By Ted Kulfan 

EDMONTON, Alberta -- He doesn't say much, and he doesn't play a flashy game. Defenseman Dmitri Bykov is definitely a substance-over-style guy.

But Bykov has left his mark on the Red Wings this season.

In his first NHL season, Bykov, 25, continues to be "a very pleasant surprise," Coach Dave Lewis said.

Bykov, a Russian who was drafted in the eighth round in 2001, the 258th pick overall, seems to be another gem uncovered by assistant general manager Jim Nill and his scouting staff.

"For a guy who hadn't played over here before, a lot wasn't known about, he's really been a find," Lewis said.

Lewis paired Bykov, who doesn't speak English, with countryman Maxim Kuznetsov early in the season, and the duo was effective.

Bykov also has played regular shifts with two-time Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom and hasn't looked out of place.

Lidstrom has been impressed with Bykov.

"He's a very smart player, he always makes a good, safe play," Lidstrom said. "He doesn't get himself in trouble. He's really been a nice addition to our team."

General Manager Ken Holland and Nill have said Bykov's development isn't that surprising in the sense that he has played in Russian Elite leagues.

Center Igor Larionov agrees with that theory.

"He's played very competitive hockey in Russia for a few years now," Larionov said. "He's a man, not a kid. He's further along than most guys that come over here."