Detroit – The Detroit Red Wings knew they were getting a versatile player when they signed Steve Ott last summer.
Ott is viewed by many fans as somewhat one-dimensional – an agitating, physical player who likes to stir opponents into distraction.
But Ott has proven to be as advertised, capable of filling in several roles, including at Thursday’s practice centering the fourth line, which he’ll likely do Friday at Washington.
The move was necessary because of Darren Helm’s injury (dislocated shoulder), which will force Helm to miss at least six weeks.
“Steve has played a lot of center in his career, he played it all the way through the playoffs two years ago in St.