Red Wings LW Cleary gets new contract

Mar 12, 2008 - 12:39 AM DETROIT (Ticker) -- Daniel Cleary has been rewarded for his back-to-back 20-goal seasons.

The Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday agreed to terms with Cleary on a new five-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but TSN of Canada is reporting the left wing will receive $14 million over the length of the deal.

"We're very pleased to have Dan continue as a member of the Red Wings for the next five years," Detroit general manager Ken Holland said. "He's found a home with our team and city, and at 29 years of age, we feel he is just beginning to hit the prime of his career."

"It's been an exciting process," Cleary told the team's web site. "It's one of my proudest days ever. It's amazing."

Drafted 13th overall by Chicago in 1997, Cleary is in his third season with Detroit. After scoring just three goals in 77 games in 2005-06, the 29-year-old netted a career-high 20 in 71 contests last season and has matched that total in 57 games thus far in 2007-08.

"In his first year, Dan really won (coach) Mike Babcock over by being a real good penalty-killer," Holland told the web site. "He played 77 games and had three goals. Then we lost (Brendan) Shanahan and some people left, so there was some opportunity there. He had 20 goals last year and played very well for us in the playoffs.

"He's back this year with another 20-goal season."

Currently sidelined with a fractured jaw, Cleary also has notched 20 assists each of the last two campaigns.

"We really think he's coming into the best years of his career," Holland said. "He came here looking for an opportunity three years ago, and I think he's become a real important two-way player for us."

"It's definitely taken me some time to find my game," Cleary added. "Everything came at the same time when I came to Detroit. ... I'm very thankful for Detroit giving me a chance."

A native of Newfoundland, Cleary has registered 84 goals and 123 assists in 534 career games with the Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes and Red Wings.