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Detroit’s comeback win yesterday mirrored a trend in Grand Rapids of late. It seems like the Griffins have found another gear. I’m very blessed to have a good friend who keeps me posted, especially when I’m working on content during Red Wings games. I’ll have to count for sure, but it has felt like for almost a month I’ll get a text saying, “Griffins made a comeback, won again.… My favorite right now is, “Griffin’s blew lead, but won in a 10 round shootout…. Good grief some fans got their money’s worth on that contest.
Vancouver came to town and they are a club that a few of the faithful absolutely love and have a bit of a dour (myself included) reaction to at least one player that could have made an impact. The butterfly effect kicks in and makes me wonder if. Seider would have been available. Holland had the same scouting report Yzerman had and really wanted the guy that could well one day wear a “C…. Regardless, Vancouver is a fun team to watch (easier when it’s not a Wings game). Detroit overcame a deficit and then closed the game out in high drama. I have to imagine the kids that were working there for the day had the time of their lives.
So, inevitably the conversation comes up after the game. Adrenaline is high and “who is coming for next year?… Is asked. Detroit is in an odd spot. Several veterans were brought in whose impact has made its mark. An identity that can be traced back to a disappointing European stint and a very impressive California swing seems to be ingrained within the room. There are certainly prospects knocking on the door, but space is limited without trade, buyout or waiver. Though we’ve done this recently, it will be interesting to see if minds have changed at all.
Per Cap Friendly, here are the expiring deals in Detroit: Forwards: David Perron - UFA Patrick Kane - UFA Daniel Sprong - UFA Christian Fischer - UFA James Reimer - UFA Matt Luff - UFA Michael Rasmussen - RFA w/arb Lucas Raymond - RFA Joe Veleno - RFA w/arb
Defense: Shayne Gostisbehere - UFA Moritz Seider - RFA
*Seider is the deal that will determine a bit about who stays and who goes. Already logging top minutes, expect at least an attempt at max term. Raymond is having a good run, 4-5 years seems like it could be feasible.
Players I’d personally like to see stay: Perron Kane Sprong Rasmussen Raymond Veleno Ghost Seider
To make room, trades/waivers/buyouts that may make sense: Kostin Petry Holl Maata I was in favor of moving Copp, but he and Compher have both been playing hard and back checking. Copp seems to be finding his groove.
Now, here are system prospects that should at least have eyes on them throughout camp: ** - Sandin Pelikka was making some noise but has been hurt for a while. I’d wondered if he could leap frog at camp but there are a lot of factors at play Edvinsson Mazur Berggren (RFA w/arb) Kasper Danielson - just a very impressive young player. He’d have to really push Detroit into bypassing Grand Rapids Tuomisto Johansson (RFA w/arb)
Please chime in on this. Give me three prospects you expect or at least would strongly like to see taking a spot in Detroit. See you in the comments.