Canucks Sign Veteran Defenseman to PTO
The Vancouver Canucks have signed veteran defenseman Danny DeKeyser to a Professional Tryout (PTO) Friday morning. The 32-year-old is coming off of a season where he tallied 11 assists in 59 games, with a -8 rating.
The undrafted, Michigan native has played his entire 10 year career for his hometown team, the Detroit Red Wings, playing 547 games and registering 146 points during his tenure. Coming off of a back surgery a few years ago, DeKeyser's best years are likely behind him, but having averaged 18:30 of TOI per game last season, he can still be a useful player in a minimal role.
With this move, the Canucks are hoping DeKeyser has a good training camp and, should they decide to sign him, provide much needed depth for them on the blueline. Being a 10 year NHL veteran, DeKeyser's experience could be useful, especially to younger defensemen such as Quinn Hughes and former Leaf Travis Dermott. Should the club opt to not sign him to a contract, DeKeyser will become a free agent again and could sign with any team for the upcoming season.
