May 2, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Danny DeKeyser (65) defends against Anaheim Ducks right wing Bobby Ryan (9) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Danny DeKeyser broke his thumb in the third period of Thursday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. DeKeyser left the ice and did not finish the game.

From NHL.com:

The Red Wings will not have DeKeyser, who broke his right thumb.

“He’s done,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said.

This is a bad break for the Red Wings and DeKeyser, who has made a smooth transition from the NCAA to the NHL. His quick feet and defensive abilities earned him a lot of time on the blue line in all situations.

The Red Wings must now look towards their bench for a replacement and with Ian White, Carlo Colaiacovo, and Brian Lashoff waiting in the wings, Babcock will have a tough decision to make.

Let’s take a quick look at Danny DeKeyser‘s possible replacements.

Ian White: Pros – Right handed shot, strong skater, can play on the power play, and has a quick first pass.

Cons – He is Ian White.

Carlo Colaiacovo: Pros – Good on the offensive and defensive side of the puck, can play on power play or penalty kill, and is not Ian White.

Cons – Wings would probably have to look for another defenseman after the next game because he would be hurt.

Brian Lashoff: Pros – Strong defensively like DeKeyser, block a lot of shots, and is trusted to play penalty kill minutes.

Cons – Not very quick on his feet and makes a lot of rookie mistakes.

My bet is on the return of Colaiacovo to the Red Wings’ blue line.

UPDATE: Brian Lashoff is in for Danny DeKeyser for Game 3.

Babcock said Lashoff will play in Game 3 in place of the injured DeKeyser.

— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) May 3, 2013

February 9, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brian Lashoff (23) blocks a shot in the third period against the Edmonton Oilers at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

According to the Detroit Red Wings, defenseman Brian Lashoff has been signed to a 3-year contract extension, the details of which are not yet know.

Wings sign Defenseman Brian Lashoff to a 3-year extension.

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 25, 2013

With all of the early injuries on defense Brian Lashoff, who wasn’t even supposed to sniff the NHL this season, was thrust into the defensive rotation.

So far this season Lashoff has 3 points in 15 games and has been a solid defensive defenseman. He has been entrusted by Mike Babcock to play tough minutes, against the opponents top lines with Niklas Kronwall. Lashoff is playing on the penalty kill and has done a good job at blocking pucks, shooting lanes, and passing lanes. Against Nashville he led all defensemen in minutes with 24 and is averaging 19 minutes per game so far this season.

Lashoff is a rookie and has made some bad mistakes in coverage, but each game is a learning tool for him and he will continue to develop. Despite his mistakes Lashoff has been a bright spot for the Wings defense and the organization has realized the skill set Lashoff adds to the Wings’ blue line.

If you would like to know more about Brian Lashoff be sure to check out our previous posts HERE and HERE.

UPDATE:

Contract for Wings’ Brian Lashoff has cap hit of $725,000. It’s one-way all three years.

— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) February 25, 2013

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