Some believe that the Detroit Red Wings gave up too much for David Legwand, but some significant injuries means they’ll give him a chance to make the move worth every lost asset. In fact, the Detroit Free Press reports that he’s expected to grab a first-line role right off the bat.
The 33-year-old is set to center a line with Gustav Nyquist and Johan Franzen.
Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock acknowledged the team’s need, which they hope Legwand may meet.
“We needed a guy, we needed a veteran guy to help these kids,” Babcock said. “The kids are real good players, but a little leadership helps. He’s got 40 points, he can pass the puck, he can play on the power play, he played against good players, so it’ll be a good fit for us.”
Here’s a sneak peek at what he looks like in a Red Wings jersey, via the team:
David Legwand is on the ice this morning for the first time as a #RedWing pic.twitter.com/zhGbILfh3p
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 6, 2014
Legwand makes his Red Wings debut as they take on the Colorado Avalanche after Nicklas Lidstrom’s jersey retirement ceremony tonight.