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UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings have activated forwards JT Compher and Klim Kostin from IR. pic.twitter.com/lG1rGCZpmD
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 16, 2023
Detroit got some very good news as both Kostin and Compher will be available for the game vs. Philadelphia. Compher, in particular, is immediately the top center upon return. Assuming Kostin is in, that’s some sandpaper for the club. There isn’t necessarily the same importance on having a “tough guy… as there used to be in terms of the league but Detroit could certainly afford to have some push back.
For the opponent, Philadelphia and Detroit are one point apart in the east (Detroit is 15-10 and 4, Philly is 16-10-3)3 goals apart in differentials(+13 for DET, +10 for Philly). Very similar stats with Detroit having an overall edge in goals scored(3.69 and 2.97 respectively) but Philly with a better PK and goals against(86% to 78% and 2.72 vs. 3.74 GA).
One of the more interesting aspects is to see what type of in game chemistry Compher can find with Kane and Debrincat. Kane seems to show flashes of improvement in each game but has himself said it needs to translate to scoring. With Veleno having had top line opportunities, the ability for him to step down a line could be very advantageous for the young center. He has the ability to jump on the ice and quickly transition into creating a play much more than what Detroit has seen in the past.
Overall, we’ll see if the return of Compher and Kostin (assuming both are dressed and on the ice) will be a boost to Detroit’s play in all 3 zones. Compher brings a very good 200 ft game.
The NHLPA and some numbers (non broadcast related):
There is a bit of chatter about the NHLPA looking at challenges for suspensions and even Corey Perry’s recent termination. Perron challenged the ruling, but Perry isn’t challenging the Blackhawk’s decision. Whatever the specific situation, the PA doesn’t want there to be a precedent set of contract termination. Apparently it’s very rare for the NHLPA to pursue an issue if the player decides not to issue a grievance or challenge.
As the Season hits Christmas and New Year, numbers and activity are going to be hitting the headlines more. There was a preseason complaint by at least one agent that the cap staying stagnant has caused there to be 30 fewer positions as teams can’t fill out their rosters. There was, for the first time I can remember, a challenge to players to take on more escrow to allow for a cap rise (beyond the 20% cap). The original projected rise of 5-7 million has been reassessed to “up to 4.7 million IF projections hold steady… and the trend remains the same. That number will likely whittle down to 1 to 3 million and basically be stagnated with eyes on Arizona. The team has to have a proper facility and has already been turned down for 2 proposals (one for a 2.2 billion dollar district). Not the best time to ask for a multi billion dollar bond in most markets.