DETROIT — The Wings have added a second defenseman through free agency, inking former San Jose Shark Ian White to a two-year contract at $2.875 million a season.
“We got a quick, close look at him during the San Jose series,” Wings general manager Ken Holland said in a phone interview Saturday afternoon. “He really played well against us. He plays physical. He’s got skill. Competes hard.”
The Wings were in need of a puck-moving defenseman who can play the point on he power play.
He was a top-four defenseman for the Sharks in the playoffs. He had one goal and eight assists in 17 games.
He’s also a right-handed shot and just 27 years old.
“He’s really in his prime,” Holland said. “He’s got some skill. He’s not a big player, but he competes hard and has some hockey sense. He’s got some playoff experience. He can play on the point on the power play and he’s competitive.
“He’s a right-shot defenseman,” Holland added. “We were hoping to get a right-shot defenseman in free agency.”
The Wings added Mike Commodore to the blue line on Friday. He’s also a right-shot defenseman.
White (5-10, 195 pounds) played for three teams last season (Calgary, Carolina, San Jose), totaling four goals and 22 assists in 77 games.
He made just under $3 million last season.
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