Detroit Red Wings: Tomas Tatar Signed to Four-Year Contract

Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Tatar has signed a four-year contract worth $21.2 million.

The Red Wings and Tatar were able to reach a deal before the arbitrator came down with their decision. On Thursday, the two parties held their arbitration hearing and the consequential result was to be handed down 48 hours later.

It initially sounded like the deal would be only worth a year and there was speculation that Tatar may be dealt in a trade during the upcoming season. So, fans are quite happy to hear that one of the top forwards on the roster will be sticking around for a good while.

A long term deal is going to likely eliminate the trade scenario but it could still happen somewhere down the road.

This deal is worth $5.3 million annual as Tatar becomes the second most expensive forward on the Wings roster behind Henrik Zetterberg.

Tatar led the Red Wings in goal scoring last season with 25 goals in 82 appearances. In his last three seasons in the National Hockey League, the Slovakian native has produced 45 points or more in each season.

The 2014-15 season was his most productive season as he scored 29 goals and dished out 27 assists.

There’s no question Tatar is a consistent player. His numbers the past three seasons haven’t significantly deviated from season to season which has been a bright spot in the 26-year-olds career thus far.

According to CapFriendly, Tatar’s deal is comparable to other deals made across the league involving Brayden Schenn, Ondrej Palat, and Alex Galchenyuk.

Next: Watch: Detroit Red Wings Goalie Coach Talks Prospects

Additionally, CapFriendly is projecting the Red Wings will be above the cap after Tatar’s signing.

The Detroit Free Press spoke with Tatar following the deal. That can be found here.

Who’s left? Andreas Athanasiou is another key player who has yet to re-sign with the Wings front office. He will be the next player the Wings will try to make a deal with.