Red Wings sign defenseman Troy Stecher for two years

The Detroit Red Wings continued revamping their defense for the 2020-21 season, signing Troy Stecher Saturday to a two-year contract that has a cap hit of $1.7 million.

Stecher, 26, spent the past four season with the Vancouver Canucks. He appeared in 69 games last season, picking up five goals and 12 assists while posting a plus-10 rating. He played 17 games in the playoffs (two goals, one assist).

Stetcher (5-10, 186) is the right-handed shot general manager Steve Yzerman said he was seeking before the start of free agency. He and young Filip Hronek are the only righties projected to in the top six on a unit that feature four left shooters (Danny DeKeyser, Patrik Nemeth, Marc Staal and Jon Merill). The Red Wings also have right-shooter Alex Biega, Stetcher’s teammate in Vancouver.

By acquiring Staal in a trade with the Rangers and signing free agents Merrill and Stecher, the Red Wings have indicated they will likely keep Gustav Lindstrom, on loan to Swedish club Almtuna, for the entire season — or least until the Grand Rapids Griffins season starts, if there is an AHL season. Options for Dennis Cholowski include competing for a spot on Detroit’s defense, playing in Grand Rapids if there is an AHL season, or perhaps play for a European club on loan.

Stecher, who was undrafted, has appeared in 286 games over four NHL seasons, all with the Canucks. He’s collected 11 goals and 64 assists.

The Red Wings have parted ways with Jonathan Ericsson, Trevor Daley and Madison Bowey.

More: Jon Merrill thrilled to be returning home to Michigan

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