from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,

Since returning, DeKeyser saw his minutes gradually increase while being paired with Filip Hronek. Three times, DeKeyer went over 20 minutes of ice time, until recently settling into just over 18 minutes of ice time, and playing the steady, subtle brand of hockey that has been his trademark.

In 27 games DeKeyser had a goal and four assists, and has a plus-1 rating — one of only five Red Wings regulars to be even or in the plus category.

“He has really good hockey smarts,” Blashill said. “I don’t think anyone plays 100 percent (healthy) and he isn’t 100 percent yet. But strength and power aren’t where they need to be yet, but he uses his hockey smarts to be an effective hockey player.

“The strength and power continue to go in the right direction. And as long they continue in the right direction, he become an even more effective hockey player.”

DeKeyser didn’t necessarily rest or take it easy during his two weeks out of the lineup.

Instead, the time was used as if DeKeyser was still in training camp and getting ready for the season.

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