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Training Camp is in full swing. You can see some of the other interviews from days 1 - 3 in the older posts. Tomorrow there will be some scrimmaging. I’m hoping that all of that action will be available for embed. That’s where we’re really going to start to see this team and what the additions are bringing to the table.
The first clip for today is with Gustav Lindstrom. It’s interesting to hear from the big right shot D man. He looks a little stronger, and his attitude is fantastic. “I’ll be happy if I make the team, and if I’m on the taxi squad I just have to work even harder…. The layout of the season is back to backs all over the place. 4 games in 6 days to start out. Taxi squad players could easily be in on the rotation. What I remember of Lindstrom’s game is his battles below the goal line and physical play. He wants to protect the net and get the puck out.
Carley also asked about Danny Dekeyser. It’s hard to believe how much Deke has missed out on due to injuries. In the clips I’ve seen, I remember why I was excited about signing him out of college. Danny D is a fantastic skater. He can “walk the line… really well, and can maintain his gaps. When he first came into the league, he would keep his skates outside the blue line during zone possessions. (Go back to Suter and Weber in their Nashville days. They did an amazing job of this). It was a shame that he was forced to work inside. Those few inches really stretch out the opposing team’s forwards and open passing lanes quite a bit.
Of note, you’ll see a bit of Dylan Larkin speaking at the podium. At a guess, that young man put on about 10 lbs of muscle during the time off. His faceoffs are crisp, much more a confident swipe and his energy is contagious. He seems a year more mature, and really looks ready to lead. I do feel that Larkin can be a number one center in this league. He reminds me a lot of Ryan O’Reilly and increased depth on this team is going to let him shine even more. The clip is well worth the watch:
The next interview is Robby Fabbri. He is centering Filip Zadina and Bobby Ryan. To me, that is the most exciting 2nd line we’ve had in a while. Fabbri looks like he’s put on some bulk as well, and the kid is just likeable. I’ve been skeptical of his play up the middle, but his skating is certainly strong enough to play the 200 ft game. Fabbri mentioned that Zadina has impressed him with his development. “His confidence, he’s a skilled player, a fast player and he’s got all the tools…. That is exactly what you want to hear about this much maligned first round pick. The fact that Zadina can dish to Bobby Ryan is also very exciting. Ryan has been a gamer in his career. He knows how to be creative and how to make fast plays. Fabbri also mentioned being impressed with Mathias Brome. Detroit could have third line weapons as well, and that will be a great change of pace. His interview is a good watch: