The Detroit Red Wings have added ten new players to the fold for the 2023/2024 season during free agency, while re-signing two of their players.
The Red Wings were also busy during last season’s free agency period, signing players to get back into the playoffs. While that did not happen, the new players may be enough to sneak in this season.
Other deals may be on the table, but after two days these are the newest players in Detroit.
The Detroit Red Wings signed quality over quantity.
James Reimer
Looking for goaltending depth, general manager Steve Yzerman signed Reimer to a one-year deal with an AAV of $1.5 million. Reimer played for the San Jose Sharks last season, and he posted a record of 12-21-8 with a GAA of 3.48 and a save percentage of .890.
Not the best stats, but he will be the backup to Ville Husso going forward. Reimer is capable of playing 20-30 games to occasionally give Husso a night off.
Justin Holl
Defenseman Holl comes to Detroit after a few seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After seeing some time on the top pairing in Toronto, he will be seen on the second pairing. Holl signed a three-year deal with an AAV of $3.4 million.
With Toronto last season, Holl scored two goals and 16 assists for 18 points in 80 games. He brings size to the back end and a solid all-around game. With that being said, the term and AAV may have been a bit too much.
Alex Lyon
This is another goaltender brought in by Yzerman for goaltending depth, but there are questions as to why Yzerman brought him in after signing Reimer. Lyon played for the Florida Panthers last season, going to the SCF. He had a record of 9-4-2 with a 2.82 GAA and a .914 save percentage and one shutout.
His deal is a two-year deal with an AAV of $900,000. Does he play in Detroit this season, or will he bring that experience to their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins?
Daniel Sprong
Right-winger Sprong brings a solid overall game to the Red Wings. Playing last season with the Seattle Kraken, Sprong posted 21 goals and 25 assists for 46 points in 66 games. He brings forward depth, a right-handed shot, and he is a player who can play a 200-foot game.
He may slot in the middle six but could play anywhere in the lineup. His 21 goals last season are a welcomed addition to the Detroit Red Wings, as they desperately need secondary scoring. Solid pickup by Yzerman.
J.T. Compher
Maybe the most talked about free agent the Red Wings picked up as he signs a five-year deal with an AAV of $5.1 million. He brings scoring, penalty killing abilities, and leadership to Detroit. Last season, he played for the Colorado Avalanche, registering 17 goals and 35 assists for 52 points.
He is a top to middle six player who can make a difference on the Red Wings. He is another right-shot forward, but he is a center. Compher will likely slot in at the number two center spot behind Dylan Larkin.
Nice pickup by the Red Wings but would have liked to see a shorter term and the AAV down a bit.
Shayne Gostisbehere
Defenseman Gostisbehere comes to Detroit on a one-year deal with an AAV of $4.125 million. He is a good veteran pickup on the left side where the Red Wings are short in that department.
Last season, Gostisbehere played for the Carolina Hurricanes and the Arizona Coyotes. He posted 13 goals and 28 assists for 41 points in 75 games.
He will play on the first or second pairing on the left side and bring a veteran presence. He can also play either special teams role in addition to a regular shift.
Christian Fischer
Right-winger Fischer signed a one-year deal with an AAV of $1.25 million and is a depth pickup who will be in the bottom six, bringing energy and a feisty game, along with some scoring.
Last season he played for the Arizona Coyotes with Gostisbehere, registering 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points in 80 games. Fischer can also play a penalty killing role, and this may be his best attribute.
Brogan Rafferty
Defenseman Rafferty signs a two-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings. Last season, he played in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the affiliate of the Seattle Kraken.
Rafferty was one of the better minor league defensemen last season, posting nine goals and 42 assists for 51 points in 72 games. Rafferty will spend most of next season with the Griffins, with a call-up likely throughout the season. Solid addition to the Detroit Red Wings organization.
Tim Gettinger
Left-winger Gettinger brings size and scoring to the Red Wings as he signs a one-year, two-way contract. Gettinger, like Rafferty, will likely spend most of the year with Grand Rapids.
A huge winger at 6-foot-6 and 222 pounds, he can supply offense at a good rate. Playing for the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack last season, Gettinger played in 52 games, producing 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points, was a +4, and also had 26 penalty minutes.
Could play a bigger role with more games played in Grand Rapids.
Gustav Lindstrom
The Detroit Red Wings re-signed one of their own, signing Lindstrom to a new one-year contract with an AAV of $950,000. He was a solid defenseman last season, playing well for a player who has not been in the league long.
Lindstrom added depth to the right side and contributed in many ways. He scored one goal and seven assists for eight points in 36 games. With the influx of defensemen that were signed, there is no definite role for him next season, as he may split the season between Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Klim Kostin
A big pickup for the Detroit Red Wings as they acquired him through a trade with the Edmonton Oilers, along with Kailer Yamamoto, for future considerations. Although Yamamoto was bought out, Kostin remains and could be a critical part of the Red Wings’ success this season.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Kostin brings much-needed size and physical play to the Red Wings. Last season, Kostin set career highs in goals (11), assists (10), and points (21) in 57 games while playing a bottom six, limited role.
Matt Luff
Right-winger Luff was re-signed to a one-year, two-way deal with an AAV of $775,000. He played for both Grand Rapids and Detroit last season, totaling 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 47 combined games.
A solid third-liner with speed, he can contribute at both ends of the ice while clogging up the neutral zone. He is an effective penalty killer who uses his speed to break up scoring chances. Look for him to play in both Grand Rapids and Detroit again this season.