Red Wings sign Vanek to 1-year deal worth reported $2.6M

The Detroit Red Wings are taking a chance on Thomas Vanek, signing the forward to a one-year contract, the team announced Friday.

Vanek had his worst statistical season in 2015-16, failing to hit the 20-goal mark for the first time since he joined the league during the 2005-06 season.

The 32-year-old managed just 18 goals and 41 points, and subsequently saw the final year of his contract bought out by the Minnesota Wild. Still, Vanek has two 40-goal campaigns to his name.