MLive’s Ansar Khan reviews Danny DeKeyser’s 2018-2019 season and issues a 2019-2020 season outlook for the big shut-down defenseman:
2019-20 outlook: DeKeyser showed improvement during an injury-plagued season that cost him 30 games.
His skating and mobility enabled him to move the puck out of his zone more efficiently and quicker than he had the previous three years. Added strength allowed him to win more puck battles.
Overall, it was his best season since 2014-15, but he still wasn’t as strong as he was his first two full NHL seasons.
DeKeyser and Nick Jensen formed a solid pairing before Jensen was dealt to Washington just before the trade deadline.
DeKeyser figures to be paired with either Mike Green or Filip Hronek, while the other is partnered with Patrik Nemeth. They should comprise the team’s top four on defense.
