Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen revisits Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s comments regarding the importance of adding Jonatan Berggren’s offense to the Wings’ mix:
“He’s a smart hockey player,” Yzerman said. “He’s got good skills and it’s just the ability to do it at the NHL level. And he’s shown in some of the his call ups, brief periods that he’s called up that he has the ability and the hockey sense to play in the NHL.”
Yzerman recently reached an agreement with Berggren on a one-year contract for $825,000. Both the team and players were fine with that.
“We talked about one or two years,” Yzerman said. “Ultimately, with one player remaining unsigned, knowing what the salary cap is, probably weren’t in a position at this time to do a two-year deal… And if Jonathan goes out and has a solid season, he’s in a very good spot to renegotiate after one year. So you know what he needs to do? Just be a good hockey player in all areas of the aspects of the game, offensively, defensively.”
Berggren has been working out in Detroit lately.
“He looks like he’s worked really hard this summer,” Yzerman said. “He’s in good shape… He’s worked hard, he’s been patient and get a good opportunity this year. Pretty confident that he’ll be a positive influence on our team.”
