The Red Wings are reportedly interested in signing a veteran free agent defenseman or two this Saturday, July 1. That, however, hasn’t stopped them from taking care of some business inside their own house in regards to some AHL d-men.

The Detroit #RedWings have extended D-man Brian Lashoff to a 2 year / 2-way contract, and D-man Dylan McIlrath to a 2 year / 2-way contract. — CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) June 29, 2017

Brian Lashoff signed a 2 years extensions with the Detroit Red Wings at $650 000 per season (2 way) #tvasports — Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) June 29, 2017

Both Dylan McIlrath and Brian Lashoff have reportedly signed two year extensions with the Wings. Both players get two way deals.

McIlrath and Lashoff filled big roles for the Griffins during their run to the Calder Cup championship down in the AHL. McIlrath definitely came into his own since joining Grand Rapids. The 6’5” d-man had five assists and was a plus-10 in 19 games during the postseason. In his career, he’s played 43 games at the NHL level with both the Rangers and Panthers. McIlrath was acquired by the Red Wings as a throw in from Florida in the Thomas Vanek deal. He was the 10th overall pick by New York in the 2010 draft.

Lashoff put up a goal and three assists in 17 games during the Griffins playoff run. He’s previously appeared in 122 NHL games with Detroit. Over half of that coming during his 75 game stint back in 2013-14.

I don’t expect either player to start out the season with the Red Wings. McIlrath probably has a better chance to get a look at some point since the front office already knows exactly what Lashoff is at the NHL level. I’d personally rather see some of the younger players like Joe Hicketts or Vili Saarijärvi get a chance before these two.