On a day that they would just as soon forget, the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a two-year, $8.5 million deal with defenseman Kyle Quincey, according to several reports.
At the conclusion of last season, the Wings had decided to let Quincey become an unrestricted free agent, but never completely ruled him out of the picture.
The Wings let Quincey know that the only way they would consider bringing him back was if he agreed to a short-term, affordable deal.
Based on what happened Tuesday, with the Wings being shut out on the open market and Quincey not getting a lot of interest, it appears that both parties gave in a little bit -- Quincey on length of contract and the Wings on money.
Picked by Detroit in the fourth round, 132nd overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Quincey was claimed off waivers by the Kings in October 2008 and traded to Colorado in July 2009. Then, in a three-team trade in February 2012, Quincey returned to Detroit, via Tampa Bay, where the Wings gave up a first-round pick and Sebastian Piche.
Quincey, who will turn 29 in August, appeared in all 82 games for the Wings last season. The left-handed shooting defenseman had four goals, nine assists, was minus-5 and logged nearly 21 minutes a game.
A mobile defenseman who can move the puck, Quincey is prone to turnovers and isn't physical enough, depite his 6-foot-2, 207-pound frame.
Still, many in the Detroit organization felt that he improved in the second half of last season because he simplified his game.
Also, as much as the Wings are high on their young defensemen, they were intent on adding at least one to two veteran defensemen this offseason. And as it stands now, Quincey might have been their best option.
