Copp had a great season with both Winnipeg and the New York Rangers with 21 goals and 53 points but that is not all he can do. “He’s 28, he’s a very good athlete, he’s very versatile, he’s playing center, he’s playing wing, he can play on the power play, he plays on the penalty kill, he’s a good face-off man,” Yzerman said. “At 28, I’m comfortable offering a player a five-year contract because he’s a good athlete. We know he takes care of himself, he’s very professional.” He was especially outstanding with the Rangers after the deadline day trade as he had eight goals and 18 points in just 16 contests. He returns home to Michigan where he played at the University of Michigan with Red Wings star Dylan Larkin.

Copp scored 21 goals and 53 points between Winnipeg and the Rangers last season. Copp is a solid member of a team's supporting cast, but if the Red Wings are hoping for him to be one of their leaders then they might be expecting too much. Perhaps he'll be up to the challenge, but given the sizeable contract he's just been handed, the Red Wings are taking a risk here.

Although Copp showed a willingness to re-sign with the Rangers, their discussions over the weekend didn't lead to anything being signed. The Rangers will reportedly move on while Copp will field offers elsewhere on Wednesday. The Rangers got Copp and a sixth-round pick in 2023 from the Jets in exchange for a 2022 first rounder (Maveric Lamoureux), a 2022 secound-round selection (Elias Salomonsson), and a 2023 fifth-round pick. That's quite a high price for what's turned out to be a rental, but Copp did do well in New York. During his brief tenure with the Rangers, he had eight goals and 18 points in 16 contests followed by six goals and 14 points in 20 playoff games.

Copp plans to have discussions with Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant and GM Chris Drury in the next couple of weeks. He is interested in talking about his long-term role with the team. "Long term is not only just next year, but hopefully four or five years. How do they see me in the room in terms of the leadership group, all those things," explained Copp on Monday. "A lot to take in, a lot to hear and then just make the best available decision. I'm not married to one thing or the other, but I definitely did enjoy my time here and it definitely feels like there is unfinished business. I really like the group and the direction the team is going." Copp was utilized as a top-six forward with the Rangers after he was acquired from Winnipeg and he proved to be a good fit with the team.