Red Wings Claim Defenseman Djoos via Waivers

The Detroit Red Wings claimed defenseman Christian Djoos off of waivers from the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.

Detroit claims Christian Djoos off waivers from Anaheim.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 9, 2021

Djoos, 26, split last season between the Washington Capitals and the Ducks at the NHL level but spent most of the season with the AHL’s Hershey Bears. In 119 career NHL games, he has five goals and 22 assists for 27 points.

Christian Djoos is the son of former NHLer Per Djoos, who played 26 games for the Red Wings during the 1990-91 season.

This pickup is a little weird to me.  Detroit’s blueline seems set with Danny DeKeyser, Filip Hronek, Patrik Nemeth, Jon Merrill, Troy Stecher, Marc Staal, and Alex Biega.  That’s with Gustav Lindstrom on the outside looking in.

Djoos could have been claimed to fill space on the taxi squad this season but he will have to clear waivers to be assigned to it, just as if he were being assigned to the AHL.  In that case, Anaheim would have the right to claim him back and – if no other team placed a claim – send him to their own AHL affiliate, as they originally intended.

Maybe Detroit GM Steve Yzerman thinks the Ducks just didn’t want Djoos anymore and he’ll make it through waivers.  There’s no risk in trying it.  Best-case scenario, the Red Wings add a depth defenseman.  Worst-case scenario, they’re right back where they started.