Red Wings re-sign Martin Frk: Will he make an impact in Detroit?

The Detroit Red Wings have signed Martin Frk to a one-year deal worth $650,000.

It was a year of ups and downs for Frk. At the beginning of the season, Detroit released Frk and was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Hurricanes. He was then released after two games with Carolina and re-claimed by the Red Wings. He ended his 2016-2017 season by hoisting the Calder Cup with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Frk was a big contribution to the Griffins this past season. He scored 27 goals and had 23 assists in 65 games with Grand Rapids. He was a huge contribution in the Griffins playoff run as well. In 16 games, he scored five goals and had ten assists.

At only 23 years old, Frk still has a lot of potential. He's a great right-handed shot. Frk also accounted for 12 power play goals last season with Grand Rapids. He has the ability to benefit the Red Wings in that department. Last season, Detroit was ranked 27th in the NHL with a man advantage.

It won't be an easy task for Frk, however. Tyler Bertuzzi, Ben Street and Evgeny Svechnikov will be among other forwards competing for a roster spot in training camp and the preseason.

Frk will have to improve defensively if he plans on being an NHL player. He had a plus/minus of -4 last season with the Griffins.

Detroit's organization does have the tendency to hold its younger talent from playing meaningful minutes at the NHL level. General manager Ken Holland is going to try and compete next season even though they aren't geared up for a playoff run. This would typically be a time where younger players see a lot of ice time. It's hard to see Frk earning a consistent roster spot.

Overall, Frk will probably bounce between Grand Rapids and Detroit next season. He has some good tools but he's just not completely developed as a hockey player. Martin Frk is a player to watch for in the near future in the Detroit Red Wings organization.