The Detroit Red Wings are nearing a point where they will have to shell out some money. The youngsters, Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider will need contract extensions, and it might just break the bank a bit for General Manager (GM) Steve Yzerman.
For the Detroit Red Wings, it has to be a bit daunting to picture a couple of big contracts added onto the books. But the good news is some recent signings around the league are helping pave the way for Yzerman and the Red Wings.
The Ottawa Senators signed youngster Jake Sanderson to an eight-year, $64.6 million contract to lock down their defense core for years to come. The North Dakota Fighting Hawks alumnus has jumped into the defense core, and the Senators did not play around.
The Senators extended Jake Sanderson after his rookie campaign. He scored four goals and added 28 assists for 32 points as a rookie over 77 games played. There’s not a ton of surprise here, as the former fifth-overall pick is expected to be an anchor for them.
However, this move is going to pave the way for Detroit. At a minimum, it will help them as they start to work out the figures on a contract for Seider as the two sides try to find a common ground.
Detroit Red Wings can learn from others on the Moritz Seider extension.
Let’s make it clear. The Red Wings need to give Seider the BRINKS truck full of cash and ensure they keep him around for the long haul. His young career in the league has been exceptional. He’s continued to develop and has been a really exciting piece of the puzzle here in Detroit.
He played in all 82 games last season, scoring five goals and adding 37 assists for 43 total points. He shined on both sides of the ice and continues to prove that he will be a significant asset to the Red Wings in the coming years.
There’s no reason to wait around or sit on a contract extension. The Red Wings should work to get a deal done with their star defenseman. Sanderson earned $8 million annually on his eight-year deal mentioned above. Seider is likely going to net similar, likely even more.
The top defenders in the league are making upwards of $9-10 million annually, and the Red Wings will likely have to shell out an 8×9 or 8×9.5 contract with Seider. Given that the market for Sanderson on his extension was set at 8×8, Detroit will likely have to offer more.
Detroit can learn from the extension with Sanderson and continue to work through figures with their star defender to ensure he stays in a winged-wheel uniform for the long haul. An extension may not be imminent, but it’s worth noting the figures for Sanderson, as it will likely play a role as the Red Wings negotiate with Seider.
Keeping Seider around is a must, so shelling out the cash will be a must to ensure they lock up their younger players to establish this core for the long term. If the Red Wings want to turn the page and become a perennial contender, having Seider on the backend for the foreseeable future is a must.
It seems more like a when, not if, statement with Seider’s contract. It will take some time, but expect Seider to join the Miro Heiskanen, Adam Fox, and Cale Makar’s of the league with his average annual value when a deal gets worked out in Detroit.