FunkyBlueFish203

I think the AHL rookie of the year award (Dudley “Red†Garrett Memorial Trophy) is being announced today. Watch out for Jimmy's name, he was mentioned as one of the potential winners along with Al Montoya and Patrick O'Sullivan.

Ah, good team. Hopefully he sees quality action and produces and develops well. This kid is a tank, if he can come close to his potential, it'd be excellent news for us.

Kindl only signed an amateur tryout contract. http://www.griffinshockey.com/newsroom/news/?id=5466 I'm not sure what the rules are regarding his pro status after he plays with the Griffins.

He will only play the remainder of the regular season. The Griffins already declared their playoff roster and Kindl wasn't on it so he won't be allowed to participate. Since his season with the Rangers ended early, they just brought him over to test him out. I think he'll start the next season with the Rangers, too but don't quote me on that.

That is fantastic to read. Lebda was the third star, and MacLean had a hattrick. Kopecky scored his 30th. Kindl made his Griffins debut and assisted on the 6th goal. So much for the doom and gloom predicted for us each year, somehow we manage to churn out good prospects and keep going strong.

Good article on Jimmy from NHL.com

As expected, named Goalie of the Month by the AHL. Link: http://winnipegsun.com/Sports/Hockey/2006/...518857-sun.html

Didn't look so good yesterday. Gave up 4 goals on 16 shots and looked okay but not as good as he looked in March during his 11-0 stretch. Has likely played a lot and needs a breather. Griffins couldn't score a PP goal and lost 4-2 to the Moose.

And birthday boy made 33 saves in a 3-2 win against the Americans today afternoon. Damn this kid is good. Imagine him 2 years from now in a Wings jersey.

MLive: P.S. Happy 22nd!

From OSS:

Jimmy Howard Named AHL Player of the Week Very nice. Keep it going.

Drew has already been called up. I think Joey left the last game because of a groin injury. Howard has played well and won 21 games now. The more he plays, the more he gets accustomed to the pace and scheduling, and the more he improves. He has all the skill, it's just a matter of getting used to the surroundings.

Well him and Roloson did take the Wild to the WCF a couple of seasons ago. And Fernandez is generally regarded as the more capable of them two. In the best goalie poll conducted by The Hockey News among NHL players, Fernandez got a vote or two, not Legace. I know what you're saying. Manny can go far and we can still afford him if he wants us to. He may not be twice the goalie Osgood is but he is capable and you get paid based on how you perform and he has performed well this season. I won't hold it against him if he tries to cash in elsewhere, like you said, he hasn't really lived the "good life." Also, after this season and a good playoff run included, Legace can't be called a career backup anymore. He's got skills and experience, even if it comes as a backup, and teach something. I don't know, all we're doing is speculating, we'll just have to see how it goes.

The only way Legace can price himself out of Detroit's plans is by having a strong playoff run. I don't see anyone offering him $4M/season. Detroit cannot offer him big raises or a salary any bigger than $2-$2.5M/season. Regardless, it is his choice on where he wants to sign and how much he wants to sign for. I think he'll be back, and if so, Osgood's done, but if not, the Wings will retain Osgood. Holland's not calling all the shots on goaltending either so his personal preference can only come into play so much. Depends really. In any case, I think either MacDonald or Liv will be up here next season and one of Osgood and Legace will be gone. Time to slowly start making room for Howard.

Yes, I know that. MacDonald left after the 1st because of a groin injury. Jimmy still "took over," played great and helped the Griffins win.

Howard took over for MacDonald again last night and shut the door as the Griffins came from behind to beat the Barons 3-2. He's playing with a lot of confidence right now, which is great for him.

From MLive: Howard was sensational in a 14 round shootout win last night. Stopped 11 of 14 in the shootout and 32 shots in regulation. Great win for him and the team.

If we don't sign Liv this summer we lose his rights, and I wouldn't be too surprised if the Wings just let him go. He'll probably be signed and brought over to play in the AHL. He has had a very inconsistent time in the SEL. At times he's marvelous and at times he's pathetic. We'll see what happens over the summer.

From here: He won his 18th game last night. Joey MacDonald was pulled after the Admirals went up 3-0. Jimmy stopped all 13 shots he faced and the Griffins won 5-3. I'd say he's getting better with every game. Getting used to the longer schedule and the pace is the biggest thing for him. He has all the potential in the world, he just needs to hone his game to match the level he's at and gain confidence and he'll be good. He's only 22 right now so he's got plenty of time. I don't think we will see him in Detroit next season unless it's for a couple of emergency starts like he had this season. Jimmy could see some action come AHL playoff time this season but the Griffins will likely go with Joey MadDonald as their outright starter. Either MacDonald comes up as the back up in Detroit next season or gets traded away. Though the Wings organization has a logjam in goal at the AHL and ECHL level, the only guy with any real potential of being the starter with the big club is Jimmy Howard. Howard will likely take over as starter for the Griffins full time next season and we may see him eased into the lineup with the big club from the 2007-'08 season.

The one thing you sort of notice about the Oilers is that they pay a lot of attention to college hockey and go for guys with size. Brad Winchester is your usual 3rd liner. Very smart player, big guy obviously, can play center or wing, good skater and has a good shot. Knows how to muck in the corners, too. Liked him with the Badgers. Matt Greene is in one word, a TANK. Big guy, terrific skater, a defensive defenseman who can dish out a big hit and knows how to play solid in both ends. Marc-Antoine Pouliot is probably more famous for being Sidney Crosby's linemate than anything. But he's an excellent player on his own, terrific passer, knows how to read and make plays very well. He's known to have a bit of a temper but that only helps him remain aggressive.

Poor Cleary. peace Hahaha, that's funny. Just yesterday I was reading Cleary's mini Q&A in the latest edition of The Hockey News and making fun of him for saying his worst travel experience is when he has to travel coach.

This post made my evening Way to go, Heaton! I hate Cory Cross. I hate everything about him. He has size but his size is useless. He makes so many dumb plays, people will be screaming for his head after 1 game. A fourth rounder is gross overpayment for him. Seems like Holland had bigger plans that fell through (Witt possibly with Nashville overpaying at the last second to steal) and settled for Cross. Good news is Cross won't dress unless there's an emergency. Here's hoping there aren't any.

Please don't paste an entire article. As noted, there are obvious copyright issues involved. A small section and the link to the main article will do, thanks. That being said, Quincey has progressed nicely. Kid still needs to add some bulk to that frame.

Keith Carney - $2.052M. I believe this is the last year on his contract. His 2-year option was picked up by the Ducks on June 30, 2004. 2004-05 was wiped out, thus this is the final year. Burke is looking for young, speedy guys. He will likely dispose Carney by the deadline. Again, I am not sure if we have the assets to compete with other teams. Carney is a very good stay-at-home d-man. Durable, big, physical. No huss no fuss, he can get the job done. Could be a good rental for the playoffs.