Sheldon Dries Signs Two-Year Two-Way Contract Extension with Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings have locked up Sheldon Dries with a two-year, two-way contract extension, a move that keeps one of the Grand Rapids Griffins’ most productive forwards under club control and preserves Detroit’s depth at center. The team announced the deal Feb. 1, making the 31-year-old Macomb native a fixture in the organization’s AHL core.

Per the Red Wings’ news release, Dries has totaled 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points in 34 games this season with the Griffins, ranking tied for third in goals, tied for second in points and first on the club with six power-play goals. The release also lists a plus-14 rating, two game-winning goals, one shorthanded goal, 89 shots and a 16.9 shooting percentage. Those numbers follow a 2024-25 campaign in which Dries scored 25 goals and 15 assists for 40 points in 65 regular-season games, plus two points in three Calder Cup Playoff contests.

Dries brings extensive AHL production and some NHL experience. The Red Wings’ announcement and other outlets report career AHL totals of 373 regular-season games with 153 goals and 120 assists for 273 points, and a plus-41 rating. ProHockeyRumors and the team release list 122 NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Canucks, and an NHL line of 16 goals for 26 points. A Western Michigan alum and former three-year captain, the 5-foot-10, 182-pound forward began his pro career after signing with the AHL’s Texas Stars in May 2017.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the Red Wings. Multiple third-party trackers and media outlets report differing salary figures: DailyFaceoff, citing PuckPedia, lists an $875,000 NHL average annual value with a $375,000 AHL salary and roughly $400,000 guaranteed per season, while DetroitHockeyNow cited PuckPedia figures of $850,000 and $900,000 NHL salaries over the two seasons with a $375,000 minor-league salary. ProHockeyRumors noted the team did not disclose terms and speculated the guarantee likely remains similar to Dries’ previous compensation. These dollar figures are third-party reports and have not been confirmed by the club.

Beyond numbers, the extension underscores Dries’ role as organizational depth and veteran leadership in Grand Rapids. ProHockeyRumors framed him as a reliable recall option and a veteran centerpiece to steady the Griffins’ developing prospects; the outlet also noted Dries had been recalled multiple times this season and was recently returned to Grand Rapids after a one-day call-up. Grand Rapids’ strong run this season has amplified the value of consistent secondary scorers like Dries as the Griffins chase position and playoff seeding.

For Red Wings and Griffins followers, the signing means continuity: Dries should remain a top AHL contributor and a familiar face available for NHL injury cover. The immediate impact is on lineups and locker room leadership in Grand Rapids; the longer-term implication is an organizational signal that Detroit values experienced AHL scorers who can mentor prospects while providing dependable call-up insurance.