* You are viewing the archive for October, 2011

Trickle Down Effect: Brunnstrom Demotion Will Have Roster Implications

When the Red Wings announced that they had placed Fabian Brunnstrom on waivers Friday it was with the intention of getting the 26 year-old forward a chance to play. The 6-foot-2, 212 pound forward signed a one year two-way contract with Detroit after an impressive training camp tryout.

Since the start of the season, Brunnstrom has played in just one game and is unlikely to see the ice any time soon since all of Detroit’s forwards are healthy. The move was necessary in order to keep the big Swede in game … Continue Reading

Making His Case: Nestrasil Hopes for Extended AHL Stint

Andrej Nestrasil is seizing his opportunity with Grand Rapids. The 6-foot-2, 200 pound forward didn’t make the Griffins out of training camp and eventually started the season with Toledo of the ECHL. After just a single game with the Walleye, he was recalled to Grand Rapids

The Griffins, who are without the service of forward Mitch Callahan (suspension) and Landon Ferraro (concussion), needed an extra forward. Nestrasil has notched two goals and assist in three AHL games. Outside of Gustav Nyquist and Chris Connor, the big winger has been one of … Continue Reading

October 14th Appearance on the Vic McCarty Show

I appeared on the Vic McCarty show on October 14, 2011. We discussed the Detroit Red Wings first few games, potential realignment, Love for Lokomotiv, and Tomas Holmstrom. To listen to the show click here.

Mrazek Signs with Detroit

The Red Wings secured a piece of their goaltending future by signing Petr Mrazek to a three-year entry level deal recently. Terms of the contract have not been officially released, but the deal has been confirmed by the 19 year-old stopper.

The Ostrava, Czech Republic native is currently playing for Ottawa of the OHL. In eight games this season he has posted a 2.34 goals against and .925 save percentage. He is currently sixth among all OHL goaltenders in both categories.

Mrazek, who will turn pro next season, will have a chance to compete … Continue Reading

In Limbo: Former Tryout, Sadikov, Awaits a Trade

Since being released by the Detroit Red Wings last month, Ramis Sadikov hasn’t played a single game with the Erie Otters of the OHL. The 20 year-old netminder is the odd man out in Erie with the team choosing to play younger goalies Tyson Teichmann and Chris Festarini. Sadikov’s position on the team is further complicated by the fact that he is an overage player and the Otters are currently two over the league limits.

The 6-foot-2, 230 pound goalie was one of the top stoppers in the OHL last season … Continue Reading

Part-time Demolition Man?

Just two games into Detroit’s season, the writing appears to be on the wall for Tomas Holmstrom. The 38 year-old forward is entering his 14th NHL season with the Red Wings and he could break the 1,000 game mark this year. While the veteran forward was productive last season with 18 goals and 37 points, he’s clearly in the twilight of his NHL career.

The 6-foot, 198 pound forward has never listed skating as one of his assets and his defensive game has been called into question at times. That being said, … Continue Reading

On the Bubble: Griffins Face Tough Roster Choices

This year’s edition of the Grand Rapid’s Griffins might just be the deepest in years – at least on paper. The team could field the Red Wings top three prospects in Brendan Smith, Tomas Tatar, and Gustav Nyquist. Additionally the Griffins will be bolstered by AHL veterans that include the likes of Doug Janek, Joey MacDonald, Chris Minard, Jamie Johnson, Chris Conner, Garnet Excelby and Greg Amadio.

Before the season opens, the team will need to reduce it’s roster size from 29 … Continue Reading

September 30th Appearance on the Vic McCarty Show

I appeared on the Vic McCarty show on September 30, 2011. We discussed the Detroit Red Wings preseason and roster competition, a few prospects, the Brendan Smith hit, and the league suspensions to date. To listen to the show click here.

Numbers Game: Nyquist Sent to Grand Rapids

Gustav Nyquist did everything right in his first NHL training camp and preseason. The 22 year-old forward elevated his game from leading the Red Wings prospects in scoring at the NHL prospect tournament to producing points playing along side NHL forwards during the preseason. Despite his stellar performance Detroit management believe in developing players slowly, thus opting to send Nyquist to Grand Rapids of the AHL to start the season.

The 5-foot-11, 180 point forward will get a chance to be one of the top players in Grand Rapids this … Continue Reading