Danny DeKeyser talks about his contract situation at the Red Wings’ youth camp

By Nick Barnowski – 

Detroit Red Wings restricted free agent Danny DeKeyser said on Wednesday that he’s confident he will sign a new contract with the team soon.

The 24-year-old spoke with the media before hitting the ice as a guest coach at the club’s youth camp, taking place at Joe Louis Arena this week.

He did not sound worried that a deal wouldn’t get done and said he hopes to stay in Detroit for an extended period of time.

“It’d be nice to figure something out long-term,” DeKeyser said. “But we’ll have to see where everybody is at on that.”

Talks between DeKeyser and GM Ken Holland will resume later this week, according to Bob Duff of the Windsor Star.

With his second full NHL season rapidly approaching, the defenseman said he is up to date on the contracts other players in the league have signed this summer, but said it was a “little bit of a different comparison.”

“I watch all the contracts and that kind of stuff but it’s sometimes hard to compare unrestricted free agents with restricted free agents as far as rights and things like that go.”

DeKeyser played in 65 games last season with the Red Wings, recording four goals and 19 assists from the blue line. He said he’s had a relatively quiet offseason and has spent his time trying to get stronger.

“I always lose a few pounds during the year and I think that’s something everybody deals with,” he said. “I just try to be as strong as I can going into the season.”

The Macomb Township native said he plans to establish himself as a top four member of the defensive corps. He’s focusing on rounding out his game a little bit more while also looking to improve upon his numbers from last season.

“Just get pucks to the net more, maybe more on the accuracy of my shot and see the ice better. I think that’s something I can improve on.”