Few players grew into a role as fast as Dan Cleary did when he arrived last season. He was the guy teammates ripped on because he was always in the mix of everything, running tournament pools, throwing numbers together -- and all of it in good fun. That's just one of the reasons Cleary wanted to come back. The Wings have signed him to a two-year deal worth $650,000 in the first year and $675,000 in the second.

"I'm excited to come back," Cleary said. "Ecstatic, to tell you the truth. I really like Detroit -- great, great teammates. I got along really well with the guys, and going to the rink and having fun makes playing that much easier."

Cleary, 27, grew into an adept penalty killer with partner Johan Franzen, and contributed three goals and 12 assists in 77 games.