The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed defenseman Ben Chiarot to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $3.85 million. The deal, announced Wednesday, will keep the veteran blueliner in Detroit through the 2028-29 season.

Chiarot, 34, is currently in his fourth season with the Red Wings. He was in the final year of a four-year, $19 million contract he signed with the team in July 2022 and was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

This season, Chiarot has played in all 54 games for the Red Wings, contributing four goals and seven assists. He's averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per game and has a plus/minus of +1.

Drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Chiarot has played 777 career NHL games with the Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens, Florida Panthers, and Red Wings. He has accumulated 49 goals and 132 assists for 181 points in his NHL career.

While Chiarot's performance metrics, such as his expected defensive goals above replacement, may raise concerns, his experience and physical presence are seen as valuable assets on a team with several young defensemen. He was brought to Detroit to provide experience and poise to a rebuilding team.

The Red Wings, currently sitting second in the Atlantic Division with a 32-17-5 record, are aiming to solidify their playoff position. Re-signing Chiarot provides stability on the blue line and demonstrates a commitment to building a competitive team.

With Chiarot's extension, the Red Wings now have four defensemen signed through the 2027-28 campaign, including Moritz Seider, who is under contract through the 2030-31 season. General Manager Steve Yzerman still has work to do, with pending unrestricted free agents Travis Hamonic and Erik Gustafsson, and Simon Edvinsson needing a new contract as he comes off his entry-level deal.