Detroit Red Wings announce signing of 29-year old defenseman to a two-year contract extension

While Detroit Red Wings management continues preparations for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, they've taken care of one matter of internal business.

Defenseman William Lagesson has been extended with a 2-year contract.

The deal reportedly carries an AAV (average annual value) of $775,000 in both years.

Lagesson appeared in only 7 games with the Red Wings this year, with whom he signed a 1-year, $775,000 deal last summer. He played in 23 games with the AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins and had nine points (3G, 6A).

Lagesson already had 100 games of NHL experience when he signed with the Red Wings last summer, as he was taken 91st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

He has also played for the divisional foe Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs as well as the Anaheim Ducks. He has 12 total assists in 107 career NHL games.

This is mostly a depth move by the Red Wings, as Lagesson isn't likely to see much time in the NHL, barring an injury to one of their regular pairing defensemen.

Defense is an area that the Red Wings need to improve, along with their goaltending, as they had a mostly difficult time keeping the puck out of their own net this year, heavily contributing to their once again missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Whether or not Detroit GM Steve Yzerman chooses to select defensive help with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, which begins on Friday, remains to be seen.