An Inside Look at the Detroit Red Wings’ Steven Kampfer Signing | DHN+

The Detroit Red Wings signed veteran defenseman Steven Kampfer over the weekend for one year at $750,000. It’s a two-way contract that pays Kampfer $300,000 if he plays in Grand Rapids. He is guaranteed to make at least $325,000 this season. If you are wondering about the timing, money or value of this signing, consider these facts:

1. Some of bubble players are opting to sign early because there are more players in the marketplace this summer. North American players who were in the Kontinental Hockey League are either coming back to North America or trying to sign in other European Leagues.  Other non-Russian players have left the KHL and are looking for work. Better to grab a spot now than to be scrambling for a job later in the summer. Kampfer played in the KHL last season.