Adam Erne signs 2-year contract with Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings have settled on a contract with left wing Adam Erne at two years, $2.1 million against the salary cap each season.

That’s according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. Erne, 26, became a restricted free agent at the end of the 2020-21 season and had filed for salary arbitration, but this deal means the player and team have avoided a hearing.

Read back: Vrana, Erne both file for salary arbitration

Erne led Detroit in goals this past season with 11 in 45 games played -- Anthony Mantha had 11 goals in 42 games before he was traded to the Washington Capitals. He became a dependable forechecker for a Detroit team that struggled offensively all season.

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman originally made a trade in 2019 to acquire Erne from his old team the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was drafted by Yzerman’s Tampa at 33rd overall in 2013.

Erne fits right into the short-term Red Wings offense with Jakub Vrana, Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Michael Rasmussen, Filip Zadina and Robby Fabbri.

Dear Red Wings: Vrana and the burgeoning, albeit short-term, offense; awaiting Hronek deal

Red Wings free agency moves:

• Aug. 10: Jakub Vrana signs three-year contract with Red Wings
• Aug. 5: Center Chase Pearson stays with Red Wings
• July 31: Red Wings sign Tyler Bertuzzi to two-year contract extension
• July 30: Red Wings acquire Mitchell Stephens in trade with Tampa for 6th-round pick
• July 29: Red Wings bring back Luke Witkowski on two-year deal
• July 29: Red Wings bring back defenseman Dan Renouf on one-year deal
• July 29: Darren Helm leaving Red Wings, signs with Avalanche
• July 28: Red Wings sign center Pius Suter to two-year contract
• July 28: Red Wings sign Michigan native D Jordan Oesterle to two-year contract
• July 28: Red Wings sign D Ryan Murphy to one-year contract extension
• July 28: Report: Luke Glendening leaving Red Wings, signing with Dallas Stars

Pre-free agency moves:

• July 28: Red Wings sign goalie Calvin Pickard to one-year contract extension
• July 28: Red Wings sign center Sam Gagner to one-year contract extension
• July 27: Red Wings sign left wing Taro Hirose to contract extension
• July 27: Red Wings sign center Kyle Criscuolo to contract extension
• July 26: Gustav Lindstrom signs two-year deal
• July 25: Marc Staal signs for another season
• July 22: Alex Nedeljkovic signs 2-year contract with Red Wings after trade