Five Red Wings changes that need to happen before the trade deadline

Last year, Danny DeKeyser was placed on waivers and was a healthy scratch on numerous occasions.  In fact, DeKeyser only played 47 of Detroit’s 56 games last year.  This year, DeKeyser has had an even more difficult time keeping up to the speed of today’s NHL game.  DeKeyser has played 35 of Detroit’s 46 games and has looked like a shadow of his former self.  He has three assists and a -9 rating while averaging 15-17 minutes per night.

Advantages: Placing DeKeyser on waivers will give the Red Wings a chance to see Jared McIsaac and Donovan Sebrango play at the NHL level.  The Grand Rapids Griffins are slowly playing themselves out of a playoff spot, and the Red Wings need to see which youngsters can make the jump to the next level.  DeKeyser can continue to practice with the team and be a leader off the ice while mentoring the next wave of young defensemen.

Disadvantages: It will be virtually impossible to trade DeKeyser before the deadline.  DeKeyser carries a $5M cap hit and he has limited trade value.  DeKeyser will be a UFA at the end of the season and will likely retire at the end of the season.  Benching a veteran player who currently wears an “A” on his sweater would also show a lack of respect for a player who is from Michigan and has played his entire career with Detroit.

What to expect:  If Leddy is traded, DeKeyser will likely play out the season as a healthy scratch that will allow the Red Wings to audition McIsaac and Sebrango.  If Leddy is injured and can’t be traded before the deadline, DeKeyser will likely be a healthy scratch most nights to allow the youngsters to audition for openings on next year’s blueline.