Red Wings land Islanders center Frans Nielsen
By @MichaelCaples –
They weren’t able to get Steven Stamkos, but it looks like the Red Wings landed their next top target.
Per the Wings’ official Twitter account, Detroit has signed Frans Nielsen, a Danish center who has spent his entire career with the New York Islanders, to a six-year contract.
Originally a third-round pick (87th overall) of the Isles in 2002, Nielsen came to North America in time for the 2006-07 season, and since, he has posted 119 goals and 230 assists for 349 total points in 606 NHL games.
On a NHL Network/Sportsnet interview, Nielsen wouldn’t reveal how many teams offered him deals, but he said there were plenty.
“There was quite a bit. It was pretty overwhelming, I’ve got to say. I didn’t expect this. In the end, I had a hard time leaving New York here, but it kind of came down to the two of them. I just felt in the end, maybe it was time to just try something new. I was really excited about Detroit being there.”
Last season, the native of Herning, Denmark, recorded 20 goals and 32 assists for 52 points in 81 games.
Per former Wolverines and Red Wings defenseman Aaron Ward, it’s a contract with a $5.25 million cap hit per season.
Detroit Red Wings agree to terms with Frans Nielsen on a 6 year/ $5.25M AAV contract. #DRW
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) July 1, 2016
Nielsen’s career-best numbers came in 2013-14, when he posted 25 goals and 33 assists for 58 points in 80 games.
The new Red Wings forward said he likes the outlook of the Red Wings’ roster.
“I like the mix of young and old. Especially the talent they have, it seems like no matter where you are in the top nine, you’re going to play with good players, you’re going to be surrounded with good players. I like their hockey, the way they think, they want to be a fast team and a puck possession team, so I think it’s a place that’s going to fit me well.”
When asked about his six-year contract and whether he thinks he can still contribute at age 38, Nielsen had this to say:
“I don’t know, I mean, you always want to try to get better all the time. I feel I’m a reliable player, I can play two-way hockey and I can kill penalties, too. Even with age, I think I can make a difference. Maybe it’s not going to be as many points in the end, but I still think I can help the team in a different way, play a shutdown role or like I said kill penalties and still be effective in some way.”