Jojo Doria

Free agent defenseman Kyle Quincey will stay with the Detroit Red Wings after signing a two-year deal reportedly worth $7.55 million.

"We're very pleased to agree to terms with Kyle and avoid arbitration," says Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. "We drafted Kyle in 2003, watched him develop into a solid NHL defenseman and look forward to having him in a Detroit uniform for the next two seasons."

Quincey, 26, gets a modest rate from his new contract after earning $3.25 million a year ago.

A fourth-round pick of the Red Wings in 2003, Quincey rejoined the team last season via a three-team trade at the deadline but he scored just two goals with one assist in 18 regular season games. He had two assists in the playoffs.

Holland said Quincey will see a significant amount of playing time on the blue line this season after losing other defensemen Nicklas Lidstrom and Brad Stuart in the offseason. Lidstrom retired while Stuart was dealt to San Jose instead of losing him for nothing in free agency.

"We certainly think in Kyle Quincey and Brendan Smith we've got two NHL players, but our defense isn't as deep as it has been," Holland said. "When you lose the types of players we've lost on defense those players are special for a reason, they're better than everyone else."

Quincey has tallied 95 points (18 goals and 77 assists) in 257 career games with the Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche.

Last season, Quincey appeared in 72 total games for the Red Wings and Avalanche, finishing with seven goals and 19 assists, in addition to 89 penalty minutes and 168 shots on goal.

 

Defenseman Kyle Quincey Stays with Red Wings