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We’re getting back to actual hockey and it’s time to start thinking about the team again. We had some good back and forth about line combinations as well as thoughts on the taxi squad. Regardless of how this all shakes out, there will (God willing) be hockey. Starting next Thursday (Dec 31) The Red Wings will hit the ice to start training camp.
You can see from the tweet up top that a captain will be named this season. There were thoughts from Helene St. James of the Free Press that the club should wait, but I am glad they’re moving forward. Her point, and I appreciate it, is that with limited or no fan attendance the announcement could be a bit lackluster. I’m fine with moving ahead, because the team is starting to really focus on the road ahead. Larkin has more than shown that he’s ready for the “C”.
Most of you know that I’ve spent a great deal of time looking at the league’s deficits. A change to advertising this year will include “on helmet” ads. I know many of you won’t be thrilled with this, I’m not a huge fan, but it is a real and immediate way of getting more HRR into the system. With no idea the cost of sponsorship, it will at least help defray the losses accrued if fans aren’t in attendance. International jerseys often look like a NASCAR spread, and I’m grateful the jerseys aren’t being touched (yet). If this season is a “break even”, I’ll see that as a win for the league. There is still a more than 1 billion dollar deficit and if it increases, things are going to get even more complicated. TV revenues will be all over the map this season, as many local affiliates have a “charge back” penalty if the league plays fewer than 82 games.
Finally, George Malik past a link to the Athletic (paywall) that outlines expectations for Detroit’s 7 prospects playing in the WJC. Five are on team Sweden (Raymond, Niederbach, Soderblom, Johansson, Berglund) with Raymond and Niederbach on a line together (keep an eye on those two). Eemil Viro (Finland) and Jan Bednar (Czech) are the other two players.
Eemil Viro will be in action tonight as the US and Finland face off at 9 PM EST on the NHL network. I am especially keen to see how defensive prospects are coming along in development. I’m sure more than a few of you feel the same way. My highlight will be seeing Raymond and Niederbach paired up. Apparently Raymond has put on about 8 pounds of muscle since being drafted and Detroit is really excited about his progress already.
Most of you know that I try to do an every other day blog to give more of a chance for back and forth. With hockey returning and a very real possibility of 2, 3 or even 4 games in a row, I want to get my chops back at doing a daily blog. The World Junior is a perfect chance to do that. If this is just too much, let me know and I’ll try to accommodate. I’m very excited about the return of hockey and want to give you game coverage in a timely manner so you can put your thoughts in the comments while they’re fresh. This blog is a huge blessing to me and I want to give it and you the respect you both deserve.
If anyone is open to doing in game “tweets” let me know. I don’t often do that, but if it is something that will make things enjoyable for any of you it’s more than worth it. Let me know your thoughts on the captaincy, the WJC prospects, advertising and revenue in the comments. I know this entry is a bit much, but a lot is coming together as we get closer to the return to play. It’s getting really exciting!
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