DeKeyser was reportedly looking for a contract in the $5 million a year range when the first whisperings about arbitration started popping up.
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Western Michigan hockey alum Danny DeKeyser has agreed to a six-year extension with the Detroit Red Wings, as announced by the team on Tuesday morning. He is valued for his poise with the puck, decision-making and shutdown ability.
DeKeyser is more of a defensive defenseman, but his eight goals and 20 assists last season helped provide some of the lagging offense from the back end. He received only spot duty on the power play, averaging 30 seconds per game.
DeKeyser signed immediately after the conclusion of his junior season and has been a mainstay on the Red Wings blue line ever since. He stepped into the lineup without spending time in the AHL, but he joined the Grand Rapids Griffins during their Calder Cup championship run in 2013.
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With the signing, the Wings have small space under the salary cap for Petr Mrazek, who is seeking $5 million per year and requested the arbitration set for 9 a.m., Wednesday in Toronto.
