Shanahan Re-signs with Wings

Power forward Brendan Shanahan signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, ending speculation that began on Tuesday that a deal was near.

Reportedly, the contract is worth $3.5 to $4 million and includes a player option for a second year.

The Red Wings did not exercise their $6.5 million team option on Shanahan, making him an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Detroit was the only team that Shanahan spoke with, however, as he negotiated the less expensive deal.

Shanahan, a fan-favorite who has spent eight seasons with the Red Wings, scored 25 goals and added 28 assists last season while playing in all of Detroit’s games. He scored only six points in 12 playoff games.

With Shanahan’s signing, the Red Wings will likely focus on coming to terms with defenseman Chris Chelios. The two sides are reportedly close to a deal. Detroit will also be negotiating with restricted free agents Pavel Datsyuk, Mathieu Dandenault, Jiri Fischer and Jason Williams.

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The Red Wings also announced the signing of four players likely to join the Grand Rapids Griffins next season. Defenseman Brett Ledba spent last season with Notre Dame in the CCHA, center Eric Himelfarb played with Barrie of the OHL, defensman Bryan Helmer spent 2003-04 splitting time between the Phoenix Coyotes and the AHL’s Springfield Falcons, and ceter Eric Manlow split the season between the New York Islanders and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL.