The opening of the NHL’s 2026 Free Agency period has seen the league trying to round out their rosters with moves both big and small. The Detroit Red Wings, seemingly already set on defense after signing two of their incumbent roster players during the season, have added to the room by signing Jacob Bryson to a one year, one way contract worth $850k.
The 28 year old blueliner has over 300 career games played in the NHL after being selected 99th overall in the 2017 draft. Bryson was selected by the Buffalo Sabres and played all but 15 career games with them so far, having been moved by the team’s revamped front office at this year’s trade deadline.
In 50 games at the NHL level last season, Bryson had two goals and six assists across his time with the Jets and Sabres. Bryson’s contract locks him at the NHL level unless he is waived by the team. Given his experience, he should be expected to slot in as organizational depth as an 8th defenseman while the Red Wings keep some of their younger prospects waiver exempt.
After picking up a solid blueliner as a reclamation project in another former Sabre in Jacob Bernard-Docker, the Red Wings may be hoping there’s some untapped utility as they let prospects like Axel Sandin-Pellikka claim top pairing minutes in Grand Rapids.