haroldsnepsts 4,826 Report post Posted July 8, 2007 Seeing as how Abdelkader is a defensive/checking line forward and we need more scoring, they have a right to complain... Paul Statsny and Guillaume Latendresse were still available. They were both NHL ready last season and Statsny had a shot at the Calder, while Latendresse is showing signs of becoming a premier power forward. I just don't think that Abdelkader is what we're in need of right now, or when he was drafted... You're right. Abdelkader isn't what the Wings need right now. Which is fine because he's not playing for the Wings yet. Most teams don't draft for their immediate needs, because other than a handful of players, most picks won't be in the NHL for at least a couple seasons. It's not like Holland drafted a small skill center. Assuming it's two or three seasons before he's in the lineup full time with the Wings, that's when Draper will be 39 and Maltby 37. And Maltby's already on the decline. It's not like Abdelkader has turned out to be a washout in the NHL while Statsny and Latendresse are studs. They're further ahead in development. The jury is still out on the the Wings choice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltgator333 3 Report post Posted July 9, 2007 I've watched Abdelkader play a couple times and was very impressed with his presence on the ice. He may only develop into a 3rd or 4th line center, but he will put forth a good effort and could possibly be a force. I'm looking forward to him moving up in the prospect ranks and seeing what he can do at the minor pro/pro level. And stop beating my Wolverines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sean 19 Report post Posted July 9, 2007 Since I go to Michigan State, I'm slightly bias. He did score the winning goal in the NCAA championship. He's not the best with penalty shots, but he's a gritty player that will drive into the net and good physical presence. I am a Spartan as well. Nice to meet you. My sort of friend is his cousin; we talked about him a few times. I've never talked to the man himself, though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icer 0 Report post Posted July 9, 2007 The 09 Line (Kennedy, Abdelkader, Crowder) was clutch in the NCAA tournament last year and everyone feels they're only going to improve. They raise the intensity on the ice every time they take a shift and they're always crashing the net and jumping on every loose puck. From what I've seen, Abdelkader will definitely fit into this team. He plays exactly the way Babcock wants his players to play. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
