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I still think Smith should have fought Chara.

LGW!

Stream is up on GCL. LGW!

LGW! I probably won't be posting as much during games this year, but I will be watching. I'm surprised Weiss is out, but I'm excited to see Nestrasil. How many more weeks until Mantha returns? After seeing he and AA in Traverse City, I'll be watching more GR games this year.

I can also see the NHL doing more to discourage "big hits" that cause many of the concussions in the NHL. Regarding fighting, would anyone be upset if there were more power forwards similar to Lucic, Simmonds, Lindros, etc. in the league? It seems the overall level of toughness/fighting has gone down in the NHL, and enforcers are relied on to provide "toughness" that should be spread throughout a team.

If you are "traveling" to Europe, you should be able to get GCL for $99.99. GCL played the intermissions for the Fox Sports Detroit games last season, but not the pre and post game commentary.

Ouellet!

They did Te'o two years ago.

The Red Wings have announced the dates for the 2014 Prospects Tournament and Training Camp. Does anyone have advice for attending the events, and is anyone thinking of going to either of the events this year? http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2014/06/detroit_red_wings_announce_dat.html

Jurco!

Sheahan!

Jensen!

If live games aren't (as) important to you, NHL Vault is a less expensive legal alternative that will allow you to watch full replays the day after each game.

He was with paired with Nedomlel in Traverse City, and they worked well together.

He was great in the game I saw in Traverse City. Hopefully he can continue to improve.

Miller-Glendening-Callahan could be a great fourth line.

Glad to see him signed.

I just got back from my trip to Traverse City and other parts of Michigan. I was able to catch the Prospects Tournament on Friday, but I didn't go on Saturday due to other plans (I got engaged). I strongly recommend attending the tournament. We planned our trip around seeing the Wings, and the game was one of the best parts of the trip. Below are some short impressions from the game. The play was a little sloppy- most of the players haven't played together- and players who hustled and were hard on the puck were most noticeable. Mantha- Had two excellent goals. The first was a nice snipe, and the second was batted in from mid air. He seemed very composed, made few mistakes, and controlled the play well. He was the Wings' best forward, and I'm excited to see him in preseason. From what I saw he didn't look NHL ready, but he was also playing with new teammates. Athanasiou- Dangerous. He has great speed and an excellent shot, and was exciting each time he touched the puck. He played a little recklessly, and was hit hard a few times throughout the game. The raw talent is there, and I am excited to see how he can put his shot, speed, and tenacity together. IMO he was more exciting to watch than Mantha. Frk- Fast, hustles, and has a great work ethic. I am hoping he can continue to improve in GR this season. Turgeon- Always seemed to be in the right place to make a play, offensively and defensively. We always noted his hustle and energy. I wasn't a big fan of the pick originally, but I am now convinced. Bert- Much smaller than I expected, both in size and how he plays the game. He made a few bad plays, but managed to assist on the last goal in regulation. IMO he needs to get stronger to be a physical player at the NHL/AHL level. I expected a better game from him- hopefully I caught him on an off night. Sproul- Solid play and a great shot to send the game to OT. I expected him to be the Wings' best D, and he was by far. Hicketts- I was impressed. Solid play and scored the GWG in OT. Was very smart with the puck, always seemed to be in the right position, and made a few good checks. His size didn't seem to be an issue in the game, but will likely hinder him getting an NHL contract. IMO if he were 2-3 inches taller, the Wings would/should sign him. Nedomlel- Formed a solid pairing with Hicketts. Used his size well and was positionally sound. He didn't hesitate to challenge a Blues player to a fight that boarded Athanasiou. I think he has the ability to be a McQuaid type player. McNulty- Has all of the tools, but needs a lot of improvement. He had some great offensive rushes, and was able to use his size to physically dominate play in the corners and in front of the net. He made some bad decisions, and was benched in OT along with Wheaton. Babcock- Scowling as usual, but I saw him smile during the first intermission. Chelios- Looks like he's in shape and ready to play.

The schedule for the prospects tournament has been released. http://www.theleftwinglock.com/2014/08/12/2014-nhl-prospect-tournament-schedule-announced/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Bump. Can anyone who has been to both of the events suggest which is better to attend?

I agree- he has improved each season since joining the WHL and provides a role the Wings lack.

I agree- he has earned a chance with the Wings as the 12-13th forward.

Me too- it was an easy choice for me because I was there.

Mantha? FWIW I would rather trade Tatar than Jurco.

This upsets me most about the Q and Cleary signings. The Wings have players who are ready to take those roster spots, but can't this season without injuries.