The new deal, which will take effect at the start of next season, has an annual cap-hit of $4.75 mil, a $1.25 mil signing bonus, and, surprisingly, lasts for seven years. Seven is a big number for a defenseman set to turn 31 years-old in January. You don't see too many long-term contacts given out to defensemen of that age, but Detroit has been spoiled in the past with players staying effective in their old age, such as Kris Draper, Chris Osgood, and the legend and ageless wonder Nicklas Lidstrom. As far as price goes, this deal was a bargain for the Wings (the contract is a little front-loaded, we'll cover that later,) but can you really say you'd still be willing to have Kronwall's $4.75 mil cap-hit on your books when he's 37 or 38? Whether you agree or not, the Red Wings have made their decision, and they seem to feel rather confident in Kronwall's longevity.
Now then, let's examine the numbers and take a closer look. Thanks to Darren Dreger of TSN and our friends at CapGeek, we know the season-by-season salary details of this deal look like this:
2012-13: $4,500,000
2013-14: $6,000,000
2014-15: $6,000,000
2015-16: $6,000,000
2016-17: $5,500,000
2017-18: $3,500,000*
2018-19: $1,750,000*
Seasons denoted with a * signify a modified No Trade Clause. Kronwall will submit a list of 10 teams he will go to if Detroit would choose to trade him. All other seasons under the new contract have a full NTC.
IN OTHER NEWS:
- DET's Fabian Brunnstrom clears waivers, and the Wings call-up Gustav Nyquist from Grand Rapids.
- TOR reportedly to honor Mats Sundin's number 13.
- NJ activates Martin Brodeur off of IR.
