J.T. Compher signs with Detroit
J.T. Compher picked up a nice payday in Detroit. After a career year with the Avalanche, the Red Wings are signing the forward to a five-year deal worth $25.5 million. Steve Yzerman is continuing to inject veterans into his young core.
Darren Dreger confirmed reports of an agreement Saturday:
Compher 5.1 x 5 years with Detroit
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2023
At 28, this deal will cover the best years of the Illinois native’s career. He blew his previous career-high of 33 points out of the water in 2022-23. With his role increased, Compher scored 17 goals and 35 assists for an impressive 52 points.
He will now provide a valuable middle-six role for a Red Wings team looking to make the next step into the playoffs. He also joins the likes of Christian Fischer and Daniel Sprong as new additions to Detroit’s forward group.
Avalanche Of Change
The Avs, meanwhile, retooled their attack heavily on Saturday. They picked up Jonathan Drouin and Miles Wood in free agency. They are still working on a deal for RFA Ross Colton as well, who they acquired earlier in June.
It will be interesting to see how these now pieces fit in with Jared Bednar and company. Obviously, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen are the engines of this team. Cale Makar is one of the best defensemen in the sport. They have another elite powerplay quarterback in Devon Toews, too.
The points will likely come for all of their new additions, but Compher was a useful penalty-killer and two-way player. Someone is gonna have to step up to fill those skates.
The Detroit Red Wings, like others, made lots of moves in free agency yesterday. J.T. Compher is a good add, but may not be a missing piece. His price tag of $5.1 million per season is a lot, especially if you’re hoping he reaches the 50-point plateau again.
