The Detroit Red Wings lose rights to former draft pick and Michigan State captain Red Savage as he signs with Sabres AHL affiliate.

The Detroit Red Wings have officially allowed the rights to their 2021 fourth-round draft pick, center Red Savage, to expire on August 15, clearing the way for the Michigan State captain to pursue free agency. 

Savage, selected 114th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, was widely noted for his strong two-way play and leadership during his collegiate career. However, the Wings opted not to extend an entry-level contract, a decision that surprised many given Savage’s reputation as a gritty, team-first player.  

Now a free agent, Savage has signed a two-year contract with the Rochester Americans, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. 

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Savage’s move to Rochester offers a valuable opportunity with a team like the Sabres that is always looking for NHL-ready talent and would likely give him a sooner path to the NHL than he would've gotten in Detroit. 

Following a season-ending shoulder injury that limited him to just 20 games in 2024–25, in which he tallied a decent 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists), Savage’s path to a pro contract became uncertain as he was never able to hit a point-per-game average at any level. 

The Scottsdale native's best season was during the 2020-21 season, when he played in the U.S. National Development Program and contributed 42 points in 46 games. Some notable teammates of Savage's at the time was the Hughes brothers, Logan Cooley, Lane Hutson, Isaac Howard, Rutger McGroarty and Cutter Gauthier. He's also had some notable performances on the global stage with Team USA, including his 2022 IIHF U20 World Junior Championships, when he recorded six points in seven games.

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