After signing Thomas Vanek and Frans Nielsen, the Red Wings have dipped back into the free agent forward market and signed veteran Steve Ott, according to Craig Custance of ESPN. Pierre LeBrun adds that he’ll earn $800K on the one-year deal.
Formerly a highly sought after two-way forward, Ott is coming off an injury plagued season that saw him play just 21 games for the St. Louis Blues. Soon to turn 34, the long-time Dallas Star will try to provide some leadership and responsibility to the fourth line of the Red Wings.
After signing defensive liability Thomas Vanek earlier today, Ott should add some consistency in their own end and perhaps see some time on the Detroit penalty kill. At just $800K, he’ll try to rebuild his value for one more multi-year contract after 2016-17. If he can reclaim some of the offensive ability he showed when he scored 22 goals in 2009-10, he’ll again be a wanted man when summer rolls around.