Danny DeKeyser finds free-agent solution, signs 2-year deal with Detroit

Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland and Danny DeKeyser’s agent had been talking on a daily basis, but hadn’t closed a deal yet for the restricted free agent. “Either we'll find a solution before camp or we won't,” he told the Free Press. 

They found a solution: Two years and $4.374 million for a defenseman who went from undrafted free agent in 2013 to the Red Wings’ top four last season, playing 21:38 per night in the regular season.

DeKeyser had 23 points in 65 games last season. His possession numbers weren’t great: a 49.5 percent Corsi-For and a minus-3.6 CorsiRel, meaning his team was stronger on possession with him off the ice. Kyle Quincey was his primary partner.

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Holland said DeKeyser and his reps didn’t want a 1-year deal, but the Red Wings weren’t about to go long-term with him yet. But a $2.187 million AAV and another round of restricted free agency after the contract is up works for both sides.

The attention now turns to Torey Krug of the Boston Bruins. Will the DeKeyser contract influence his RFA deal? Krug’s played 82 career games. DeKeyser has played 76. (Krug has the advantage in playoff games.)

There was talk he wanted a $2.5 million AAV cap hit from the Bruins. Does this drop that price?