Carlo Colaiacovo Officially Signs with Detroit

Despite the deadline for a lockout sitting just a few days away, teams continue to sign players to new deals. It doesn’t make much sense but then again very few things in this whole CBA process have made sense. Detroit is now one of those teams, signing St. Louis defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo to a two-year deal worth a reported $5 million (Andy Strickland).

Evidently, the Colaiacovo era in St. Louis has officially ended. Strickland reports Carlo will earn $2.15 million in 2012-13 (assuming there’s a season) and $2.85 million in 2013-14. Currently only a few outlets are reporting Carlo’s deal as being completed. Most outlets still have the sides still talking.

Detroit needed to add another defenseman due to recent departures and a notable retirement. Colaiacovo was one of the best and most affordable options left on the market. He’ll be a nice offensive weapon in a fairly depleted defensive unit.

It will be interesting to see how Carlo responds mentally and physically with a new team. He will need to prove that not only he can handle the pressure of skating for a new side but also that he can stay healthy for an entire season. It’s safe to say that the Red Wings aren’t in a position where they can afford to have Colaiacovo live up to his “Glass Carlo” nickname.

As for the Blues, suddenly defensive depth is open for debate. The Blues will have Shattenkirk, Pietrangelo, Jackman, Cole, Russell and Polak patrolling the blueline in 2012-13. Cole will be used in a full-time role barring any future trades the Blues might make in the future. The Blues did add Jeff Woywitka for depth but there are very few fans that would feel comfortable seeing him in any sort of extended role.