from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,
He came into this season feeling strong and healthy, and has averaged around 20 minutes in 19 games, serving as a good veteran presence opposite Seider.
“Danny is a guy who is really smart, as is Moritz,” Blashill said. “Danny is not afraid to get on a rush but he’s also not afraid to stay back and let Moritz get on a rush, and I think the more Moritz is playing here, the more he’s in attack mode, and so you’ve got to make sure that the other guy is smart enough to read that and make sure he’s back, and certainly Danny is that.”
DeKeyser, 31, is in the last year of his contract. He said he hasn’t thought about his future beyond “trying to enjoy this season.” He, Staal and Nick Leddy comprise the veterans on the defense corps and all are on expiring contracts. It is likely general manager Steve Yzerman will keep at least one of them, which would still leave room for 2021 first-round pick Simon Edvinsson to earn a spot next season. Leddy, 30, projects to have value as a trade chip at the deadline. Staal, 34, was brought in by Yzerman and already re-signed once. He and DeKeyser play similar games, and on a one-year deal in the $1.5 million range, either could make sense.
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