Steve Yzerman appears to be wasting little time to start plugging roster spots with free agents — Bruce Garrioch reports that the team is expected to sign veteran forward Bobby Ryan to a one-year deal:

Nothing is done until it's done but the expectation is winger Bobby Ryan will sign a one year deal in Detroit when the paper work is completed. #Sens #NHLFreeAgency

— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) October 9, 2020

Craig Custance reports that the contract is expected to be worth $1 million.

Ryan, 33 years old, was recently bought out by the Ottawa Senators. The longtime NHLer scored 8 points in 24 games last season. Ryan would presumably be slated into the Red Wings top-six as a scoring specialist, sort of like what they did with Thomas Vanek.

A one-year deal would be a safe bet for Yzerman; if Ryan works out then it gives them a valuable trading asset later in the season. We’ll keep an eye on this as more information surfaces.

UPDATE (12:24pm): Red Wings make the signing official:

UPDATE: The #RedWings today agreed to terms with right wing Bobby Ryan on a one-year contract. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/B7NhLzMP0l

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 9, 2020