Detroit City Wire

Moritz Seider expressed his satisfaction following Tuesday’s practice at Little Caesars Arena’s BELFOR Training Center. The 23-year-old defenseman discussed the seven-year contract extension, averaging $8.55 million annually, that he re-signed with the Detroit Red Wings on September 19.

“Obviously I’m really thankful getting that opportunity,” Seider stated. “I’ve always said I’ve wanted to be a Red Wing. I think I can help the team, and now I’m just really happy to wear that jersey for a very long time.”

Seider has not missed a game since debuting in the NHL with the Red Wings in the 2021-22 season. Last season, he recorded 42 points (nine goals, 33 assists) in 82 games. Selected by Detroit as the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Seider has accumulated 134 points (21 goals, 113 assists) over 246 games.

“There are a lot of people who thought that I was a reach [in the draft] at the time,” Seider remarked. “I had a chance proving them wrong. Obviously there are other guys who think this contract is not right, so I’m ready to prove them wrong again. That’s the motivation behind everything. I want to be proud of myself, and I definitely am right now.”

Seider emphasized his consistent drive to improve regardless of contractual status.

“For a lot of other people, I think expectations are different,” Seider explained. “I don’t think I feel more pressure. I want to be good every single night. I think that shouldn’t matter how much you make or not.”

Reflecting on his summer as “interesting and new,” Seider indicated it was only a matter of time before an agreement was reached with Detroit.

“Both parties were reaching for the same goal that I want to be a Red Wing,” he said. “If those terms matched, then we’ll get something done eventually. There were always optimistic thoughts in my head that I’ll be here right in time.”

Seider also shared his excitement for teammate Lucas Raymond, who signed an eight-year deal with Detroit on September 16.

“We kind of shared the same path ever since we got into the league,” Seider said about Raymond. “He’s a really good friend and I'm very, very happy for him... Going through that same pattern with him helped a lot because we wanted to be here."

Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde commented on Seider's potential for growth despite his current talent level.

“We’ll need some of that internal development,” Lalonde noted. “His defensive game can continue to grow...I think he can improve his skating, which is very exciting.”

Seider himself acknowledged areas for improvement and maturity.

“Now it’s just about making the next step," he said." "I’m going to try to eliminate off-nights as much as possible...Hopefully the offense can come a little more too."

However, beyond personal achievements, Seider aims for team success after missing out on last season's Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“I think that's fuel for this year," he concluded." "Everybody is excited...You take every game as it’s the most important game of your life."