Tyler Motte has a new home. The Detroit Red Wings have signed the unrestricted free agent to a one-year contract. Moreover, the one-way contract carries a value of $800,000.00. Motte joined the Lightning as a free agent last summer to impact the bottom six forward group and kill penalties. Now he’s on the move to a division rival in Detroit.
UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed forward Tyler Motte to a one-year contract with an AAV of $800K. pic.twitter.com/BSX6YTt5vz
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 3, 2024
Tyler Motte Signs With Detroit Red Wings
In 2024, Motte scored six goals and three assists for nine points in 69 games. Furthermore, the depth forward added one goal in five playoff games. Motte is an NHL journeyman, playing for six different organizations and being dealt mid-season three times during his 400-game career. In those games, Motte registered 49 goals and 41 assists for 90 points. His best season came in 2023 when he split time between the Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers. He tallied eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 62 games. While Motte provides decent depth scoring, he is best known for his ability on the defensive side of the puck.
How Motte Impacts the Red Wings Next Season
The Tyler Motte contract makes sense for Detroit. Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings just missed the playoffs last year. Motte isn’t the biggest guy at 5’10” and 194 pounds. However, he plays tenacious and fast with great skill in pressuring opposing defencemen. Despite Motte having a rough season on the offensive side of the puck, he continued to display his value to the team in the defensive zone. Motte brings experience and the ability to kill penalties to Detroit. With better linemates and more minutes, Motte can elevate his scoring to another level. He could return to the double-digit range production like he did two seasons ago.
Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
