The evidence won’t be seen for months, but a signing the Detroit Red Wings didn’t make this weekend ultimately may turn out for the best.
The Wings wanted to add grit and first targeted Matt Martin.
Martin, 27, made his name as part of an excellent fourth line with the New York Islanders. In 2015-16, he had a career-best 10 goals and 19 points. He has led the NHL in hits every season since 2011-12 (though hits is a subjective stat).
The Wings offered Martin a front-loaded contract of four years at an annual average value of $2.