Darren Helm Signs New 4 Year Deal

Darren Helm, 25, signed a new 4 year, $8.5M which works out to $2.125M a year.

Many people were overjoyed at this signing, there were a few that appeared to have lost their minds and said that they didn't agree, I however was ecstatic.

Here's Why:

1. The length of this new deal is 4 years. At the moment, Helm is 25, and entering what many believe is a hockey player's prime. I somewhat disagree with that, mostly because of the fact that Zetterberg and Datsyuk are both in their thirties (Hint: they are doing quite alright for themselves). Anyways, back to Helm. In four years, Helm will be 29 and maybe worth more than $2.125M a year. In 2016, when this contract is up, the Wings can pay him what he is worth. I have a feeling that in a few weeks this deal will seem like a bargain. 
2. What he brings to the team. Helm brings speed, and an ability to kill penalties very well. Case in point this penalty kill in the 2009 playoffs. Helm pretty much single handedly killed off the penalty. When Darren Helm came back from a knee injury in the playoffs this year, Mike Babcock was quoted saying "Helmer just puts everyone in the right spot."That is what Darren Helm does, he is a great third line center and when he is in the lineup, the Wings' depth is in the right spots to be successful. 

Here's My Concern:
Darren Helm was injured twice this year. Both of his injuries are ones that have haunted athletes before. The first was a knee injury, a sprained MCL. Those types of injuries can come back and turn a great grit guy (Danny Cleary, baker's cysts behind both knees) into a guy who everyone is wondering if they should be on the team next year.
The other is a lacerated forearm. That happened in his first game back from the knee injury in the playoffs. What took Mike Modano out for most of the 2010-2011 season, was a lacerated forearm. Modano had nerve damage, Helm did not. Modano was also way closer to the end of his career than Helm is.
I'd like to think that Helm will be just fine and the injuries will magically disappear but, that never happens. So far, with Helm, those are my only concerns.

What Matters:
Helm's contract leaves the Wings with around $25M to sign key players for next year. Helm is a great player and I think in a few weeks, and in a few years, fans will be in awe of Kenny Holland for this one -- this will end up being a bargain.
Helmer Forever! :)