The Detroit Red Wings have announced that they have signed defenseman Ben Chiarot to a three-year contract extension worth $3.85 million per season, amounting to a total of $11.55 million. This signing comes as Chiarot was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Chiarot had the potential to enter the free-agent market as one of the top left-shot defensemen available, particularly in a year with limited options. Previously, he had signed a three-year, $10.5 million deal with the Montreal Canadiens in 2019 and more recently a four-year, $19 million contract with the Red Wings in 2022. Drafted in the fourth round by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009, Chiarot has managed to maintain a notable presence in the league, even after the franchise’s relocation to Winnipeg.
While the Thrashers did not fully capitalize on his potential, Chiarot has proved to be a valuable mid-round pick, consistently serving as a reliable defensive player for multiple teams, including the Jets, Canadiens, Panthers, and now the Red Wings. His ascent to prominence began in Montreal, where he emerged as a dominant top-pairing defenseman, playing a crucial role in their underdog run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. Despite his lackluster statistical performance during that season, he earned recognition for his substantial ice time and physical playing style.
However, since joining the Red Wings, Chiarot’s performance has seen a decline. His underlying statistics have faltered, particularly as Detroit struggled with possession metrics, and he was unable to secure a consistent top-pairing role. Recently, though, Chiarot has shown signs of improvement, recording a +1 rating and 11 points in 54 games this season, which is a promising sign for both him and the team.
Despite individually improving, his possession numbers continue to raise concerns. Alongside rookie Axel Sandin Pellikka, Chiarot has formed a second pairing for much of the season, managing to outscore opponents but failing to control expected goals effectively.
As the Red Wings look to the future, retaining Chiarot may have been their best option, given the scarcity of suitable unrestricted free agent replacements and their available roster options. With $38.8 million in cap space for next season, the Wings are in a healthy position to continue building their roster while addressing upcoming contract obligations.
As the team moves forward, Chiarot’s performance will be pivotal in contributing to the Red Wings’ aspirations. There’s reason for hope that the contract extension will help solidify the team’s defensive core as they work towards a more competitive future.