Salei, 35, had one goal, five assists and 10 penalty minutes in 14 games with the Colorado Avalanche last season. He missed most of the season due to a back injury. He can also earn as much as $350,000 in bonuses.
Salei (6-foot-1, 212) brings a rugged, physical element to the defense. He was suspended for 10 games in October 1999 for checking Mike Modano, then with Dallas, from behind into the boards face-first. Modano sustained a concussion, strained ligaments in his neck and a broken nose.
It is believed that Salei will team with Jonathan Ericsson on the third defense pairing, enabling the Red Wings to ease rookie Jakub Kindl into the NHL as the seventh defenseman. This move also pretty much confirms that Derek Meech will be traded after signing a contract this offseason as well.