NHL Rumors: Free Agent Danny Dekeyser Hoping To Sign 1-Year Contract

Danny Dekeyser, a 10-year NHL veteran, is searching for a team to play for in 2022-23. He is coming off of a six year, $30 million contract spent entirely with the Detroit Red Wings that saw his role dwindle the past few seasons. He has never been a top pairing defenseman, but he has fit in nicely on the second pairing in more of a defensive role and is now a third pairing defender at best.

Greg Wyshynski reported that " Danny Dekeyser's agent is confident he's going to get a deal before training camp, likely a 1-year, $1 million-ish 'show me' contract." For a third pairing option who is defensively-minded, hits, blocks shots, and kills penalties, that sort of money is acceptable. Many teams like adding a veteran presence that will defend well for their bottom pair. If the team also has a young defenseman, pairing them together allows for easier growth with room for mistakes and mentorship.

NHL free agent news:
- @penguins and @NHLFlames in mix for Evan Rodrigues.
- Keith Yandle "hasn't made determination" on retiring. Has a social media gig with NHL at Player Tour.
- Ex-@DetroitRedWings Danny DeKeyser being pitched as a "Jack Johnson type."https://t.co/qFJOAwqdUZ
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) August 31, 2022

Dekeyser's better offensive days are behind him and he starts many more shifts in the defensive zone. His agent mentions a "show-me" contract, but it doesn't appear like Dekeyser is going to be getting any big offers in the future even if he does have a good season. He's now 32 and has been on the decline for a few seasons while he consistently misses games due to injury.

I do think a team will take a chance on him this offseason, but don't expect a big year from Dekeyser by any means. It is likely he will be competing for a spot on whichever team decides to bring him on.