The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have inked defenseman Ronnie Attard to a one‑year, two‑way contract. The agreement, which includes a modest NHL salary and a lower‑tier AHL rate, reflects the team’s intent to bolster its blue‑line depth heading into the upcoming season.
Attard, 27, spent the 2025‑26 campaign with the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League, where he posted 17 points and a plus‑three rating across 44 games. His performance followed a productive 2024‑25 season split between the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and the Bakersfield Condors, during which he recorded 17 points and 80 penalty minutes in 66 appearances.
Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Attard made his NHL debut in the 2021‑22 season, appearing in 29 games and contributing six points. Over his three‑year NHL stint, he has accumulated 93 points in 226 AHL games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Bakersfield Condors and Colorado Eagles, showcasing a blend of offensive upside and defensive reliability.
A Journey Through College and International Play
A native of White Lake, Michigan, Attard’s collegiate career at Western Michigan University was marked by back‑to‑back honors in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. He earned First Team All‑NCHC nods and was named Offensive Defenseman of the Year for the 2020‑21 and 2021‑22 seasons, finishing his four‑year stint with 72 points in 94 games.
Internationally, Attard has represented the United States at the 2023 IIHF World Championship and previously captained the U.S. team to a gold medal at the 2018 World Junior A Challenge. His leadership and experience on the world stage add another layer of value to the Red Wings’ defensive corps.
Looking Ahead, coaching staff say Attard’s versatility could see him paired with both veteran and rookie defensemen, providing a steady presence in the penalty kill and occasional offensive spark. If he earns a roster spot, his familiarity with the Red Wings’ system could accelerate his integration and impact.