Rumor: Red Wings expected to sign young defenseman this week.

The Detroit Red Wings may be close to a deal with a young defenseman.

According to a report from Red Wings insider Ansar Khan, defenseman Ryan Sproul has joined the team for an informal skate today and furthermore the 23 year old is expected to sign a one year deal at some point this week.

Sproul has effectively spent the entirety of the past three seasons as a member of the Red Wings American Hockey League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, but it appears that the organization may believe this is the year he can step up to the National Hockey League level.

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As of this time this is still just a rumor, but Ansar Khan is one of the best in the business when it comes to coverage of the Red Wings, so don't be surprised if this one is announced this week.