Follow me on Twitter Follow @TheJeremyLaura

Antti Tuomisto looked as if he may be the second player of Yzerman’s inaugural draft to get to the NHL. However, the 6’5” right D got a bit twisted up in two seasons of NCAA play in Denver. A return to Finland seemed to help last season and he is slated for Grand Rapids this season.

Detroit did a write up on the big defenseman and he seems genuinely excited for North American pro hockey. Looking at the right side we have Seider, Petry and Holl this year. Seider, unless something goes off the rails, seems to be the clear leader of the right side D, if not the D in general. Tuomisto will be going head to head in camp against Petry and Holl.

In reality, defense is a place where opportunity through injury is open. Last year it was in the forward realm that Berggren made the most of an opportunity. It is difficult to know how a prospect is going to fit in during camp. Has something clicked and does the chance to grab hold of a job exist as a possibility within the player. It certainly seems to within the organization. Soderblom had a nice start last year but was derailed by injury and finished the year in Grand Rapids.

Along with Tuomisto, after Edvinsson is healed up it’d be nice to see him grab an opportunity. As it stands on cap friendly, McIsaac is listed on the main roster at this point. I like Petry as a type of maturity example, and on the left side Gostisbehere could teach Seider about anchoring a power play. Holl is a player that I really haven’t watched much at all. There seems to be a consensus that he could start on the 3rd line. Tuomisto needs minutes on the “faster” ice, so he would probably have to do enough to warrant 10-12 minutes at least or go down and get 20+ in GR. It depends on the player as to which is more beneficial.

If any of you have personal thoughts on a defenseman that could make it all the way through the post season and force some debate in the office let me know. A week from Thursday we’ll see some prospect play and potentially get to know some new faces a bit better.

Join the Discussion: » 15 Comments » Post New Comment

» Final thoughts on prospects, a hack level conspiracy, and signing off 1425

» Red Wings prospects tough playoff debut, Yzerman wants to retain Kane

» Congratulations for Todd Bertuzzi, UFA overpays(?), and times are changing

» If you could change the CBA, what would you address?

» Negotiating through media - a player’s gain, an owner’s pain