Lashoff, 31, will begin his 12th professional season in 2021-22 after originally signing with the Red Wings prior to the 2008-09 campaign. Lashoff appeared in 13 games for the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins in 2020-21, logging three points (1-2-3), a plus-five rating and six penalty minutes. He returns to the organization after he was involved in a three-team trade with Columbus, Detroit and Tampa Bay on April 10 that saw him end up with the Lightning, although he was loaned back to Grand Rapids by Tampa Bay and missed the remainder of the season due to injury. Lashoff was named captain of the Griffins prior to the 2020-21 season and sits second in franchise history in games played, appearing in 513 games and compiling 109 points (26-83-109), a plus-32 rating and 269 penalty minutes. He's also added 20 points (5-15-20), a plus-three rating and 34 penalty minutes in 75 AHL postseason games, helping Grand Rapids to Calder Cup championships in 2013 and 2017.
The Albany, N.Y., native has also played parts of seven seasons with the Red Wings, totaling 15 points (2-13-15) and 65 penalty minutes in 136 NHL games since 2012-13. Prior to turning professional, Lashoff logged four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League and recorded 91 points (20-71-91) and 186 penalty minutes in 215 games with the Barrie Colts and Kingston Frontenacs from 2006-10. He also won a gold medal for the United States at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship in Saskatchewan, picking up two assists in seven games.