Wings sign Chelios and Franzen

Chelios will return to Detroit in a one year deal worth under $1 million.

"Chris signed a one-year deal for less than a million dollars," GM Ken Holland told 1270AM Thursday afternoon. "We see him in the 10-15 minute range playing with the third pairing. Everybody knows his determination and he's very excited to return."

This season will be Chelios' 22nd in the NHL and seventh with the Wings. "Chris brings a great deal of experience and passion to the rink every day," said Holland. "He's been a great Red Wing, he's in excellent shape, and no matter what his age, you know he can play at a very high level." Between Schneider, Chelios, Lidstrom, and Fischer, Holland feels good with his defense. "With Mathieu and Chris, I feel very good about our defense for this season. Mathieu had a great year for us in 03-04 and we tried to sign him last summer. We're happy to have him back in a Red Wings jersey," Holland said. The Wings also signed Johan Franzen, a 2004 draft selection, to a one year deal. Detroit picked Franzen in the third round, 97th overall. The 6'2" forward weighing 210 pounds joins the Wings from Linkoping of the Swedish Elite league. In his 2003-2004 season, he had 30 points and topped the league with a plus-24. However in the 2004-2005 season, the addition of NHL veterans created less ice time for Franzen. He finished that season with seven goals and assists. He also was part of the Swedish National Team who finished fourth in the 2005 World Championship.

"We drafted Johan last summer in the third round and our scouts feel he is ready to play in the NHL," said Holland. "He established himself in the Swedish Elite League and their national program and we felt it was time to bring him over."