Jake Paterson (Credit: Terry Wilson/OHL Images)
Jake Paterson has put himself in the spotlight after cracking Canada’s world junior team.
The 18-year-old, just the ninth goaltender selected in the 2012 NHL draft, will start the IIHF world junior championship on Dec. 26 as the third-string goaltender behind 19-year-olds Malcolm Subban and Jordan Binnington.
Unheralded as a third-round, 80th-overall pick, the Saginaw Spirit stopper has made an impression on Canadian observers as the potential starter in 2014.
“He’s rock solid — he makes good saves, he makes spectacular saves, he doesn’t get out of position and he plays a real steady game,” said TSN analyst Ray Ferraro, a former NHL 40-goal scorer. “He’s a bit of an underdog … but he’s a battler who competes really hard.”
Paterson’s stats don’t exactly jump off the page. He’s 17th in the Ontario Hockey League with a 3.49 goals-against average, while his .901 save percentage ranks 20th and his 11 wins 17th.
But the Spirit are the fourth-worst team in the OHL with a 14-16-3-2 record, so being on a weak squad has affected his statistics.
NOTES: Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock told MLive.com that AHL forwards Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar and Joakim Andersson and defenseman Brendan Smith are “ready to go” in the NHL when the lockout ends. He also mentioned Brian Lashoff and Adam Almquist as being next in line on the defensive depth chart … On goaltender Petr Mrazek, Babcock told MLive.come, “I like that he wins, real simple for me.” … Defenseman Xavier Ouellet will also play for Team Canada at the world junior, but blueliner Ryan Sproul was cut. Winger Martin Frk has cracked the Czech Republic’s roster for a third straight year, although he didn’t play last season because of a concussion … Forward Riley Sheahan (Grand Rapids, AHL) has pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol content of .17.
Following is this week’s statistical report.
SKATERS: REGULAR-SEASON REPORT
| NAME | TEAM | LEVEL | LEAGUE | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- | SOG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferraro, Landon | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 24 | 8 | 9 | 17 | 23 | +3 | 53 |
| Andersson, Joakim | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 23 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 47 | -4 | 55 |
| Parkes, Trevor | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 19 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 9 | +2 | 19 |
| Lashoff, Brian | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 23 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | +4 | 21 |
| Tatar, Tomas | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 24 | 11 | 10 | 21 | 19 | +2 | 73 |
| Almqvist, Adam | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 21 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 10 | +1 | 26 |
| Nicastro, Max | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| Raedeke, Brent | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 14 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 8 |
| Sheahan, Riley | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 22 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 16 | +5 | 34 |
| Aubry, Louis-Marc | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 24 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 21 | +1 | 32 |
| Callahan, Mitchell | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 19 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 52 | 0 | 16 |
| Jurco, Tomas | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 24 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 12 | -4 | 33 |
| Fournier, Gleason | Grand Rapids | AHL | PRO | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Coetzee, Willie | Toledo | ECHL | PRO | 27 | 14 | 12 | 26 | 8 | 0 | 114 |
| Nestrasil, Andrej | Toledo | ECHL | PRO | 27 | 7 | 17 | 24 | 16 | +9 | 70 |
| Fournier, Gleason | Toledo | ECHL | PRO | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +4 | 9 |
| Jensen, Nick | St. Cloud State | WCHA | NCAA | 18 | 1 | 13 | 14 | 8 | +5 | 27 |
| Marshall, Ben | Minnesota | WCHA | NCAA | 17 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 6 | +6 | 28 |
| McKee, Mike | Lincoln | USHL/JR-A | USHL | 18 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 160 | +4 | 30 |
| De Haas, James | Penticton | USHL/JR-A | BCHL | 30 | 4 | 13 | 17 | 15 | – | – |
| Frk, Martin | Halifax | CHL | QMJHL | 28 | 13 | 25 | 38 | 52 | +9 | 87 |
| Ouellet, Xavier | Blainville-Boisbriand | CHL | QMJHL | 26 | 5 | 20 | 25 | 30 | +9 | 94 |
| Hudon, Philippe | Victoriaville | CHL | QMJHL | 33 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 36 | +2 | 67 |
| Sproul, Ryan | Sault Ste. Marie | CHL | OHL | 18 | 5 | 18 | 23 | 25 | +1 | – |
| Athanasiou, Andreas | Barrie | CHL | OHL | 33 | 16 | 22 | 38 | 18 | +12 | – |
| Quine, Alan | Peterborough | CHL | OHL | 21 | 8 | 13 | 21 | 12 | -14 | – |
| Tvrdon, Marek | Vancouver | CHL | WHL | 18 | 8 | 14 | 22 | 16 | +2 | – |
| Nedomlel, Richard | Swift Current | CHL | WHL | 38 | 0 | 15 | 15 | 68 | -8 | – |
| Jarnkrok, Calle | Brynas | EUR | SEL | 32 | 10 | 18 | 28 | 6 | -1 | 89 |
| Backman, Mattias | Linkoping | EUR | SEL | 31 | 0 | 14 | 14 | 20 | +3 | 35 |
| Pulkkinen, Teemu | Jokerit | EUR | FIN | 33 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 41 | +2 | 147 |
| Marchenko, Alexei | CSKA Moscow | EUR | KHL | 31 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 4 | +1 | 27 |
| Bodin, Rasmus | HV-71 | EUR-JR | SWE-J20 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 10 | -1 | 11 |
GOALIES: REGULAR SEASON REPORT
| NAME | TEAM | LEAGUE | GP | W | L | O/S | SO | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paterson, Jake | Saginaw | OHL | 28 | 11 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 3.49 | .901 |
| McCollum, Thomas | Grand Rapids | AHL | 11 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2.70 | .900 |
| Pearce, Jordan | Grand Rapids | AHL | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4.38 | .847 |
| Mrazek, Petr | Grand Rapids | AHL | 11 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2.31 | .915 |
| Mrazek, Petr | Toledo | ECHL | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.02 | .944 |
| Pearce, Jordan | Toledo | ECHL | 11 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2.40 | .909 |
I think you forgot to include Nyquist in the stats update.
Nyquist, Smith are considered graduates and won’t be counted any more
Nyquist Tatar and Andersson are ready for the NHL?
Great!
Oh, nevermind. We have those pro slots for standouts like Bertuzzi, Samuelsson, Tootoo and Emmerton.
Seems Holland has got to make a trade or two as he has an excess of forwards if Brunner, Tatar, and Andersson are added to the team. We know Smith and Nyquist are certain and Homer is sure to retire, but Kenny still has 16 forwards signed not counting Tatar and Andersson. So something has to give. Pull an old-fashioned blockbuster Kenny, please; way to many 3rd-4th liners and not enough top 6 talent.
Well if management thinks they are “nhl ready” then it’s only a matter of years before they crack the lineup! Holland is a bit of a hoarder. He can’t seem to get rid of bottom six forwards so they just pile up. I just hope it doesn’t start blocking these kids that are ready to contribute.
If the lockout wipes out the season, would it be out of the realm of possibility that Bertuzzi might retire? Also, Dan Cleary and Drew Miller will be a UFAs next summer (and Jan Mursak an RFA). So there may be room for some roster changes next summer with no trades made.
One can only wish that Bertuzzi, Cleary, and Samuelsson would all retire.
Frk didn’t play for the Czech WJC team last year as he was still out with a concussion
The following Wings are UFA’s after this season:
Filppula
Cleary
Brunner
Miller
White
Howard
Howie, Brunner and Fil would be the only ones I would sign. That would open up spots for guys like Tatar, Andersson and probably a free agent Dman.
2014-15 is the big year for UFA’s on the Wings. We could potentially lose the following:
Datsyuk
Samuelsson
Bertuzzi
Eaves
Quincey
Ericsson
Colaiacovo
Gustavsson
The following prospects could be ready to fill in by then:
Jarnkrok
Ferraro
Sheahan
Sproul
Ouellete
Backman
Marchenko
Mrazek
If we do lose the season what do we do with Brunner? Do we resign him even though we never got to see him play in the NHL? Or do we just move on. Plus when the lockout does actually come to a close I’m sure there will be teams that are going to be in need of salary dumping. At that point there will have to be a whole lot of dealing going on.
Signing Brunner will be a no brainer. You dont need to see him play in the NHL to see he has something special with Zetterberg. The numbers they are putting up together warrants a new contract.
@Kris…for god’s sake man it is the Swiss Elite league which is not much better than senior hockey in Canada. Let’s see how he does on the smaller ice surface and after he gets boarded a few times before declaring he is the next coming of Sergi Federov. Guys who have been big time scorers in the AHL, and cannot make the next step, are a dime-a-dozen. After a 10 game segment in the NHL it will be obvious to all if Brunner has the “stuff” to play.
Just for comparative purposes, Damien Brunner is producing at a higher pace in the NLA this season than Tyler Seguin, John Tavares, and Patrick Kane are. So he obviously has skill, mostly for scoring – which is exactly what Zetterberg and Filppula need on their line.
Also, I would guess it would take Brunner a bit more than 10 games to translate his game to the NHL. New league, new players, new coach, new system, new continent, new culture. If you think 3 weeks worth of games will tell us everything we need to know about him, then maybe think about it some more.
There’s been some pretty good debate going on here lately. I like it. Id say that Brunners statistics being better than some top shelf NHLers doesn’t mean as much as people think. Those NHL guys are playing in a strange country in a strange league just trying to earn a paycheck till they can come home to play. Brunner is familiar there already. Lets see how he does when the situation flips and the top shelf NHL talent is on home ice. I hope he holds up but I don’t think we can assume anything based on his Swiss league stats.
@Ryan…the NHL’ers in Europe are just over there for a good time, dare I say Thorton, and to keep the edge on; stats mean nothing to them. Ten games is enough time to tell if a guy has what it takes to play in the NHL (he is 25, not 18)—-you do remember that scoring sensation in the Finnish league, Filppula’s brother, Ilari or whatever. See how he bombed out in the bright lights. I will wager that if they do play a 48 game schedule Brunner will not score more than 6-7 goals, but he will pick up about 15 assists since Babcock will give him PP time as well as top 6 minutes.
This season is done so no need worrying about 48 games. Worst part of this season cancelled is we lost one of two final seasons with Pavel.
It is all but certain he leaves when his contract is up. The other terrible part is the Oilers getting another top pick when this Billionaire vs Millonaire feud is over.
Is that how it works? Oilers pick again? I despise teams that become good only because they’ve been terrible for years. See: Pittsburg Penguins and their string of never ending top picks.
I thought it was some kind of lottery system.
Lottery based on the last season. Wings won’t get a top 10 pick. Exactly pittsburgh, Chicago even LA is in that group.
Lottery will most likely be based on the same format as the 2005 draft. It would be unlikely that Detroit would get a top 10 pick but during the last draft lottery three teams that only had 1 ball selected in the top 10 compared to only two teams with 3 selecting in the top 10.
I expect that the lottery weights will be based off this list:
http://www.dirtydangle.com/2012/07/what-would-weighted-draft-lottery-look.html
Brunner is absolutely worthy of another contract. He’s only gotten better since last year and is dominating probably the most competitive NLA it’s ever been. If he was worth a shot before, he’s absolutely worth a shot now.
It’s worth mentioning too that the NLA is the most North American of the European leagues, which is why a ton of NHLers went there. It’s not no-contact dipsy-doodle stuff like a lot of North Americans think of when they imagine any sort of European hockey.
Burr,
You think Pavel won’t resign? I see him playing at the highest level, and I think the NHL still retains that, until he no longer dominates. You can tell Pavel is restraining himself in the KHL, being careful not to get injured.
Brunner is a no-brainer if all contracts for this year don’t simply get pushed forward. Bert, Sammy, and Cleary will stay no matter what the peanut gallery thinks. Emmerton was probably already gone, but guys like Mursak and Miller will feel the heat. Those guys’ futures in Detroit will depend as much on their play as on management meetings determining needs. I think Nyquist and Smith are in, but Andersson, Tatar, and maybe even Järnkrok will get a good look for the big club.
Howard and Gus will stay. There will be interest in a trade for D and possibly a forward, depending on who of Tatar and Järnkrok are deemed ready. Mursak is putting up some nice stats in this non-season, so I’d expect him to come back with a lot if confidence… I’m not going to count him out by any means. There is a big battle brewing and some big decisions ahead for the final few forward positions…
Hey Shawn,
I’m just going by previous interviews where he stated he hopes to be retired from hockey in his 30′s. As well If you hear Mickey Redmond and ken Daniels they often refer to his days being numbered.
Don’t get me wrong I’d love to see him and Nik play forever I just think change is comming in next three years and its not bad considering our prospects. Fil if resigned is still in the prime and a top 2 center or winger to carry the torch.
Xavier Ouellet scored one goal in Canada’s 9-3 victory over Germany in the first game of the World Junior Championships early this morning in Ufa, Russia. Here is the early Canadian Press release:
UFA, Russia — Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and four assists to pace Canada to a 9-3 win over Germany to open the 2013 world junior hockey championship Wednesday.
Mark Scheifele scored twice, including a short-handed goal, and Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and two assists for Canada.
Canada’s other scorers were Ty Rattie, Ryan Strome, Jonathan Drouin and defencemen Xavier Ouellet and Tyler Wotherspoon.
Goaltender Malcolm Subban stopped 25 of 28 shots for the win.
Leonhard Pfoderl countered with a goal and an assist for the Germans. Tobias Rieder, who plays for the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers, and Nickolas Latta also scored for Germany.
Elmar Trautmann made 37 saves on 46 shots in Germany’s net.
Brunner will definitely be signed again if this season is cancelled. He’s got great chemistry with the Wings next captain, so a no brainer. Anyone that watched him in last years worlds saw the same thing Holland and Babcock saw, which was a very quick, skilled, NHL caliber player. He stood out playing against some of the best players in the world, not in a lesser league. He has to prove himself in the NHL like everyone else, but I think he’s as good a forward prospect as the Wings currently have.
I watched the Canada-Germany game last night. And I thought that Xavier Ouellet was the best defenseman on the ice. The goal was flukey. But Ouellet played really well defensively, wasn’t getting caught out of position (unlike Harrington) and made good decisions with the puck.
Hopefully, Coach Spott will see it this way and give him more ice time.
Oullet had 2 assists in Canada’s win over Slovakia.
*Ouellet…………..TSN has his named spelled wrong in the game results and boxscore, but there are several ways to spell this name.
For those of you who are doubting Brunner, check him out on You Tube. He has top shelf moves, plus he has speed. Maybe we will have a season this year to see what he can do.
Remember this name, Marko Dano. He is currently playing for the Slovaks in the World Junior Championship. He is not ranked in the top 90 draft eligibe players in the mid-season ranking, so he might be a steal for a team like the Wings in the 2013 draft. He just turned 18 in November so this is his draft year. He scored two excellent goals against Canada yesterday and was voted player of the game for the Slovaks. He was also the top player and forward in the U18 tournament last year where he scored 10 goals in 5 games. His Junior rights in North America belong to Prince George in the WHL, but, is currently playing for HC Slovan Bratislava in the KHL. Here is a link to check out his stats:
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=94946
Teemu Pulkkinen had another outstanding week registering four points in two games. In 35 games his stats now read 8-11-19. Looks like he is coming into form. Any news if he is going to make the jump to North America or spend one more year in Finland?
The article on Mlive last week had Holland saying Pullkinen and Jarkonk will be comming next year to try and win a spot on the big club.
He also said Pullkinen was in a different role this year with the club. Perhaps more of a checking role to get his defense better..
Anyways next year will see him in the Wings uni or Grand Rapids!
Xavier Ouellett played great today for Canada. He was matched against the top line of Yakupov and shut him down good. Very smart player and in position.
Sproul had a hat trick tonight as SSM beat Saginaw in OHL play. Ouellet and Sproul will both be top 4 dmen for the Wings for yrs to come.
Everyone mentions resigning Brunner in the case of a missed season as a sure thing. Important to remember though, that every team has seen his explosion this year, and will be able to offer him more money/term too. Not to say that DET wouldn’t PROBABLY be at the top of his list, but money talks.
Also, worth noting that Ilari Filpulla(as mentioned above) and Ville Albatross Leino were superstars in Europe too.
money also talked last summer when the Red Wings signed Brunner away from other NHL teams, and it isn’t like he’s done much of anything above last year’s NLA season and WC performance this year.
And money was not the reason Schultz signed with the Oilers; he said he wanted to play with a team with a chance to win in the near future, thus leaving the Wings out of the picture. Right now Schultz is rated the 2nd best player on the AHL (by TSN), just behind Eberle. Only Wings in the top 50 are Nyquist at 12th and Tatar at 20th. Eleven d-men are listed in the top 50 and Brendan Smith is not on of them.
Lol… Edmonton
Ilari Filppula wasn’t a superstar before joining the Wings and Leino had one big season before coming over. I wouldn’t necessarily call either superstars in Europe before they arrived in N.A.
Brunner obviously has the skills… we’ll just have to see. I think he knows he needs to prove himself and Detroit is a good place to learn the ropes and play with great players.
A good place to learn the ropes is the AHL and prove you belong in the big show. What does a GM say to those who toil in the minors for years when an undrafted, unproven player from the Swiss league is handed a top 6 position on the team?
@yvr He says that the undrafted player is a better fit for the team at the time and his job as a GM is to put the best team he can on the ice, not reward players for simply playing in the AHL.
I meant the Detroit organization…
RE: Justin Schultz.
He wanted to go to a team at top dollar AND be assured a top 4 position at the NHL level from Day 1. That 2nd part was something Kenny Holland couldn’t give him and is the primary reason he went to EDM.
But Ryan, Kenny and Babcock have handed Brunner a top 6 spot so why could they not offer Schultz the same deal? Just wonderin’.
Schultz wanted to play in Canada and closer to home which is why he choose the west coast.
Yemen; Vancouver and Calgary are closer to Kelowna, Schultz’s home, than Edmonton. Just sayin’. The bottom line with Schultz was he wanted to go to a young team where he could start, that had a chance to win in the near future,and money was not a factor. These factors were stated several times by him and his agent. In fact the Wings did not even make his short list of preferred teams.
Playing time was the top factor for Justin Schultz. He was going to get the most of it in EDM. VAN is stacked on the blueline and for as bad as CGY is/was, they’re blueline is also pretty strong – Justin was not going to play ahead of Bouwmeester, Giordano, Wideman, and Sarich.
His best chance to get top 4 playing time was in EDM and that is why he went there.
Ryan Sproul was OHL Defenceman of the Month for Dececember. Here is the media note from the OHL:
Ryan Sproul of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds claims the award after producing 12 points in nine December games including six goals which led all defencemen. He recorded points in eight of his nine games with two three-point efforts earning first star honours both times. On December 8 he contributed three assists as part of a 6-4 win over the Saginaw Spirit, then closed out the month with his first career hat-trick on New Year’s Eve in a 7-3 win over the Spirit.
Sproul, a 19-year-old from Mississauga, ON, is playing in his third OHL season with the Greyhounds. Selected in the second round of the 2011 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Sproul ranks fifth in OHL scoring among defencemen with 29 points in just 22 games and was invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp last month.
Ryan, I don’t think it was just playing time. I believe he wanted to be part of the whole young generation coming up in EDM. They have enough 1st round / 1st overall talent to be almost gauranteed a shot in the next few years… it’s just a matter of time. He wants to be a part of that and, IMO, he believes he will thrive in that environment.
I think yvr has a point. Who wants to bet that Tatar walks away from DET when he is finally a UFA, or goes to the KHL before then? Wouldn’t surprise me, and I don’t know that I’d blame him.
Thing may get frustrating for Tatar but everyone needs to realize that they will put they best product possible on the ice so he needs to earn a spot. Yes we have an overload of forwards but if he has a lights out camp they will find a way to keep the players that deserve to be there. And on the Brunner subject they will not want to break up him and Z. If they keep that chemistry going with Fil on the other wing then that’s as solid top 6. Also if Nyquist is on the roster they might as well put in with Datsyuk now to get him producing.
@shawn I’m sorry but I disagree. Edmonton is not guaranteed squat. They may be young, but they certainly aren’t good. I get your point though. With that many top picks its almost impossible not to stumble upon a winning team eventually. Almost…
yvr says:
Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 10:47 pm
But Ryan, Kenny and Babcock have handed Brunner a top 6 spot so why could they not offer Schultz the same deal? Just wonderin’.
Kenny and Babcock know that Damien Brunner has already proven himself against NHL talent. Schultz, not so much.
Season is back! Time for everyones favorite on line coaching lineup!
Nyquist-Dats- Franzen
Filp- Zetterberg-Brunner
Cleary-Helm-Sammy
Tootoo-Abby-Bert (Miller Mursak)(Emerton to AHL, Eaves LTIR)
Kronner Quincey
Ericson- SMith
White- Kindl (Coliacovo)
D is a little suspect but The forwards are deep. Look forward to what Renney can do with the Powerplay…Biggest struggle last year!
Rick, I’m not saying that’s what I believe — though that amount of young talent warrants consideration — I’m saying that is a big part of what he was thinking when he chose EDM.
Burr, lines look good… D pairings will be a little tricky. IMO, E and Q should not be relied upon as top-4 D… thry have their good attributes, but they don’t have the pedigree. Kindl needs a bigger role and Smith ought to be top 4 right away. I don’t have a strong opinion on Covo yet… maybe 3rd, maybe 5th material.
Alan Quine traded from Peterborough to Belleville today at the OHL trade deadline. He goes from a team that will not make the playoffs to a first place team in the Eastern Conference of the OHL. When I asked players in the OHL about Quine, they said that he is terrific and will definately be signed by the Wings. He was originally a 2nd overall pick in the OHL draft by Kingston.
Nick, I think the thing people seem to always forget about Tatar is that he decided to play in the AHL at the age of 18 instead of junior or staying in Europe. He was drafted 60th overall, and I don’t think he, or the wings, had any attention of him making the team as a 20 year old. He was put in the AHL because it was better competition than Slovakia and over the CHL because he was used to playing against men.
If he had spent those first two years in either of those other leagues I don’t think there would be much discussion about him leaving because he hasn’t cracked the NHL roster when he just turned 22 a month ago. I’ll be shocked if he’s not on the roster next year, but this year there’s no room, and I see no harm in making him wait another year. Are you guys going to be whining about Jarnkrok not wanting to play for the Wings anymore when he doesn’t make the roster next year? Because Tatar’s only been in the organization one year longer.
It’s hard to say how the Wings will fair this season. I won’t root against them but it wouldn’t be the worst year to finish poorly and have a chance at the Nathan MacKinnon/Seth Jones sweepstakes.
I tell you Sammy that would be great but knowing management they will trade the first pick in the draft for like 2 or 3 second round picks. I’m just hoping to see some chemistry from the new guys and to see some of the young guys do well.
Maybe the Canadians should have played Paterson, eh? You guys think we’ll get an article or two this month? All the prospects keep playing and playing…
I think if the DRW got a top-ten pick, they’d keep it. They always say that the difference between a low first-rounder and a second-rounder is negligible, but those in the top-ten(ish) are still a level above.
I read Babs wants to play Brunner with Hank and Pavel… I was a little surprised by that. That leads me to believe they want to try Filp at center on the second line again, which I’m not excited about. And if the other Babcock comment is correct, that Abby will center Miller and Tootoo, then let’s look at this…
Zett/ Dats- Brunner
Franz- Filp- Sammy
Cleary- Helm- Bert
Miller- Abby- Tootoo
That would leave Nyquist either with limited minutes or in GR if they don’t want to waive Emmerton. That pretty much sucks, if that’s how things go down. I think we need to see Nyquist in the top-six on day one. If that means losing Emmerton, then so be it… if they send him down right in the beginning of the season, I think there is less chance of losing him.
I don’t see the Wings in the MacKinnon/Jones sweepstakes at all. That assumption assumes a top five pick in the draft, and even with the questions the Wings have at defense this year, there are definitely at least ten teams that are far and away worse than the Wings in this shortened season. I think the worst case scenario we’ll see in terms of where the Wings stand in the draft order is going to be similar to where they’ve been in the past, maybe two or three slots higher.
With Helm injured Abby likely bumps up to third line and Emmerton stays on the fourth. I’m not a hater on Emmerton I think he has potential to be a decent fourth liner. Problem is there is a log jam. This shortened season depth is going to be important with injuries.
PSwingset the draft lottery has changed now. All teams that don’t make the playoffs will now have a chance at the #1 pick. Its weighted on certain criteria but not significantly. You either get 1, 2, or 3 balls in the drum.
Sammy, you don’t think the Wings will make the playoffs? We still have the offense to put up 3.02 goals per game like we did last year (probably a little more this year) and I still don’t think there are eight teams better than the wings in the West. It’d be nice to see what the Wings’ brass could do with a top pick in the draft, given their past success with drafting in the basement, I just don’t see it happening this year is all.
Yeah, I don’t hate Emmerton either. I think he’s another servicable to good fourth liner… on some teams, he’d be a third liner in a year or two. It’s just with this depth, unless we have two or more injured guys all season, he probably shouldn’t be in Detroit.
Nah I think they will make the playoffs. Was just saying it wouldn’t be the worst year for having a chance at a high draft pick if they happen to not make the playoffs. However, I’m not sure they are a legit cup contender. So many questions on defense. Can our 2nd and 3rd lines chip in enough scoring…should be an interesting season.
I’m not a big fan of Emmerton. Players like him are a dime a dozen. He’s decent in most aspects but spectacular in none. I like a tough, physical grinder type as a 4th line center. Emmerton just kinda floats around without having much, if any, impact on the game.
Agreed on Emmerton. I’d almost just rather have someone from the farm like Sheahan playing that bottom line forward role as he’s more apt to throw his weight around and can use his size to go to the net and get those dirty goals. Not Emmerton’s style. No room for white bread players anymore.
Is this site going away? It doesn’t seem like it’s ever updated anymore.
Greg, I am frustrated with this too. This site was great, but it’s losing it’s luster.
Anyway, it looks like Ferraro is shutting everyone up. I don’t normally say this, but I called this one; I thought he’d have his breakout season this year. I am surprised, however, at how well Sheahan is producing. I didn’t think he’d be putting up such good numbers, certainly not in his rookie year. This guy looks to be all they’ve been saying.
For what it’s worth Shawn, Ferraro has done nothing but have a decent second AHL year. Tatar has had four good seasons in GR and he is still there. The only way reason Ferraro will make the Wings roster in a couple of years is because the are in decline and in re-build mode, but even then he only gets a cup-of-tea with the Wings and then probably part of a trade package to bolster a need. Don’t get me started why the Wings are in this situation as anyone Wing fan with common sense could see it coming after the loss to Pitt in game 7 of the SC final at HOME, no less. Suffice to say Kenny stayed with “his team” far too long and all he had to do was add a solid player or two each of the past 3 yrs and they would not be in this mess, ie, battling for 8th spot in the west.
Pretty sure Kenny Holland slapped YVR’s momma.
Whatever ryan…the point is Kenny acquired a very good team with Lidstrom, Yzerman, et al, and he made some very good trades and lucked out with late round draft picks (check the record), but what does he have to show for the past half-dozen years—Smith, Helm, and Nyquist, and maybe two of the current prospects will be solid NHL’ers. It is a lame excuse to blame the demise of the team on the success of the team resulting in low draft picks. What has KH done lately to improve the Wings? He struck out in his chance to acquire the top free agents last summer as none of them wanted to come to Detroit, the city, or Detroit the team in decline. Time for Kenny to move farthur upstairs and get new blood running the show.
Ken Holland is a pro, but I agree it might be time to shake up the front office a little. Wish Stevie Y was still available…
Can’t blame KH for UFA’s choosing other teams. However the Samuelson signing makes no sense in my mind especially for 2 years with NTC. That position should 100% be Nyquist. Even though we have a lot of trade bait with the 4th line log jam, what can we honestly get for guys like Emmerton, Mursak, Miller and Eaves. And I like all of those players as 4th liners other then Emmerton who literally made the team because Mursak broke his ankle last year. Also McDonald either trade him for next to nothing, loan him to Europe somewhere or somehow bury him in the ECHL because it would ludacris to demote Mrazek or McCollum for Joey. Trade deadline for a scorer or defencmen. Lots of eyes on Perry and Getzlaf. Elder is also UFA. Land 2/3 and were back in the race.
Edler
yvr, I’d say the one with no common sense is anyone who thinks they are fighting for the 8th spot. There’s no need to argue about it, we’ll see it here soon. I think they are slightly more likely to finish first in the west than they are to finish eighth. I think 4-5th is most likely.
Oh, and Holland has done a fabulous job. NOT blowing all his cap space on two guys this past summer is his best decision yet. And look again at the prospects list… it is STACKED. Explaining all of this to you would obviously be a waste of my time. I suggest watching the game and reading this site more.
Levi, I agree that Sammy signing doesn’t make a ton of sense and I’ m frustrated Nyquist isn’t a lock to start this year (although he’ll play plenty). Mac will be traded for nothing when he is healthy… not because he is worth nothing, but because Holland will want him to play somewhere if someone wants him, for Joey’ s sake.
Shawn I agree that this team is capable of finishing high this year. Look at our forwards. Our third line is Bert, Cleary and Helm . I can tell there are lots of bert and cleary haters here but other teams would love that as a third line.
Those people stressing about Nyquist, think of how Fil,Helm even Abby broke onto this team after a year with grand rapids….Playoffs. He will be used in the playoffs this year and then make the team next year (cleary, Miller are likely gone after this year)
Biggest free agent signings this year will be Fill, Howard maybe Brunner. Have to keep our core together.
@Shawn…”closer to first in the west” !!!; give me some of that stuff you are smoking…the Wings won’t even finish first in their division and more likely behind StL, Chi, and Nash…you can justify Holland’s failure last summer by saying “not blowing cap space”, so why did he even bother pursing FA’s all over North America with Ilitch as his co-pilot….suspect you would be one of the pom-pom wavers to applaud had he been able to secure Weber, Suter, or Parise…so if I read more on this site I can become as wise, hockey related, as you?; what a joke….just what is your hockey background?; did you ever play, coach, manage—just curious?…an btw, I have played, watched, etc more hockey in my life time than you would believe….remember to be acknowledge when the Wings fail to make, or finish 8th…
Good lord was that last post dripping in anger (it’s also filled with weird language, like “remember to be acknowledge” and the first ever occurrence of a question mark immediately followed by a semi-colon). Just reading that you’d think the wings were the blue jackets. I tend to agree with Ryan’s post. yvr is approaching troll territory. Holland has made some mistakes, but not nearly to the level that yvr is claiming. Just put the gun down buddy, it’s gonna be okay soon.
If you have not seen Nyquist’s goal from last night.. check it out.. SICK! no reason he should be in GR. what a waste
@joe…..I doubt you know the difference between the truth— the Wings are in decline due to Holland’s inability to secure talent, and anger. Most die-hard Wing fans realize whats happening while the pom-pom, cool aid drinking fans just go with whatever is spun (hey professor, is “spun” a word?)their way. Hope you don’t teach young children….lol
I agree with YVR to an extend. I do not see the Wings declining enough to miss the playoffs this year prevents thenext couple years. The wings will do what they have done for the past 20+ years and that’s is retool on the fly. A lot of that retooling will come from the farm. 2-4 years from now will have players like Jarnkrok, Jurco, Nyquist, Tatar, Pulkkinen, Shaehan, Anderson, Oulette, Sproul, and Mrazek. That’s a nice range of solid prospect from top six forwards to 3rd and 4th line grinders as well as 2 d-man with top 4 potential and a goalie of the future. Things are not as dark as they seem they’re just not as bright as we are all used too. Out of all our prospects my sleeper pick to turn out great is Athanasiou, with Helm like speed and some finish touch, him Helm and someone like Anderson could make a solid 3rd line someday. And YVR I am a die hard fan, I follow this team religiously. Kenny has made some controversial move before and still does ie Samuelson but I would lose all faith because we didn’t land a big UFA for once when we wanted it.
Wouldn’t lose faith* . iPhone typing.
Yvr, I won’t have to, but if the Red Wings don’t make the playoffs I’ll … I don’t know, say some very nice things about you and your long-shot prediction. Yeah, I watch a little hockey and I coach. I stopped playing when I realized I wasn’t going pro and I turn down a lot of invites to play because I’d rather spend my time with my family or helping those that still have a chance… call that silly, but I don’t need to play in some league with no stakes just to stroke my ego. — Thanks for asking. I hope to be hearing from you in a few months.
Oh, you don’t have to tell us your hockey background unless you really want to. I’ve already got a pretty good idea.
Levi, don’t forget Almquist… slowed a little, but expected for a European rookie who needs to bulk up. I’m looking for a big season for him next season, if he doesn’t come back strong earlier. Tvrdon, Marchenko… Good post.
Rough first game. They looked like they had never played together before (somewhat true with the lockout and all). Granted, it’s only one game. Cue the overreactions from yvr.
With injuries mounting I would assume that we will be seeing Nyquist in the line up soon. I thought Howie really didn’t look that bad just all the PP’s we gave the Blues did not help. Cleary and Sammy looked like old men out there. I think when we get Helm back in the line up it will be a huge help considereing not alot of players in the league can skate like he does. Hopefully this was just a little hiccup. No reason for panic, you never know what kind of team you are till the quarter mark of the schedule so even in this short season we got time. But for fun I will say Franzen, Cleary and 1st for Perry. Now everyone freak out.
After last night’s game—-just a sneak preview of what’s to come this season, how does Holland’s brilliant trade of a first round pick for Quincey look now? And I’m sure y’all noticed on the very first shift how both the Swiss boys, Brunner and Z-berg, were welcomed to the NHL by being flattened. Don’t think I have ever seen Zee being hit that hard. One must keep the head up playing with the big boys. As predicted, a tough year coming for the Wings.The entire Wings dmen had a grand total of one shot on net which was 1 more than Pavel and Z-berg, and I’m sure you noticed the value that Sammy and Tootoo bring to the team. Sad.
I like the post from Levi. All those prospects will with with the Wings within the next 2-3 years. Some will finish the season in the NHL this year. Two other players who should be in the NHL within two years are Backman and Marchenko, both dmen playing in Europe. Hey, and don’t forget abouth Seth Jones, if the Wings miss the playoffs, they have a chance to draft him 1st overall. All he did was win the top defenseman award at the World Juniors. Although this year does not look promissing, we are loaded in the prospect category so the future looks bright.
Did people see the Rockford/Grand Rapids game over the weekend? It was great to see those guys stand up for themselves but it also looked like Sheahan and Mrazek both got their butts kicked. Also Pare looked like he tood a couple cheap shots by McArdle. He looked like he gave a bunch of cheap shots on a few other guys. I hope these kids learn to fight a little better because this could be the future of the Blackhawks Redwings rivalry.
I saw several people comment saying that the Wings have a lot of talent coming up…where exactly do you see that? Tatar, Andersson, Nyquist, Mursak none of these guys will ever be more than a third line player in the NHL. Brunner seems to be adjusting quite well he isn’t really lighting up the lamp but he is holding his own and will hopefully get better with time. As for the Wings as a whole…i don’t think they are even playoff contenders let alone Stanley Cup contenders right now and i doubt that they will be Cup contenders any time in the near future.