Danny DeKeyser went nearly 15 months between games, struggled a bit at the start of the season and was scratched for a nine-game stretch.
But he finished the season strong, capping a successful comeback from back surgery.
As a result, DeKeyser is the Detroit Red Wings’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of “perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication” to hockey.
The selection was made by the Detroit chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The winner will be announced in July.
DeKeyser was limited to eight games in 2019-20 before undergoing surgery in December 2019.
“It’s not an easy surgery to go through,” DeKeyser said. “The down time after that is extended. It’s tough to even get around the house after a surgery like that.”
He started the 2021 season on time after it was pushed back to mid-January due to the pandemic. But a tough start prompted coach Jeff Blashill to scratch DeKeyser from the lineup for nine games from Feb. 3-19.
“Coming out of training camp I was definitely struggling a bit,” DeKeyser said. “They sat me down and told me to work on some stuff and try to get back healthy again, it had been so long since I played.
“Second half of the season I definitely felt a lot better, thought I was moving better and felt stronger out there. One of my goals coming into the year was, first of all, to play, and to just get better as the weeks and months went on, and I think that’s what I did.”
DeKeyser, 31, had four goals and eight assists in 47 games. He tied for the team lead with a plus-3 rating.
“That (finish) was pretty positive going into a full offseason where I can be healthy and train,” DeKeyser said. “Last year I was still on rehab and I couldn’t get to the point where I wanted to be to play at this level. That’ll be important for me this summer.”
He has one year remaining on his contract.
The Red Wings have had two Masterton winners -- Brad Park in 1984 and Steve Yzerman in 2003.
More: A look at Steve Yzerman’s lengthy offseason to-do list
The Link LonkMay 10, 2021 at 11:07PM
https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2021/05/danny-dekeyser-is-red-wings-masterton-nominee-after-return-from-back-surgery.html
Danny DeKeyser is Red Wings’ Masterton nominee after return from back surgery - MLive.com
https://news.google.com/search?q=Red&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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