Red Wings Sign J.T. Compher to Five-Year Deal

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward J.T. Compher to a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $5.1 million.

One of the top forwards available is off the market. 

The Detroit Red Wings bolstered their offense on Saturday, agreeing to terms with forward J.T. Compher on a five-year contract worth an average annual value of $5.1 million. 

Someone was always bound to pay Compher a lot of money this summer after the 28-year-old finished with 17 goals and 35 assists for 52 points in 82 games. 

Hitting the open market after a breakout season on the defending Cup champs in 2022-23, Compher proved himself as a legitimate second-line center with tremendous defensive capabilities who can handle difficult matchups in all situations. 

While Compher's offensive upside is somewhat limited, his age and versatility were seen to be incredibly valuable when the market opened, and Detroit ponied up, nabbing one of the top forwards on the board for the remainder of his prime. 

The term and money are a bit much for a player of Compher's limited offensive capabilities, but the Red Wings had cap space to burn and are slowly building a very competitive roster that could make some serious moves in a tight Atlantic Division.