The Future of Detroit’s Blue Line: What Moritz Seider’s Extension Could Look Like

Moritz Seider, the 6’4″ German defenseman who was drafted sixth overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2019 NHL Draft, has quickly established himself as a cornerstone piece of the franchise. Seider’s blend of size, skating ability, and defensive acumen, combined with his offensive upside, makes him a unique talent that the Red Wings should look to lock up long-term. As he awaits a new contract, speculation arises regarding what his next deal could look like. Using comparable contracts for defensemen of a similar age and skill level, we can begin to outline a potential extension for Seider.

Seider’s Impact on the Red Wings

Since making his NHL debut in the 2021-22 season, Seider has been a revelation for Detroit. He won the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie and has continued to impress with his ability to play big minutes in all situations. Seider is the type of defenseman that every NHL team covets and is a player who can anchor the blue line for years to come. His physicality, poise under pressure, and ability to contribute offensively make him an invaluable asset as the Red Wings continue to build toward contention. Given Seider’s importance to the team, it’s in Detroit’s best interest to secure his services with a long-term contract that provides cost certainty while also rewarding him for his contributions, both past and future.

Comparable Contracts for Young Defensemen

When considering what Seider’s next contract might look like, it’s helpful to look at recent deals signed by defensemen of a similar age and profile. Here are a few comparables:

1. Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres): In September 2023, Dahlin, the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, signed an eight-year, $88 million extension ($11 million AAV). Dahlin, like Seider, is a franchise defenseman who plays in all situations and contributes offensively. Dahlin’s deal set a high bar for young defensemen, reflecting both his potential and his value to the Sabres.
2. Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche): Makar signed a six-year, $54 million extension ($9 million AAV) with the Avalanche in July 2021. Makar, who has since won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman, is one of the league’s premier blueliners. His contract, signed after his entry-level deal, provided Colorado with a cost-effective cap hit relative to his impact.
3. Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins): McAvoy inked an eight-year, $76 million deal ($9.5 million AAV) in October 2021. McAvoy is a reliable, two-way defenseman who plays big minutes for the Bruins. His deal reflects his ability to impact the game at both ends of the ice.
4. Miro Heiskanen (Dallas Stars): Heiskanen signed an eight-year, $67.6 million extension ($8.45 million AAV) in July 2021. The Finnish defenseman is known for his smooth skating and defensive prowess. His deal is a testament to his importance to the Stars’ blue line.

What a Potential Seider Extension Could Look Like

Given the contracts signed by comparable young defensemen with the impace that Seider has, it’s reasonable to project that Seider’s next deal will fall within a similar range. Here’s a potential framework for a Seider extension:

Term: 8 years

Total Value: $66 million – $74 million

Average Annual Value (AAV): $8.25 million – $9.25 million

This projected range positions Seider’s contract in line with other elite young defensemen, reflecting his value to the Red Wings while also considering the team’s salary cap structure. An eight-year deal would secure Seider’s services through his prime years, providing the Red Wings with stability on their blue line.

Why the Red Wings Should Extend Seider Long-Term

Locking up Seider long-term would be a wise move for Detroit for several reasons:

1. Stability on Defense: Seider has quickly become the Red Wings top defenseman. A long-term extension would ensure that Detroit has a dependable anchor on their blue line for years to come, allowing them to build around him.
2. Leadership and Culture: Seider’s maturity and poise on the ice have already made him a leader in the locker room. As the Red Wings continue to develop their young core, Seider can play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s culture and identity.
3. Cap Management: By locking in Seider now, the Red Wings can gain cost certainty and avoid the risk of a higher cap hit in the future. As the salary cap is expected to rise in the coming years, securing Seider at a set price now could provide the team with valuable flexibility.
4. Market Value: Defensemen of Seider’s caliber are in high demand across the league. By extending him long-term, Detroit ensures that they won’t have to compete with other teams or face the possibility of losing him to free agency down the line.

Final Thoughts

As the Detroit Red Wings continue their return to prominence, securing Moritz Seider with a long-term extension should be a top priority. His impact on the team, both on and off the ice, makes him an invaluable asset that the Red Wings cannot afford to lose. By using comparable contracts as a guide, Detroit can craft a deal that rewards Seider for his contributions while also ensuring stability and success for the team in the years to come. An eight-year deal in the range of $66 million to $74 million would be a fair and wise investment in one of the NHL’s brightest young defensemen.