Author: George Malik

WXYZ’s Jeanna Trotman discussed the Red Wings’ more notable free agent signings (Andrew Copp, Olli Maatta, Ben Chiarot and Dominik Kubalik) this evening…

The opening hours of free agency were exciting for the Detroit Red Wings. Steve Yzerman made SEVERAL moves to bolster the team’s goal-scoring & strengthen the blue line. Agree w/ the “Yzer-plan” or not, this team will be significantly better than they were last season. pic.twitter.com/TzOGqBdHRR— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) July 13, 2022

As did Bally Sports Detroit’s John Keating:

It doesn’t take long for Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman to get busy as free agency begins. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/3WFSC9pOVi— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) July 13, 2022

From the Red Wings’ Twitter account:

UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed right wing Matt Luff to a one-year, two-way contract. pic.twitter.com/B80qJy9NQl— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 13, 2022

UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed center Austin Czarnik to a two-year, two-way contract. pic.twitter.com/Hz2t8j7euz— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 13, 2022

Red Wings additions Andrew Copp, David Perron and Ben Chiarot spoke with the Wings’ media corps today:

Per the NHL Network, here’s Andrew Copp speaking with said network…

And the NHL Tonight weighed in on Copp’s deal:

Per the Grand Rapids Griffins:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins on Wednesday signed center Joel L’Esperance (lehs-pehr-AWNCE) to a two-year contract.

L’Esperance, 26, has been within the Dallas Stars organization since the 2018-19 season and most recently posted a career-high 49 points (24-25—49) and 30 penalty minutes in 62 outings with the American Hockey League’s Texas Stars. Throughout four seasons in the AHL with the Stars, the fifth-year pro accumulated 80 goals, 56 assists and 92 penalty minutes in 183 appearances. The Brighton, Mich., native also represented Texas at the 2019-20 AHL All-Star Game.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound center has bagged five goals in 33 games in the National Hockey League with the Dallas Stars. L’Esperance last saw time in the NHL during the 2020-21 campaign when he totaled two goals and two penalty minutes in 12 contests.

Before making the move to the pro ranks, L’Esperance spent four seasons at Michigan Tech University and garnered 98 points (46-52—98) and 132 penalty minutes in 152 outings. He helped lead MTU to two consecutive Western Collegiate Hockey Association titles from 2016-18. The forward also spent parts of three seasons in the United States Hockey League, showing 37 goals and 30 helpers in 111 games.

Here ya go:

UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed left wing Dominik Kubalik to a 2-year contract. pic.twitter.com/hvFUpe7nAt— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 13, 2022

Steve Yzerman bolsters the Red Wings up front with another signing: Dominik Kubalik signed a two-year contract worth $2.5 million AAV— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 13, 2022

David Perron, Dominik Kubalik signing 2-year deals with Detroit— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 13, 2022

They are placing bets today https://t.co/MUbQU2vVDZ— Bucci on Draft (@Buccigross) July 13, 2022

Contrat de deux ans pour David Perron avec les Red Wings. @TVASports— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) July 13, 2022

It’s a two years deal for David Perron with the Red Wings.— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) July 13, 2022

Waiting on the bucks…

David Perron signs with #LGRW

He’s been very productive well into his 30s and arrives on a Red Wings team that has a lot of talent. Only concern is if he gets relegated to the second PP unit.#fantasyhockey #HockeyTwitter https://t.co/JE4YwH9H90— Frozen Tools (@FrozenTools) July 13, 2022

UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed left wing David Perron to a 2-year contract. pic.twitter.com/brYHXpMS6M— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 13, 2022

It was reported a while ago by @FriedgeHNIC, but can confirm Detroit working on a deal with Ben Chiarot.— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) July 13, 2022

Ben Chiarot 4x$4.75M in DET— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 13, 2022

Signed to Standard Contract
Ben Chiarot (LD/RD) | DET#LGRWhttps://t.co/BetFiospq8— CapFriendly Transactions (@CF_Transactions) July 13, 2022

Ben Chiarot is heading to the Motor City after signing a four-year deal with the @DetroitRedWings, per @FriedgeHNIC. ?

Thoughts? ? #NHLFreeAgency | #LGRW pic.twitter.com/aF0lImS0qZ— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 13, 2022

UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed defenseman Ben Chiarot to a 4-year contract. pic.twitter.com/kHFQ097mfv— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 13, 2022

Per The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta:

The Red Wings have signed free agent F Matt Luff— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 13, 2022

Depth RW who split last season between Nashville and AHL Milwaukee. 3-3–6 in 23 games with Preds. #RedWings https://t.co/FKPB9h8cNX— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) July 13, 2022