DETROIT — Despite all signs pointing to the Wings not making a big splash in free agency, they may have done just that.
The Wings will announce the signing of former Ottawa Senator Daniel Alfredsson once noon hits.
The deal is for one season.
Alfredsson spent his entire career, 17 seasons, with the Senators.
It was speculated earlier in the day the deal would be $3.5 million for the 40-year-old right plus bonuses that could bring the deal up to $5 million for the one season.
Wings general manager Ken Holland reached out to Alfredsson on Thursday.
Alfredsson was also considering returning to Ottawa or leaving for Boston.
Alfredsson will fit well in the Wings locker room that’s full of Swedish-born players and could fit well on a line with Henrik Zetterberg.
This doesn’t answer Detroit’s need for a second-line center.
Alfredsson, who’s a right-handed shot, had 10 goal and 16 assists in 47 games this last season.
The signing means that Daniel Cleary is likely not returning.
Cleary was looking for a three-year deal at around $3 million per season.
Dallas could be a nice landing spot for Cleary, where Jim Nill has taken over. The Stars also just signed Shawn Horcoff, who has become good friends with Cleary.
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