updated 5:18 p.m. ET Sept. 9, 2008

Chris Chelios has agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings for less money than he received last season, according to reports from Detroit.

Chelios, 46, and the team will consummate the deal "when he gets into town next week," Wings GM Ken Holland told the Detroit-area website MLive.com.

Chelios, a three-time Norris Trophy winner, played in 69 games last season with the Stanley Cup champion Red Wings. He also played 14 playoff games but didn't have a point.

Chelios leads active players in games played (1,616) and penalty minutes (2,873). He is a 24-year veteran and the NHL's oldest active player.

Last season Chelios was paid $850,000. He is expected to play fewer games this season while acting as a mentor to young defenseman.

One of them might be Kyle Quincey, with whom the team is expected to complete a two-year deal. Previous reports suggested either Quincey or Derek Meech could be traded if the team has salary cap issues.

Meanwhile, other reports from Detroit say forward Tomas Kopecky likely will be ready for the season after having knee surgery in April. And, forward Tomas Holmstrom should be recovered from sports hernia surgery in time to open game with the team.

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