The Detroit Red Wings have announced a J.T. Compher contract that will run through the 2027-28 season worth $25.5 million. Compher’s new contract has an average cap hit of $5.5 million per season. News of the deal emerged on Saturday. Detroit also announced the signing of veteran goalie Alex Lyon to a two-year deal worth $1.8 million in total. The average cap hit is $900,000 per season.
UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed forward J.T. Compher to a five-year contract with an AAV of $5,100,000. pic.twitter.com/27j678Y6iQ
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 1, 2023
JT Compher Contract Inked
The Northbrook, Ill. native has played only for the Colorado Avalanche in his seven-year NHL career. Compher netted 17 goals and 35 assists for 52 points in 82 games this season. He had a Corsi for of 52.3 and a relative Corsi of -0.4. The winger/centre also had a goal and an assist in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games this season.
Compher was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round, 35th overall of the 2013 NHL Draft. However, he was sent over to the Avalanche as part of a trade package while attending the University of Michigan. The 28-year-old forward has 88 goals and 106 points for 194 points in 423 career games.
He comes from a strong hockey family as his sister, Jesse, is on the United States women’s hockey team. That team went on to win the silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics after falling to Team Canada.
Impact of JT Compher Contract
Compher has made a steady rise through the Avalanche lineup. He’s scored double digits in goals in every full season that he’s been in the NHL The veteran forward would be a solid pickup for any team and good addition for the middle six.
There was talk of him going to his home state with the Chicago Blackhawks. However, the Avalanche also had a chance to bring him back. The Ryan Johansen trade may have sealed Compher’s fate as Johansen can fill the second line role. However, Compher can play on the wing or in the middle.
He was making $3.5 million, but got himself a nice payday for his efforts. Compher is a strong forward that can help out a team’s depth.
Main photo by: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
