Detroit Red Wings set to acquire veteran Dallas Stars defenseman in free agency

The Detroit Red Wings have a desperate need for reliable blue liners, as the current formation of the team isn't getting the job done.

With the potential of Justin Holl being bought out by the Detroit Red Wings, the team will have to find a suitable veteran replacement. That could end up being the Dallas Stars' own Cody Ceci.

Ceci has shown himself to be a reliable defenseman with the San Jose Sharks after his trade from Edmonton, and continues to be someone who deserves a serious look in free agency.

Todd Matthews of Octopus Thrower:

While he's never been known as a top-four defenseman in the NHL, after the season he's had playing a total of 85 games, playing top-four minutes a night, he could be a valuable addition when the Red Wings jettison Jeff Petry and Justin Holl.

He's already proven he's capable of doing more than Holl does on a nightly basis and held his own in postseason play with the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars.

Something neither Petry nor Holl had. And while the contract doesn't have to be long-term, it could be a stopgap measure while the team continues to develop its prospects in Grand Rapids.

Ceci wouldn't be an expensive addition, as he's projected to earn $3 to $4 million AAV on his next contract.

Ceci has 871 NHL games under his belt, with 235 points (52 goals, 183 assists) to his name.

He's no stranger to playoff hockey either.

A Holl buyout would save money for Ceci's signing, as it would cost the team only $1.13 million per year, while saving $2.2 million in cap space, according to Jeremy Tingly of NHLTradeRumors.