Detroit Re-Signs Chelios

The Detroit Red Wings re-signed 43-year-old defenseman Chris Chelios to a one-year contract on Thursday, bringing him back for his 22nd NHL season.

Chelios, who has already spent six seasons in Detroit, is a three-time winner of the Norris Trophy -- given to the NHL’s top defenseman each season -- and is 24th among active players with 914 points, including 178 goals.

“Chris brings a great deal of experience and passion to the rink every day,” Red Wing General Manager Ken Holland said.

“He’s been a great Red Wing, he’s in excellent shape, and no matter what his age, you know he can play at a very high level.”

The Red Wings also re-signed defenseman Mathieu Schneider to a two-year deal, and gave a one-year, entry-level contract to forward Johan Franzen.

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The Carolina Hurricanes signed veteran defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky to a three-year contract, bringing him back to the NHL after he spent two seasons playing in his native Russia.

The 29-year-old Tverdovsky began playing in the NHL after he was selected second overall in the 1994 draft by the Mighty Ducks. In his nine seasons, he has also played for Winnipeg, Phoenix and New Jersey.

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Forward Alex Tanguay signed his qualifying offer, securing his return to the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche offer was for $3.23 million.

Tanguay had 67 points and a plus-34 rating in 2003-04. Forward Milan Hejduk also received a qualifying offer and is expected to sign soon.

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Teppo Numminen, 37, a three-time All-Star defenseman, agreed to a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres. Terms weren’t announced, but the deal is expected to be worth a little more than $1 million, the amount the Dallas Stars had offered to re-sign him. In 1,160 games, he has 111 goals and 440 assists for 551 points.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins made their first move designed to provide some protection for No. 1 draft pick Sidney Crosby, signing free-agent forward Andre Roy to a $3 million, three-year contract.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Roy, a fourth-line left wing for the Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning in 2003-04, adds a physical presence that the Penguins have lacked.

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The Chicago Blackhawks signed veteran right winger Martin Lapointe to a three-year contract worth $7.2 million. He has played in 757 NHL games for Boston and Detroit.... Tie Domi agreed to a two-year, $2.5-million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team he has been with the last nine seasons. The right wing is third on the league’s career penalty minutes list with 3,406 in 14 seasons.... The New Jersey Devils signed three defensemen to replace Norris Trophy winner Scott Niedermayer, who agreed to a four-year deal with the Mighty Ducks. The Devils re-signed Brian Rafalski, Vladimir Malakhov and Dan McGillis.... Goaltender Martin Prusek, 28-9-4 in his three seasons with the Ottawa Senators, signed a one-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.