Red Wings Sign Michigan Native Ronnie Attard to Strengthen Defense

In a strategic move to enhance their roster, the Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Ronnie Attard to a one-year, two-way contract. This addition marks another step in general manager Steve Yzerman’s offseason overhaul, aimed at boosting both scoring and physicality within the team.

Attard, a 6’4″, 210 lb. defenseman, hails from White Lake Township, Michigan, and brings a wealth of experience from his time in the AHL. Last season, he played for the Colorado Eagles, where he contributed significantly with three goals and 14 assists over 44 games. His playoff performance also saw him net two goals in four Calder Cup Playoff games.

Before turning professional, Attard showcased his talent in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm and later at Western Michigan University. He was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round of the 2019 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut during the 2022-23 season, where he appeared in two games. During his time with the Flyers, he also played 68 games with their AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Attard’s journey took a turn in late 2024 when he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, where he continued to develop his skills with the Bakersfield Condors, scoring seven goals and ten assists in 59 games. Now, as he joins the Red Wings, Attard adds depth to Detroit’s defensive lineup, complementing recent signings that include forwards Viktor Arvidsson, Keegan Kolesar, and others.

The Red Wings are clearly focused on building a competitive roster, and with Attard’s Michigan roots, this signing resonates with local fans. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the addition of Attard is a promising step towards a stronger future.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.