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Filip Larsson has been loaned to Sweden next year . This is a name I get asked about now and again. Larsson continues to bounce back and forth between leagues as he tries to find his pro game. This early announcement makes it fairly clear that Grand Rapids and Toledo won’t be saving a roster spot.
I’ve written a bit about Keith Petruzzelli. It’s been “leaked” that he isn’t interested in signing with Detroit. KP is currently one of the strongest candidates in the pipeline. With Detroit using Greiss and Bernier, there was finally some stability at the NHL level. It remains to be seen who will be the next “homegrown” prospect. The last good prospect was Mrazek. He faced some inconsistency, but in one year went from the ECHL to the AHL and up to the NHL. Howard’s decline came to an end with Yzerman taking a pass on extending his final contract.
Some of the beat writers have suggested that Detroit could look at selecting Jesper Wallstedt with their highest first round pick (6th). I have no clue if Yzerman will use either first round pick to bring in a netminder. The mere suggestion literally causes heads to explode amongst some of the faithful. I’ve basically settled on the thought that Yzerman will grab who he wants, when he wants, and we’ll see how it shakes out. Seider looks good, Johanson looks good, the jury is out on Raymond (but GMs are swearing that he was mentioned as an untouchable in trade talks. Not my words, please don’t come at me over it again. Just passing along the info).
We need to see some prospects move up or be added to the cupboards. If it’s through a trade, that’s fine. There are some other free agents whose rights are expiring. Filip Lindberg looks to be moving on from MN, and could be an interesting candidate.
Goalies, for whatever reason, are still tough to project. Of all the positions, it’s one where there are many skeptics who would be fine never to draft. I’m not one of them, but you’ll hear from them. By the time you know what a goalie is (or will be) they argue that you can find a free agent or make a trade. At this point, there is some validity to that point. It’s possible CBJ may make one of their netminder s available, so does anyone want “Elvis Night” at LCA? The thought of seeing white sequin jumpsuits straining under the task of holding in 300+ lbs of burning love topped off with wigs and gigantic sunglasses just reminds me I need to cut back on dollar hotdogs. The goalie would be fine, but please leave your Graceland recreations at home.
One thing that will help with the goalie situation is the defense moving forward. This past year, I thought the backchecking was much better, and combined with some strong saves made it easier for the team to find their game before things spiraled a bit. I am optimistic that the core will be even better this year. The gap of goals for and goals against was narrowed, and that’s an important move in the right direction.
I am optimistic that by this time next year we’ll have a clearer view of what the franchise’s net situation will look like. Until then, I’m very grateful for Greiss and Bernier (if he returns). Yzerman will attempt to provide a solid tandem again and also look to add to the prospects. That’s the most we can ask for at this point. He’s heading into his third draft, and the cupboards were a bit bare. As long as there is forward movement in both the short and long term, that’s a good place to be.
I know I violated my “weekends off” policy, but I did think this was worth passing along. Let me know your thoughts on free agents, trades and drafts. Just please don’t start ripping each other about it. Good goalies can be found in the first round. They can also be found later or acquired without drafting at all. The back and forth has been a little less “cordial” lately. This is sports. It’s entertainment. Let’s enjoy it.
Check out some of my previous blogs:
Moritz Seider reminds me of Jiri Fischer
Moritz Seider reminds me of Jiri Fischer
Mo Seider is getting good ice time at the IIHF Worlds Championship.
There may be some blockbuster deals coming.
Yzerman signs Wyatt Newpower
Carly has coffee with Joe Veleno 
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