Red Wings: Gagner, Pickard Extended On One-Year Deals

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The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed center Sam Gagner and goaltender Calvin Pickard to one-year contract extensions.

According to PuckPedia, the Gagner deal is worth $850,000.

The financial terms have yet to be released for Pickard.

Sam Gagner also had a solid year in Detroit’s lower lines. He scored seven goals and eight assists in 42 games, with a corsi-for percentage of 4.9. The highlight of the season for Gagner was his hat trick against the Nashville Predators.

Gagner was a solid driver of offense, although he lacked the finishing skill of fellow bottom-sixer Adam Erne. Perhaps his greatest asset was his mailability; Gagner was just as comfortable playing center as he was playing wing. Detroit will retain some experience down the middle (Especially in the bottom six) with Gagner returning.

Pickard adds some depth to Detroit’s goalie room. Last year, Pickard found himself on the taxi squad a majority of the year, waiting in case of potential injuries/covid related absences. He played in net for both Detroit and Grand Rapids this season; six games with the Wings and three with the Griffins. Pickard filled in for an injured Bernier, securing a save percentage of .874 with 3.16 average goals against.  He was actually quite effective in that stretch, securing a winning record at 2-1-1. Pickard has already proved his ability as a competent backup.

This is the first of many re-signings that are expected to occur throughout they day. Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings still have plenty of decisions to make, both on the free market and on the pending UFA/RFA sheet. However, after the acquisition of Alex Nedeljkovic, Pickard is likely the last piece of the goalie puzzle for Detroit this season.

Gagner helps fill a major need at center for the organization, but there is still depth that needs to be filled at the position.

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