DETROIT (AP) – The 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 Wings 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.”

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

The 36-year-old Schneider will be playing in his 17th NHL season and third in Detroit. He was acquired from Los Angeles in March 2003 and played in the final 13 regular-season games. The following season, Schneider was in a career-high 78 games and led Detroit’s defensive corps with 14 goals and 46 points.

“With Mathieu and Chris, I feel very good about our defense for this season,” Holland said. “Mathieu had a great year for us in 03-04 and we tried to sign him last summer.”

Franzen, 25, was Detroit’s third-round selection and the No. 97 pick in the 2004 draft. He comes to Detroit from Linkoping of the Swedish Elite league.

“Our scouts feel he is ready to play in the NHL,” Holland said. “He established himself in the Swedish Elite League and their national program and we felt it was time to bring him over.”

AP-ES-08-04-05 1741EDT

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