Luke Witkowski Goes Home to Play
Holland Native Luke Witkowski Signs with the Red Wings
Holland native Luke Witkowski is coming home.
On the first day of NHL free agency, Witkowski signed a one-way, two-year contract worth $750,000 per year with the Detroit Red Wings, the same team he grew up rooting for in West Michigan.
“Obviously I’m very thankful for everything Tampa provided for me and the opportunity that they gave me, but to come back to Michigan and play for the Red Wings is a dream come true,” Witkowski said. “My phone is going absolutely crazy right now, I’m not even on my phone right now because I don’t think I’d be making a phone call. Personally I’m very excited, it’s an opportunity, I’ve got to earn my spot and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland said the plan is to use him at both forward and defense.
“Not only playing defense, (he) has also played some forward so we think in Luke we’re adding a player that adds versatility that can play on the back end but also can go up and play right wing,” Holland said. ”(He) played for Coach Blashill for one year at Western Michigan, brings a physicality and a physical presence to the lineup.”