Red Wings Sign Second-Round Pick to Two-Year Entry Deal

Dylan James, a former 2022 second-round selection, will report to Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the season.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of red, white, and blue representing the Detroit Red Wings' colors.The Red Wings' signing of prospect Dylan James signals the team's commitment to rebuilding through the draft and developing young talent.Sioux City Today

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Dylan James, a former second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, to a two-year entry-level contract beginning in the 2026-27 season. James, who spent the past four seasons at the University of North Dakota, will report to the Red Wings' AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the current season.

Why it matters

The signing of James, a skilled forward who has shown steady improvement in his college career, is an important step in the Red Wings' efforts to rebuild their prospect pool and develop future NHL talent. His arrival in the Red Wings' system could provide a boost to the team's offensive depth if he continues to progress and earns an NHL call-up in the coming years.

The details

James, 22, was selected 40th overall by the Red Wings in the 2022 NHL Draft. In his senior season at North Dakota, he led the Fighting Hawks with 21 goals and 32 points in 40 games. His point totals have increased each year, going from 16 as a freshman to 19, 22, and 32 in his subsequent seasons. The Red Wings see James as a skilled forward who can play a physical game and make plays with the puck, traits that should translate well to the professional level.

  • On Saturday, the Red Wings announced the signing of James to a two-year entry-level contract.
  • James will report to the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Red Wings' AHL affiliate, for the remainder of the 2025-26 season on an amateur tryout.

The players

Dylan James

A 22-year-old forward who was a second-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2022 NHL Draft. He spent the past four seasons at the University of North Dakota, where he emerged as a top scorer for the Fighting Hawks.

Steve Yzerman

The general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, who has been actively signing the team's recent draft picks to entry-level contracts as part of the organization's rebuilding efforts.

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What’s next

If James impresses during his time with the Grand Rapids Griffins, he could force the Red Wings' hand and earn an NHL call-up during the 2026-27 season, especially if the team's offensive struggles continue.

The takeaway

The signing of Dylan James represents an important investment in the Red Wings' future, as the team looks to develop its prospect pool and add skilled, two-way forwards who can contribute at the NHL level. James' steady progression in college and his well-rounded game make him an intriguing addition to the organization.