Defenseman Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings could be in for a big payday. General manager Steve Yzerman has to be aware of this but it would be rightfully earned as Seider has rocketed to be one of the top 5 defensemen in the entire league.
The question is what will the term and money be when Seider and Yzerman put pen to paper?
Seider was chosen sixth overall in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft. After the immediate shock wore off, he quickly established himself as a player to keep an eye on.
He adapted to the pro-style of hockey rather quickly and showcased why he was worthy of being picked that high. During his rookie season, he put the NHL on notice as he won the Calder Trophy as the league’s best rookie.
Seider had seven goals and 43 assists for 50 points in 82 games in his first year. He then followed that up with five goals and 37 assists for 42 points in his second season.
It was a bit of a struggle in his second year but by the end of the season, he was back to his old ways and put up solid numbers. So what will the numbers be on his new deal?
The Detroit Red Wings need to get Moritz Seider locked up long-term.
He is not a free agent until the end of the 2023-2024 NHL season but talks may be sped up after recent signings and other rumors.
After only one season, Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson signed an 8-year/ $64.4 million deal.
There is also a report that Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is in line to re-sign with Buffalo which could include an AAV of a rumored $10.5 million. So where does that leave Seider?
All three teams are in a youth movement and are on the fast track to being competitive rather soon. Seider, at this point in his career, is outperforming Sanderson and is comparable to Dahlin.
Seider has led the Detroit defense since his NHL debut, as he can produce offensively, play a physical style of defense, and bring a self-confidence that allows both himself and the team to be successful.
There are a few ways these negotiations could go between Yzerman and Seider. A long-term extension could be signed that is similar to Dahlin’s deal.
They could wait until the off-season to discuss the contract further and sign the extension then. Lastly, Seider could sign a bridge deal that locks him up temporarily until the salary cap goes up.
Either way, his contract has to be lengthy at some point becuase at 23 years old he is already the leader of the defense.
He is also one of the bigger, physical defensemen Detroit has at 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds. The size and youth, offensive ability, and physical play can require a hefty raise in today’s NHL contract extnesions.
What sets Seider aside from Sanderson and Dahlin is that he is a Calder trophy winner. He is also the cornerstone of this franchise’s defense and the future success of the organizationrelies heavily on how Seider performs from here on out.
Seider is a franchise defenseman and someone that the Red Wings can build around. Detroit does not have many defensive prospects that have his all-around ability, let alone his confidence to go out and actually do what he said he was going to do.
He is right behind captain Dylan Larkin as players Detroit puts the most stock in for the future. The question is, will he be paid like it?