The Detroit Red Wings have secured forward Mason Appleton with a two-year contract, offering an average annual value of $2.9 million.
Appleton, aged 29, played the previous season with the Winnipeg Jets. During that time, he achieved 22 points (10 goals and 12 assists), maintained a plus-seven rating, and accumulated 22 penalty minutes over 71 regular-season games. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he contributed seven assists and received 14 penalty minutes in 13 games. The prior season saw him set career highs in various categories including games played (82), goals (14), assists (22), and points (36). His performance also included a plus/minus of +16, two power play goals, and an average ice time of 16:03.
Drafted by Winnipeg in the sixth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Appleton has amassed a total of 138 points across his career with both the Jets and Seattle Kraken since the 2018-19 season. His achievements extend to his time with the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose from 2017-20 where he earned a spot on both the AHL’s First All-Star Team and All-Rookie Team in the 2017-18 season. That same year, he was awarded the Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award as the league’s most outstanding rookie.
Before turning professional, Appleton played at Michigan State University from 2015-17. He led his team in goals, assists, and points during his sophomore year. His earlier career includes playing for Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League and Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
