DETROIT – General manager Ken Holland indicated last week that he would like to retain both role-playing forwards Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller. Each player has spent the last two seasons with the Red Wings on one-year contracts, and both are eligible to be free agents on July 1.

Eaves, who had 25 goals and 17 assists in the last two seasons, told DetroitRedWings.com this month that he would like to return for a third season with the Wings.

“I really like it here,” said Eaves, 27. “I’ve enjoyed playing with all of the guys here, so now comes the not-fun part.”

In the past, the Wings’ front office has likens Eaves to a Danny Cleary or Mikael Samuelsson, talented forwards who have played for a few different teams before finding a fit in Detroit’s system.

Before players began to head home for the summer, Eaves, who made $750,000 last season, said the uncertainty of where he’ll play in the fall isn’t pleasant.

“I don’t like the business part,” said Eaves, who tied for third on the Wings with three goals in the playoffs. “In the end, it is a business, but that’s why I have an agent and he does all of that stuff. He’s great.”

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