wingsRdabest 0 Report post Posted September 10, 2005 http://www.freep.com/sports/redwings/wings...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? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RusDRW 155 Report post Posted September 10, 2005 Filpula played for team Finland during the past season. I guess it is a good sign and probably he will make the team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingMan56 0 Report post Posted September 10, 2005 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
p.datsyuk13 0 Report post Posted September 10, 2005 i am all for him playing with the wings this year. get that nhl experience Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Henkka 0 Report post Posted September 10, 2005 he's small He's slightly bigger than Yzerman. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingMan56 0 Report post Posted September 10, 2005 (edited) He's slightly bigger than Yzerman. Yzerman is 5'11 190...Filppula isn't. Besides, Filppula isn't Yzerman. He needs to develop for a year in the AHL first. Edited September 10, 2005 by WingMan56 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
detroit313 0 Report post Posted September 10, 2005 isnt he that player that was pushed by that goalie during a penalty shot? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingMan56 0 Report post Posted September 10, 2005 isnt he that player that was pushed by that goalie during a penalty shot? Nope, that was Kopecky. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted September 11, 2005 We'll I'm pretty sure everyone knows what I think... Get him on the Wings now! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TNBT 3 Report post Posted September 11, 2005 We'll I'm pretty sure everyone knows what I think... Get him on the Wings now! lol Yes, we all know what you think Aussie_Wing. We know that you would be all for signing a fetus as long as it would accept a two-way contract. As for Filppula, it's best to let him get some ice time in Grand Rapids this year, at least at the start of the season. You have your exceptions (guys like Kovalchuk) who can come straight into the NHL from Europe and play well, but for most guys, they need a bit of time to adjust to the North American game. Filppula is no exception. Lets at least let him start the season with Grand Rapids and get a bit of a feel for the North American game before we go rushing him straight into the NHL team. Maybe by the end of the season we canbring him up if we need to (to cover for injuries, form slumps, etc). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lefkowitz 0 Report post Posted September 11, 2005 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! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted September 11, 2005 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." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ColdWarrior 0 Report post Posted September 11, 2005 (edited) 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 September 11, 2005 by ColdWarrior Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cobalos 0 Report post Posted September 11, 2005 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... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick zombo 3,739 Report post Posted September 12, 2005 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRStoetzer 1 Report post Posted September 12, 2005 (edited) 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 September 12, 2005 by PRStoetzer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ToddDaGod 0 Report post Posted September 12, 2005 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barnes52 0 Report post Posted September 12, 2005 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick zombo 3,739 Report post Posted September 12, 2005 (edited) 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 I agree. I think he could maybe get stronger. Maybe gain 10lbs. Babcock says he's got major league speed though. Of all the current Wings prospects excluding Kronwall, I think Filppula sounds like he's made the biggest strides since draft day. Edited September 12, 2005 by rick zombo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barnes52 0 Report post Posted September 12, 2005 Yeah I agree.....he's had the skill but needed to add some muscle, and it seems like he's done that Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
osiris99 0 Report post Posted September 12, 2005 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-???????? WOW, Placing him on the second line Center! Are we jumping the gun a bit here? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheNewGreatOne87 0 Report post Posted September 12, 2005 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-???????? -???????? Bootland hopefully dats is on that list too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mighty Wings 0 Report post Posted September 12, 2005 I agree with all of the positive stuff that has been said. As a matter of fact i think we should dump hudler and promote him next year. He is a much better all-around player than hudler. Flippula doesn't have a real good scoring touch, but its ok. But like dats and zets, he posesses excellent playmaking skills and on-ice vision. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
J-Swift 0 Report post Posted September 12, 2005 I agree with all of the positive stuff that has been said. As a matter of fact i think we should dump hudler and promote him next year. He is a much better all-around player than hudler. Flippula doesn't have a real good scoring touch, but its ok. But like dats and zets, he posesses excellent playmaking skills and on-ice vision. Personally, I feel it's a little early to be dumping Jiri Hudler. He's only 21, and although he lacks size and isn't exactly the fastest, he has some awfully good skillls. If Datsyuk re-signs, or the Wings find a second line winger via the free agent market or a trade, I feel that both Filppula and Hudler should start the season in the AHL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRStoetzer 1 Report post Posted September 12, 2005 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-???????? WOW, Placing him on the second line Center! Are we jumping the gun a bit here? Remember that this isn't just some kid who's been playing against other kids his age. He's been in the top Finnish league for 3 years. He's played against veterans and some NHLers last year. He only had 10 goals and 20 assists in 55 games last year, but stepped it up in the playoffs and scored 5 goals and 6 assists in 12 playoff games. The Finnish league might not be anywhere close to the NHL, but I think it's a better indication than juniors or college where all the players are roughly the same age. Really, why not try and use a line of Zetterberg-Filppula-Williams? If he sucks, no big deal, just send him back to Grand Rapids. If he's awesome, then it works out and the Red Wings are a better team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites