The Frans Nielsen era with the Detroit Red Wings is over.
His contract has been bought out by the team, according to CapFriendly.com. The website reports the move will save the Red Wings $1 million against the salary cap in the 2021-22 season, but adds $500,000 to the cap the following year. Nielsen was due to cost $5.25 million against the salary cap this season, but the Wings will spread that out, charging $4.25 million against the cap this season and $500,000 in 2022-23.
The Wings signed Nielsen as a free agent in 2016 after he spent 10 seasons with the New York Islanders. In five seasons with the Red Wings, he had 48 goals and 76 assists over 319 games.
LOOKING TO 2021-22: Early look at Red Wings’ lineup has familiar faces with fresh faces
The 37-year-old had one goal and five assists in 29 games last season (in a 56-game schedule), and four goals with five assists over 60 games in 2019-20 (with the Wings playing just 71 games) — a harsh drop from his first three seasons in Detroit, when he scored 17, 16 and 10 goals, respectively.
Stay informed on what’s happening across Michigan: Subscribe to our news alert emails here.
Want more Red Wings news? Download our free mobile app on iPhone & Android!