Wings Bring Back Rivers, Mowers

The Detroit Red Wings signed two of their key depth players from the 2003-04 season before allowing them to become unrestricted free agents. Defenseman Jamie Rivers agreed to a two-year deal while forward Mark Mowers signed a one-year deal with a player option for a second year.

As per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

Rivers signed with the Red Wings last summer to provide them with depth and a veteran presence with the Grand Rapids Griffins, their American Hockey League affiliate. He spent less than a month with the Griffins before being called up when Derian Hatcher was injured in the third game of the season. Rivers went on to play 50 games with the Red Wings. He was solid defensively, earning a +9 plus-minus ranking, and scored seven points.

Mowers signed with the Red Wings in the summer of 2002 and was an early-season call-up when injuries began to hit the Red Wings. He played 52 games before suffering a foot injury with four games remaining in the season that kept him out through the playoffs. He had three goals and added eight assists on the season.

With Mowers and Rivers resigned, the Red Wings’ potential unrestricted free agents include Brendan Shanahan, Chris Chelios, Kris Draper and Mathieu Schneider.