Detroit Red Wings‘ undrafted rookie defenseman Danny DeKeyser(55) had quite a 2012/2013.
He started the season in his third year of college hockey with Western Michigan University Broncos.
After completing their schedule, he signed a two-year entry level deal forgoing his final school campaign and joined the Red Wings to finish their lockout shortened schedule.
In 11 games he recorded his first point, an assist and appeared in a pair of playoff contests but was sidelined with a fractured thumb then moved on again.
The highly touted 6’3″ 190 lbs. blue liner was reassigned to continue his early development with minor league affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins.
He arrived just in time for the 2013 Calder Cup Finals‘ series vs. Syracuse Crunch.
In 6 AHL playoff games he put up another assist in the winning effort to help capture the Championship for the first time in team history.
The 23-year old started his official rookie season on the NHL opening night roster and has played in all 19 games so far, netting his first tally and picking up 5 assists with a +6 rating.
His contract is up at the end of the current season but he’ll likely score himself a nice sized extension, continue to look forward to improve his overall game and be one tough d-man to match up against.