The Athletic’s Eric Duhatschek and Shayna Goldman both weighed in on the Red Wings’ highest-profile free agent signing of the day, with Goldman offering a good summary as to the direction of the team–or the seeming lack thereof:
Goldman: Compher’s really grown into a strong defensive center, which actually put him in the conversation with some of the best for the Selke Trophy. Not only did he limit scoring chances, but he managed to do so in tough minutes. And he made that leap forward while taking on an expanded role as the team’s second-line center. That obviously earned him a raise that was probably going to be out of Colorado’s range, even after a shaky postseason.
Evolving-Hockey projected his most likely value as a four-year contract that carried a $5.7 million cap hit. A five-year deal came in a little lower, at $5.5 million. So Compher actually signed for less, making it a solid contract — if he can keep up that defensive play, keep adding to offense and manage to do both while joining a team that’s not at the level of the Avalanche.
But does Detroit signing this player make sense? The Red Wings have a ton of cap space, but their direction right now is a bit confusing. It feels like the Red Wings should be taking big swings to address their offense first, then addressing their roster elsewhere with the remaining openings and cap space. It all just feels underwhelming right now, when this should be a team that positions itself to take a big step forward.
Contract grade: B
Fit grade: C+
Continued (paywall); the Wings have yet to address their desperate need for an elite offensive contributor, and that’s worrisome.
Update: Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen also looks on the bright side of life:
Compher posted career-best 52 points for the Colorado Avalanche in 2022-23. That’s 10 more points than Copp registered as the team’s No. 2 center. Compher played more than 20 minutes per game for Colorado this season and owned a Corsi rating of 52.3.
Through social media, fans are complaining about the length of the deal. It is longer than what Yzerman likes to give out.
The Avalanche wanted to re-sign Compher, but couldn’t reach an agreement. The Avalanche traded for Ryan Johansen who only has two years remaining on his contract. The Avalanche are only on the hook for $4 million each season.
In seven NHL seasons, Compher has never had a 20-goal season. But he has produced 17 and 18 goals over each of the past two seasons. He’s +33 over the past four seasons.
Compher was the Red Wings’ fifth free agent signing Saturday. They previously had signed goalies Alex Lyon and James Reimer, defenseman Justin Holl and Daniel Sprong
