Winnipeg selected Appleton in the sixth round (168th overall) of the 2015 NHL draft. Appleton recorded 51 goals and 70 assists in 351 games with the Jets. Appleton set career highs in goals (14) and assists (22) during the 2023-24 season.

The Wings also signed forward Elmer Soderblom, a restricted free agent, to a two-year contract, the team announced. The deal is worth an average annual value of $1.25 million. Soderblom, 23, appeared in 26 games for the Wings last season, registering four goals among 11 points. The 6-foot-8, 246-pounder from Sweden had a plus-2 rating.

Former Michigan State hockey forward Mason Appleton, signed by Detroit Red Wings in NHL free agency, had 10 goals last season with Winnipeg.