Former Detroit Red Wings Forward Desperately in Search For New NHL on Free Agent Market

With the NHL Draft and opening of free agency well behind us now, fans, analysts and organizations are looking ahead to the next season.

Training camps start in over a month, but hype is already through the roof for the next season across the NHL.

As of now, most players have signed contracts, meaning that teams still looking to fill roster holes before the next season must turn to the trade market.

However, there are still a few free agents available, such as former Detroit Red Wings' Tyler Motte.

So far, in his career, the 5-foot-10 center tallied 99 points in 455 regular season games, as well as eight points in 44 playoff games.

Motte, 30, spent the past season in Detroit, scoring nine points in 55 games with the Wings. The Michigan native returned home for the last season after a tumultuous NHL journey that saw him play for the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

He joined the Red Wings in 2024 on a one-year deal, and made it clear that returning to his home state was something special in an interview shortly after the news of his signature came out:

Motte's biggest strength lies in his defensive game, physical presence, and ability to kill penalties, qualities that are often targeted by playoff teams looking for role players.

Here's what he said in the same interview:

Motte's leadership, work ethic and defensive qualities will surely interest an organization, at least for a PTO.

At 30 years old, he can still help a playoff team win, but also has the ability to help younger players thrive in the locker room of a younger organization.

With rosters not yet set in stone and injuries always a factor, don't be surprised if Motte gets an offer before opening night.