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). It also makes sense for Pulkkinen because, if he is able to gain a foothold and score a decent amount of goals, he sets himself up for a raise.
Pulkkinen underwent major shoulder surgery last month in his native Finland, with recovery expected to take 4-6 months. If he's ready three months from now, he'd still miss training camp.
The Wings selected Pulkkinen 111th overall in the 2010 NHL draft.
