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With camp looming, DeKeyser’s anxious to reach deal with Detroit

Danny DeKeyser, Matt Bartkowski

Boston Bruins’ Matt Bartkowski (43) and Detroit Red Wings’ Danny DeKeyser (65) battle for the puck during the first period in Game 5 in the first round of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs in Boston, Saturday, April 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

AP

Defenseman Danny DeKeyser can keep his stomach steady when he’s flying in jets, but it sounds like he’s getting a little queasy from his contract negotiations with the Detroit Red Wings. At least, things are getting shakier now that training camp is rapidly approaching, as he told the Detroit Free Press.

“I’m kind of anxious,” DeKeyser said. “Hopefully, something gets done soon, because camp is only a few days away.”

The 24-year-old said “I still think something will get done before camp” even though that will start this week.

After being eased into action while making the jump from the NCAA to the NHL in 2012-13, the Red Wings relied upon DeKeyser quite a bit last season. He averaged 21:38 minutes per game in 65 contests, collecting 23 points while putting up somewhat solid possession stats.

DeKeyser jumped into a fairly prominent role already with Detroit, which likely explains why he may or may not be driving a hard bargain. Still, there’s plenty of room to improve, so both sides probably see the benefit of making sure that he doesn’t risk a slow start by missing training camp or even some regular season time.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins