Follow me on Twitter
A couple of updates through Mlive
Bowey waived due to defensive issues
First, Wings did this release citing defensive issues. Bowey saying he was “surprised” by the move. He then was quoted saying, “I know I can play in this league and I just got to go out there and if I’m either down in Grand Rapids or with another team, I think I know what it takes to prove myself and to play good.”
The “or another team” always stands out to me. It’s a pretty clear sign that Bowey is ready for a change of scenery. If a player wants to stick, they typically stick to the “find my game” line. It’s possible that we’re seeing Yzerman draw some lines on who he will bring back. Bowey is RFA after this season.
In other news, Athanasiou was injured in the last period vs Pittsburgh. Originally the club had him taking a “maintenance day”, but now he’s definitely out for tomorrow. Abdelkader coming back in. The skeptic in me is curious if a trade is brewing, but I have no source to confirm. End of update
The Wings will have a second WJC representative on Team Canada this year. Jared McIsaac was the only Detroit draft pick headed to play for Canada, but Joe Veleno was given the green light.
Veleno to play for Team Canada
This move is good news for everyone involved. Veleno has 4 years of jr experience due to exceptional status. Team Canada isn’t highly favored at this point. It is also a chance for him to play with
Alex Lafreniere, a high end prospect that will certainly be on Detroit’s radar should they suffere a better fate at the hands of the draft lottery this year. This is also a chance for Veleno to get back to feeling the swagger he showed in preseason. Emotion is such a huge part of a young player’s game and development, and this can be a good boost for him. By extension, the Detroit organization could benefit greatly from this stint.
Moritz Seider is also headed to the WJC. It will be interesting to see what his development in the AHL has done for his game among his peer group. Seider has already shown flashes of being able to fit right into the pro game. All in all, Detroit fans have a few reasons to watch the upcoming tournament.
Also today, Madison Bowey was placed on Waivers with the intention of being assigned to Grand Rapids. Bowey had shown some preseason flashes, but has not been able to rise above the plight currently facing nearly all of Detroit’s blue liners. That players are simply being suffocated and trampled on. It seems unlikely that Bowey will be picked up at this point. A chance to play in GR could help him to find some confidence as well.
Bowey on waivers
A positive sign for the future, Steve Yzerman has not been afraid to expose players to waivers throughout the season. In the past, the organization has allowed more players just to sit and watch. As difficult as the season has been, Yzerman has been making moves and tweaks that are a bit of a new revelation on this club. You can guarantee that he will be scouting the WJC very carefully, ignoring the draft rankings of even the most credible organizations. Steve Yzerman has a vision and the 2020 draft will be another opportunity to see him at work.
The Christmas trade freeze is coming up on December 19th. It is simply impossible to know what this GM is working on. When trades happen, they come out of he dark without any leaks. The rush until the February trade deadline should bring some interesting activity as well.
Detroit has 2 contests versus Winnipeg coming up. Tomorrow we’ll take a look at the numbers pregame and discuss how the team executed against the Jets.
Thanks to everyone who stops by to read and comment. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»