The Detroit Red Wings have added another depth defenseman, this time signing Mark Pysyk to a one-year, $850K contract. The deal comes just as the team announced their contract with Olli Maatta and follows the bigger addition of Ben Chiarot to a four-year deal.
Pysyk, 30, might not be a household name but is an effective bottom-pairing option, who played in 68 games for the Buffalo Sabres last season. With more than 500 games of NHL experience, a good bit of penalty-killing acumen, and even a bit of offensive upside–Pysyk did score a hat-trick while lining up as a winger in 2020–he can fill in some of the gaps for the Red Wings this season while not having too much responsibility heaped on his shoulders.
In fact, as a right-handed option on a team that already has Moritz Seider and Filip Hronek locked in, there may not be that many minutes for Pysyk at all. He joins an interesting mix of youth and experience in Detroit as the team appears ready to start contending for the playoffs again.
GAVIN, just want to give a big Shout Out to you and your staff for the EXCELLENT coverage of one of the most exciting days in sports. THANKS !!
Mark Pysyk was a former first round pick – he has talent. But what Sabres fans will remember most is his infectious attitude. You just do not see him without a smile. And that’s not undisciplined; he has a strong voice in the lockerroom. He’s a vet that can chip in and consistently mentor the youngsters.
Good luck, Mark, and best wishes.
Yzerman did it. He signed too many players.
Def feels like it at first glance but i trust the Y PLAN