The Detroit Red Wings have signed both Ian White and Mike Commodore within the past week, showing just how committed they are to build the Red Wings defense. With Brian Rafalski retiring this off-season, Detroit lost a proven veteran but won some cap space and accomplished what they do best. Filled the void at a cheap cost.
White, a 27-year-old, signed a 2-year contract worth $5.75 million. White has 36 goals and 143 points in 401 NHL games with the Sharks, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, and Flames. White played 17 postseason games with the Sharks last season in his first playoff appearance. Mike Commodore, a 31-year-old veteran signed a one year $1 million dollar contract. White will make an immediate impact on the blueline. He is a tough, but skilled defensmen who is entering his prime. Commodore has played under Babcock before, so he should segway well into Detroits roster game plan.
The Wings did offer other defensemen contracts including a two-year, $5 million to Windsor's Ed Jovanovski who unfortunately signed with the Panthers for $16.5 million and Canton native James Wisniewski, who signed with Columbus for $33 million.
It's no surprise GM Ken Holland and his crew made these decisions. As a Wings fan I cannot be happier with these two D-men signings as well as the re-signing of captain Nicklas Lidstrom, defensemen Jonathan Ericsson, and both forwards Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller. The future looks mighty bright for the Red and White.
On a side note, listen. I know a bunch of teams have picked up some big name players so far this offseason, but with Lidstrom and Babcock at the helm- no pun intended- once again the Wings will be a favorite to win the Cup next year.
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