go up and down the lineup, and if you check his usage in Columbus, that’s exactly what he did (there). He can play up on the first line at times, he’s a useful power-play guy, and there’s some flexibility for Todd now with his line combinations.”

Yzerman wouldn’t rule out a prospect from Grand Rapids such as Nate Danielson or Axel Sandin-Pellikka making the opening night roster. “I don’t want to rule anybody (out) to have a strong preseason and forcing us to take a longer look. That’s possibly for several players, including Nate. We have 12 players (forwards) signed so our debate is whether to sign another one to have 13 forwards, or do we leave that spot open to see if something comes up this summer.”

On Sandin-Pellikka, the young defenseman gained pro experience being able to participate during the playoffs in Grand Rapids, but making the NHL next fall isn’t going to be easy. “I’ll wait and see. I’m not going to rule out any player coming in and being so good in camp that we’re going to keep him. We’ll see how it goes. I guess I can answer that question at the end of training camp. It’s great Axel came over at the end of his (Swedish) season and play some games in Grand Rapids to get a feel. It was enlightening for him, maybe even eye-opening. But he’ll have to force himself into the lineup.”

On trading Vladimir Tarasenko to Minnesota: “We could get a less expensive player (at that position, van Riemsdyk); that’s really the decision to go that way. Frees up cap space to maybe do something, heading into free agency (this week) and it’s still a long offseason.”

On whether to carry a third goaltender at the NHL level this year: “It’s something to consider. We’re kind of kicking around the idea of what to do. Carry three here or in Grand Rapids. It’s something we’re mulling around.”