Red Wings make changes

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Rangers trade Marc Staal to Red Wings

The New York Rangers have traded defenseman Marc Staal and a 2021 second-round draft pick to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for future considerations, the team announced Saturday.

Staal appeared in 52 games for New York during the 2019-20 regular season, recording two goals and nine assists. He had a 37.31 Corsi For percentage and 36.22 expected goals for percentage in all situations.

The 33-year-old has one year remaining on a deal carrying a $5.7-million annual cap hit. He's spent his entire 13-season career with the Rangers after they selected him 12th overall in the 2005 NHL Draft.

 

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sign Sam Gagner to 1-year extension

The Detroit Red Wings signed veteran forward Sam Gagner to a one-year contract extension, the team announced Saturday.

The deal is worth $850,000, according to Cap Friendly. Gagner was set to become an unrestricted free agent after playing out the final season of a three-year, $9.45 million contract signed with the Vancouver Canucks.

Gagner joined the Red Wings prior to this season's trade deadline in a move that sent Andreas Athanasiou to the Edmonton Oilers. The 31-year-old suited up in six games for Detroit before the pause, notching a single goal while averaging just over 15 minutes per night.

The Red Wings, who finished the shortened season in 31st place, have over $34 million in projected cap space this offseason with a few key restricted free agents to sign, including forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Anthony Mantha.

 

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Red Wings put Justin Abdelkader on buyout waivers

The Detroit Red Wings placed forward Justin Abdelkader on unconditional waivers Tuesday for the purpose of buying out his contract.

Abdelkader had three years remaining on his contract at a salary cap hit of $4.25 million. His buyout will span six years for Detroit.