Detroit Red Wings sign Darren Helm
The Detroit Red Wings have announced that they have signed forward Darren Helm to a two-year deal worth $1.825 million. Helm is set to earn $825,000 this season and will make $1 million in the second year of the contract.
Helm was drafted by the Red Wings 132nd overall in the fifth round of the 2005 National Hockey League entry draft.
Upon being drafted he was placed with the Red Wings American Hockey League affiliate the Grand Rapids Griffins. Helm split the first his first two seasons between the Griffins and the Red Wings, registering 37 points in 55 games in 2008-09.
Last year Helm had a strong season with Detroit becoming a major part of their third-line checking unit. He was able to use his speed effectively on the penalty kill, and gradually became an important depth player for the club.
The two year signing of the restricted free agent was a good one by General Manager (GM) Ken Holland. Helm is only 23 years old and is another demonstration of the superiority of the Detroit scouting system. Already a major contributor at 23 and drafted in the fifth round, Helm is a very rare case.
For Helm the signing is a great one. He is part of the best franchise to join as a youngster willing to learn, being coached by perhaps one of the leagues best coaches in Mike Babcock. Furthermore, Helm is getting great minutes, which should go up by the second year of the contract. The term will give Helm more time to develop as a young player, and grow within a very competitive and promising organization.
Last season with the Red Wings, Helm managed 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points in just 75 games. He was also a minus-two on the year.
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