DETROIT — Red Wings general manager Ken Holland likes to describe his job as “winning today with an eye always on tomorrow.”
It’s a simple management philosophy, and nobody does it better than Holland — even if he makes a mistake or two along the way.
With the reacquisition of defenseman Kyle Quincey from Tampa Bay on Tuesday, Holland corrected one of his few miscalculations. He gave up Detroit’s first-round pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft and minor league defenseman Sebastien Piche to get Quincey.
Back in 2008, the Wings had two promising, young defensemen on their roster, Kyle Quincey and Derek Meech, who were out of options. One was going to make the team and the other would be sent to Grand Rapids if he cleared waivers, which was an unlikely scenario.
Detroit kept Meech, and Quincey was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Kings. Since that time, Quincey has developed into a top-four defenseman as Meech flounders in the Winnipeg Jets system.
Quincey, 26, was originally drafted by Detroit in the fourth round in 2003. At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, he's an above-average skater who can play the point on the power play. He also logs a lot of ice time and plays against the opposition's top forwards.
Quincey’s skill set is above average, but he tends to get in trouble when he overthinks the game and could be more physical — especially in his own zone.
Quincey will become a restricted free agent this summer, but Holland has already said Detroit will make him a qualifying offer. If the Wings cannot sign Quincey to a long-term deal, he’ll at least be in Detroit through next season.
By trading for Quincey, the Wings have added depth to their blue-line corps for a potential Stanley Cup run. Even more important, they’ve added top-four talent if upcoming unrestricted free agent Brad Stuart decides to leave Detroit and/or Nicklas Lidstrom decides to retire.
It also gives prospect Brendan Smith more time to hone his skills in Grand Rapids if he’s not completely ready to make the transition to the NHL.
This deal was made as a long-term move. It gives the Wings several options, depending on how the free-agent market plays out this summer.
Give the Wings full marks because this trade was made for winning today with a definite eye on tomorrow.
