The Detroit Red Wings inked defenseman Trevor Daley to a three year/$9.534MM deal. TSN’s Bob McKenzie confirmed that the AAV was $3.178MM.
This move has been rumored for days, putting the bidding between the Red Wings and the Bruins. Detroit apparently won the bidding war for the two-time Stanley Cup champion, though it comes at a steeper price than others would have paid. PHR had Daley as the 23rd best free agent.
The 33-year-old defenseman is a puck mover Detroit craves and had 19 points (4-15) in 56 games last season. The Athletic’s Craig Custance wrote on Friday that Daley is a good locker room presence and quoted one general manager as saying he’s a “fourth forward.”
But he doesn’t come without concern. The Red Wings continue to talk about wanting to make the playoffs, despite clearly finishing behind the pack last season with only 79 points. While Daley adds some skill to the blueline, it seems like more of a band-aid move than a deal for the long term build of the team. Regardless, Detroit general manager Ken Holland has reiterated that his goal is to return to the playoffs, and the signing of Daley indicates this strategy.