Detroit Red Wings: Danny DeKeyser is enjoying a bounce back season

Coming to the Detroit Red Wings in 2013  Danny DeKeyser enjoyed a couple of solid seasons. Then his game sort of fell flat. Now after battling through injuries and inconsistent play  DeKeyser is playing very well for the young Red Wings.

While Danny was never projected as a top line defenseman, he does not need to be. He does need to be dependable and be a reliable second pairing defender. That is precisely what he has been this season for a Detroit Red Wings; the team is in desperate need of dependable defensive players.

Danny DeKeyser has played only 26 games because of a hand/wrist injury. He has three goals and nine assists to go with his plus 10 rating. The Wings will take it! His strength has always been an issue, but he has played well in spurts in past seasons, but sometimes he’s quickly shoved around.

This season we’ve seen a stronger defensive player emerge. DeKeyser looks stronger which has helped him being able to consistently defend.  A welcome sight for sure, also his more physical play has helped him battle harder. He routinely knocks players out of the way. It appears Danny is rounding into an above average defenseman.

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Detroit is 12-10-4 with a healthy DeKeyser in the lineup and 9-15-3 without him. DeKeyser does not play on the power play, so his offensive numbers are not off the charts. Again they do not need to be, the Detroit Red Wings need gritty defensive players, as Danny has shown himself to be this season.

For the first time in what seems like a long time, Danny DeKeyser looks good on the ice. He looks comfortable, more so than in the past including the early years, he flashed promise. Danny’s defensive partner is  Nick Jensen, the two teammates have developed some good chemistry together, and they are both above average skaters.  They are mobile, yet they both play a “safe” style, either is often found being caught in the offensive zone pinching.

DeKeyser looks both quicker and faster than in past seasons. He is a defensive player who seems most comfortable with open ice.  This allows him to use his speed and make good, solid crisp passes.

DeKeyser’s defensive game has really emerged this season, he’s a good penalty killer and is willing to risk his body to block shots.  His game is better than it has ever been. Facing top talent in the NHL is nothing new, however, doing it at a higher level has helped dramatically. Danny DeKeyser is showing that he can be a dependable defenseman through the rebuild. He can also be that veteran presence after the rebuild is completed.

In an up and down career. Danny DeKeyser looks like he has finally arrived.