Today marks the final opportunity for the Detroit Red Wings to offer NHL contracts to their draft picks Theodor Niederbach, Tnias Mathurin, and Jan Bednar. The club must make decisions by 5 p.m. ET, with June 1 as the deadline to either sign these players or forfeit their rights.
Goaltender Jan Bednar, selected 107th overall in 2020, has spent the last two seasons under an AHL contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s top farm club, but has seen game time with the ECHL Toledo Walleye.
There is a possibility that Bednar could re-sign with either the Griffins or the Walleye. However, the Red Wings recently signed college netminder Carter Gylander to a professional contract, suggesting that he may play for the Walleye next season.
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The Red Wings had high hopes for Theodor Niederbach, especially after his performance with Sweden at the World Juniors alongside other Detroit prospects. However, Niederbach struggled to find consistency with three different SHL clubs and has not scored more than nine goals in a single season. He is currently under contract with MoDo through the 2024-25 season.
Tnias Mathurin faced challenges in his development due to COVID-19 cancellations and shoulder surgery, which limited him to just one regular-season game for the North Bay Battalion. Last month, the Red Wings signed fellow draft pick and OHL defenseman Andrew Gibson from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, suggesting that Mathurin’s future with the team is uncertain.
There is speculation that Mathurin may stay with the Battalion for his overage season.
