6th D-Man Decided: Red Wings Wrangle Ruslan Salei (UPDATE: 1:35PM EST)

In an interesting turn of events, the newest move by the Wings was not the re-signing of a Detroit free agent, but rather the filling of the mysterious 6th defense spot on the roster that everyone was curious about. Kenny Holland ended the speculation today by signing veteran defenseman Ruslan Salei to a one-year contract. Currently, the amount has not been disclosed, but TDG will update with the number as soon as we have it.

From numerous sources, Salei is seen as a big-minute defenseman who can spark a mean streak when needed, but is sometimes careless with his puck decisions in his own end (where have we heard THIS before...?). Last year, Salei notched a goal and five assists in 14 games with a -1 rating and 10 PIM. This was the second season in three years that Salei had played less than 20 games, making injury a cause for concern with the aging blueliner.

Overall, an interesting move by Holland, but if we can get 20-30 points out of Salei this season and he proves a true defensive asset, we got our money's worth. We'll have to wait and see.

(UPDATE): Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press has confirmed that the deal is worth $750,000 with $350,000 in bonuses.

Herm Rejoices: Helm Re-signs

It got a little louder in Brazil yesterday, as well as in many areas of Red Wings Nation, when the Wings announced they had re-signed forward Darren Helm to a 2-year deal. Reports indicated that Helm will be making $1.825 Million over the two year span, $825,000 in year one and the remaining million in year two.

As was expected, the gears have finally started turning in the Big Red Machine again after the signing of American hockey legend Mike Modano was confirmed. This likely does, however, mean that the Wings will have to let go of a roster player to keep the balance between optimal talent and staying under the salary cap.

We can only wait and see what the next set of moves--or non-moves--will be. Stay tuned.

Report: Modano will Come Home, Sources Say

Finally some news!! I'll take anything at this point...!!

Sources are coming in now stating that Mike Modano has made his decision. The Free Press has reported that the former Dallas Star icon has chosen to come to the Red Wings and make the announcement on Thursday via a text sent by Modano on Monday.

No one is confirming a signing as of yet, mostly because sources do not wish to steal the thunder of the above-mentioned announcement later in the week. This does, however, seem to clinch it: Mike Modano will be a Red Wing this season. He will likely be signing for the $1.25 Million that was offered him already, and he will likely be in command of the 3rd line.

My Opinion: I have been skeptical abut the idea of Modano coming to Detroit. I admit I still am a bit skeptical, but I've had enough time to think things over and have decided that I'm willing to give Mike a chance. Centering the 3rd line does exactly what I wanted: it creates 3 legit scoring lines, 3 separate threats on the ice to score some goals, much more like past Wings teams that did lots of winning. It would also be nice to see Modano out in a 2nd PP role as well, to hopefully add some much needed improvement to what I felt was a dismal PP squad altogether last season.

I'll be waiting to hear the news on Thursday. Hopefully now we can finish signing the rest of our boys to contracts!!

One More for Meech: Detroit D-Man Re-signs

Finally there is something worth writing about!! With all the stagnation surrounding the free agency this year, news of Red Wings movement has been even scarcer than usual.

This past afternoon it was revealed that Derek Meech has signed back with the Wings for a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Personally I don't mind having Meech back, though he's never thrilled me. He is one of those players who is on the block for me, and if they don't perform well this year I would prefer to see him walked out for someone more driven to excel.

Make the best of it, Meecher! It may be your last shot in Hockeytown...

(UPDATE): Meech has indeed been signed for $500,000 as per the report on MLive.com