DETROIT — The Red Wings are adding some size to their bottom six, signing winger Mason Appleton to a two-year deal with a $2.9 million average annual value, league sources told The Athletic’s Chris Johnston on Wednesday.
Appleton had 10 goals and 22 points last season for the Jets but is only one year removed from a 14-goal, 36-point campaign in 2023-24.
Detroit had been looking to add size and hardness to its lineup, and Appleton will help with that as a 6-foot-2 winger with good territorial impacts.
How Appleton fits Detroit
Appleton profiles as a true third-liner and could slot in alongside fellow former Jet Andrew Copp, J.T. Compher, or both in that role for Detroit. The Red Wings have needed a harder element in their lineup, and Appleton looks like that style of role player who can still chip in some secondary offense.
What’s interesting is that the move comes a day after the Red Wings added James van Riemsdyk, who also would have been a logical third-line fit. It’s possible both van Riemsdyk and Appleton could flank Copp or Compher on that line, with the other either playing up the lineup or centering the fourth line. It’s also possible the veteran van Riemsdyk could get a look high in the lineup after a 16-goal campaign last season. Neither of those options would classify as the kind of splashy top-line addition fans in Detroit were hoping for, though.
It also remains to be seen if the Red Wings are done making moves, as Detroit still has more than $11 million in cap space. But in signing the 29-year-old Appleton to a fairly inexpensive short-term deal, the Red Wings have added to their depth and given themselves a veteran role player. — Max Bultman, Red Wings beat reporter
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