Detroit – The Red Wings used to have Mathieu Dandenault on their roster back in the early 2000s, a versatile player who could play forward or defense.
Luke Witkowski, who signed a free-agent contract Saturday with the Red Wings, is like Dandenault in that manner.
Witkowski, a Holland, Mich., native who played collegiately at Western Michigan, can play forward or defense.
But that’s about where comparison ends.
While Dandenault was known more for his skating, Witkowski (though a good skater) is known for his physical style of play.
And it’s that physical edge, plus versatility, and being a first-rate teammate, that led the Red Wings to sign Witkowski, 27, to a two-year contract worth $1.