DARREN HELM - Left Winger - 32 - $3.85MM Cap Hit - UFA in 2021-2022
LAST UPDATED 8/4/19
Darren Helm has been a Red Wings veteran since the 2007-2008 season, and has used his excellent skating abilities and responsible two-way play to remain an NHL regular despite injury and production issues. Helm is a very diligent player, bringing responsible two-way play and a hard-nosed effort to every shift he plays in. He plays a mistake-limiting, versatile game that allows him to contribute in any situation. He can take draws in the defensive zone, help kill penalties, or chip in some points as a complementary winger. He's not the best defensive winger, nor is he skilled enough to be a high-level offensive producer, but his relentless work ethic allows him to be a serviceable player in each regard, rather than being strong on one end of the ice and a liability on another. Detroit rewarded Helm's heart-and-soul effort with a hefty near-$4MM AAV contract, a contract that he is nowhere near worth, given its term. At 32 years old, his durability issues as well as his foot speed should start to get even worse, and as he loses his trademark speed I wonder whether he'll be able to adapt his game so he can still stick in the NHL. Because he's on their books for the next few seasons still, Detroit likely is hoping that Helm can be the versatile, high-character two-way third line winger/center for the next few years, but I'm not optimistic that a 34-year-old, significantly slower Helm can still be a 3LW.
Darren Helm has been a Red Wings veteran since the 2007-2008 season, and has used his excellent skating abilities and responsible two-way play to remain an NHL regular despite injury and production issues. Helm is a very diligent player, bringing responsible two-way play and a hard-nosed effort to every shift he plays in. He plays a mistake-limiting, versatile game that allows him to contribute in any situation. He can take draws in the defensive zone, help kill penalties, or chip in some points as a complementary winger. He's not the best defensive winger, nor is he skilled enough to be a high-level offensive producer, but his relentless work ethic allows him to be a serviceable player in each regard, rather than being strong on one end of the ice and a liability on another. Detroit rewarded Helm's heart-and-soul effort with a hefty near-$4MM AAV contract, a contract that he is nowhere near worth, given its term. At 32 years old, his durability issues as well as his foot speed should start to get even worse, and as he loses his trademark speed I wonder whether he'll be able to adapt his game so he can still stick in the NHL. Because he's on their books for the next few seasons still, Detroit likely is hoping that Helm can be the versatile, high-character two-way third line winger/center for the next few years, but I'm not optimistic that a 34-year-old, significantly slower Helm can still be a 3LW.
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