DETROIT -- If Ilari Filppula is ready for the NHL, he might find himself playing alongside his younger brother at some point next season for the Detroit Red Wings.



The Red Wings signed Ilari Filppula, a 28-year-old free-agent forward from Finland, to a one-year contract. He is the older brother of Detroit center Valtteri Filppula.



"He adds some depth to our organization,'' Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill said. "His career has blossomed in the last 2-3 years. He was one of the better players in Finland. It's time to see if he can play in the best league in the world.''



Filppula, a winger who can play center, will compete for a job in training camp. If he doesn't make the team, he will be assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins.



He inked a two-way contract for $500,000 ($105,000 in the AHL).



Filppula (5-foot-11, 191) has played his entire pro career in Finland, the last seven seasons in the top league (SM-liiga). He won the Jari Kurri Trophy as playoff MVP this season, helping TPS Turku win the championship by picking up two goals and 12 assists in 15 playoff games. He had 12 goals and 37 assists for a team-high 49 points in 58 regular season games.



"He has really good puck skills,'' Nill said. "He's a good playmaker, not as good a skater as (Valtteri). Skating is his biggest challenge. We're hoping it's not as big an issue because of his hockey sense and playing on smaller ice.''

