The Grand Rapids Griffins will retain their captain, as Brian Lashoff has signed a one-year AHL contract with the club. The team has also signed Tyler Spezia to a two-year AHL deal.
Lashoff, 31, has spent his entire professional career with the same organization, originally signing with the Griffins as an undrafted free agent more than a decade ago. During the time he’s been there, the veteran defenseman has signed several NHL contracts with the Detroit Red Wings, including one that covered 2021-22. That two-way deal carried a cap hit of $750K in the NHL while also rewarding him handsomely with a $325K minor league salary.
Given he hasn’t appeared with the Red Wings since the 2019-20 season, an AHL deal seems appropriate at this point. Once a regular call-up and injury replacement, Lashoff has been passed on the organizational depth chart by several younger defensemen. Over the years, he racked up 136 regular season appearances, and 15 points.
Still, his value to the Griffins can’t be overstated, as he has become something of an institution with the AHL club. Captain since 2020, he’s played nearly 600 regular season games in the minor leagues and is a two-time Calder Cup champion.
Should the Red Wings need him at any point in 2022-23, they would have to first sign him to a new NHL contract.
Detroit has a long history of keeping its affiliates well-stocked with veterans. That 25 year playoff run was fermented by the great success of the Adirondack Red Wings.
To be 31 y.o. again, making $300k playing a game I love and getting to live in Michigan? I would sign up for that any day.