Detroit Red Wings Clips August 17, 2016redwings.nhl.com/v2/ext/DRW_Clips_PDF/DRWClips081716.pdf ·...

Detroit Red Wings Clips

August 17, 2016

Detroit Red Wings

PAGE 2 Wings' Jeff Blashill is grand marshal for Pure Michigan 400 PAGE 3 Wings’ Justin Abdelkader, Dylan Larkin to ride with flying jet team

PAGE 4 Wings’ Blashill will be grand marshal for MIS race PAGE 5 Tom McCollum, former Red Wings top pick and Griffins great, finds new

team

PAGE 7 Red Wings made pitch for Jimmy Vesey but didn't make short list PAGE 8 Red Wings prospect Vili Saarijarvi has high hopes for new team entering

second OHL season PAGE 10 Red Wings' Jeff Blashill named grand marshal for Pure Michigan 400 PAGE 12 Red Wings outlook: Justin Abdelkader valued for all-around ability

PAGE 14 Detroit off Hobey Baker winner's short list PAGE 15 Inside look at Detroit Red Wings

PAGE 17 Reasons for optimism, questions facing Red Wings PAGE 20 Top prospects for Detroit Red Wings

2

Wings' Jeff Blashill is grand marshal for Pure Michigan 400

Brian Manzullo, Detroit Free Press 9:57 a.m. EDT August 16, 2016

It appears Detroit Red Wings make for solid grand marshals.

Jeff Blashill, entering his second season as Red Wings coach, will serve as grand marshal for NASCAR's Pure Michigan 400 on Aug. 28 at Michigan International

Speedway in Brooklyn.

“It’s an honor to serve as grand marshal for the Pure Michigan 400,” Blashill said in a

released statement. “I was born and raised in Michigan and have had the opportunity to spend most of my coaching career here, so I know how passionate the fans are for all sports. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to meet the drivers, take part in the pre-race

activities and soak in the atmosphere on race day.”

Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin served as grand marshal for the Detroit Belle Isle

Grand Prix in June. Niklas Kronwall, Chris Osgood and Jimmy Howard have previously served as NASCAR grand marshals for Michigan Sprint Cup races.

The Red Wings went 41-30-11 in Blashill's first season as coach, reaching the playoffs

for the 25th consecutive season, the longest such streak in American major pro sports.

The Pure Michigan 400 race begins 2 p.m. Aug. 28.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 08.17.2016

3

Wings’ Justin Abdelkader, Dylan Larkin to ride with flying jet team

Detroit Free Press 3:12 a.m. EDT August 16, 2016

Detroit Red Wings forwards Dylan Larkin and Justin Abdelkader will ride alongside members of the Breitling Jet Team on Thursday at Ypsilanti’s Willow Run Airport.

The players will be fitted for a flight suit and helmet and receive safety instruction before

preparing for a 3 p.m. take-off.

The Breitling Jet Team will perform typical maneuvers in advance of the Thunder Over

Michigan Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday.

The Breitling Jet Team is the world’s largest civilian aerobatic display team.

The team, which is based in Dijon, France, is made up of seven L-39C Albatros, Czech-

made twin-seat aircrafts. The jets can reach speeds of 466 m.p.h. during level flight and 565 m.p.h. during dives.

Abdelkader rode with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in 2011 at Willow Run Airport. He reached a speed of 550 m.p.h. and flew as high as 15,000 feet.

“It was pretty tough on your body,” he said in 2011. “You’ve just got to breathe right and

try to squeeze your legs and keep the blood up toward your head so you don’t black out. I was in and out a few times — it got a little black — but I came right back. It was a

lot of fun.”

In September 2014, defenseman Danny DeKeyser flew with the Blue Angels at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 08.17.2016

4

Wings’ Blashill will be grand marshal for MIS race

The Detroit News 12:01 p.m. EDT August 16, 2016

Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill will be grand marshal for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday, Aug. 28 at Michigan International Speedway.

Blashill, who was born in Detroit, raised in Sault Ste. Marie and played college hockey

at Ferris State, will give the command of “Start your engines!” ahead of the 2 p.m. start of the race.

“It’s an honor to serve as grand marshal for the Pure Michigan 400,” Blashill said. “I was born and raised in Michigan and have had the opportunity to spend most of my coaching career here, so I know how passionate the fans are for all sports. I’m thrilled

for the opportunity to meet the drivers, take part in the pre-race activities and soak in the atmosphere on race day.”

For ticket information for the August race weekend at MIS, go to mispeedway.com.

Detroit News LOADED: 08.17.2016

5

Tom McCollum, former Red Wings top pick and Griffins great, finds new team

Peter J. Wallner | [email protected] By Peter J. Wallner | [email protected]

Tom McCollum, a former No. 1 pick of the Detroit Red Wings and one of the all-time leading goaltenders with the Grand Rapids Griffins, is headed west.

The 26-year-old reached agreement with the Los Angeles Kings' on a PTO

(professional try out) last week, ending an association with the Detroit franchise that began in 2009.

"Obviously, I was hoping for a contract, but that didn't work out, so out of all the teams I talked to the Kings seemed most interested in me being at their camp," McCollum said by phone Tuesday. "They were very persistent and I looked at it and decided it was a

really good fit. They have a long history of churning out pretty good goalies, so it seemed like a good spot for me developing even more."

The 30th overall pick in the 2008 draft, McCollum spent nearly all his time in the AHL with the Griffins, where he became the franchise's all-time leaders in games played (226), saves (5,653) minutes (12,737) and second in wins (103) and tied for fifth in

shutouts (7).

Last year, McCollum played in 30 games with a 2.42 goals against average and .923

save percentage and split time with Jared Coreau. Likewise in the playoffs, McCollum started the first seven games and then gave way to Coreau.

"I think we were both looking at different things," McCollum said of briefs talks this

summer with Detroit. "They were looking to give Jared a lot more playing time and, obviously, more playing time is something I was also looking for. So, staying wasn't

going to be a good fit for either party."

The turning point for McCollum came in the 2012-13 season in Grand Rapids and the fast emergence of Petr Mrazek, who played in all the postseason games and led the

franchise to its first Calder Cup trophy.

Afterward, McCollum never received much attention with the Red Wings as Mrazek

quickly played his way into the starting job Detroit. Overall, McCollum played in three games with the parent club with a 2.98 GAA and .879 save percentage.

In addition to the stats, McCollum was also the Griffins' IOA/American Specialty Man of

the Year the past two years.

"I had a lot of fun when I was in Grand Rapids and I definitely learned a lot as a player

and as a person," he said. "I'm definitely disappointed things didn't turn out better for myself and for the team as far as my situation is concerned. But that's what was meant to be, I guess, and I'm looking forward to a new challenge."

Without him, Coreau becomes the clear No. 1 goalie in Grand Rapids. The Griffins will give a shot at backup to 22-year-old Jake Paterson, who played most of last season

with Toledo Walleye in the ECHL, and recently signed Calvin Heeter, 27, who played

6

the past two seasons overseas and was formerly with the Philadelphia Flyers organization.

In California, McCollum faces competition from four veterans. Jonathan Quick is the established starter for the Kings, while last season with the Ontario Reign in the AHL,

33-year-old veteran Petr Budaj played in 60 regular-season games and another 13 in the playoffs.

There are two others in the mix, both with Michigan ties. Detroit native Jeff Zatkolf,

previously with the Penguins' organization, signed a one-year, two-way contract on July 1, and Port Huron's Jack Campbell, a former No. 1 pick of the Dallas Stars, signed July

11 as a restricted free agent to a two-year, two-way contract.

Michigan Live LOADED: 08.17.2016

7

Red Wings made pitch for Jimmy Vesey but didn't make short list

Ansar Khan | [email protected] By Ansar Khan | [email protected]

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings made a pitch for Jimmy Vesey but did not make the short list of teams he is considering.

Vesey is one of the highest-sought college free agents in some time, after capping his

standout four-year career at Harvard by winning the Hobey Baker Award as the top college player.

Many expect the skilled winger to make an immediate impact in the NHL.

"We did our best," Red Wings assistant general manager Ryan Martin said. "We spoke to his agent about depth and opportunity. He said he preferred to play closer to home."

The list of teams the 23-year-old Boston native is rumored to have interest in includes Chicago, New Jersey, the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Buffalo and his

hometown Bruins.

Nashville drafted Vesey in the third round (66th overall) in 2012 but wasn't able to sign him. The Predators traded his rights to the Sabres at the draft, giving Buffalo exclusive

negotiating rights until Tuesday, when he became free to speak to any team.

Vesey (6-3, 203) is expected to decide by the end of the week or the weekend. Money

is not an issue since he is limited to an entry-level contract (two years for a player his age) worth $925,000 a season, with a cap of $2.85 million on performance bonuses.

Sproul update: Defenseman Ryan Sproul is the Red Wings' lone remaining restricted

free agent. He is expected to sign a one-year deal sometime before training camp.

The big, right-shooting Sproul (6-4, 205) will be competing for a roster spot in camp and

the preseason. He is out of options, so he would need to clear waivers to be sent back to Grand Rapids.

Forward Louis-Marc Aubry agreed to a one-year AHL deal with the Griffins.

Talks with Cleary: The Red Wings have had talks with Daniel Cleary, 37, about playing another season in Grand Rapids. He played 35 games for the Griffins in 2015-16 (three

goals, 12 assists).


8

Red Wings prospect Vili Saarijarvi has high hopes for new team entering second OHL season

Brendan Savage | [email protected] By Brendan Savage | [email protected]

Vili Saarijarvi is ready for a fresh start this year after a difficult rookie season in the Ontario Hockey League.

The Detroit Red Wings prospect spent last season with the OHL's Flint Firebirds, who finished last in the Central Division standings while making international news off the

ice.

Owner Rolf Nilsen fired his coaches in November, rehired them less than 24 hours later and fired them again in February before being suspended for five years, fined $250,000

and being ordered to forfeit a first-round draft pick.

That didn't exactly create stability off the ice.

"It was pretty difficult but big thing for me was just to stay positive," said Saarijarvi, a native of Finland. "I was always telling myself, 'control what you can control.' That kept my mind clear and I stayed positive and I was just thinking what I can control.

"We had great coaches, great teammates and great billets there. There was good support from the fans and from everyone. So it wasn't too hard for me. But now that it's

in the past you think more like a funny story."

Despite the off-ice drama, Saarijarvi had nothing but good things to say about Flint and insisted the aforementioned problems didn't lead to his trade request.

Instead, he wanted to play for a team that has a legitimate chance to make some noise in the standings and he should get that opportunity after being dealt to the Mississauga

Steelheads in June.

Saarijarvi, a defenseman selected by the Red Wings in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2015 NHL draft, is joining a team that is loaded with talent and expected to be one

of the OHL's top teams.

Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian return up front for the Steelheads after being

taken in the first and second rounds of this year's NHL draft while Alex Nylander – the eighth overall pick who signed with the Buffalo Sabres – could also be back.

"I want to be with a team that has a real chance to win OHL, Memorial Cup, and I think

Mississauga is in a really good position for that," said Saarijarvi, 19. "Flint is a great city, great fans, great team, but me and my agent thought it would be better for me to go

Mississauga.

"It happens in hockey. Trades come and go. I talked to (Mississauga) GM James Boyd and they're pretty excited and I'm excited, too. I'm happy they're a good team and

there's a lot of skilled players."

With Mississauga, Saarijarvi hopes to improve defensively and add some weight to his

5-foot-10, 165-pound frame.

9

He should provide offensive punch for the Steelheads after getting 12 goals and 31 assists in 59 games for the Firebirds last season, when he was also exposed to top

competition in the World Junior Championship and ECHL.

Saarijarvi helped Finland win the World Junior gold medal at midseason with a 4-3

overtime victory against Russia in the championship game. In seven World Junior games, he had four assists, 11 shots and an even plus-minus ratio.

When the Firebirds' season ended, he spent some time with the Red Wings' top two

farm clubs, practicing with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins while playing five games for the ECHL's Toledo Walleye.

"I was (in Grand Rapids) about month and a half, two months," Saarijarvi said. "It was good. Top pro hockey and it's next level from ECHL. It was great experience, too.

"I didn't play but still being around the older guys and pro guys who played many years

in league and some guys played in NHL, it was great experience to see what they do and how they do things and see how the life is when you play pro hockey."

With Toledo, he had one goal, three assists and a minus-3 rating.

"I think I fit in well," Saarijarvi said. "The guys took me in well there and took good care of me. It was a really good experience to see the league, see the other teams. It was a

good experience.

"I saw what it is and what it takes to play in the pros so it was good."

One of his most memorable moments came off the ice when Saarijarvi was pictured on a Finnish stamp that was issued to recognize the country's World Junior crown.

"I was a little surprised when I saw it's gonna happen," he said with a grin. "They asked

if it's fine with me. I said 'Of course, I'd love to.' It's hard to believe my face is flying all over the world."

While the World Junior title – and being a Red Wings prospect – have made Saarijarvi something of a celebrity in his hometown, it's unlikely he'll ever be the most famous "resident" of Rovaniemi, Finland.

Rovaniemi is located directly on the Arctic Circle, reindeer roam freely around town and more than 300,000 tourists visit the city annually because it's billed as the official

hometown of none other than Santa Claus.

"Santa, my boy," Saarijarvi said. "It's a big thing. People come from all over the world to see Santa, especially in the wintertime. It's a special thing that my hometown has.

That's how my hometown is known in Finland. It's a pretty big thing in my hometown.

"When I was younger I went many times to see Santa. Santa, he's a great guy. When I

was little I went twice a year to see him. He's the most famous guy in my hometown and he's going to be the most famous guy, no matter what happens, no matter who does anything."


10

Red Wings' Jeff Blashill named grand marshal for Pure Michigan 400

Taylor DesOrmeau | [email protected] By Taylor DesOrmeau | [email protected]

BROOKLYN, MI — Instead of addressing a locker room full of Detroit Red Wings, Jeff Blashill will tell 40 NASCAR drivers to start their engines Aug. 28 at Michigan

International Speedway.

Blashill, the head coach of the Red Wings, will serve as grand marshal for the Pure

Michigan 400.

His Michigan connections go deeper than his current role, as he was born in Detroit, raised in Sault Ste. Marie and coached hockey at Western Michigan University, Ferris

State University and the Grand Rapids Griffins.

"It's an honor to serve as grand marshal for the Pure Michigan 400," Blashill said in a

press release. "I was born and raised in Michigan and have had the opportunity to spend most of my coaching career here, so I know how passionate the fans are for all sports. I'm thrilled for the opportunity to meet the drivers, take part in the pre-race

activities and soak in the atmosphere on race day."

The 42-year-old is one of three Michiganders to coach a major Detroit sports team. He

joins Steve Mariucci (Detroit Lions, 2003-05) and Dave DeBusschere (Detroit Pistons, 1964-67).

Other Red Wings that have helped start the race at MIS include Chris Osgood, Niklas

Kronwall and Jimmy Howard. Past Pure Michigan 400 grand marshals include Kid Rock

Last year was Blashill's first season as the head coach of the Red Wings after three

seasons in Grand Rapids.

"We are excited to bring together these two iconic Michigan sporting traditions and have Coach Blashill on board as grand marshal of the Pure Michigan 400," said Dave Lorenz,

vice president of Travel Michigan in a press release. "A native Michigander who has lived and worked throughout the state, I have every confidence Coach Blashill will

demonstrate the same passion and enthusiasm on race day as he does on game day in Hockeytown."

The Pure Michigan 400 begins at 2 p.m. It is the third-to-last race before NASCAR's

playoffs begin.

UFC Champion Miesha Tate served as the grand marshal for the June FireKeepers

Casino 400 at MIS. Ford driver Joey Logano won the race, earning his first victory of the year.

For the Detroit Red Wings, their preseason begins Sept. 27 against the Pittsburgh

Penguins and the regular season starts Oct. 13 on the road against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

11

Tampa Bay knocked Detroit out of the playoffs in the first round in both of the last two seasons. This season will be the last at Joe Louis Arena, before the team moves to

Little Caesars Arena.

Blashill looks to lead the team to a 26th consecutive playoff appearance in 2016-17.


12

Red Wings outlook: Justin Abdelkader valued for all-around ability

Ansar Khan | [email protected] By Ansar Khan | [email protected]

(Another in a series of player profiles prior to training camp)

Justin Abdelkader

Position: Right wing/left wing

Age: 29

Height/Weight: 6-2/218

2015-16 stats: 82 games, 19 goals, 23 assists, 42 points, minus-16 rating, 120 penalty minutes; (playoffs) five games, one goal, no assists, one point, minus-3 rating, 35 penalty minutes.

Career stats: 480 games, 80 goals, 94 assists, 174 points, plus-3 rating, 417 penalty minutes; (playoffs) 64 games, six goals, seven assists, 13 points, minus-5 rating, 140

penalty minutes.

Contract status: Entering a seven-year contract with a $4.25 million cap hit.

2015-16 in review: Ranked third in goals, tied for sixth in assists and sixth in points on

the team. ... Notched second career hat trick in season opener vs. Toronto Oct. 9. ... NHL's No. 1 star first week of season (four goals, five points in two games). ... Collected

five goals in five games Dec. 1-10. ... Registered 13 power-play points. ... Second in game-winning goals (four) to Dylan Larkin (five). ... Third in shooting percentage (12.3). ... Career-high 155 shots, but average shots per game (1.89) declined from 2015-16

(2.17). ... Experienced nine-game stretch without a point Oct. 13-31 and eight-game drought March 24-April 7. ... Posted career-worst minus-16 rating, just the second time

he's had minus rating (was minus-11 in 2009-10). ... Career-high 120 penalty minutes nearly double team's second-highest total (Brendan's Smith's 62). ... Led club with four fighting majors (vs. Buffalo's Josh Gorges on Dec. 1, Florida's Derek MacKenzie on

Feb. 8, Florida's Jonathan Huberdeau on March 19 and Montreal's Alexei Emelin on March 29). ... Led team in hits (207) for fourth year in row and fifth time in six seasons.

... Second among team's forwards in blocked shots (44). ... First on team in combined special teams average ice time of 4:28 (2:52 power play, 1:36 shorthanded). ... One of three Red Wings to play 82 games.

2016-17 outlook: Abdelkader, following a breakout season, was rewarded with a seven-year, $29.75 million extension, demonstrating how much the organization values his all-

around game.

He'll be counted on to contribute offense (in the 20-goal, 45-point range), possibly on a top line with Dylan Larkin and Henrik Zetterberg, and will continue being the net-front

presence on the first power-play unit.

13

Just as importantly, he provides a much-needed gritty, physical element as someone who can be hard to play against. He consistently leads the team in hits and fighting

majors and has a way of disrupting opponents. He also kills penalties.

He must be more consistent, limit bad penalties and improve last season's poor plus-

minus rating.

Abdelkader will play for Team USA in the World Cup next month.

He is likely to be named an alternate captain for the Red Wings following Pavel

Datsyuk's departure to Russia.

Key question: Will Abdelkader continue playing on the top line?


14

Detroit off Hobey Baker winner's short list

By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily

DETROIT >> The Detroit Red Wings won the sweepstakes for the services of Danny DeKeyser in 2013.

That won’t be the case for the reigning Hobey Baker-winner Jimmy Vesey.

“We tried, but we didn’t make the short list,” Wings assistant general manager Ryan Martin said. “We did our best. We talked to his agent about depth and opportunity. He

said he wants to play closer to home.”

Vesey, who played college hockey at Harvard, is a native of Charlestown, Mass.

Along with the Bruins being on Vesey’s short list of teams he could sign with as early as

Friday, Toronto, Buffalo, New York Rangers, New Jersey, Chicago, New York Islanders and Pittsburgh also could land his services.

Vesey’s dad works as a scout for the Maple Leafs, who plan to have the top pick from this year’s draft, Auston Matthews, help make a pitch to his son.

Vesey was originally drafted by Nashville in the third round of the 2012 draft (66th

overall). The Predators traded his rights to the Sabres on June 20 and had exclusive negotiating rights until midnight on Monday.

Vesey, 23, can only sign a two-year, entry-level deal with a base salary of $925,000 and cap out at $2.85 million in performance bonuses.

Daniel Cleary, 37, could return for one more season with Grand Rapids. He had three

goals and 12 assists with the Griffins in 35 games a year ago. … Despite not talking since the end of July, the Wings expect to get a one-year deal done with their last

restricted free agent, defenseman Ryan Sproul, before training camp. … Detroit won’t be bringing any NHL veterans to camp on a tryout. … Ottawa will return Daniel Alfredsson’s No. 11 when the Wings visit the Senators on Dec. 29.

Macomb Daily LOADED: 08.17.2016

15

Inside look at Detroit Red Wings

By Paul Harris / NHL.com

The Detroit Red Wings find themselves in a rut.

Yes, they have reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs for 25 consecutive seasons, but they

have been eliminated in the first round in four of the past five.

So, the Red Wings' goal is to become a Stanley Cup contender again without going

through the pains of rebuilding and missing the playoffs.

"Rebuilds take 8-10 years in my opinion, and that's if you want to tank it and go through

a massive rebuild. I don't think anybody wants to go through a massive rebuild," Detroit

general manager Ken Holland said. "I think we've got to try to marginally get better,

maybe change the look of our team a little bit, and we've got to try to find a way to make

the playoffs and give ourselves another opportunity."

For the first time in 15 years, they will not have center Pavel Datsyuk leading the charge

to the postseason. Datsyuk, 38, decided this spring that he wanted to return to Russia

and finish his career there despite having a year remaining on his NHL contract. As a

result, the Red Wings traded Datsyuk and the No. 16 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft to the

Arizona Coyotes for the No. 20 and No. 53 picks, as well as forward Joe Vitale. The

deal cleared a $7.5 million NHL salary-cap charge against the Red Wings, giving them

financial flexibility to reshape their roster. Datsyuk then returned to Russia and will play

this season for SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League.

"Obviously that's a huge loss, both in the locker room and on the ice," Red Wings center

Luke Glendening said. "But everyone's just got to step up a little bit. It's not going to be

one guy's job to carry the load that he carried. That's pretty impossible."

To help, Detroit signed free agent center Frans Nielsen to a six-year contract reportedly

worth $31.5 million on July 1 (an average annual value of $5.25 million). Nielsen, 32,

had 20 goals and 52 points and was plus-12 in 81 games with the New York Islanders

last season. Datsyuk, 38, had 16 goals and 49 points in 66 games.

"Our No. 1 priority was a center," Holland said. "... [Frans] played behind [John] Tavares

(in New York) and had a lot of responsibility offensively and defensively. We feel he's a

200-foot player."

The Red Wings also signed right wing Thomas Vanek to a one-year contract worth $2.6

million and forward Steve Ott to a one-year, $800,000 contract.

Vanek, 32, has 316 NHL goals in 11 seasons but a combined 39 the past two with the

Minnesota Wild, who bought out his contract.

16

"You're always looking for goals, and Thomas had 18 goals (last season)," Holland said.

"Obviously, him getting bought out of his contract in Minnesota, we think we've got a

motivated athlete."

The Red Wings were 23rd in the League with 209 goals, and their top three goal-

scorers had 23 (rookie Dylan Larkin), 21 (Tomas Tatar) and 19 (Justin Abdelkader).

Ott, 33, is an abrasive fourth-line player. He had two assists in 21 games with the St.

Louis Blues and had surgery on his hamstring in December.

Detroit re-signed goaltender Petr Mrazek, defensemen Danny DeKeyser and Alexey

Marchenko, and forwards Glendening and Darren Helm.

Mrazek, who will go into the season as the No. 1 goaltender, signed a two-year contract

worth $8 million (AAV: $4 million) on July 27, the day when his arbitration hearing was

scheduled. He earned $737,500 last season, when he was spectacular in January (7-1-

1, 1.32 GAA, .952 save percentage) but slumped from the middle of February until the

end of the regular season, when he was pulled in five of 14 starts.

The 24-year-old lost the job to former No. 1 Jimmy Howard but returned to start Game 3

of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Tampa Bay Lightning and played the

remainder of the series, which Detroit lost in five games.

Mrazek was 27-16-6 with a 2.33 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and four

shutouts.

The previous day, DeKeyser signed a six-year contract worth $30 million (AAV: $5

million). The 26-year-old was the Red Wings' best and most consistent defenseman last

season, and had eight goals and 20 points in 78 games. He was second on Detroit in

ice time (21:48), behind Niklas Kronwall (22:00), and first among defensemen in

average ice time while shorthanded (2:41).

Detroit signed Glendening to a four-year, $7.2 million contract extension on July 14

(AAV: $1.8 million), and retained Helm and Marchenko on July 1. Helm signed a five-

year contract worth $19.25 million (AAV: $3.85 million) and Marchenko a two-year

contract reportedly worth $2.9 million (AAV: $1.45 million).

The Red Wings also signed fourth line penalty-killing specialist Drew Miller. The left

wing, who is coming off knee surgery, got a one-year contract reportedly worth $1.025

million, and right wing Teemu Pulkkinen, an unrestricted free agent, signed a one-year

contract reportedly worth $812,500. Pulkkinen will miss the first two months of the

season recovering from shoulder surgery.

17

Reasons for optimism, questions facing Red Wings


The Detroit Red Wings are an example of the glass being half full or half empty.

Yes, they make the Stanley Cup Playoffs every year but lately have been eliminated in

the first round. They have a fast-skating team that moves the puck and plays an exciting

style, but they struggled to score (209 goals last season, 23rd in the NHL).

Detroit has veteran leadership from Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall but will be

without Pavel Datsyuk after he was traded to the Arizona Coyotes and signed to play in

the Kontinental Hockey League.

The Red Wings have three outstanding young players: forward Dylan Larkin,

defenseman Danny DeKeyser and goaltender Petr Mrazek. But Larkin turned 20 in July;

DeKeyser is their best defenseman, but at 26 has yet to develop into the kind of No. 1 a

team needs to be a true Stanley Cup contender; Mrazek, 24, has been spectacular for

long stretches but has struggled for a number of games in a row, including the last two

months of last season.

Here are four reasons for optimism entering this season:

1. Dylan Larkin's switch to center

Larkin is a natural center but played wing as a 19-year-old rookie when he led Detroit

with 23 goals, had 45 points and was plus-11. Larkin will have more defensive

responsibilities and will have to improve on winning 41 percent on his faceoffs, but

playing center will give him the opportunity to affect the game in more ways with his

blazing speed.

2. Jeff Blashill's second season as coach

Blashill's first season as an NHL coach didn't always seem to be a smooth transition

from predecessor Mike Babcock. Though there are small differences between Blashill's

system and the one run by Babcock, Detroit seemed to struggle with those nuances,

particularly when the defensemen had to make the decision whether to jump up on

offense or play it safe and remain back. The players should be more comfortable this

season.

The Red Wings revamped Blashill's staff, with Doug Houda and John Torchetti

replacing assistants Tony Granato and Pat Ferschweiler.

18

Granato left to coach at Wisconsin, and Ferschweiler was reassigned after his first

season as an NHL assistant. Goaltending coach Jeff Salajko replaces Jim Bedard.

Houda will be in charge of the defensemen and penalty killing, and Torchetti will be

responsible for the forwards and the power play, which struggled for most of last season

before a late surge allowed it to finish 13th (18.8 percent). But Detroit was 1-for-25 on

the power play in a five-game Eastern Conference First Round loss to the Tampa Bay

Lightning.

3. Thomas Vanek has something to prove

Vanek was an elite goal-scorer in his prime. He had 43 in 2006-07 and 40 in 2008-09

with the Buffalo Sabres.

No one expects the 32-year-old to approach those numbers again, but there is a good

chance he could improve on his totals of 21 in 2014-15 and 18 last season, which led to

the Minnesota Wild buying out his contract.

The Red Wings signed Vanek to a one-year contract worth $2.6 million on July 1, with

the idea he will be motivated to improve on his recent totals after being bought out.

Vanek (6-foot-2, 214 pounds) also adds size to a team that really needs it up front.

4. Justin Abdelkader's continued development

Abdelkader, 29, has developed into one of Detroit's most important players in nine NHL

seasons. He scores goals (42 over the past two seasons), plays a physical game at 6-2,

218, is defensively responsible, plays on the power play and kills penalties.

With Datsyuk gone, some think Abdelkader will replace him as an alternate captain,

along with Kronwall, under captain Zetterberg.

Abdelkader has improved as he has been given more responsibility, and there is no

reason that should change.

Here are three key questions facing the Red Wings:

1. How will Pavel Datsyuk's departure affect the team?

Even at 38, and less productive and more injury-prone than in his prime, it is impossible

to replace a player the caliber of Datsyuk.

The Red Wings did sign free agent center Frans Nielsen to a six-year contract

reportedly worth $31.5 million on July 1.

But it's not just Datsyuk's spectacular ability, creativity and production at both ends of

the ice. He has been with the Red Wings since 2001-02, and he and Zetterberg have

19

been Detroit's identity and undisputed leaders since Nicklas Lidstrom retired after the

2011-12 season.

Also, what will be the impact on Zetterberg, who is not only losing a valuable teammate

but his best friend?

2. Will Petr Mrazek find consistency for an entire season?

Mrazek goes into the season as Detroit's No. 1 goaltender, but he will have to avoid the

stretch he went through from mid-February to the end of last regular season.

Mrazek was pulled five times in 14 starts in that time period and lost the starting job to

former No. 1 Jimmy Howard, whose play allowed the Red Wings to make the playoffs

via the regulation/overtime wins tiebreaker against the Boston Bruins.

That slump came after Mrazek was 7-1-1 with a 1.32 goals-against average and .952

save percentage in January. He returned for Game 3 of the first round against the

Lightning and played the last three games of the five-game loss.

Mrazek was 27-16-6 with a 2.33 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and four

shutouts during the regular season. He has an NHL record of 46-30-8 with a 2.29 GAA,

.920 save percentage and nine shutouts. He is 4-6 in the playoffs, with a 1.88 GAA and

.931 save percentage.

3. Will Danny DeKeyser continue to develop?

DeKeyser is Detroit's best defenseman, and it acknowledged that by signing him to a

six-year contract worth $30 million as a restricted free agent.

But will DeKeyser, going into his fifth NHL season, continue to be the smooth-skating

defensive stopper who makes an outstanding first pass out of the zone, or will he

develop more offense, which would make him the impact player who could make the

Red Wings a Stanley Cup contender?

DeKeyser had eight goals and 20 points and was plus-2 in an average of 21:48 in 78

games last season, but didn't play much on the power play.

20

Top prospects for Detroit Red Wings


The Detroit Red Wings have long been known to produce skilled forwards without a lot

of size, such as Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.

But they have emphasized size more in their drafting over the past four years, and it has

produced Detroit's top prospect this season, forward Anthony Mantha.

Here are the Red Wings' top five prospects, according to NHL.com:

1. Anthony Mantha, RW

How acquired: Selected with No. 20 pick of 2013 NHL Draft

Last season: Grand Rapids (AHL): 60 GP, 21-24-45; Detroit: 10 GP, 2-1-3

A 6-foot-5, 214-pound natural goal scorer, Mantha, 21, uses his size to get position in

traffic around the net. He skates well for his size but needs to keep his feet moving.

There are 14 forwards on Detroit's roster, so Mantha will have to earn it to make the

team out of training camp. But if he does, the Red Wings could use his goal-scoring

ability and his size.

Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Xavier Ouellet, D


Last season: Grand Rapids (AHL): 61 GP, 4-25-29; Detroit: 5 GP, 0-1-1

Ouellet is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound steady defender who, at 23, projects to be, at best, a

No. 4, but more likely a good third-pair player. He played 30 games for Detroit over the

past three seasons, with two goals, four points and a plus-2 rating. He makes a good

first pass out of the zone and, generally, isn't really noticed on the ice to the untrained

eye. That's good for a defenseman. Ouellet is likely to make the roster out of training

camp.


3. Joe Hicketts, D

How acquired: Signed as free agent Sept. 24, 2014

Last season: Victoria (WHL): 59 GP, 8-53-61

21

Hicketts is a 5-foot-8, 175-pound mobile defender who, at 20, has elite offensive ability,

but his size is a question.

Last season he completed a four-season junior career with Victoria of the Western

Hockey League. The past two seasons combined, Hicketts had 20 goals and 125 points

and was plus-55 in 121 regular-season games. He represented Canada in the IIHF

World Junior Championship the past two seasons.

Hicketts is almost certain to begin the season with Grand Rapids of the American

Hockey League. Because of his size, defense is a concern, but he could develop into a

player in the Brian Rafalski/Torey Krug mold.


4. Evgeny Svechnikov, LW


Last season: Cape Breton (QMJHL): 50 GP, 32-47-79

Svechnikov is 6-foot-2, 199 pounds with the ability to find open areas in the offensive

zone and, at 19, has quick, hard and accurate wrist and snap shots.

He had four goals and 11 assists and was plus-7 in 13 playoff games for Cape Breton

and helped Russia win the silver medal at the World Junior Championship.

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

5. Tyler Bertuzzi, LW


Last season: Grand Rapids (AHL): 71 GP, 12-18-30

Bertuzzi is a 6-foot, 178-pound agitating forward who has become an opportunistic goal

scorer. He scored 43 goals in 68 games for Guelph of the Ontario Hockey League in

2014-15 before joining Grand Rapids for the Calder Cup Playoffs, where he had seven

goals and 12 points in 14 games to help the Griffins advance to the Western

Conference Finals. His 133 penalty minutes led Grand Rapids last season.

The 21-year-old is the nephew of Todd Bertuzzi, who played the final five seasons of his

NHL career with the Red Wings from 2009-14.


Detroit Red Wings Clips August 17, 2016redwings.nhl.com/v2/ext/DRW_Clips_PDF/DRWClips081716.pdf ·...

Documents

Transcript of Detroit Red Wings Clips August 17, 2016redwings.nhl.com/v2/ext/DRW_Clips_PDF/DRWClips081716.pdf ·...