The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed forward Martin Frk to a one-year contract.
Per DetroitRedWings.com, the Red Wings announced the re-signing of Frk on Tuesday. His deal is a two-way deal with a price tag of $650,000 in the National Hockey League and $300,000 in the minors.
The Czech forward spent most of his season with the Grand Rapids Griffins last season as he was a member of the Calder Cup winning team. In fact, it was Frk’s goal in Game 6 that won the title for the Griffins.
Frk had an interesting 2016-17 season as he spent some brief time with the Carolina Hurricanes after they claimed him on waivers. He made two appearances for the Eastern Conference team. However, the Wings would reclaim him off of waivers after the Hurricanes sent him down to the minors.
The 23-year-old would eventually make it to Grand Rapids where he made 65 appearances and produced 50 points.
The Road Ahead
One of the reasons why this isn’t a longer contract is the fact that Frk isn’t a sure bet for the Red Wings roster this season. He showed great potential in the American Hockey League playoffs but now he must translate that consistent offensive production to his NHL career.
It’s not totally impossible that Frk won’t make the initial roster for the Wings, but he may slide into a role depending on what may happen during the course of the season. A spell of poor play or injury may give the young forward an introduction to the team.
The power play was one of the areas that many think Frk can help the Wings in. Perhaps a strong performance in training camp and in the preseason will catch the attention of the coaching staff.
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On another note, if Frk gets sent down to the minors he will have to clear waivers again, so perhaps he may not be a Red Wing for very long.