Danny DeKeyser wonders about future with Detroit Red Wings in possible final home game

Detroit — Danny DeKeyser considered it a bit, and should you’re him, how might you not?

The veteran defenseman is an unrestricted free agent after this season. With the Crimson Wings nonetheless in a rebuild, and getting youthful, DeKeyser’s future is murky.

DeKeyser, a Macomb native who starred at Western Michigan and spent 10 seasons with the Wings, tried to soak in Little Caesars Enviornment as a lot as potential Saturday in the course of the 7-2 loss to Pittsburgh.

“Anytime you are in a scenario like this, your contract is up, you by no means know what’ll occur, undoubtedly you’ve gotten that thought undergo your head and whether or not it is your final house sport or not,” DeKeyser, 32, stated. “That is one thing that can deal with itself in the summertime, and there is not a complete lot to say proper now.”

The prospect to play for the Crimson Wings, stated DeKeyser, has been particular.

“It has been a dream come true to play right here,” DeKeyser stated. “(As a teen) idolizing this staff and taking part in right here, coming to the rink each day, I have been fairly fortunate to have the ability to play not simply within the NHL however for my hometown staff, as properly. It has been particular for me.

“I attempted to go on the market and benefit from the sport at present. I want the end result would have been a bit totally different.”

DeKeyser had again surgical procedure two seasons in the past and has had issue returning to the extent he performed at earlier in his profession. He spent a while on the injured checklist final season and this one, and his play has been inconsistent.

When DeKeyser went on the injured checklist in March, there was the thought his profession with the Wings had ended, given he additionally was positioned on waivers (however not claimed). However DeKeyser returned and has performed regular hockey in current weeks.

“Having had the surgical procedure two years in the past, I am simply attempting to maintain my head on straight and work arduous each day,” DeKeyser stated. “It (the again) has been feeling good.  A variety of ups and downs these final couple of years. I had stretches the place I felt like I performed fairly good hockey and different instances, some stretches I’d have appreciated to have performed higher.

“For me, it is simply looking for the consistency and attempting to be on the market each evening and simply play a stable sport with the puck and attempting to defend.”

DeKeyser will make a closing dedication on whether or not he’ll proceed taking part in later this summer season. The free agent market does not start till July 13.

“I’d like to preserve taking part in if I can,” DeKeyser stated. “I do not know what’ll occur however these items will play itself out within the summertime. I am going to simply wait and see. I am going to let my physique relaxation a bit bit and simply sort of see the place it takes me, and take into consideration issues then.”

Zadina sidelined

Filip Zadina got here down with appendicitis whereas the Wings have been in Florida this previous week, and had his appendix eliminated late within the week.

Coach Jeff Blashill stated Zadina won’t play within the closing three video games this week.

“He stayed in Florida and had his appendix eliminated,” Blashill stated. “It was profitable and he must be completely wonderful, however that is at the very least every week (earlier than having the ability to play).”

The Wings introduced up forwards Riley Barber and Taro Hirose from Grand Rapids, and each have been within the lineup towards Pittsburgh.

Ice chips

With a objective Saturday, Jakub Vrana has three targets in his final three video games, 18 factors (13 targets, 5 assists) in 23 video games this season, and 29 factors (21 targets, eight assists) in 34 video games since being acquired by the Wings late final season.

… Moritz Seider earned an help on Vrana’s objective. Seider continues to guide all NHL rookies in assists (43) and energy play factors (21), whereas main all rookie defensemen with 49 factors.

… Goaltender Thomas Greiss earned an help on Michael Rasmussen’s objective. It was Greiss’ fourth profession help and first in a Wings jersey.

ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @tkulfan

Crimson Wings at Devils

► Faceoff: 1 p.m. Sunday, Prudential Heart, Newark, N.J.

► TV/radio: BSD-Additional/950

► Outlook: The Devils (27-43-8) are coming off an time beyond regulation loss Saturday towards Carolina. … LW Jesper Bratt (25 targets, 70 factors) has led offensively for a Devils staff that has been riddled with accidents.