The Detroit Red Wings have already been rumored to be a serious contender for Frans Nielsen, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in keeping some of their own guys.
The Wings have moved on from Brad Richards, and Pavel Datsyuk’s departure leaves the team with a good chunk of cap space. It sounds like they’re planning to use some of that cap space on potential free agent forward Darren Helm.
A report from the Detroit Free Press suggested that the two sides were close to a new deal on Friday morning. But since then, Aaron Ward has confirmed that the Wings have re-signed Helm.
Detroit Red Wings and Darren Helm agree to terms on a 5 year/ $3.85M AAV #DRW
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) July 1, 2016
Before the Helm signing, the Wings had $18.032 million in cap space, but they still need to re-sign RFAs like Petr Mrazek, Danny DeKeyser and Alexey Marchenko.
One of the main reasons the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup this year was because of their quickness, so it’s not surprising to see Detroit place special emphasis on bringing Helm back. Helm is well-known for his blazing speed.
The 29-year-old had 13 goals and 26 points in 77 games in 2015-16.
He’s coming off a four-year deal worth a total of $8.5 million ($2.125 AAV).
Even if land Helm, Wings should still have room to add 1 more player. Need a center big time. Frans Nielsen a target.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 1, 2016