The Detroit Red Wings are locking in some stability down the middle, signing veteran center Sheldon Dries to a two-year contract extension. While it’s not the kind of headline that shakes up the NHL, it’s a savvy organizational move-one that speaks volumes about how Detroit is building out its depth chart with purpose.
Dries, now 31, isn’t a household name at the NHL level, but he’s carved out a solid pro career since debuting in 2017-18. With 122 NHL games under his belt and a consistent scoring touch in the AHL, he’s the kind of player every franchise needs in its back pocket. Right now, he’s pacing toward another 25-goal campaign with the Grand Rapids Griffins, and he's doing it while holding down the middle of the ice-a position that’s always in demand across the league.
The Red Wings haven’t used Dries in NHL action since signing him in 2024, but they clearly value what he brings to the organization. He’s a steady, reliable presence in Grand Rapids, and if Detroit finds itself in a pinch due to injuries, they know exactly what they’re getting in a call-up. That kind of familiarity and trust can’t be overstated, especially in the grind of an 82-game season.
This year, Detroit’s been fortunate on the injury front, which has kept players like Dries in the AHL. He was called up recently but wasn’t needed, and was sent back down over the weekend. Still, his production hasn’t missed a beat-15 goals and 29 points in 34 games is strong output, and it reinforces why the Red Wings want to keep him in the system.
And let’s not overlook Dries’ scoring pedigree. Back in 2021-22, he lit the lamp 35 times for Abbotsford, showing he’s more than just a depth guy-he can be a top-line contributor at the AHL level. The following season, he chipped in 11 goals over 63 games with the Vancouver Canucks, proving he can hold his own when called upon in the NHL.
This new deal is a two-way contract, which is pretty standard for players in Dries’ role. He’ll earn $850,000 and $900,000 at the NHL level over the next two seasons, while pulling in a solid $375,000 when he’s with the Griffins. That AHL salary is well above the league average and a big reason why this deal makes sense for both sides-it gives Dries financial security and gives Detroit a dependable insurance policy.
Earlier this season, the Red Wings inked a similar deal with Dominik Shine, another effective AHL forward with offensive upside and Michigan roots. These kinds of moves might fly under the radar, but they’re part of a bigger picture: building a pipeline of capable, experienced players who can step in without missing a beat.
In Dries, Detroit has a pro’s pro-someone who knows the role, embraces the grind, and can contribute when the lights get brighter. It’s not flashy, but it’s smart hockey management. And for a team looking to keep climbing, those little decisions can make a big difference.