Red Wings Re-Sign RFA Tuomisto

The Detroit Red Wings witnessed enough progress from defenseman Antti Tuomisto as an NHL prospect to give him a one-year, two-way contract Thursday.

Details of the deal have not been disclosed. –

Tuomisto, 24, played the past two seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins, playing 117 games while putting up eight goals, 44 points, with a plus-minus of plus-6. He’s a 6-foot-5 Finn (drafted 35th in 2019) with a booming shot and offensive instincts.

“Antti is actually a very good player,” GM Steve Yzerman said. “If he can just continue, he needs to gain a little bit of foot speed, half a step or something that to play at the NHL level. ”

At this point, he’s behind William Wallinder (32nd in 2020) when it comes to getting a Red Wings shot.  Neither will start the season in Detroit, but, depending upon injuries, both could get games there.

Plus, the Red Wings may add a veteran defenseman, maybe two, through trades or free agency.

“Both very good players at the American League level,” Yzerman said. “For Antti, it’s still again working on the pace to keep up, especially as a defender. And William has really come around in all aspects of the game. I hold out hope for both that they can play in the NHL.”

The continued progress of Shai Buium and Anton Johansson will also impact whether Tuomisto earns a shot in Detroit in 2025-26. Both of those players show continuing promise.

Plus, defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka is coming across the Atlantic to compete for a job in Detroit.

The Red Wings must re-sign RFAs Albert Johansson, Jonatan Berggren and Elmer Soderblom.