The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Mason Appleton to a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $2.9 million. The deal, announced on July 2, 2025, will see Appleton earn $3 million in the first year and $2.8 million in the second.

Appleton, 29, is coming off a three-year, $6.5 million contract with a $2.167 million AAV. In the 2024-25 season with the Winnipeg Jets, he recorded 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 71 games. He also contributed seven assists in 13 playoff games.

Drafted 168th overall by the Jets in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Appleton has played 400 career games with the Jets and Seattle Kraken, accumulating 57 goals and 81 assists for 138 points.

Appleton's career has seen him move between organizations. The Seattle Kraken selected him in the 2021 expansion draft, where he played 49 games before being traded back to Winnipeg in 2022. Since returning to the Jets, he has played 213 games, scoring 31 goals and 47 assists.

The Red Wings, who have been striving to return to playoff contention, view Appleton as a versatile depth forward who can contribute in a middle-six role. He is known for his defensive capabilities and penalty-killing skills, which will be valuable to the team. In Winnipeg, he played on the third line alongside Adam Lowry and Nino Niederreiter, a line that was trusted in various situations.

With this signing, Detroit continues to add forward depth to their lineup. The team has also recently signed Elmer Soderblom to a two-year contract and John Leonard to a one-year deal. Additionally, Steve Yzerman, the Red Wings' general manager, acquired goaltender John Gibson in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks and re-signed Patrick Kane. The Red Wings also signed veteran forward James van Riemsdyk.