DETROIT -- Defenseman Chris Chelios re-signed with the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings.

	Chelios

The two-year, $12 million deal, struck Tuesday, came less than two days after Chelios became an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his 20-year NHL career.

Chelios, on the phone from his home in Chicago, said leaving the Red Wings was never really an option. He said conversations with the Red Wings were friendly, and his teammates encouraged him to stay, without pressuring him.

"They let me know that they wanted me to sign. It was all friendly talk, and it was nice to get their support,'' he said.

The 40-year-old Chelios, one of the oldest players in the league, said the Red Wings have the right mix of young and old players.

"We showed exactly what experience can do for you,'' Chelios said. "You can't put a price on experience, and we've got a good group of young guys, too.''

Chelios was the runner-up to teammate Nicklas Lidstrom for the Norris Trophy, which goes to the NHL's top defenseman. He also led the league in regular-season and playoff plus-minus.

Chelios agreed to terms on the same day Detroit announced the signing of goaltender Curtis Joseph to a three-year deal worth $24 million. Joseph replaces the recently retired Dominik Hasek.

Chelios drew a parallel between the lack of offensive support Joseph received with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the similar problem Hasek had with the Buffalo Sabres.

"We've got offense here, and I'm sure he'll shut the door for us,'' Chelios said. "We were very fortunate to pick up Joseph. I can't wait to get playing again.''