The Detroit Red Wings have added to their roster for next year with the signing of defenceman Jordan Oesterle. The deal is for two years with an annual cap hit of $1.35 million. The team announced the move Wednesday afternoon.
UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings today agreed to terms with defenseman Jordan Oesterle on a two-year contract. pic.twitter.com/iEgEYmuCOf
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 28, 2021
Red Wings Sign Jordan Oesterle
Oesterle was not a key figure for the Arizona Coyotes in 2020-21, but he still posted some respectable numbers given his status as a secondary option. The veteran posted one goal, 11 points, 45 hits and 64 blocks in 43 games. That production came in 17:54 of average ice time per game. He also posted a 46.4 percent Corsi For and -2.4 relative Corsi with roughly even offensive/defensive zone start splits.
The Michigan native has been in the NHL since 2014-15 when he signed with the Edmonton Oilers after a career with the NCAA’s Western Michigan program. He also played for the Chicago Blackhawks for a brief period of time before being included in a huge 2018 trade that featured multiple players going both directions. Nobody will confuse Oesterle for an elite defender, but he has still managed to collect 15 goals and 65 points in 252 games despite his journey to hockey’s highest levels.
What This Means
Detroit could have a much different blueline when it enters the 2021-22 season. They had several pending free agents, but have replaced them with several others including Oesterle. Expect the team’s newest defender to occupy a spot on the third pairing with heavy deployment on the penalty-killing unit.
The Red Wings still have several years to go before they are contenders again, but they have added several interesting bodies. Beyond Oesterle, they have signed Pius Suter, previously with Chicago, and acquired Alex Nedeljkovic after his exciting Calder-eligible season. Detroit still has roughly $32 million in space for further deals. They must meet a minimum threshold for salary commitments, so expect more spending from the Michigan-based franchise.
Main Photo:
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 19: Jordan Oesterle #82 of the Arizona Coyotes skates with the puck ahead of Victor Rask #49 of the Minnesota Wild during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on December 19, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Wild defeated the Coyotes 8-5. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
