Detroit Red Wings sign forward Dylan James to two-year contract
The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have signed forward Dylan James to a two-year, entry-level contract set to begin in the 2026-27 season. James will join the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the current 2025-26 season.
James, 22, recently finished his senior season at the University of North Dakota where he stood out as a key player. He led the team with 21 goals, ranked 10th in assists with 11, placed 5th in total points with 32, and achieved a plus-17 rating (T3rd). In addition, he scored six power play goals (2nd), two shorthanded goals (T1st), and two game-winning goals (T5th). James also made 98 shots (3rd) and had an impressive 21.4 shooting percentage (1st) in 40 games. He played a crucial role in helping North Dakota secure a spot in the Frozen Four for the first time since 2016 and in winning the Penrose Cup as NCHC regular-season champions.
Originally drafted by the Red Wings in the second round (40th overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, James has accumulated 89 points (52 goals, 37 assists), a plus-28 rating, and 48 penalty minutes in 154 games during his college career at North Dakota from 2022 to 2026.
Before his time at North Dakota, James spent the 2021-22 season with the Sioux City Musketeers in the United States Hockey League, where he was named Rookie of the Year after tallying 61 points (28 goals, 33 assists) in 62 regular-season games. He also contributed eight points (5 goals, 3 assists) in 10 postseason games as the Musketeers clinched a Clark Cup championship.
Additionally, James spent parts of three seasons with the Okotoks Oilers in the Alberta Junior Hockey League from 2018 to 2021. During his time with the Oilers, he gathered 48 points (23 goals, 25 assists) and 54 penalty minutes in 60 games. In his rookie season with the team in 2019-20, James was named to the AJHL South Division All-Rookie Team after recording 43 points (20 goals, 23 assists) and 31 penalty minutes in 51 games.
