Kyle Quincey Signs Extension: Detroit Red Wings

By Daniel Gustkey

It is impossible to replace the greatness that has been Nicklas Lidstrom, but the Detroit Red Wings are certainly trying.  The Red Wings re-signed defensemen Kyle Quincey to a 2-year contract extension, thus avoiding arbitration and solidifying the Detroit defense.  Quincey’s deal is worth roughly $7.5 million over the two years, making him the second highest paid blue-liner for the Red Wings.

The Red Wings acquired Quincey last season in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche, giving up their 2012 first round draft pick in the process.  Quincey played 18 games for Detroit last season, but only produced three points while finding himself in the penalty box for a total of 29 minutes.  The Red Wings will need more production next season from him to justify the contract.  This extension makes Quincey the second highest paid defensemen on the team, behind only Red Wings stalwart Niklas Kronwall.  The Red Wings will be hoping Quincey can reproduce his Colorado form from the 2012 season, when he scored 23 points over 54 games.

“There’s an opportunity here with the losses we’ve had on defense with Stuart and Nick Lidstrom,” general manager Ken Holland said. “Kyle was in the top four in Colorado. We think there is tremendous opportunity for him now in Detroit. He is a guy who can step in and eat some minutes and give us some offense.”

Don’t expect the defensive related transactions to stop here, as Holland and Head Coach Mike Babcock will surely remain in the market, looking to add depth and somebody who can at least attempt to replace Lidstrom.

 

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