The Detroit Red Wings have resigned defenseman Alexey Marchenko, according to Aaron Ward. The contract extension is a two-year deal worth $1.45 million annually.
The signing has prevented Marchenko from becoming an unrestricted free agent at noon on Friday. He will get a bridge deal, so Marchenko gets a raise and the Red Wings can keep the defenseman for a few years.
"I’m a big fan of Alexey Marchenko," said SB Nation's WingingItInMoTown. "He’s extremely calm, and steady with the puck. Very rarely do you see him making an “oopsie-daisy” in the defensive zone. His vision is great, and he can skate well for a guy with his size. Marchenko was one of the RFAs that Detroit needed to lock up, so, one down."
Marchenko had a good season in 2015-16 with the Red Wings. He logged 11 points in 66 games on two goals and nine assists. He scored his first career NHL goal against Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators. In 80 NHL games, Marchenko has tallied three goals and 10 assists for 13 career points.
Marchenko was added to Russia's World Cup roster, according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press. The Hockey World Cup preliminary round will take place from September 17 to September 22. The finals will take place on September 27, September 29 and if needed, October 1.