DeKeyser is likely to be protected by the Red Wings in the upcoming expansion draft, despite an existing $5 million cap hit that runs through the 2021-22 campaign, MLive.com reports.

Analysis:

There's no question that DeKeyser is overpaid. The length and value of his contract closely matches deals that have been secured by some of the NHL's near-elite defensemen, such as Buffalo's Rasmus Ristolainen and Seth Jones of Columbus. However, the Red Wings simply cannot afford to get cute with their options on the blue line, and DeKeyser is at least considered a serviceable option. He did post just 12 points (four goals, eight assists) and a minus-22 rating last season, but many consider his down year to be more representative of the team's overall struggles.