Red Wings re-sign Smith, buy out Weiss

Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - The Detroit Red Wings made a pair of moves ahead of Wednesday's free-agency period, signing defenseman Brendan Smith and buying out the remainder of forward Stephen Weiss' contract.

Smith, who was given a $2.75 million deal per the Free Press, posted 13 points in 76 games for the Wings a season ago. Over parts of four NHL campaigns, he has recorded 47 points and 185 penalty minutes in 195 regular-season appearances while contributing five points over 24 playoff contests.

The 26-year-old Toronto-area native will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the deal.

Weiss had three years remaining on his current contract, which cost the Red Wings $4.9 million AAV per season through 2018.

A 14-year NHL veteran signed to a $24.5 million, five-year deal in 2013, Weiss produced only nine goals and 16 assists in 52 games for the club last year. In two seasons with Detroit, he posted 11 goals and 18 assists over 78 appearances, failing to record a point in two playoff games.

The buyout is not one of two compliance moves mandated by the current CBA. It will cost the Wings $1 million for two years, $2.5 million in year three and three straight years of $1.67 million against the salary cap, per the Free Press.