Justin Abdelkader

[hckypete96 3]

i just saw him play v.s. bowling green @ bg and i must say i was not impressed. for a 2nd round draft pick for the wings i did not see why he was drafted so high. i mean i know he is a hometown boy and was mr. hockey but he just did not impress me. he is a power forward though so that will help us in the long run.

[theman19 47]

i just saw him play v.s. bowling green @ bg and i must say i was not impressed. for a 2nd round draft pick for the wings i did not see why he was drafted so high. i mean i know he is a hometown boy and was mr. hockey but he just did not impress me. he is a power forward though so that will help us in the long run.

he wasn't a popular choice for alot of our fans but we needed a power foward and we needed someone who could hit. If he can do both he's worth it.

[BlakChamber 8]

I listened to the game on the radio and it didn't sound like any of the Spartans played especially well. He's a freshman and he's been playing on the third line most of the year. Give him time.

As far as being a popular choice, that doesn't worry me. Everyone on this board thinks they could be a better GM

[J-Swift 0]

I wouldn't exactly refer to Abdelkader as a "power forward". He is physical, and has solid two-way ability, but doesn't have near the offensive talent it would take to be any more than a checking-line player.

I'm not saying he was a bad pick or anything, but it is pretty clear that Latendresse projects to be a power forward, while Abdelkader will likely become a grinder.

Funny how I always bring Latendresse up when I mention Abdelkader's name.

[Seth 0]

Ya I was gonna say power forward HA! Again Latendresse would have been a hell of a pick.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Latendresse plays an all-around game and is a power forward. He uses his body to throw thunderous checks and fight for positioning in front of the net and along the boards while battling for position. Latendresse has good instincts and always drives hard to the net. Defensively he’s responsible and is willing to lie down to block shots.

Seth I can see where you're coming from

[rick zombo 3,739]

Latendresse plays an all-around game and is a power forward. He uses his body to throw thunderous checks and fight for positioning in front of the net and along the boards while battling for position. Latendresse has good instincts and always drives hard to the net. Defensively he’s responsible and is willing to lie down to block shots.

Seth I can see where you're coming from

Latendresse can't skate. And what has he done that has been so terrific? Huh? Big deal, he had a good camp with the Habs. That doesn't mean anything. He's not even leading his Junior team in scoring. Get off his lap.

[Barnes52 0]

Still better that Abdelkader, at this point

[rick zombo 3,739]

Still better that Abdelkader, at this point

That's true Barnes. At this point.

I have faith in the Wings scouting.

And like I said, you've got guys in here proclaiming that Guilliame is the next Bertuzzi or Thorton. Soooooooooooooo overzealous.

Let me ask you cats this. Look at all the best GMs in the league, and exclude Holland if you want. They all passed on this kid.

[Barnes52 0]

You are right...they did pass, but not all of them need size as bad as Detroit does though

[Heaton 1]

You are right...they did pass, but not all of them need size as bad as Detroit does though

Who doesn't need a young powerfoward with a scoring touch? (if this is what Latendresse is supposed to turn out to be). I'd think those are the most sought after players in the league.

[Barnes52 0]

Who doesn't need a young powerfoward with a scoring touch? (if this is what Latendresse is supposed to turn out to be). I'd think those are the most sought after players in the league.

Apparently Detroit doesn't....at least they don't want to try and develop one

[rick zombo 3,739]

Who doesn't need a young powerfoward with a scoring touch? (if this is what Latendresse is supposed to turn out to be). I'd think those are the most sought after players in the league.

Exactly. The Devils could use one. And Lamoriello isn't an incapable GM like Holland right?

So this points to the fact that Lantendresse isn't maybe as s**t hot as some people here think.

[Barnes52 0]

Exactly. The Devils could use one. And Lamoriello isn't an incapable GM like Holland    right?

So this points to the fact that Lantendresse isn't maybe as s**t hot as some people here think.

Devils have a few already.....they have guys on the farm and even have a few on the club. Detroit has no one ready to take that role, accept Bootland. Let's not compare draft records of Lamoriello versus Holland please, I don't want to take it there because it might embarass Holland. Not to mention the difference in payrolls they both were allowed to work with. Not saying Detroit hasn't had any success in drafting, they have, but don't compare Holland's and Lou's records. Anyways, should be a topic for another thread.

Edited December 6, 2005 by Barnes52

[J-Swift 0]

Latendresse plays an all-around game and is a power forward. He uses his body to throw thunderous checks and fight for positioning in front of the net and along the boards while battling for position. Latendresse has good instincts and always drives hard to the net. Defensively he’s responsible and is willing to lie down to block shots.

Seth I can see where you're coming from 

Latendresse can't skate. And what has he done that has been so terrific? Huh? Big deal, he had a good camp with the Habs. That doesn't mean anything. He's not even leading his Junior team in scoring. Get off his lap.

I'm not saying Latendresse is going to be an elite power forward or anything like that. But it is well documented that he has dramatically improved his skating since the end of the last CHL season. That is the reason why he nearly made the Montreal Canadiens.

And as poorly as Latendresse is doing this season, he's not doing any worse than Abdelkader.

[PRStoetzer 1]

Abdelkader had a goal last night for MSU and has one tonight. The game is on Comcast Local right now.

[J-Swift 0]

Abdelkader had a goal last night for MSU and has one tonight. The game is on Comcast Local right now.

Good to hear. I know he started off a little slowly, but it's good to know he's coming on a bit. I still wanted Latendresse more, but it's not like I don't want Abdelkader to do well.