Red Wings sign Dylan McIlrath to two-year extension

The Detroit Red Wings signed Dylan McIlrath to a two-year, two-way contract extension on Thursday, keeping a key part of the Grand Rapids Griffins blue line intact.

McIlrath, 27, had 10 points (one goal, nine assists), a plus-13 rating and a team-high 98 penalty minutes in 52 regular season games with the Griffins this season.

He became the 178th Griffins alumnus to play in the NHL when he made his Detroit debut March 25 at San Jose. McIlrath finished with a plus-two rating and four PIM while averaging 15:11 of ice time in seven games with the Red Wings.

McIlrath will make $275,000 per year with the Griffins and $700,000 per year with the Red Wings should he receive a call-up, according to CapFriendly. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer.

The 6-foot-5, 236-pounder has become a fan favorite in Grand Rapids, doling out punishing hits and always willing to throw down the gloves to stand up for teammates.

His odds of finding a regular roster spot with the Red Wings are slim to none, especially with Gustav Lindstrom coming to North America and most likely passing him on the depth chart. However, he can continue to rack up the minutes in Grand Rapids and, maybe, receive a call-up at the end of the 2019-20 season.

The Red Wings originally acquired McIlrath in a trade with the Florida Panthers on March 7, 2017, along with a third-round pick in the 2017 NHL draft in exchange for Thomas Vanek.

McIlrath has totaled 31 points (8-23—31), a plus-18 rating and 259 PIM in 149 regular season appearances with Grand Rapids.

The 10th overall selection by the New York Rangers in the 2010 draft, McIlrath has logged 50 NHL games with New York (2013-17), Florida (2016-17) and Detroit, producing five points (3-2—5), a plus-six rating and 98 PIM.