Make sure to follow Mark on Twitter!
As has been expected all summer long, the Detroit Red Wings announced late yesterday afternoon that they re-signed rearguard
Danny DeKeyser to a two-year "bridge" deal.
As per club policy, terms were not disclosed, however, TSN's
Aaron Ward provided us with a breakdown:
As a result, DeKeyser will remain a restricted free agent in the summer of 2016 at the age of 26 and for the next two seasons will result in an estimated cap hit of $2.1875 million.
In the end, the bridge deal should not come as a shock as all along that is most observers anticipated heading into the summer given the fact DeKeyser has only played 76 regular season games to date.
Although I
examined in August the possibility of the Red Wings locking up DeKeyser to a lengthier deal, even at that time I also pointed out the potential "bridge" comparables and likely price range it would take to lock up DeKeyser to a short-term deal.
Furthermore, the recent bridge contracts given to the likes of Jared Spurgeon (Minnesota), Nick Leddy(Chicago), T.J. Brodie (Calgary) and Dmitri Orlov (Washington), should aid both sides in agreeing to a cap hit in the 2.5 million to 3 million range on a short-term deal (1-2 years)
In the end, it appears DeKeyser was likely asking in that range I suggested and ended up taking a hometown discount. In particular, the Brodie and Orlov comparables likely aided the Red Wings in selling their thought process on the eventual salary figure that was decided upon.
Brodie is three months younger than DeKeyser, yet played in 104 regular season games last summer prior to signing his two-year bridge deal ($2.125 cap hit). DeKeyser has slightly better offensive numbers and averaged almost 90 seconds more per game in ice time compared to Brodie's 2012-13 season (prior to signing his bridge deal).
Similarly, Orlov is over a full year younger than DeKeyser, yet has played in 119 regular season games to date. He signed a two-year deal earlier this summer with a $2 million cap hit per season. DeKeyser averaged two minutes more per game in ice time compared to Orlov.
Following the DeKeyser signing, it's estimated that the Red Wings have just slightly north of $3 million in cap space remaining...which brings us to the
Daniel Alfredsson situation.
It appears more and more likely following
Ken Holland's confirmation that Alfredsson would not be attending training camp in Traverse City, that the 41-year old veteran may be closer to announcing his retirement. In reality though, the Red Wings are in no rush to force Alfredsson into a decision. Given their depth up front, they can allow Alfredsson to see the necessary specialists and make a determination if he will be able to join the club at some point this season in full health.
The Red Wings value Alfredsson's skill level, experience and right-handed shot on the power play too much to insist on the future Hall-of-Famer making an immediate decision given his latest setback.
Previous Posts
Frk amongst several prospects turning heads in Traverse City
Red Wings look to repeat at prospects tourney
Writing on the wall for #11
A healthy Helm would help in 2014-15
2013 Draft Class, Holland Extended
2012 Draft Class
2011 Draft Update
To go long or short with Danny DeKeyser
Three more years of Tomas Tatar
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»