Today marks the final opportunity for the Detroit Red Wings to offer NHL contracts to three of their draft picks: Theodor Niederbach, Tnias Mathurin, and Jan Bednar. By 5 p.m. ET, the team must decide whether to sign these players or relinquish their rights.
Goaltender Jan Bednar, drafted 107th overall in 2020, has spent the past two seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins under an AHL contract, although his game time has been with the ECHL Toledo Walleye. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his NHL future, there remains a possibility that Bednar could re-sign with either the Griffins or the Walleye. However, the recent signing of college goaltender Carter Gylander by the Red Wings suggests that Gylander might be slated for the Walleye next season.
The Red Wings once had high expectations for Theodor Niederbach, especially when he played alongside fellow Detroit prospects Lucas Raymond, Elmer Soderblom, and Albert Johansson at the World Juniors. Niederbach was anticipated to be a significant part of Detroit’s future. Unfortunately, his lack of consistency across three different SHL teams—Frolunda, Rogle, and MoDo—has hindered his progress. Over his tenure with these clubs, Niederbach never surpassed nine goals in a season. He is currently contracted with MoDo until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Tnias Mathurin’s development has been hampered by missed time due to COVID-19 and shoulder surgery, limiting him to just one regular-season game with the North Bay Battalion last season. This loss of crucial development time has negatively impacted his chances of securing an NHL contract. The Red Wings’ recent decision to sign Andrew Gibson, another OHL defenseman from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, who offers both solid defense and offensive potential, further indicates the club’s direction. Consequently, there is speculation that Mathurin might remain with the Battalion for an additional overage season.
In summary, the Detroit Red Wings face critical decisions today regarding the futures of Niederbach, Mathurin, and Bednar. These choices will shape the prospects of these players and impact the team’s developmental strategy moving forward.
