Red Wings Secure Ben Chiarot with Three-Year Contract Extension
The Detroit Red Wings have confirmed a three-year contract extension for defenseman Ben Chiarot, valued at $3.85 million annually. This agreement totals $11.55 million, ensuring Chiarot remains with the team as he was poised to enter unrestricted free agency this summer.
Ben Chiarot’s Career Overview
Ben Chiarot, drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, has had a noteworthy career. He debuted in the league with the Winnipeg Jets after the franchise’s relocation from Atlanta and has since been a key player for several teams, including the Jets, Montreal Canadiens, Florida Panthers, and now Detroit.
- Drafted: 2009 by Atlanta Thrashers
- Previous Contracts:
- Three-year, $10.5 million deal with Montreal in 2019
- Current four-year, $19 million deal with Detroit from 2022
Impact on the Red Wings
Chiarot has established himself as a reliable defenseman since becoming a full-time player in the 2014-15 season. His role gained prominence after joining the Canadiens, where he played over 23 minutes per game and contributed significantly to the team’s run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
However, his performance in Detroit has seen fluctuations. Initially struggling with possession metrics, Chiarot has shown signs of improvement in the current season. He has achieved a plus-one rating and recorded 11 points in 54 games, averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per game.
Statistical Highlights
- Games Played: 54
- Points: 11
- Average Time on Ice: 21:07 minutes per game
- Block Count: 113
- Hits: 109
Despite his contributions, Chiarot has faced competition for roster spots. He is currently harmonizing with rookie Axel Sandin Pellikka, forming a secondary defensive pairing. Collectively, they control 45.9% of expected goals while outscoring opponents 24-22, suggesting some potential for ongoing performance improvement.
Future Considerations
While his recent performance might warrant optimism, the Red Wings have little choice but to secure Chiarot due to a lack of promising replacements in their defensive lineup. The organization is in a strong position with $38.8 million in salary cap space, allowing them the flexibility to make additional moves as necessary.
Chiarot’s extension raises questions about the long-term strategy for the Red Wings, especially considering the aging roster dynamics. Nonetheless, retaining his experience and capability provides a stabilizing force on the blue line as the team continues to build for the future.
