The Detroit Red Wings are not done building. Just one day after finalizing a new deal with Patrick Kane, the team made four more additions that could shape the balance of their 2024–25 campaign. In a series of rapid-fire announcements via the team’s official channels on “X”, General Manager Steve Yzerman added depth, versatility, and veteran leadership—without sacrificing cap flexibility.
This quartet of one-year contracts signals Detroit’s strategic intent: build a roster that’s competitive now while keeping options open for future seasons. After narrowly missing the postseason, the Red Wings appear determined to push forward with a revamped lineup designed to close that gap. These aren’t blockbuster names, but each player fits a specific role in a roster that’s being carefully, and confidently, reshaped.
For a team seeking to build on the foundation set last season, these deals show that Yzerman is far from complacent. Instead, Detroit is arming itself for a run—quietly, deliberately, and with purpose.
Blue line reinforcements
Two of the new signings bolster Detroit’s defensive corps. The first was Ian Mitchell, who joins on a one-year, $775,000 deal. Mitchell brings mobility, solid puck movement, and upside as a potential contributor on special teams. Still just 25, he fits well into Detroit’s mix of emerging and established defensemen.
Patrick Kane #88 of the Detroit Red Wings high fives teammates after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Little Caesars Arena on March 27, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Next came Jacob Bernard-Docker, who signed a one-year deal worth $875,000. Known for his steady, mistake-free style, Bernard-Docker adds much-needed depth and composure on the back end. He’s not flashy, but his defensive positioning and smart decision-making could make him a stabilizing presence when injuries strike or matchups tighten.
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Together, Mitchell and Bernard-Docker give the Red Wings cost-effective blue-line depth with room for growth—exactly the kind of value-driven additions that have come to define Yzerman’s roster-building approach.
Forward group gets boost from versatile talent and veteran scorer
On offense, the Red Wings added John Leonard on a one-year, $775,000 deal. Leonard brings versatility and energy, capable of filling various roles in the bottom six. He’s shown flashes of offensive upside and could carve out a regular spot with strong camp performances.
But it was the signing of James van Riemsdyk that turned more heads. The 35-year-old veteran agreed to a one-year deal worth $1 million, offering low-risk, high-reward potential. Renowned for his net-front presence and power play skills, van Riemsdyk provides both leadership and scoring touch—an ideal mentor for younger forwards and a weapon for Detroit’s man-advantage units.
Kane was just the beginning
These four additions round out a busy stretch for Detroit, coming just after Kane re-upped with the team on a one-year contract. While Kane remains the headliner, these quieter signings form the backbone of what could become one of the deeper rosters the Red Wings have fielded in recent years.
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With Yzerman at the helm, Detroit’s vision is coming into sharper focus: blend elite skill with smart support pieces, build chemistry, and stay flexible. If the gamble pays off, the Red Wings could soon find themselves back in the playoff spotlight—this time, ready to make some noise.
