from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

Once learning of the Red Wings' interest in him, signing with the Wings was an easy decision for new defenseman Ben Chiarot.

This wasn't a case of returning home, but close to home. There are plenty of relatives across the bridge in Windsor. Chiarot grew up in Hamilton, Ontario and currently is living in Kitchener, both several hours away.

Those family connections, along with the opportunity to wear an Original Six jersey of a team Chiarot followed living in Ontario, quickly moved him to become a Red Wing on July 13, the first day of free agency.

"A team that’s on the rise, built by (general manager) Steve Yzerman, and a place that’s close to home for my family, it’s a great spot for me," Chiarot said. "It's good for me with a young family; there's a number of factors that played into it. I grew up in Hamilton and it was hard not to follow the Wings when they were winning a Stanley Cup every couple of years. There are a lot of Wings fans in my area, and good memories watching them back then.

"Once I knew Detroit was interested, and my agent and (Yzerman) were able to work out a deal, that was a pretty easy choice for me."

continued (probably paid)