The Detroit Red Wings are in Logan Pyett's sights -- and the Regina Pats are in his rearview mirror.

Pyett agreed to terms Friday on a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit which, sources say, includes the maximum signing bonus allowed for a rookie under the Collective Bargaining Agreement ($85,000 per year, $255,000 total).

It was reported exclusively in Wednesday's Leader-Post that the sides were close to reaching a deal. After a couple more days of negotiating, the pact was finalized Friday afternoon, with a formal announcement expected in the coming days.

Pyett was selected by Detroit in the seventh round (212th overall) of the 2006 NHL entry draft. Now that he's under contract, the Pats' captain is not expected to use his final season of junior eligibility. Red Wings vice-president/assistant GM Jim Nill, who negotiated the contract, confirmed Friday that Pyett is highly unlikely to be back in Regina next season.

"He's ready," Nill told the Leader-Post from Detroit. "He has played at an elite level. When you start playing at the world juniors, representing your country, that shows you're a pretty elite player. He was one of the last players picked in the draft two years ago and I think he has exceeded everybody's expectations. He's one of the top defencemen in the Western Hockey League. I think he needs that next challenge. He's ready to make the step up to turning pro."

Nill compared Pyett to former Red Deer Rebels defenceman Derek Meech, another ex-world junior player who was drafted in the seventh round in 2002. Meech joined the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins at age 20, spending three years there before cracking Detroit's roster this season.

"That's what our expectations are for Logan," said Nill.

That's fine with Pyett, whose sole focus is on becoming a pro next season.

"I pretty much have to (take that approach)," said the 19-year-old defenceman. "I'm going to go in (to training camp) ready and with the mindset that I can do it, that I'm going to do it. As much as I enjoyed my time with the Pats, I hope not to be back."

Pyett expressed excitement about formalizing his relationship with Red Wings on Friday. He was also pleased that negotiations didn't go right down to the wire. Detroit had until June 1 to sign Pyett or he would have gone back into the draft this summer.

"I'm sure the deadline would have got a little more nerve-wracking but I've been pretty confident we would get something done," said Pyett, who is represented by Brad Devine of Thunder Creek Sports Management in Saskatoon. "I just let Brad do his thing, I had a lot of confidence in him. I really wanted to be signed by them and be in their organization. I'm a little relieved, I guess, but I'm more happy."

Pyett has been one of the Wings' biggest fans during their current playoff run. Detroit is just one victory away from a berth in the Stanley Cup final.

"I'm definitely pulling for them," he said. "It would be nice to see them win the Cup again. I obviously know some of the players. I know (rookie) Darren Helm (who was with the Medicine Hat Tigers last season). It's a great opportunity for him to get his name on a Cup early. I'm rooting for them."

In the meantime, Pyett knows his work has just begun.

"There's a long summer ahead, a lot of training days left to go," he noted. "I'm prepared to do that and give myself the best shot when camp comes to make the pros somewhere. Obviously the main goal is to crack the Red Wings, but I know that won't be easy. I'll just have to work hard."

Asked if he has any immediate plans for his signing bonus, Pyett said he'll be smart about it.

"Maybe I'll go car shopping with some friends or my dad, shop around, try and find a bargain," said the Balgonie product. "I'm not going to blow too much (cash) on something ridiculously fancy. I'll probably put (the rest) in my piggy bank and go from there."

© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008

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