*added morning presser. At around 9:30 coach asked about call ups. He mentioned Czarnik as a center and “of course Berggren is a winger, so a different position there”. Seemed like an odd answer. Some press trying to push for Berggren appearance or an answer on non appearance.
Detroit is hitting trade deadline week (and national waivers week) with just one game before the deadline (Wings play Friday but not until 9 p.m. EST). After the loss to the Panthers, Larkin is on the shelf for 2 weeks and tomorrow night is the last team performance before the deadline. Is that performance going to dictate any moves? Or does Detroit just proceed to see if this group can hang on to a wild card spot?
Many (if not most) of the commenting faithful don’t feel that Detroit should alter their approach with Larkin shelved for 2 weeks. There has been an appetite to see Berggren called up but thus far that hasn’t materialized and the “rumblings” around the situation indicate some sort of disconnect that peaked as Berggren was said to have rejected an offer by the team. Whatever the impetus, a near full NHL season for the Griffin’s point leader who has 46 points in 43 games (19G, 27A) has not been tapped by the club this year for meaningful minutes.
Teams are clearing space via the waiver wire (some of those reassignments have been picked up by Calgary and Washington) so it will be interesting to see who is next on the list to make an impactful deal.
Pro Hockey Rumors published a piece that suggested Detroit was looking at Bryan Rust as Pittsburgh is looking at a potential changing of the guard. It ends up with a move getting Rust being more likely in the offseason as his contract is expiring (not the case, has several years. Article mentions him as possible replacement for Kane, so grain of salt). So, it feels like this isn’t actually a deadline rumor. It also speaks to how difficult it is to get information out of Yzerman’s leadership group. They do keep things very close to the vest.
I’ll re-iterate my personal position once more. Fine if they do nothing, understand if they send a player out for a decent return if it’s someone who doesn’t want to return or they can shed a contract that hasn’t worked out. It also begs the revisiting on how hard this time of year is on players as people. I feel very lucky to have two former athletes who chimed in on the last comments section about this. Players are assets in fantasy hockey and as the network hypes the deadline. In reality, there are people who wonder if they will miss out on seeing their families for a month or more. If kids are in the picture, they have to finish the school year. It’s a part of the job that doesn’t get much attention but it tears pros apart to say those goodbyes.
Let me know your thoughts. Should Detroit weigh the first of several games without Larkin as they play a contender for the last pre deadline look? Do you stay the course and see where it all lands? Always grateful for the feedback and participation. Thanks to all who stop by.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»