The Detroit Red Wings have signed veteran center Steve Ott to a one-year deal worth $800,000, according to the team.
The 33-year old has spent the last two full seasons with the St. Louis Blues after coming over from the Buffalo Sabres. The Summerside, PEI native only appeared in 21 games after dealing with colitis and a hamstring injury. He notched a pair of assists. He did play nine of the Blues playoff games.
The 25th overall pick in the 2000 NHL Draft has also played for the Stars and appeared in 795 regular season games. Ott has scored 106 goals and dished out 175 assists in his career. He notched a season-best 22 goals in 2010-11 with Dallas.
What Steve Ott Brings to the Wings
He’ll never be confused for a goal-scorer, but he does bring an edge and toughness to a young team that is looking to make the playoffs for the 26th consecutive season. Detroit has a lot of scorers and finesse players, but Ott provides grit and is willing to mix it up to stick up for his teammates.
Ott has also wanted to be on this team for a long time.
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He played his junior hockey just across the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario with the Spitfires.
The Ott signing was the fourth veteran to reach a deal with the team. Former New York Islander teammates Frans Nielsen and Thomas Vanek agreed to terms with the club, while Darren Helm chose to stay with the club after inking a five-year contract.
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“Otter” can also play the left and right wing spots, so that gives him the versatility to fit anywhere in Detroit’s bottom six.
He was also the former team captain with the Sabres and wore the “A” when he was with the Stars. He’ll be counted on to add leadership to a hungry, young squad.
