Free agent defenseman Doug Janik has signed a two-year, two-way deal to remain with the Detroit Red Wings, MLive's Ansar Khan reports.
Janik, 30, is described by Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland as a stay at home defenseman that kills penalties. Janik was mainly signed for depth, and is not expected to play this season full-time with Detroit, unless a rash of injuries hits again. From Holland:
"He gives us good depth. We'll see what he can do in training camp. We think we'll have good competition. You need more than seven defensemen over the course of 82 games.''
The first year of the deal is two-way, meaning Janik will spend 2010-11 in AHL affiliate Grand Rapids if he doesn't earn a spot on the Wings' roster in preseason. The second year is a one-way salary (NHL only). Janik's best shot at cracking the lineup may be next season, especially if Nicklas Lidstrom decides to call it quits.
Janik is capable of contributing offensively, netting six goals and 31 assists last season in Grand Rapids, but he's not expected to do so at the NHL level. In 174 NHL games, he has just three goals and 15 assists.
Holland hasn't decided whether to offer a deal to defenseman Brett Lebda, but it's unlikely he will. Lebda has been entertaining offers from the KHL in Russia, but he reportedly asked for too much money. Jason Williams, who had an injury prone and unproductive year, was officially told he won't be brought back.
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