Viktor Arvidsson, 33, is coming off a resurgent season for the Bruins. Jerome Miron / Imagn ImagesJuly 1, 2026 1:11 pm EDT Updated The Detroit Red Wings have signed winger Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year contract with a $5 million average annual value, according to league sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity to address negotiations that aren’t public.Arvidsson, 33, was an unrestricted free agent coming off a two-year deal with a $4 million cap hit. He had a resurgent season with the Bruins in 2025-26, with 25 goals and 54 points in 69 games after scoring just 15 goals and 27 points in 67 games with the Edmonton Oilers in 2024-25.The Bruins made a low-cost bet on Arvidsson when they acquired him from the Oilers for a 2027 fifth-rounder. But Arvidsson was a short-term investment because of his expiring contract, age and playing style.
Coach Marco Sturm was an Arvidsson supporter. Sturm, who also coached Arvidsson when he was a Los Angeles Kings assistant, liked how the high-energy wing made himself visible in interior ice. He praised Arvidsson for encouraging his teammates to fall in line behind him because of his nonstop motor.The Red Wings needed five-on-five scoring help, and Arvidsson should address that need. His 42 five-on-five points last season were more than any Red Wing other than Alex DeBrincat, and his 18 five-on-five goals would have led the team. Last season, Detroit ranked 30th in the league with just 2.13 five-on-five goals per 60 minutes.The 33-year-old winger also has familiarity with Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan, as McLellan coached the Kings when Arvidsson was there from 2021-2024.Arvidsson’s average ice time dropped below 15 minutes per game last season, which is notable for a team that ideally needs Arvidsson to play in its top six. But it shouldn’t be a stretch to get him up to at least a second-line role, where his speed and scoring ability will add needed elements to the Red Wings lineup.Jul 1, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
