Joakim Andersson re-signs with Red Wings

DETROIT – Joakim Andersson has signed a one-year, $815,000 contract with the Detroit Red Wings, according to multiple reports Friday.

The 26-year-old Swedish forward played 68 games with Detroit this past season, tallying 3 goals and 5 assists, and appeared in all 7 playoff games against the Tampa Bay Lightning (1 G, 1 A).

Andersson was drafted by the Red Wings in 2007 (88th overall). He signed a two-year, $1.465 million contract with the team in 2013. Detroit basically has tendered him a qualifying offer -- his 2014-15 salary was $765,000.

The 6-foot-2 defensive-minded forward has been mostly playing the wing for Detroit. When lining up at center, he was just better than .500 in the faceoff dot this year (192 W, 183 L).

RFAs remaining

Andersson is the first of a group of restricted free agents the Red Wings have to figure out new contracts with -- the others being Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen, Landon Ferraro, Brendan Smith and Gustav Nyquist.

This is a slightly intriguing move for the Wings, who have money to work with as the draft (1st round is Friday night) and free agency approach. Does this mean Jurco (or someone) gets traded or cut loose? There's only so much room on this team's bench, especially considering players such as Pulkkinen will be making a case for more minutes (or even games) on new head coach Jeff Blashill's NHL roster. It just feels like the right climate for trading or cutting loose one of these RFAs.

More: Red Wings 2015 draft preview and a look at what 2014 picks are doing

Andersson has found himself a home on the 3rd and 4th lines in Detroit. He adds size in a depth role with the team. However, with the organization's growing talent on the offensive end, it hasn't always been clear if he would be here to stay. In addition to his speed, size and strength, he now has a decent chunk of experience with 176 NHL games under his belt.

While the Red Wings appear primed to switch into a full youth movement, Andersson will be around for at least another year. He's still part of the movement at 26. He's homegrown and still has an edge in the potential department. A one-year deal makes sense for both parties involved.

Extra: Though he had only 3 goals during the regular season, one was a game-winning goal.

2014-15 cap hit: $732,500 (Rotoworld).

Here's that odd goal he scored on Ben Bishop -- or Bishop scored on himself -- in the playoffs:

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