RED WINGS

Nick Jensen signs 2-year extension with Red Wings

Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
Nick Jensen

Detroit — Nick Jensen is staying, but will see about the some other Red Wings.

Jensen was signed by the team Monday to a two-year contract extension.

The 26-year-old defenseman made his NHL debut Dec. 20 in Tampa and has been a pleasant surprise in 27 games, with three goals and five assists.

Jensen will earn $800,000 next season and $825,000 the season after.

Who some of Jensen’s teammates will be in the near future remains to be seen, with a clearer picture developing before Wednesday’s trade deadline.

Krupa: Babcock shares blame for Jurco's failure with Wings

The Red Wings returned to practice Monday at Joe Louis Arena, with forwards Thomas Vanek and Steve Ott, and defenseman Brendan Smith — all potential unrestricted free agents who are likely to be traded by Wednesday — all on the ice for practice.

The organization already has made one move, trading forward Tomas Jurco to Chicago for a third-round pick in June’s entry draft.

Entering Monday’s schedule the Red Wings were in last place in the Eastern Conference with 58 points and trail Boston by 12 points for a divisional playoff spot, and Toronto by 11 points for a wild-card position.

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