Full Breakdown
Chase Stillman Joins Detroit Red Wings on One-Year, Two-Way Contract
7/5/2026, 1:05:15 PM
Signing
On July 4, 2026, the Detroit Red Wings signed forward Chase Stillman to a one-year, two-way deal with an $850,000 NHL cap hit and a minor-league salary of $90,000–$95,000.
Background
Stillman, the 29th pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has not yet played an NHL game. He spent three AHL seasons with Utica, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Abbotsford, but a broken fibula in October 2025 kept him out for nearly four months, limiting him to 24 games and nine points. AHL totals are 18 goals/40 points in 105 games (ESPN) or 21 goals/45 points in 143 games (DailyFaceoff).
Official Response
The Red Wings announced the signing, noting the two-way structure. Vancouver declined a qualifying offer, making Stillman an unrestricted free agent. Both clubs described the deal as low-risk depth for Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Criticism
Analysts say Stillman has not met his first-round expectations. Devin L. tweeted he “hasn’t lived up to his draft slot, but should be solid depth for Grand Rapids,” noting limited production and injuries.
Impact
The Red Wings lost several forwards, leaving the Griffins thin on depth. Stillman’s contract adds cheap AHL depth and an NHL call-up if injuries occur, giving him a chance for his first NHL game.
Conflicts
Sources differ on Stillman’s age—ESPN lists 23, Devin L.’s tweet says 21. Minor-league salary $90,000 (GinoHard) or $95,000 (DailyFaceoff). ESPN reports 18 goals/40 points in 105 games; DailyFaceoff lists 21 goals/45 points in 143 games. No source confirms any NHL appearance.
Quotes
- “Open Extended Reactions Forward Chase Stillman, who was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Vancouver Canucks last month just before free agency began, signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.” — ESPN
- “WELCOME CHASE!! The #RedWings have signed Chase Stillman to a one-year, two-way contract.” — Detroit Red Wings (official account)
- “The Red Wings have signed right wing Chase Stillman to a two way contract worth $850k. Hasn't lived up to his draft slot, but should be solid depth for Grand Rapids.” — Devin L., Hockey Analyst (Twitter)
- “He was hopeful that he could benefit from joining the defending Calder Cup champions, the Abbotsford Canucks, but an injury in late October knocked him out for almost four months.” — DailyFaceoff.com
- “He never reached a point per game across three OHL seasons, topping out at 49 and 48 points.” — GinoHard.com
Next
Detroit’s training camp starts in September, with Stillman assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins. His performance will be watched for NHL call-ups, especially if Detroit’s forwards are injured. The contract ends after the 2026-27 season, after which his future depends on AHL output and any NHL exposure earned.
