(Another in a series of player profiles prior to training camp.)

Jonathan Ericsson

Position: Defense

Age: 33

Height/Weight: 6-4/220

2016-17 stats: 51 games, one goal, eight assists, nine points, minus-2 rating, 63 penalty minutes.

Career stats: 529 games, 21 goals, 86 assists, 107 points, plus-8 rating, 449 penalty minutes.

Contract status: Three years remaining at a cap hit of $4.25 million.

2016-17 in review: Suffered a season-ending fractured wrist, which required surgery, on Feb. 9 when checked into the boards by Nicklas Backstrom in Washington. ... Missed three games due to a back issue Dec. 9-13. ... Fewest games played in a non-lockout season since 2012-13 (45). ... Fewest points since 2008-09. ... Season-best plus-4 rating Jan. 5 at Los Angeles. ... Season-high 25:00 Nov. 26 vs. Montreal. ... Averaged 2:03 on the penalty kill, second among returning defensemen. ... Had three fighting majors.

2017-18 outlook: Ericsson got off to a good start last season, playing with poise, managing the puck well and limiting mistakes the first month of the season. But he couldn't maintain that level before suffering a season-ending wrist injury Feb. 9.

One of the keys for Ericsson is making better decisions with the puck. He has a tendency to rush things and turn it over when pressured. The coaching staff's message to Ericsson has been to hold onto the puck a second longer, holding off opponents with his big frame, which they hope will result in better decisions with the puck and fewer giveaways.

Ericsson must also avoid being caught flat-footed. He needs to move his feet more so he's not standing still while making passes.

Barring injuries, the Red Wings plan on pairing Ericsson with Nick Jensen to start the season. Jensen's mobility and puck-moving ability should benefit Ericsson.

Key question: Will Ericsson stave off challenges from younger defensemen Xavier Ouellet and Ryan Sproul to maintain his regular lineup spot?