Detroit Red Wings Sign Mason Appleton to 2-Year, $5.8 Million Deal—What the Underrated Forward Adds

Detroit Shores Up Middle Six: Red Wings Land Mason Appleton on Two-Year Deal The Detroit Red Wings wasted no time in NHL free agency, inking right-shot winger Mason Appleton to a two-year contract carrying a $2.9 million average annual value—$3 million in 2025-26 and $2.8 million in 2026-27. Why Appleton Fits Detroit’s Blueprint • Versatile Middle-Six Presence: Appleton logged heavy defensive minutes on Winnipeg’s trusted third line, showing he can neutralize top opponents while chipping in offense. • Reliable Penalty Killer: Todd McLellan’s new-look bench corps adds a right-handed forward who averaged 1:45 shorthanded ice per night last season. • Cost-Controlled Depth: At $2.9 million AAV, the deal leaves GM Steve Yzerman flexibility to keep shaping the roster during a pivotal rebuild. Recent Production & Career Arc • 2024-25 with Jets: 10 goals, 12 assists (22 points) in 71 games, +7 rating. • Playoffs: Added seven helpers in 13 postseason contests. • Career Totals: 400 NHL games, 57 goals, 81 assists, 138 points and a +35 rating. A Journey from Late-Round Gem to Trusted Pro Drafted 168th overall by Winnipeg in 2015, Appleton climbed through Michigan State, the AHL’s Manitoba Moose and a brief expansion stint with Seattle before returning to the Jets in 2022. His combination of size (6'2"), skating and responsible two-way play has earned him a reputation as a coach’s go-to option in tight games. Impact on the 2025-26 Red Wings Lineup Projected lines slot Appleton alongside Michael Rasmussen and David Perron, forming a heavy, forechecking third unit that can tilt the ice and free Detroit’s scoring lines for favorable matchups. He also solidifies a penalty-kill unit that finished 23rd last season. Yzerman’s Busy Off-Season Continues Appleton joins a summer haul that already includes goaltender John Gibson, veteran winger James van Riemsdyk and extensions for Patrick Kane and Elmer Söderblom. The strategy is clear: surround a young core led by Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider with battle-tested depth to end Detroit’s nine-year playoff drought. What Comes Next If Appleton can reproduce his Winnipeg chemistry—net-front presence, puck retrieval and disciplined coverage—the Red Wings gain a valuable stabilizer at a bargain price. Detroit fans searching for “Mason Appleton Red Wings contract” or “Mason Appleton stats” will find a signing that marries smart cap management with on-ice need—exactly the recipe Yzerman keeps following as Hockeytown eyes a long-awaited postseason return.