Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: Red Wings Send Message by Rewarding AHLer Elson

Published

2 years ago

April 26, 2022

Left wing Turner Elson, 29, is no longer a candidate to become an NHL regular. The British Columbia native is in his sixth season as a Grand Rapid Griffins player. But that doesn’t mean the Red Wings don’t value his effort.

The Detroit Red Wings made that clear Monday by giving him a short-term promotion and a bonus.

GM Steve Yzerman rewarded Elson’s best minor league season (21 goals) by giving him an NHL contract for the final two games of the season. Elson has played one previous NHL game, recording one assist for the Calgary Flames in 2015-16.

“Turner’s a heart and soul player,” Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said. “He’s done an excellent job down in
Grand Rapids over the last number of years. He’s really earned this opportunity with his play down there. That’s something that’s real important within our organization — that guys understand that you can
earn these types of opportunities.”

Blashill believes Elson can help the team in these last two games.

Elson’s Strengths

“You need guys who can win pucks,” Blashill said. “You need guys that are reliable, you need guys that are hard at the net. He’s kind of a jack of all trades and does a good job with it. I’m excited to have him in
our lineup and hopefully he does a real good job.”

It’s unknown what Elson was making this season in Grand Rapids, but his 2020-21 minor-league salary was $115,000, according to CapFriendly.com. His AHL contract this season was probably in that vicinity. CapFriendly.com reported that Elson earns $3,750 per day on his prorated $750,000 NHL deal. That means Elson will earn $15,000 for his brief stay in the NHL.

Even though the Griffins didn’t make the playoffs, the Red Wings made sure Elson knew he was appreciated. That is a good message to send for a rebuilding team trying to establish a winning culture top to bottom.

We don't often see a contract signed this late in the season like Turner Elson's with the #LGRW

His contract will be registered tomorrow: 4 days remaining in the 200 day season.

His daily earnings are $3750, so he will earn $15,000 over the 4 days!

— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) April 26, 2022

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