Earlier today, the Detroit Red Wings re-signed their other crease-cluttering Swede to a two-year extension. According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, he will earn $2.25 million in the 2010-2011 season and 1.5 million in 2011-2012, making it a 3.75 million total and 1.875 cap hit.
Holmstrom played extended minutes this past season and saw his goal totals increase to 25, after scoring 14 and 20 respectively the past two seasons. These minutes increases came with Valtteri Filppula and Johan Franzen absent for the majority of the season, something the Wings do not plan on happening next year.
Like most of the Wings, the gritty veteran broke out following the lockout nearly posting consecutive 30 goal campaigns.
Expect around 20 goals, 20 assists and at least 50 PIM for Holmstrom next season which makes for an adequate 3-4th line winger on any fantasy team. The Wings should be on the upswing with their entire team healthy and the return of Jiri Hudler, so Holmstrom should once again receive a boost in the plus/minus category to boot. The 37-year-old remains a constant threat on the powerplay and will also boost that category for your fantasy team.
While most teams will scramble to assemble their roster, the Wings will tweak and continue to re-sign their important veterans. At this point they still hold 15 players from last year’s team including eight forwards, five defensemen and both goaltenders.
Feel safe to draft wings early and often in next year’s draft.
