Two of Detroit’s main issues entering the offseason were 5-on-5 scoring and grit. The Red Wings finished 30th in 5-on-5 goals with 142 and 29th in hits with 1,480 last season.
Forward Patrick Kane, whom Yzerman had said Detroit wanted to re-sign, signed a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million average annual value) with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23. But the Red Wings signed Arvidsson to a two-year, $10 million contract ($5 million AAV) on July 1.
Kane, 37, had 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 67 games last season, including 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) at even strength. Arvidsson, 33, had 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists) in 69 games for the Boston Bruins last season, including 45 points (21 goals, 24 assists) at even strength.
Arvidsson played for coach Todd McLellan with the Los Angeles Kings from 2021-24.
“He’s really structured and always has a plan, I think,” Arvidsson said. “It’s defense first, and then if you play really good defense, you’re going to have success offensively. I think that’s a big part that I like about him.”