Detroit Red Wings: JT Compher looking to lock down things up the middle

The Detroit Red Wings made some moves this off-season. They added a few pieces to their offense, hoping to strengthen the forward core, especially in the top six. One of their new additions should be able to lock down a centerman role with the team this season.

The Detroit Red Wings agreed to a five-year, $25.5 million contract with J.T. Compher, who’s been around for the last seven seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). For the Red Wings, Compher is someone who should be able to jump into the team’s forward core and hopefully have a positive impact immediately.

When the Red Wings signed Andrew Copp to a lengthy deal before the 2022-23 season, there was a similar hope for him. He’s a veteran forward who came in with good experience, looking to bring a two-way upside to the forward core and hopefully capitalize on a recent uptick in scoring.

Unfortunately, Copp’s first season in Detroit was a bit underwhelming. Compher’s contract is similar and could be concerning to some, but there should be a belief that Compher can succeed. For Compher, he’s looking to come in and lock down a role in the top six, likely being the centerman on the team’s second line.

Detroit Red Wings are hoping for a big first season for JT Compher.

When the Red Wings brought in Compher, they knew they were getting a two-way player with a Stanley Cup Championship under his belt and experience on a contending team. Again, similar to Copp, who had been on a competitor in Winnipeg and then with New York after being traded to the Rangers.

But Compher should be able to step into Detroit and provide an upside on both ends of the ice. For him, it’s going to be about being a steady forward up the middle, likely centering that second line, which should be able to produce well.

He’s coming off a season in Colorado where he scored 17 goals and added 35 assists for 52 points in an Avalance uniform. Coming to Detroit, he’s joining a team that is on the brink of being a contender, and the team is looking to come out and prove that they will contend this season.

If Compher can excel, it will come as a playmaker who can also be exceptional in the defensive zone. The Red Wings are hoping his first season in Detroit goes better than Copp’s did. His odds seem better than Copp’s; it’ll just come down to his performance.

As the Red Wings get back on the ice as fall rolls around, Compher will look to make an impact and make a splash in his first season in Hockeytown.