Wings Sign Defenseman Andy Delmore

The Wings have signed defenseman Andy Delmore to a one-year, $450,000 contract. The contract is two-way, meaning the Wings could send him down to the Griffins. The 28-year-old Windsor native potentially becomes the Wings' seventh defenseman, joining Nicklas Lidstrom, Jiri Fischer, Chris Chelios, Jamie Rivers, Niklas Kronwall (unsigned), and Mathieu Schneider. Says Delmore:

"It's been a dream of mine to play for Detroit. I used to go to every Red Wings game. Having a chance to play there is very exciting for me and my family. Growing up here, it was Detroit, Detroit for me."

Says GM Ken Holland:

"We're thrilled because of his experience, skill and mobility. I think he's a great addition. The style of the new NHL is geared towards skill and Andy has got skill...He's got to make the club. He understands the possibility he may end up in the minors, but that was a chance he was willing to take."

Delmore was considering joining the Coyotes, but ultimately chose Detroit for its skill-oriented play and the chance to fulfill a childhood dream of wearing the Winged-Wheel. Delmore had a rough stint in Buffalo last season, but prior to that racked up 34 goals and 72 points in 144 games with the Predators. He is not known for being a physical defenseman, but is regarded as one of the better offensive defensemen in the league. Says Holland:

"He's not a big, physical, guy but we've had a number of defencemen here through the years like that who have played well. I think he's going to be a real find for us."

And as for progress with signing Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Kronwall, Holland says "I can't say we're close to anything on any front." Great.