Val Filppula

[RedWingAbner 13]

This is not a "I hate Filppula because he missed an empty net" thread.

My question is-- has Filppula maxed out his potential? As a tweener 2nd-3rd liner, I think he is effective. However, at $3 mill, I think we are paying him like a 2nd liner and maybe it is time to explore moving him.

I know Filppula is favorite to some on the boards; It is often said in trades you have to give something to get something. At this point, I think that it would be wise to explore the idea of moving him and seeing what his trade value would be.

Honestly, the way defenseman are at a premium, I'd be intrigued by a Filppula for Jack Johnson deal--though I doubt it would happen because of the West/West teams involved and the standings as of now.

Flame on.

[stuck in socal 56]

He did a nice deke today to draw a penalty in OT.

[RedWingAbner 13]

I know I've said it before, but I think it's so true, so I'll say it again. Flip is like a lap dance-- it's exciting, then disappointing.

He did do a nice job drawing the penalty.

[cjm502 165]

I guess I have a mancrush on Fil or something. I think he is like a poor mans Zetterberg. This year was supposed to be hid big breakout year, but his injury messed that up. Fil is a pretty solid 2 way player every game, thats all I ask for.

[RedWingAbner 13]

I guess I have a mancrush on Fil or something. I think he is like a poor mans Zetterberg. This year was supposed to be hid big breakout year, but his injury messed that up. Fil is a pretty solid 2 way player every game, thats all I ask for.

Is a solid 2-way guy who puts up 35 points a year worth $3 mill?

[Finnish Wing 110]

Is a solid 2-way guy who puts up 35 points a year worth $3 mill?

35 points? If he had played 82 games this season he'd put +50 points. Not to mention he's great defensively.

[Konnan511 1,736]

Is a solid 2-way guy who puts up 35 points a year worth $3 mill?

If not for his injury he'd be on pace for over 50 and he plays some of the best defense on the team, so yes, he is well worth his cap hit.

[brett 1,029]

I thought flip improved a lot over last year. Seems to be able to hang onto the puck a lot better. Id like to see what he can do next year in a full season. He seems like he could be capable of 60pts. He definitely still need to work on his shot though.

[RedWingedKitten 9]

I think he's worth 3 million. He's done very well this year despite the injury.

[RedWingAbner 13]

Until he puts up 50 points, let's not go crazy. He (at 0.62 points per game) would hit 50 if he played all 82 this year at his current pace, but he's only played 29. Not quite ready to make that leap. His career high is 40.

[Finnish Wing 110]

Until he puts up 50 points, let's not go crazy. He (at 0.62 points per game) would hit 50 if he played all 82 this year at his current pace, but he's only played 29. Not quite ready to make that leap. His career high is 40.

I think making these kinda threads is more crazy.

[Tane 17]

I like him as our 2nd Line Centre. I'd say by the end of the year, He'll have had a Full season in that role (minus the Injury) And by Next year, you can count on 50-60 points. I'm fine with that.

[Rick Zombos Ghost 82]

never thought he had the ability to be above 2nd-3rd line player. he sees the game well but doesnt have the skill to be a top scorer.

[dat's sick 1,002]

I for one think he's playing great hockey and is well worth his cap hit this season.. sure, I'd like him to be underpaid like Zetterberg was for years and years, but it doesn't always work out that way. Fil looked overpaid at the beginning of his deal, looks about right this year, and in a year or two it could even look like a bit of a steal if he keeps improving.

He's also a proven playoff performer and a cool guy.

[Konnan511 1,736]

I for one think he's playing great hockey and is well worth his cap hit this season.. sure, I'd like him to be underpaid like Zetterberg was for years and years, but it doesn't always work out that way. Fil looked overpaid at the beginning of his deal, looks about right this year, and in a year or two it could even look like a bit of a steal if he keeps improving.

He's also a proven playoff performer and a cool guy.

Exactly. He might produce as well as other 3mil forwards offensivley. But he easily one of the better players in all players who make 3mil or less defensively. Plus, like you said, he shows up for the playoffs every single year, not something that can be said for all our players that make 3mil plus...

Edited January 31, 2010 by Konnan511

[RedWingAbner 13]

Exactly. He might produce as well as other 3mil forwards offensivley. But he easily one of the better players in all players who make 3mil or less defensively. Plus, like you said, he shows up for the playoffs every single year, not something that can be said for all our players that make 3mil plus...

Ah yes, the one goal=great playoff performer argument. Fredrik Olausson was awesome in the playoffs, too.

[RedWingAbner 13]

I think making these kinda threads is more crazy.

Crazy because he's Finnish?

[Z and D for the C 712]

The numbers might have changed, but without doing that math I'm pretty sure Filppula, since his return, had the most points among forwards after only Datsyuk. That also goes for games since Zetterberg's return. I'm sure Drake can back me up on those stats. There is no question of his offensive contribution to the team. He's far from perfect, but he a second line NHL player, Red Wings or not. I'll be surprised if he doesn't play on the second line for the rest of the season.

And he is a beast in the playoffs.

Edited January 31, 2010 by Z and D for the C

[RedWingAbner 13]

I don't mean to be a grammar freak, but could a best take down a beast?

Ahh, fixed. He's all right in the playoffs.....but Darren McCarty did more.

Edited January 31, 2010 by RedWingAbner

[Konnan511 1,736]

Ah yes, the one goal=great playoff performer argument. Fredrik Olausson was awesome in the playoffs, too.

A yes, the "only goals count as offensive success" argument.

[RedWingAbner 13]

A yes, the "only goals count as offensive success" argument.

All right, if goals aren't the only thing, can you really tell me that Filppula is a top-6 forward or that he is "that much better" in the playoffs?

I'm not even sticking to stats. He's just a role player. Plays good D. Yippee! So does Patrick Eaves.

[Z and D for the C 712]

Ah yes, the one goal=great playoff performer argument. Fredrik Olausson was awesome in the playoffs, too.

There is more to the game of hockey than scoring goals. Based on his play since his return, he's on pace for 46 assists over 82 games. That's top 30 league wide (for forwards). That's more than Zetterberg last year.

Again, there is no questioning his offensive contributions.

Edited January 31, 2010 by Z and D for the C

[titanium2 867]

He got no points on that play and yet he was a pretty integral part of that whole sequence.

He definitely makes an impact and sooner or later it will show up on the scoresheet.

[RedWingAbner 13]

There is more to the game of hockey than scoring goals. Based on his play since his return, he's on pace for 46 assists over 82 games. That's top 30 league wide.

Again, there is no question his offensive contributions.

I got into the same argument about "projections" this offseason. How's Ville Leino doing? Projections mean nothing. He's not done it yet, and I really doubt he ever will.

[Dominator2005 558]

I got into the same argument about "projections" this offseason. How's Ville Leino doing? Projections mean nothing. He's not done it yet, and I really doubt he ever will.