The Detroit Red Wings are bringing in some defensive reinforcements to start the NHL free agency period.
Elliotte Friedman first reported that the Wings are signing Ben Chiarot, former Florida Panthers defenseman, to a four-year deal worth $4.75 million per year.
Recommended Videos
The NHL free agency period opened at noon on Wednesday, and the Red Wings were among teams with the most to spend.
Related: Red Wings sign ex-Wolverine, Ann Arbor native Andrew Copp
Chiarot, 31, spent most of his NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets, before playing for Montreal from 2019-2021. He was traded for Florida last season, where he played 30 games, including 10 playoff games.
The Red Wings have also signed Olli Maatta, a defenseman who most recently played for the Kings, but won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins. That deal is a one-year contract.
More: NHL Free Agency 2022: Tracking Detroit Red Wings rumors, news