59 replies to this topic

[wingsRdabest]

http://www.freep.com...0e_20050910.htm

With or without Datsyuk, however, the Wings always were going to have some new faces in their lineup, especially up front on the third and fourth lines. Though much could change between now and opening night on Oct. 5, Babcock came away from this past week's rookie training camp with a favorable impression of center Valtteri Filppula, Detroit's third choice (95th overall) in the 2002 draft. He has emerged as a candidate to stay in Detroit.


as you can read above it says theres a good chance he might play with us this season, a part of me would love to see him on the 3rd line with stevie , but another part of me thinks he'd be better off playing more in grand rapids


what do you guys think?

[RusDRW]

Filpula played for team Finland during the past season. I guess it is a good sign and probably he will make the team.

[WingMan56]

I think it'd benfit his development to at least start in Grand Rapids..he's small, young, and never played in north america. Let him develop.

[p.datsyuk13]

i am all for him playing with the wings this year. get that nhl experience

[Henkka]

[WingMan56]

[detroit313]

isnt he that player that was pushed by that goalie during a penalty shot?

[WingMan56]

[Aussie_Wing]

We'll I'm pretty sure everyone knows what I think...

Get him on the Wings now!

[TNBT]

[Lefkowitz]

from what i've been reading, he is really impressing and looks like he has a bright future ( hopefully with the Wings) i do think he needs to atleast start in GR and see how he progresses. if things go well, i have no problems with him in Detroit this season. let's just hope he doesn't crash his car or anything like that!

[Aussie_Wing]

This is quoted from a Wings fan on another forums site. I agree 100%. See what you think.

"He's what we need. Very explosive, good offensive ability, and young. I say give him a chance. You could argue that he may need some seasoning in the AHL, but I'd disagree. Top tier European leagues are pretty much on par with the AHL, the only thing he'll have to adjust to is the size of the rink. The Finnish league plays more like the North American style of hockey, at least moreso than the rest of Europe. There's no doubt there will be some adjustment needed, but a lot of players will need to adjust, figure out what they can and can't do, etc.. with the rules, so it won't hurt him too much.

I really like this kid, I think he deserves a chance. I can't wait to get a chance to see him play. I hope he makes the team, I think he could become a very good player."

[ColdWarrior]

I'm hoping that all our up-n-comers split their time... rotate through Det for at least 15 games in the NHL. Franzen, Ellis, McGrath, Filppula, Quincey... let them develop in the GR, but give them some NHL experience too.

Unless one suddenly appears to be the second coming of Boyd Deveraux that is.

Edited by ColdWarrior, 11 September 2005 - 10:22 AM.

[cobalos]

Filppula was excellent in last year's playoffs in Finland. Although he has developed rapidly, I still think that this (and maybe the next, too) season he should learn the ropes at Grand Rapids. Then he will be ready for the Wings lineup.

This is mainly because Filppula should be in a scoring line in order him to use his strenghts. There is no use putting him to the 3rd or 4th line...

[rick zombo]

Word on the street is that Babcock is really happy with the kid. And alot of the other prospects are impressed. So are Holland and the boys.

It's possible he could do the unthinkable and crack the Wings roster this year. Similar to Datsyuk and Zetterberg in years past.

[PRStoetzer]

Just forget about Datsyuk and put Filppula in his place. The new Eurotwins: Zetterberg and Filppula. Although maybe that Swedish/Finnish rivalry would be too much to overcome.

Try this:

Shanahan-Lang-Yzerman
Zetterberg-Filppula-Williams
Maltby-Draper-Holmstrom
Mowers-Franzen-????????

Edited by PRStoetzer, 12 September 2005 - 12:18 PM.

[ToddDaGod]

He came into prospects camp looking awful in the first game, but then straightened out and played extremely well. It'll be interesting to see what he does at training camp with all the Vets. There's a bunch of info on him in the Propects forum. People call him a combination of Dats and Zetts.

[Barnes52]

Zetterberg will and should play center....If Datsyuk doesn't come back, Zetterberg should go back to center. If I was Babcock, I'd leave Fillippa in GR, he needs to adjust to the physical play still and get consistent playing time

[rick zombo]

[Barnes52]

Yeah I agree.....he's had the skill but needed to add some muscle, and it seems like he's done that