GRAND RAPIDS -- Cory Emmerton suddenly has a lot less to worry about this summer.

The 22-year-old center received a little extra job security after the parent club Detroit Red Wings signed him to a three-year, $1.6 million contract extension Monday.

"I think it's always a relief," he said after practice with the Grand Rapids Griffins on Tuesday morning. "But it's only the first step in a long journey to next season."

Emmerton is tied for fifth on the Griffins in scoring with 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 59 games this season. An excellent passer, he also is strong on the penalty kill and backcheck. Emmerton was one of the Griffins' best players at the start of this year before he was forced to miss 12 games in an injured knee in December.

But he still earned his first recall by the Red Wings, and made his NHL debut Jan. 22 against Chicago -- and even scored his first goal. In two career games with Detroit, he has one goal and a plus-1 rating.

Emmerton is out of minor-league options next season, meaning he would be subject to waivers if he was sent down. But it looks like the Red Wings will give him every chance to make the roster in training camp.

"It was nice to hear their positive reviews about how I've been playing and what they feel about me," he said. "I think it shows they have some confidence in me, and now just I have prove to them why I got another three-year deal."

The new contract is a two-way deal for the first season and one-way the final two years. Detroit's salary cap hit will be $533,000.

Emmerton had no desire to leave the organization that selected him with the 41st overall pick in the 2006 NHL draft.

"Not at all. This is a team you want to play for and I hope to play here my whole career," he said. "It doesn't happen a whole lot, but Detroit is a team where it's possible because they're very loyal to guys. There's a chance there, I just have to work hard and take another big step in my career."

E-mail Michael Zuidema: mzuidema@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/michaelzuidema