What's Happening?
The Detroit Red Wings have signed Mason Appleton, a former forward for the Winnipeg Jets, to a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of $2.9 million. Appleton, who has ties to Michigan from his college days at Michigan State, is expected to play a significant role in improving the Red Wings' penalty killing unit. Last season, Detroit's penalty kill was among the worst in NHL history, finishing with a 70.1 percent efficiency. Appleton, known for his reliable 200-foot game, is anticipated to fill the role previously occupied by Tyler Motte, who was not re-signed.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Mason Appleton is crucial for the Detroit Red Wings as they aim to improve their penalty killing, which was a significant weakness last season. With Appleton's experience and defensive capabilities, the team hopes to enhance their performance and potentially secure a playoff spot. The Red Wings missed the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference by just five points last season, and a more effective penalty kill could make a substantial difference in their standings.
What's Next?
Mason Appleton is expected to start the season on either the third or fourth line for the Red Wings, but he will be a key player in their first penalty-killing unit. The team will monitor his performance closely to see if he can help improve their penalty kill efficiency and contribute to their overall success in the upcoming season.
