On Wednesday, the Detroit Red Wings locked in veteran defenseman Ben Chiarot with a three-year contract extension worth $3.85 million annually. It’s a move that’s sparked plenty of debate across the fanbase - some see it as a smart piece of business, others, not so much.
But as with most things in hockey roster-building, the truth lives somewhere in the middle. Let’s break down why this deal makes sense for Detroit, even if it doesn’t come with flashy numbers or universal applause.
What Chiarot Brings - Beyond the Box Score
First, let’s talk about what Chiarot actually is: a durable, veteran blueliner who’s been asked to take on some tough assignments since arriving in Detroit. He’s played big minutes, often over 20 a night, and has been paired with Moritz Seider - one of the Red Wings’ brightest young stars - to help ease the load on the 23-year-old’s development curve. That’s no small ask, and Chiarot has answered the bell with consistency and professionalism.
He’s not here to rack up points or drive offense from the back end. His value lies in the way he plays the game - physically, reliably, and with a veteran’s understanding of positioning and timing. He’s also a respected voice in the locker room, something that matters for a team in the thick of building a winning culture.
The Numbers: More Palatable Than You Think
On the surface, a $3.85 million cap hit might feel steep for a player who’s likely to slide into a third-pairing role by the end of the contract. But context is everything.
The NHL’s salary cap is expected to rise significantly over the next few seasons, potentially surpassing $120 million by the time Chiarot is in the final year of his deal. At that point, his cap hit would represent just over 3% of the team’s total cap - the equivalent of about $3 million today.
That puts him in the same financial neighborhood as guys like Tyler Myers, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Ian Cole, Olli Määttä, and Nate Schmidt - all solid veterans making similar money to provide depth and experience. In other words, this is the going rate for dependable defensemen who can eat minutes and provide leadership, especially when you’re not strapped for cap space - and the Red Wings aren’t.
The Market Reality
Let’s say Detroit didn’t re-sign Chiarot. Then what?
This summer’s free agent market for defensemen isn’t exactly overflowing with top-four talent. Mario Ferraro and Rasmus Andersson are the only clear upgrades, and it’s highly unlikely Andersson even hits the open market. John Carlson is technically a UFA, but all signs point to him staying in Washington.
That leaves Detroit with two options: overpay for a marginal upgrade in free agency or try to swing a trade for a top-four defenseman - a move that would almost certainly cost them valuable assets. In a league where reliable defensemen are always in demand and rarely available, keeping a known quantity like Chiarot starts to look like the more stable, cost-effective path.
A Fit for the Present - and the Future
Chiarot’s role will evolve over the next few seasons. Right now, he’s still logging significant minutes and playing a part in mentoring the next wave of Red Wings talent.
As younger defensemen continue to develop and push for more ice time, Chiarot can slide into a third-pairing or depth role - and that’s perfectly fine. You need those steady hands when the playoff push gets real.
There’s also flexibility built into the deal. If things go sideways, the contract isn’t immovable. Waivers or a buyout are always on the table, though the hope is it never comes to that.
But more importantly, this move reinforces the kind of culture Detroit is trying to build. Chiarot is well-liked by teammates and respected by the coaching staff and front office.
That matters. Culture isn’t just a buzzword - it’s the foundation of sustainable success.
And having veterans who set the tone, both on and off the ice, is a big part of that.
Bottom Line
This isn’t a headline-grabbing extension, and it’s not supposed to be. It’s a calculated, steady move by a team that knows where it’s going and who it wants in the room for the journey.
Ben Chiarot may not light up the stat sheet, but he brings something just as valuable: leadership, reliability, and a willingness to do the hard, thankless work that doesn’t always show up in the numbers. In a rising cap world, with a young core that’s starting to come into its own, that kind of presence is worth every penny.