Mason Appleton, who already had strong ties to the Michigan area, is returning to the NHL as an experienced player. The Detroit Red Wings have signed the former Michigan State Spartan forward to a two-year contract worth $2.9 million. Appleton, who previously played for the Winnipeg Jets and Seattle Kraken, expressed excitement about joining a historically successful team and helping bring the Red Wings back into playoff contention.
Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Appleton found Detroit geographically and personally fitting for him and his family. He noted that Detroit felt right both on the ice and off, especially since it’s closer to his home in Wisconsin. Despite the uncertainties of free agency, Appleton and his wife are thrilled about his move to Detroit.
Picked 168th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2015 NHL Draft, Appleton played 72 games for Michigan State from 2015 to 2017, tallying 17 goals and 36 assists. He led all rookies in scoring during his first season with 22 points and earned the best rookie award. Appleton was named team captain in the 2017-18 season before starting his professional career with a three-year entry-level contract with the Jets.
He spent his first two pro seasons splitting time between Winnipeg and its AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. In the 2020-21 season, Appleton played a career-high 56 games, scoring 12 goals and 13 assists. He was picked by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft and appeared in 49 games before being traded back to the Jets in 2022. Over 400 NHL games, Appleton has scored 57 goals and added 81 assists, including 11 assists in 32 playoff games, notably contributing seven assists during the Jets’ run to the Western Conference semi-finals in 2025.
Now, Appleton’s focus is on making an impact with Detroit and helping to return playoff hockey to the city. He emphasized the importance of bringing the team back to postseason success and believes great things lie ahead.
Fan Take: This signing is a significant boost for hockey fans in Detroit, signaling the Red Wings’ commitment to regaining their former glory. Mason Appleton’s experience and leadership could be exactly what the team needs to ignite a competitive playoff run and revitalize the fanbase.
