Per Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek, the Detroit Red Wings are signing non-qualified UFA Daniel Sprong to a one-year deal worth $2MM.
They’ve also added depth forward Tim Gettinger on a one-year, two-way contract with a $775k cap hit and $250k AHL salary, according to PuckPedia. Aside from Gettinger, Brogan Rafferty has also been signed by the team for additional depth, securing a two-year, two-way deal with the team.
Sprong is coming off his best season by a considerable margin, picking up 21 goals and 25 assists in 66 games with Seattle. Prior to last season, his previous benchmarks in a single season were 14 goals and nine helpers. With that in mind, it was somewhat surprising that the Kraken opted to non-tender him but as was the case with many players around the league, his eligibility for salary arbitration was enough to dissuade them from giving him a qualifier for less than $800K.
The Red Wings are the happy beneficiaries of that, landing themselves an intriguing winger on a low-risk contract. Sprong should slot into a middle-six role next season with Detroit, giving him a chance to at least come close to matching that production. Even if he comes up a bit short in that regard, Sprong should still be able to provide a good return on this contract.
As for Gettinger, the 25-year-old spent last season with AHL Hartford, picking up 35 points in 52 regular season games plus nine more in eight playoff contests. This will be his first time away from the Rangers after spending the first five seasons of his pro career with them. Gettinger has 16 career NHL appearances under his belt and is likely to have the same role with Detroit as he did in New York, serving as injury insurance in the minors.
Rafferty, meanwhile, is coming off a strong offensive season in the minors with Coachella Valley, Seattle’s affiliate. The 28-year-old collected 51 points in 72 games with the Firebirds, putting him in a tie for third in AHL scoring among all blueliners. Rafferty has three career NHL appearances to his name (all with Vancouver), the last of which came back in 2020-21. He projects to be a key offensive threat on a new-look Grand Rapids squad in 2023-24.
Yzerman redeems himself
Wow. There’s a solid signing.
Damnit Ronnie
It’s OK @ada. Moving on is the right move. Congrats to Sprong. But the Kraken have guys knocking on the door for a spot.
Oh damn they snatched Rafferty also! But, yes, I agree. I’m eager to see 52 out there again. See if 73 and 51 maybe get aboard. Maybe Firkus even. And you’re probably right about Evans, but I’m a little concerned about LD. Megna doesn’t look too good. Guess there could be something to those EK rumors with all this space opening up.
Good deal for the wings
AMEN. Finally, something that makes sense!
This guy is young and looks like he just coming into his own.
Surprised SY did not give him 2 year contract?!?!
On the Reimer and Lyon signings:
It seems like Reimer should be going to GRG.
Lyon is the better goalie – and younger.
Great get.
Great Job Daniel prove another team wrong…