Detroit’s busy free agent morning continues. After agreeing to new deals with Klim Kostin and Gustav Lindstrom, the Red Wings announced (Twitter link) that they’ve re-signed winger Matt Luff to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but PuckPedia reports (Twitter link) that Luff will make $775K in the NHL and $400K in the AHL, while the contract has a guaranteed payout of $450K.
The Red Wings opted to non-tender the 26-year-old yesterday, taking away the potential that he could file for salary arbitration and potentially wind up with an award that’s worth more than they were comfortable paying. Quietly, Luff has seen NHL action in each of the last five seasons, spanning a little more than 100 games which could have presented enough of a case for him to be awarded more than the minimum. Clearly, the two sides were able to find common ground soon after.
Luff split last season between Detroit and AHL Grand Rapids. He got into 19 games with the Red Wings, picking up two goals and two assists while logging just under ten minutes a night of playing time. Meanwhile, with the Griffins, Luff was much more productive, notching eight goals and 17 helpers in just 28 contests.
It’s likely that Luff will have a similar role next season, one that sees him start the year as a key scorer for Grand Rapids but when injuries arise, he becomes one of their first recalls.
Cheap signing – and more important TWO-WAY!
Two Way is the only thing important