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Update: Berggren was reassigned per PHR. Compher mentioned as “likely…. That would be a good boost.
Getting J.T. Back would be a big boost. LaLonde has called the new Red Wing center “our best 200 ft player…. I agree. Veleno has made strides, but Compher’s experience and execution are superior defensively and situationally. Veleno is the faster skater and has made huge strides forward. The return of J.T. Compher could help Veleno and the team who are feeling the pinch defensively even more with the loss of their top 2 centers.
Detroit sent Zach Aston Reese back to the minors which would signal confidence in Kostin (in my opinion). Kostin is a physical depth player and the team has certainly seen some hard knocks. Still, full confirmation on Compher will be a highlight if it comes to fruition.
There was mention of Perron who is appealing his suspension but he won’t travel with the team for the single away game in Philly. Perron is missed on the power play. His half wall play and ability to find lanes is very good. He’s also harder to knock down. It will be good to get the veteran winger back.
As for Larkin, I’ve seen comments of concern on pushing for too early a return. I do think that if Compher is back on the ice the team should be careful about weighing Larkin’s timing. It’s not the old days of “goon hockey… but players known to be nursing injuries still get targeted. Kevin Weekes stopped short of acknowledging the “upper and lower… body injury designation doesn’t stop the information from getting spread around. “Everybody talks..… and then it went silent during the discussion.
This is potentially good news for Detroit. Though I am in a clear minority for praising Husso’s improved play last night because he did cause the turnover on the game winner, seeing 2 against on 38 chances is a big improvement. The team just could not score the goal to remedy the poke in by Staal on a play gone wrong. My reasoning for giving credit where I believe it’s due is that I’ve criticized the 4 goals against, even in a win. If I see an effort that more often than not will lead to a positive result, I acknowledge it. There is a difference between a 2-1 loss and a 5-1 loss. I cite the stats and last night spoke to a much better overall performance even in a loss. (Yes, I already acknowledged it was Husso’s gaffe that caused the GWG for Carolina. I will continue to acknowledge that.)
Detroit needs a boost and Compher’s return would be a welcome one to be sure.