DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Mattias Ritola to a three-year contract that averages slightly more than $500,000 per season.

Now, it's up to the 23-year-old Swede to earn a roster spot.

It's a two-way deal for the first year: Ritola would earn an NHL salary of $500,000 or an AHL salary of $105,000. He would need to clear waivers, however, to be sent to Grand Rapids.

The last two years are one-way, with a salary of $525,000 per season.

Ritola is a two-way player with decent skills and the ability to hold onto the puck and make plays in the offensive zone. He is projected as a third-line NHL player with limited offensive upside.

Ritola (5-foot-11, 205 pounds) had no points in five regular-season games with the Red Wings in 2009-10 and appeared in one playoff game.

He had 41 goals and 65 assists in 211 games with the Griffins during the past three seasons.

Ritola was Detroit's fourth-round pick in 2005 (103rd overall).