Jeremy Laura: New enthusiasm for Wings, Ovi on Mt. Rushmore

Ovi’s overrated….he can’t fight like Tiger Williams🤣🤣.

Dude, that’s all I got.

I’m not a huge Ovi fan, being honest. But, I’m always a fan of watching history. From listening Ernie Harwell, to Bruce Martin & Sid Able, to Kaline & Kell….to Doc, to Datsyuk, to Gretzky, and yes….to actually watching Lord Gordie; I’m a HUGE fan of history. Reading how you put The Great 8’s pursuit of history has made this more intriguing for me.

Now, the thing I LIKE about Ovi is he HONORS those whom he’s chasing and is genuinely humbled to be in such lofty company; there’s no arrogance as he adds to his stats. That’s rare. And it draws me in.

Another good read, Jeremy. And I shall be watching tomorrow night….Hallmark Christmas movies (and the ire of my wife for her not being able to watch them…) be danged.

Ovi’s overrated….he can’t fight like Tiger Williams🤣🤣.

Dude, that’s all I got.

I’m not a huge Ovi fan, being honest. But, I’m always a fan of watching history. From listening Ernie Harwell, to Bruce Martin & Sid Able, to Kaline & Kell….to Doc, to Datsyuk, to Gretzky, and yes….to actually watching Lord Gordie; I’m a HUGE fan of history. Reading how you put The Great 8’s pursuit of history has made this more intriguing for me.

Now, the thing I LIKE about Ovi is he HONORS those whom he’s chasing and is genuinely humbled to be in such lofty company; there’s no arrogance as he adds to his stats. That’s rare. And it draws me in.

Another good read, Jeremy. And I shall be watching tomorrow night….Hallmark Christmas movies (and the ire of my wife for her not being able to watch them…) be danged.
- mcmastermike1968

Thanks brother! Yeah, the more I dug the more impressed I was with what Ovi has accomplished. I love that the guys he’s passed have congratulated him along the way. Mutual respect, something very special.

Hallmark, yep. Reminds me I need to get popcorn, M&Ms and hot chocolate for the winter viewing!

Eh, Washington should be a cake-walk after taking on the Oilers.

I was looking at Aatu Raty's stats, who the Isles picked with #52 OA (Oilers) that Detroit gave them for Leddy. Raty is a point per game player in the Finn's men's league and a 2-pt per game player in Jr U-20 international play. Oh, and he is a center. Gotta go heavy on centers in the next draft, that is for sure!

Tonight’s game is important for both Ovi and the Wings. What game plan will we see coming from the Wings. Does Ovi rack up points, I’m sure he’s coming into Detroit being cocky. Or does Detroit show us how real the are ?
Anyway Mo will get tested again and he seems to be handling things quite well.

I was just discussing Raty the other night with a buddy. That yes it stung he was used with that pick, BUT the Wings had two other second rounders before that pick.

I was looking at Aatu Raty's stats, who the Isles picked with #52 OA (Oilers) that Detroit gave them for Leddy. Raty is a point per game player in the Finn's men's league and a 2-pt per game player in Jr U-20 international play. Oh, and he is a center. Gotta go heavy on centers in the next draft, that is for sure!
- HenryHockey

I was just discussing Raty the other night with a buddy. That yes it stung he was used with that pick, BUT the Wings had two other second rounders before that pick.

Listen, drafting…My dad told me once: “You never know who you truly married until you see her in court.” Not sure how I can spin that fit the topic of drafting, but I’m gonna try…

DET drafted Vladdy, Lidstrom, Pav, et. al., way into the later rounds. They panned out. How many 1st rounders has anyone drafted that were 1st ballot HOF? I am by no stretch an expert, but I’d opine that you look 1st for what you need the most 3-5 yrs down the road. Right now, we’re 3-5 yrs from being SCPO bound. We need a full plate of C prospects, for sure. How do we get them?

Why trade for a 1C? Do we NEED a 1C or do we NEED a C who compliments Larkin? I’d offer that we need a solid C who compliments Larkin. By the time the kid would hit the NHL, Larkin should be a VERY strong C/1C. The last draft was a crap-shoot, this year may be better. I’ve not looked at what C-men are available this year, but I’d think The Captain is looking several years down the road as well. So, getting our collective panties in a bunch because we got Cossa v Raty makes for a VERY interesting discussion, but it’s only half-informed if we don’t consider what’s ahead in the next few years because those are the ones we draft that’ll be celebrating breaking the SCPO drought. Just my opinion, and I did fail to look at names before I posted this, so I’m a bit of a drok!!!🤣🤣🤣.

In sum; I got my wish for a G last draft. I’m hoping that we get a cpl of strong C prospects this year and next (2-3 drafts). I’m not content trading for a C, someone said (on Jeremy’s blog in the past) that the best way to get a strong C is via the draft, and I tend to agree with that. And the reality is; we have time.

So, blog-mates; who are the stud-C prospects for the next 2-3 years? I’m going to check on names. I trust what we have for leadership and scouts, they’re rebuilding this team with a vision, and thus far what’s been done could be on the cover of the SI Swimsuit edition because it looks that good!! The player pool is strong and progressing very well. I really think the Wings will rise again, and decimate low expectations and prognostications. And when that happens, I’m gonna crack a bottle of Tullamore D. E. W. and snag a cigar because this team is going to be damn good.

Listen, drafting…My dad told me once: “You never know who you truly married until you see her in court.” Not sure how I can spin that fit the topic of drafting, but I’m gonna try…

DET drafted Vladdy, Lidstrom, Pav, et. al., way into the later rounds. They panned out. How many 1st rounders has anyone drafted that were 1st ballot HOF? I am by no stretch an expert, but I’d opine that you look 1st for what you need the most 3-5 yrs down the road. Right now, we’re 3-5 yrs from being SCPO bound. We need a full plate of C prospects, for sure. How do we get them?

Why trade for a 1C? Do we NEED a 1C or do we NEED a C who compliments Larkin? I’d offer that we need a solid C who compliments Larkin. By the time the kid would hit the NHL, Larkin should be a VERY strong C/1C. The last draft was a crap-shoot, this year may be better. I’ve not looked at what C-men are available this year, but I’d think The Captain is looking several years down the road as well. So, getting our collective panties in a bunch because we got Cossa v Raty makes for a VERY interesting discussion, but it’s only half-informed if we don’t consider what’s ahead in the next few years because those are the ones we draft that’ll be celebrating breaking the SCPO drought. Just my opinion, and I did fail to look at names before I posted this, so I’m a bit of a drok!!!🤣🤣🤣.

In sum; I got my wish for a G last draft. I’m hoping that we get a cpl of strong C prospects this year and next (2-3 drafts). I’m not content trading for a C, someone said (on Jeremy’s blog in the past) that the best way to get a strong C is via the draft, and I tend to agree with that. And the reality is; we have time.

So, blog-mates; who are the stud-C prospects for the next 2-3 years? I’m going to check on names. I trust what we have for leadership and scouts, they’re rebuilding this team with a vision, and thus far what’s been done could be on the cover of the SI Swimsuit edition because it looks that good!! The player pool is strong and progressing very well. I really think the Wings will rise again, and decimate low expectations and prognostications. And when that happens, I’m gonna crack a bottle of Tullamore D. E. W. and snag a cigar because this team is going to be damn good.
- mcmastermike1968

Larkin is probably one of the best 2C in the league, or a bottom third 1C. If you could acquire another Larkin and have two legit 2Cs+ that would be amazing. Imagine
Bert - Larkin - Raymond
Zadina - Larkin Equiv. - Vrana
Fabbri - Suter - Erne

Larkin is probably one of the best 2C in the league, or a bottom third 1C. If you could acquire another Larkin and have two legit 2Cs+ that would be amazing. Imagine
Bert - Larkin - Raymond
Zadina - Larkin Equiv. - Vrana
Fabbri - Suter - Erne
- DRW1991

Clone him??? To long to wait for his son.

IF....the Wings play this well up to the TDL,.....that would bring an interesting dilemma, sell or buy....but that is a ways off!

Lucas Raymond, Filip Hronek and Marc Staal were all out for maintenance days. Coach Blash says he’s unsure if they’ll be good to go tomorrow. We should know more after morning skate. #LGRW @DetroitRedWings https://t.co/ebtmAh28me

— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) November 10, 2021

Larkin is probably one of the best 2C in the league, or a bottom third 1C. If you could acquire another Larkin and have two legit 2Cs+ that would be amazing. Imagine
Bert - Larkin - Raymond
Zadina - Larkin Equiv. - Vrana
Fabbri - Suter - Erne
- DRW1991

That’d definitely be impressive! Suter seems to be progressing over the past few games. He still has room to improve & grow, of that there’s no doubt. As I look back on what I said about him being a potential failure, I think I may have been too judgmental. He’s got a wealth of potential, but he’d not even logged a complete season AND he played on the ‘Hawks top line for many of his limited games. So expectations were unreasonably high for him. He was bound to fall because he came to a team that is waaaay below the on-paper construct v the ‘Hawks, if that makes sense. But he’s progressing. It’s going to take time for him to develop, so yes I may have been unreasonably harsh. I think he can be a stud if he’s developed properly.

I like your lines!!! I’d even add Namestnikov v Erne. He’s becoming what I’d hoped he’d become. I love his speed, his grit, and he has a really good shot.

Detroit’s not loaded with superstar talent by any means. But there are many players who can carry the mail. I like what’s on the ice, all things considered. And believe me, Edmonton is scratching their heads wondering what hit the the other night. I said this at the beginning of the season; we’re not contending for the SCPO, but many teams are going to underestimate this team and take a “L”.

IF....the Wings play this well up to the TDL,.....that would bring an interesting dilemma, sell or buy....but that is a ways off!
- HenryHockey

It’s going to be interesting, for sure. We’ll definitely have some guys who could go (does Ras fit that profile? Greiss? Who’d take DeKeyser?!?!?). I think we’re sellers regardless. Those who’ll be shopped are potentially this who aren’t in the Yzerman mould. Those that stay will be here for a while, for sure.

Jeremy Laura: New enthusiasm for Wings, Ovi on Mt. Rushmore
- Jeremy Laura

Not that I am purposing this but 2-3 years down the road could Raymond possibly be a good center? He thinks the game as well as anyone on the team now. His passing is amazing, he plays a solid 300 foot game and has some good speed.

It’s going to be interesting, for sure. We’ll definitely have some guys who could go (does Ras fit that profile? Greiss? Who’d take DeKeyser?!?!?). I think we’re sellers regardless. Those who’ll be shopped are potentially this who aren’t in the Yzerman mould. Those that stay will be here for a while, for sure.
- mcmastermike1968

Yeah most likely. Fabbri, Leddy, Stecher, and maybe Gagner, maybe Raz will be trade bait at the TDL. I don't see Raz progressing, but he could be a good 4th line center and a valuable net front PP guy. Nemy will be an interesting decision.

Yeah most likely. Fabbri, Leddy, Stecher, and maybe Gagner, maybe Raz will be trade bait at the TDL. I don't see Raz progressing, but he could be a good 4th line center and a valuable net front PP guy. Nemy will be an interesting decision.
- HenryHockey

Good choices, I think a big part of who goes is who is ready to back fill for 10-20 games.
Berggren, Veleno, McIssac…..

Yeah most likely. Fabbri, Leddy, Stecher, and maybe Gagner, maybe Raz will be trade bait at the TDL. I don't see Raz progressing, but he could be a good 4th line center and a valuable net front PP guy. Nemy will be an interesting decision.
- HenryHockey

I’d like to see Fabbri stay. He’s an awesome asset for us. That’s what my point is in all this; who fits the mould of the Wings of the Future? Getting draft picks that may not pan out is risky, unless a really good asset is attached. Stecher’s another one.

I’d think who we’d try to trade would be tied into who is ready to step up to the NHL. If Berrgen’s ready, for example, would that free up Fabbri? Probably. There are so many considerations.

Good choices, I think a big part of who goes is who is ready to back fill for 10-20 games.
Berggren, Veleno, McIssac…..
- Goalie Dad

Yup, I just posted the same thing….who can step in to fill the void left in a trade? Good call.

I'd rather keep Fabbri. I think he'd be a solid 3rd line winger when Vrana gets back. Gagner on the fourth over Smith or Stephens. Really hoping Ras can turn things around after having a solid outing against Edmonton.

Anyway, LGRW. Let's knock off the Caps again!

I'd rather keep Fabbri. I think he'd be a solid 3rd line winger when Vrana gets back. Gagner on the fourth over Smith or Stephens. Really hoping Ras can turn things around after having a solid outing against Edmonton.

Anyway, LGRW. Let's knock off the Caps again!
- GutsoftheHawk

Give me Smith over Ganger. Need someone out there that won't get pushed around.

I like Fabbri, but injuries add up. And just not being available more often than not is rough. Any interest in targeting Hertl?

That’d definitely be impressive! Suter seems to be progressing over the past few games. He still has room to improve & grow, of that there’s no doubt. As I look back on what I said about him being a potential failure, I think I may have been too judgmental. He’s got a wealth of potential, but he’d not even logged a complete season AND he played on the ‘Hawks top line for many of his limited games. So expectations were unreasonably high for him. He was bound to fall because he came to a team that is waaaay below the on-paper construct v the ‘Hawks, if that makes sense. But he’s progressing. It’s going to take time for him to develop, so yes I may have been unreasonably harsh. I think he can be a stud if he’s developed properly.

I like your lines!!! I’d even add Namestnikov v Erne. He’s becoming what I’d hoped he’d become. I love his speed, his grit, and he has a really good shot.

Detroit’s not loaded with superstar talent by any means. But there are many players who can carry the mail. I like what’s on the ice, all things considered. And believe me, Edmonton is scratching their heads wondering what hit the the other night. I said this at the beginning of the season; we’re not contending for the SCPO, but many teams are going to underestimate this team and take a “L”.
- mcmastermike1968

It kind of reminds me of the Islanders. Just pure depth but no traditional superstar.

Give me Smith over Ganger. Need someone out there that won't get pushed around.

I like Fabbri, but injuries add up. And just not being available more often than not is rough. Any interest in targeting Hertl?
- DRW1991

Going to cost too many assets, and giving him a 7-8yr contract at $7.5 to $8.5M is not in the Yserplan. Need a C that is 25yo or less.

Lots of Gagner slander among the commentariat.

Here are some stats since start of last season.

Player A:
3 goals, 16 points in 906 minutes at even strength
8 goals, 25 points in 1048 minutes overall

Player B:
8 goals, 19 points 656 minutes at even strength
9 goals, 21 points in 852 minutes overall

Player A is Filip Zadina. Player B is Sam Gagner.

Gagner is a good player. He drives play well on both ends of the ice. He defends well. He plays both special teams units. He scores at a respectably efficient rate for a bottom six forward.

He's not a player that leaps out at you if you're just going by the eye test, and he has a weak shot. But it's hard to argue with the results. I think almost any team could use on their third or fourth line.