Red Wings forward Adam Erne speaks after re-signing for two seasons

The Detroit Red Wings locked up forward Adam Erne yesterday, agreeing to terms with the gritty forward on a two-year contract extension that will keep him in the Motor City through at least the 2022-23 NHL Season. He's the latest player on the Red Wings to avoid arbitration, as GM Steve Yzerman was also able to re-sign forwards Tyler Bertuzzi and Jakub Vrana in recent weeks. 

For Erne, he's coming off a career best season that saw him score 11 goals to go with nine assists for a total of 20 points in 45 games played, tying his previous career high of 20 points in 65 games while playing with Yzerman's Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2018-19 NHL Season. 

And for Erne, he's glad that he was able to secure the opportunity in front of him and make the most of it. 

"Its about being able to do something with the opportunity when you get it," he said earlier today after the deal was made official. "I was able to do that. It felt good to have a year like that."

Among Erne's highlights last season include leading the Red Wings in total hits with 82. He also tied the Red Wings' longest point streak of the season, spanning eight games in April. His three power play goals also tied for the team lead. 

" I feel good for Adam," Yzerman said of Erne during his season ending press conference earlier this year. "I was there in Tampa when we drafted him, I have gotten to know him since he was 18 years of age. I have watched him work through his final years as a junior, go to the American Hockey League, follow me to Detroit, he is really driven. He really wants to be a good player in the NHL."

"He puts the time and work in and it was good for him to earn a bigger role on the team and to thrive in it. We have a real good player who is a different dimension for us. A big, thick kid who has good hands and can play in a lot of different situations. There is a lot more there. I really like Adam's determination and drive."