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By Sarah Lindenau August 23, 2007 The Detroit Red Wings have invited 16 tryouts to next month's annual prospects tournament and training camp in Traverse City, Mich. Some are free agents and others will still be eligible for the NHL draft next summer. Five are strictly invited to the main camp. The following is a review of the preliminary invites (listed alphabetically with position, age, height, weight, statistics, and 2006-07 team). Josh Aspenlind, F, 21, 5-11, 173, 71-22-35-57-109, Chilliwack (WHL). The Chillwack Bruins captain scored 57 points and added 109 penalty minutes for an expansion team last season, providing leadership and toughness. Victor Bartley, D, 19, 6-0, 195, 67-4-39-43-104, Kamloops (WHL). Bartley is a steady stay-at-home defenseman with strong leadership skills. The 19-year-old defender attended the Vancouver Canucks' training camp last year. Scott Brannon, F, 18, 6-0, 180, 57-9-23-32-48, Cape Breton (QMJHL). The physical Brannon is strong on the forecheck. He was traded to Moncton in the summer and will likely be given more offensive responsibility. Chad Greenan, D, 19, 6-02, 205, 72-12-34-46-86, Kootenay (WHL). Greenan put up career numbers for Kootenay last season with 46 points in 72 games. He also attended the Los Angelos Kings' training camp last year. Scott Jackson, D, 20, 6-04, 213, 71-4-31-35-52, Seattle (WHL). The former St. Louis Blues second-rounder is a defensive defenseman who plays with a physical edge. The Blues passed on an opportunity to sign him. David Jarram, F, 19, 6-03, 195, 41-2-2-4-105, London (OHL). Jarram attended Detroit's training camp last year. He is a big, physical player who can play both forward and defense, but doesn't contribute offensively. John Kurtz, F, 18, 6-02, 185, 58-8-7-15-31, Windsor (OHL). Kurtz put up modest numbers as a rookie last season but the big winger received NHL tryout offers from the Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning. Patrik Magnusson, D, 18, 6-7, 244, 41-7-12-19-91, HV-71 (SWE J-20). The 6-foot-7 hulk is physically strong but not quick on his feet. He is headed to Prince George of the WHL after being selected in June's CHL import draft. Pier-Oliver Pelletier, G, 20, 6-01, 175, 51 GP, 2.97 GAA, .901 SPCT, Drummondville (QMJHL). The Phoenix Coyotes second-rounder was one of the best goalies in the QMJHL last season and has a terrific shot at a contract. Dominic Vicari, G, 22, 5-10, 180, 26 GP, 3.36 GAA, 0.894 SPCT, Toledo (ECHL). A returnee to the Red Wings' camp, the Michigan State grad spent last season in the ECHL with Toledo and performed capably. The following free agents will only attend the main camp. Neil Clark, F, 27, 6-02, 210, 43-3-14-17-140, Laredo (CHL). Clark is fast, competitive and doesn't shy away from fighting. The 27-year-old has signed a contract with Port Huron of the IHL for next season. Brett Engelhardt, F, 27, 6-02, 210, 79-25-23-48-129, Toronto (AHL). The Michigan Tech graduate is a grinder who spent the past three seasons in the Toronto Maple Leafs' organization. He is coming off a career year. Jon Insana, D, 26, 6-01, 202, 44-3-3-6-22, Grand Rapids (AHL). Insana spent most of last season shuffling between the AHL and UHL. The big defenseman could likely fill a similar role this season in Grand Rapids. Kris Vernarsky, F, 25, 6-03, 210, 64-14-22-36-57, Chicago/Port Huron (UHL). He's played 17 NHL games but has spent the past few seasons playing in the UHL. He's slated to return to Port Huron this season. Brett Westgarth, D, 25, 6-02, 215, 33-0-11-11-32, Princeton (NCAA). The defensive defenseman finished off his college career with Princeton. He has already signed a contract for next season with Flint of the IHL. Sarah Lindenau is a contributor to RedWingsCentral.com. |
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