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My third “looking forward” looked at Pius Suter.. The excitement about his coming to Detroit is severely polarized in the comments. Everything from genuine enthusiasm to no enthusiasm at all. I still think this is an upgrade at center, and that the team is moving forward by increment. Thank God for Buspar, or the comments would eat me alive sometimes. I’ve, regrettably, been away from red stripe, Sam Adams and Merlot for a few months now.
As much as Detroit’s roster shifts have brought some excitement, the Griffins roster could be just as exciting in some ways. I think most of you buy into the “diminishing return” on development. If a player is waiver exempt, bringing them to Detroit to play 10 minutes or less per night isn’t as good for development as 20 minutes in Grand Rapids. Once the waivers kick in, if a player has taken a third or forth line spot (or third pairing) and you don’t want to lose them, then it’s up to the player to fight for more in the “bigs”. Rasmussen did, finally, grab a spot like that last season. Givani Smith certainly seems to be able to grab a depth spot as well. Lindstrom finds himself valued as a third pairing/7th D.
We’ve had some goodbyes in Helm, Filppula and Glenny. Nielsen is in his last year, Gagner is back for one more. Namestnikov has one more year. Dekeyser, Staal, even the newly acquired Leddy are on the last year of their respective deals. There aren’t many more 30 somethings left in the organization. Yzerman, in two full seasons, has completely shifted the dynamic and will continue to do so. It’s a good exercise to go back through all the names that went un renewed (one buyout).
Yzerman very rarely shows his hand. When he does do a media availability, he uses them very effectively. When he first came to Detroit, he mentioned Larkin, Bertuzzi and Mantha by name as the “core”. Hronek made his way into the conversation, as has Vrana at times. When the Captain does a presser, listen carefully to the names he mentions. It’s just about the only way to figure out who is finding their spots. Out of the blue, Rasmussen when from unmentioned to getting some accolades last year. Svechnikov never quite did. Seider, while Yzerman warns about over expectation, was placed as “on the team” in an interview a few months back. With some hesitation, the GM said that the NHL is the only place for him to go at this point to develop.
So, on to Grand Rapids. If you haven’t been to a game an Van Andel arena, it’s well worth the trip. The prices are insanely low (I’ve been on the glass for $30). It’s a lot of fun, the pregame has Griff and Fin (mascots) on a dune buggy doing donuts on the ice. Fire and lights blasting. Hot dog cannons, pizza boxes with parachutes being thrown from the press area, an entire section of recliners that can be rented. It’s a completely different feel. I used to go down and watch Tatar (still hoping). The feel is more intimate once the game is going. (I even got picked once to walk on the ice with a blindfold during intermission. If the tape exists, i will destroy it. I have a closed head injury and did it anyway, because, why not? I got a free shirt).
So, unless there is a huge showing at camp, Veleno, Berggren and Raymond should all be in GR. What is piquing my interest is how often Yzerman is mentioning Raymond. It’s an unsolicited mention. I haven’t been blown away by his numbers, but Lucas Raymond can skate. A different level, but reminiscent of Mitch Marner. Mitch can weave in and out and make plays (I don’t think he gets enough respect, but the money’s not bad). Again, lower level, but similar palate. If Yzerman keeps bringing this kid up, it’s worth looking into. I’m kind of hoping that those three are a line. I’ve not given up on Veleno as a center, but I think he would be a much better winger. All three of them can skate.
I am going to try and make a few trips down the 96 corridor. It’s a couple hours from where I’m at, but I think it will be worth it this year. I know some of you are at those games, I’ll try and do a “heads up” if anyone wants to meet up for a chance to to put names to faces over a bratwurst or burger. ( I really like some of the food there too). The theme nights are a lot of fun, sometimes there are jersey auctions right after the game. (Literally, the limited edition jersey’s are still wet, and the players sign them). I gagged when I saw an anxious young fan put one on after he won the auction. It stank to high heaven. (Hockey smell, of course). But, that’s the fun.
So, in the comments, let me know who you’re looking at in the “minors”. If you think you can make a game or two in GR, let me know that too. Everyone is welcome. There are midweek afternoon games that never sell out. (In fact, if they win, you can get a free ticket to the next mid week game sometimes). after losing too much of my life to being a shut in, it would be nice to actually meet some of you.
I’ll probably go ahead and subscribe to the Griffins AHL TV this year as well. I want to keep a “weather eye”. With a defense in Detroit that could be ripe for call ups, it would be nice to keep tabs. The 96 corridor is wide open, and it will be a fun year to do some more minor league scouting. Again, please let me know what you’re hoping to see on the west side. If you want to do line combos, etc, that’s welcome. If you think you’ll catch a game or two over there, let me know that too. I’ll put together a list.
On a final note, last month was the most read that my blog has ever been since I’ve been doing the Wings. Bless each and every one of you for that. Summer can be a bit of a drop off, but you all have kept coming back.
Check out some of my previous posts:
My second “looking forward” focused on Alex Nedeljkovic.
My first “looking forward” talked about Moritz Seider.
Jakub Vrana and Adam Erne have filed for arbitration.
I posted “The Winged Wheel season 3, ep 1”
I posted Yzerman’s Zoom call
I posted Pius Suter’s Zoom call
I did a wrap up of the “Frenzy”.
Pius Suter highlighted the opening day of free agency.
Yesterday was a free agency “primer”
Svechnikov was not qualified by Wings, and Lindstrom signed for 2 years.
Marc Staal returns for 1 year, 2M
I posted my final thoughts about the 2021 draft
Day 2 of the 2021 draft can be found here
You can take a look at Detroit’s first round results here.
Yzerman extended Rasmussen and acquired Alex Nedeljkovic yesterday.
Seattle has selected Dennis Cholowski.
While we wait on RFA contract status for Detroit
RedWings TV did a quick hit on centers MacTavish and Lusius as possible draft targets
Detroit acquired Leddy for Panik, 52nd pick
The market for Zack Hyman is blowing up.
Yzerman has kept contracts short and sweet. 
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