Scouting the Detroit Red Wings: Brett Lebda

August 30, 11:01 PMDetroit Red Wings ExaminerMike Mouat

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Brett Lebda

Today's profile: Brett Lebda

Height: 5'9"
Weight: 195
Birthdate: January 15, 1982 (27 years old)
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Uniform #: 22
Contract status: Signed through 2009-10
Salary Cap Figure: $650,000
Salary in 2009-10: $850,000

2008-09

Brett Lebda played in his 200th NHL game on October 11th and set a career high in goals (6) in 2008-09. In his third full season with the Red Wings Lebda's statistics took a dip in most categories. He played the fewest games (65) since his rookie season due to injury (missed eight games with a back injury from Februrary 13 through the 28th) and was a healthy scratch for nine games. His ice time per game decreased to 13:38 from a career high 16:29 in 2007-08, and he had 40 fewer shots on goal than the previous season. The highlight of the season for the native of Buffalo Grove, Illinois was scoring a goal in the Winter Classic held at Wrigley Field in Chicago on January 1st.

Lebda is a smooth skating defenseman who tantalizes you with his speed and grace as he skates the puck out of danger. Because of his skating ability you expect him to be an offensive defenseman, but throughout his career his production has been steady at every level without the usual increase in scoring that comes with experience. The same pattern of level production has held true in Detroit as his point totals have ranged from 12 in his rookie season (in 46 games) to a career high of 18 points in 2007-08. He showed that he has the capability of being a point producer when he scored 18 points in 25 games with Grand Rapids in 2005-06 before being promoted to Detroit on a full-time basis. 2009-10 is a defining season for Lebda with the Red Wings as he is in the final year of his contract with Detroit and can become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He will have to adjust to having a new partner this season as he joins Jonathan Ericsson in Detroit's third unit, having played most of his career with Chris Chelios (not re-signed) and Andreas Lilja (injured). Ericsson has shown more offensive ability than Chelios and Lilja and combined with Lebda the Wings should expect more offense from the third unit than it has in the past. Lebda will be given greater opportunity to elevate his game and play to his full capabilities than previously, and he will have to take advantage of the opportunity by utilizing his skating ability to make good things happen on the ice. Too often Lebda appeared content to remain a passenger and in making sure not to make mistakes.

Be sure to check out the slide show for some action shots of Lebda from last season.

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