Moving on with our player previews, today we’ve got a two-fer on our hands with Ryan Sproul and Robbie Russo. Separated by just one month of age, the two young right-shooting defensemen will (probably) be looking to improve their standings with the Wings this season. I say probably because only one of the two has a contract right now.
Ryan Sproul: 1-year remaining at $650K (indexed upward from $625K due to NHL minimum salary requirements) - Expires RFA with arbitration rights. Waiver Eligible.
Robbie Russo: Currently unsigned RFA. Waiver exempt
Sproul is the 6’4” 212-pound 2011 2nd round pick of the Red Wings who won the most-outstanding OHL defenseman award in his last year of juniors and who has put up solid, but not jaw-dropping numbers in three years of AHL experience.