Red Wings take a gamble on free agent coming off a buyout.

The Detroit Red Wings took a bit of a gamble today in free agency, but by doing so they added a potentially dynamic forward to their line up for the short term.

According to a report from TSN insider Darren Dreger, the Red Wings have agreed to terms on a one year contract with former Minnesota Wild forward Thomas Vanek. While there has been no official report TSN's Gord Miller is reporting that the deal will be worth $2.6 million.

Vanek is coming off a buyout from the Wild after he never lived up to the expectations Minnesota had for him. It's been the theme of Vanek's career since his 84 point season in 2006-2007, but that's not to say this is a bad deal for Detroit.

The Red Wings have acquired a player who put up 41 points in 74 games last season, and at a price tag of $2.6 million and a relatively low risk gamble with just a one year term, this gamble could pay off for Detroit.

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