It was Nostalgic & Good Seeing Darren Helm Return to Detroit

Much was written by many now that Darren Helm returned to the place he called home during the Red Wings 5-2 loss against the Avalanche.

Time had certainly moved on from when Helm was one of the important cogs in the Red Wings’ machine that won a Stanley Cup in 2008 and came ever so close to repeating the feat a season later. Heck, he was well known for the “Darren Helm Shift” where he played keep away with the puck during the 2009 Western Conference Final. It was that moment, along with his game winning goal against Chicago in the same game (Game 5) that forever cemented him as a fan favorite.

The back end of his career was littered with injury and lower production–the latter being a product of a weaker roster that couldn’t find the right combination for success any longer. So like many, Helm would see his production decrease as well as his time in what had been his only home in the NHL. He wasn’t offered a new deal and ended up signing with Colorado in the offseason.

Red Wings Fans Recall Great Memories of Helm

I remember the speedy forward getting the nod during the 2008 playoff run, but the ’09 goal against Chicago was one for the ages. Being a fan in Chicago was one thing, but the celebration with my family forever sealed the memory into my consciousness.

There was also had an empty netter against San Jose during a raucous Game 6 back in 2011, where Detroit clawed back from a 3-0 series deficit to tie it. Though they would end up losing the series, Helm caused a goal celebration to remember and even got Ken Daniels’ voice to crack on the call.

There was a great article in the Athletic by Peter Baugh that highlighted Helm’s impact from a player’s perspective. It mirrored how the quiet, unassuming way he carried himself on the ice was consistent in the locker room or even in his personal life. It was something Red Wings fans loved about #43: going about his work without drawing attention to himself.

The Red Wings might have lost the game, but if the montage of gratitude was any indication, Helm is still winning over his fans while wearing the jersey of a once bitter rival.

Hockeytown still very much loves Darren Helm.