One year makes sense for both parties.
The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Teemu Pulkkinen, a restricted free agent, for $812,500 for the coming season.
Pulkkinen, 24, has yet to establish himself at the top level, having struggled to translate his best asset -- a wickedly hard right-handed shot -- to success with the Wings. Pulkkinen played 36 games last season, contributing six goals and six assists for 12 points. He had one power-play goal.
The short length is a low-investment risk for the Wings because, if Pulkkinen is unable to become a regular in 2016-17, he can be waived (and if he clears waivers, the team gains salary cap space).