The Red Wings signed Joe Snively as a free agent, bringing the Calder Cup champion in as forward depth likely to play for Grand Rapids
The Red Wings signed Joe Snively as a free agent, bringing the Calder Cup champion in as forward depth likely to play for Grand Rapids
Weeks after winning his second consecutive Calder Cup with the AHL's Hershey Bears, center Joe Snively is now with the Red Wings organization.
The Red Wings announced they signed Snively late July 1, bringing him in on a one-year, two-way contract. He brings depth at forward that should help out in Grand Rapids, though he could play sparingly in the NHL given his contract's two-way status. His contract value has not been announced.
With Hershey, Snively was a potent offensive contributor, scoring 172 points in 220 games. He also put up 33 points in 40 Calder Cup playoff games the past two seasons. At the NHL level, Snively had a successful call-up with seven points in 12 games played in 2021-22, but his production trailed off in subsequent call-ups the past two seasons.
Snively is the type of player who could help out Grand Rapids, a team that made the Calder Cup playoffs for the first time since 2019 last season, losing in the Central Division Final against Milwaukee. Leading scorer Jonatan Berggren is bound for the NHL roster next season, and the Griffins' next leading scorers Carter Mazur and Marco Kasper will vie for spots in training camp.
Facing such offensive loss, Snively is bound to fill some of the absence. He also brings playoff experience that could help Grand Rapids learn and grow for any subsequent playoff runs. Alongside the additions of forward Sheldon Dries and defenseman William Lagesson in free agency, the Red Wings are setting the Griffins up for playoff success that could help its young prospects grow in high-stakes environments.
Snively has ties to the current Red Wings roster. He was a college teammate of goaltender Alex Lyon when the two were at Yale in 2015-16. And while Snively is most likely slated to play in Grand Rapids, those two could take the ice if Snively gets called up.
Also from THN Detroit
Grading the Red Wings' Free Agent Moves
Red Wings UFA Shayne Gostisbehere Signs 3-year, $9.6 Million Contract with Hurricanes
Christian Fischer Signs One-Year Deal to Remain a Red Wing
Red Wings Sign Ex-Oilers Goaltender Campbell. Is a Lyon or Husso Trade to Follow?
Red Wings Sign Local Product, Depth Forward Sheldon Dries
Red Wings Sign Power Play Specialist Gustafsson to Two-Year Deal
Cam Talbot joins Detroit Red Wings for two years, $2.5 million
Around the League: Former Red Wing Tyler Bertuzzi Signs with Chicago