Aaron Downey gets under Wings' skin

[N4C3R 0]

http://www.redwingscentral.com/stories/200...6_Notebook.html

Free-agent tryout Aaron Downey made his presence felt in Saturday’s scrimmage. The 6-foot, 216-pound forward got under the skin of prospect Evan McGrath and burly forward Johan Franzen.

Aaron's lost his share of fights, but is a willing combatant and great team guy that would bring more grit to the lineup. Do you think he has a chance to crack the lineup to make the team, or was he invited to camp to light a (physical) fire under some of our younger guys?

[Guest DetroitIan]

I actually really like Downey. But if I had to choose one guy out of the bunch, IMO Sopel is the guy. I mostly only watched Sopel as an LA King, but I really liked his game. I like what Downey brings to the table. But if Kenny is only taking one, I hope it's Sopel.

[Echolalia 2,961]

I actually really like Downey. But if I had to choose one guy out of the bunch, IMO Sopel is the guy. I mostly only watched Sopel as an LA King, but I really liked his game. I like what Downey brings to the table. But if Kenny is only taking one, I hope it's Sopel.

I'm kinda iffy about Sopel. Apparently he has a problem with turnovers, and we just got rid of Lang.

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

I'm kinda iffy about Sopel. Apparently he has a problem with turnovers, and we just got rid of Lang.

Schneider wasn't exactly using a sticky stick either. Either of them would be a good pick since they both represent what the Wings have "lacked." Downey = grit and Sopel = filling of hole on D.

[TheBadOne 0]

Well, per dropyourgloves.com, Downey has a career record of 34-30-24, so I have to give him the tilt for winning more than he lost and still hanging on to most.

Anyway, if I had my way, Detroit would go with 14 forwards and Downey would be #14. If the Wings were to get Sopel, they should move Lilja first (which probably isn't going to happen.) I think that the 7th slot should go either to Meech if he performs well during the preseason or Ference if he can do well in the preseason and win a few fights.

[BlueMonk 102]

[ProfessorLidstrom5 0]

Well if he had to choose between Sopel and Downey, I would pick Downey for the simple fact that we are real deep on D. Even if one of our Dmen get injured, we have the luxury of 2 or 3 other guys that could step in and perform at NHL level. Guys like Quincey, Kindl, and Meech all have what it takes to step into that 6th spot if needed. Downey brings something to the Wings that they lack and that is an enforcer. Yes I know Downey doesn't win much fights but I believe him and Drake could provide an adequate mean edge to the entire roster.

[Skiing - Puck 0]

Why did you post the fight between Keefe and Clark on a post about Downey?

[redwingfan19 293]

who is that can't tell who it is, the one guys looks like sammy

[Guest Crymson]

I actually really like Downey. But if I had to choose one guy out of the bunch, IMO Sopel is the guy. I mostly only watched Sopel as an LA King, but I really liked his game. I like what Downey brings to the table. But if Kenny is only taking one, I hope it's Sopel.

I'd take Downey as a 13th forward and Sopel as 6th/7th defenseman. He could serve like Woolley did.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Why did you post the fight between Keefe and Clark on a post about Downey?

Yeah really. Can someone please mod this mod? lol

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I want Sopel and Downey.

[Skiing - Puck 0]

who is that can't tell who it is, the one guys looks like sammy

On the left is Adam Keefe, on the right is Neil Clark.

Edited September 17, 2007 by Skiing - Puck

[arnoldbuck 0]

Anyone else anticipating Downey introducing himself to Pronger?

Despite a terrible give away, I am still on the Pain Train. I would love to see a war between these two teams this season.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Anyone else anticipating Downey introducing himself to Pronger?

I am, Im also anticipating Drake and Lilja giving Anaheim some this year.

[theman19 47]

I am, Im also anticipating Drake and Lilja giving Anaheim some this year.

giving them what exactly? a card before the game that says "please don't send your goons at us". Neither of those guys are noted fighters and Downey would probaby get his tail handed to him by pronger. Not that he'd be able to touch him, half the ducks bench would try and protect Captain Cheap shot.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

giving them what exactly? a card before the game that says "please don't send your goons at us". Neither of those guys are noted fighters and Downey would probaby get his tail handed to him by pronger. Not that he'd be able to touch him, half the ducks bench would try and protect Captain Cheap shot.

Drake, Lilja and Downey are the best we've got. We got Malts Drapes Cleary and Homer as well, I think the opening game of the season may just be a goon fest. Im kinda disappointed we didnt re-sign Markov, he'd be in on it as well.

You gotta try to be positive about it lol

[theman19 47]

Drake, Lilja and Downey are the best we've got. We got Malts Drapes Cleary and Homer as well, I think the opening game of the season may just be a goon fest. Im kinda disappointed we didnt re-sign Markov, he'd be in on it as well.

You gotta try to be positive about it lol

true, I think it'll be heated for sure. i'm thinking we beat them on the score board.

[Skiing - Puck 0]

It would be great to see some old time hockey between us and the Ducks, maybe a thing like happened on March 26, 1997.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

true, I think it'll be heated for sure. i'm thinking we beat them on the score board.

Me too. I'm thinking it'll be 3-0 or 4-1. It may be a couple weeks away, but im really excited now.

[Izzy24 44]

giving them what exactly?

I dunno, but they're gonna get it. Corey Perry's gonna get it, too.

edit: grammar

Edited September 18, 2007 by Izzy24

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

The sad thing is that even if we sign Downey and dress him for 82 games, we'll still be the softest team in the league by a mile.

[skacore 2]

The sad thing is that even if we sign Downey and dress him for 82 games, we'll still be the softest team in the league by a mile.

No we wouldn't be... Downey in 82 games would probably be 15-20 fights and we would probably sit around 25, so from a fighting stand point we would be a little below average but physical play we'd be fine with Drake, Maltby, Cleary, Franzen, Lilja, Kronwall, Kopecky, Downey, etc.

[Skiing - Puck 0]

Problem with that idea is the fact that we don't have any legit fighters on our team (as of yet)

Back in '97 we were loaded with guys whom could drop the mitts; Shanny, Dmac, Kocur, Lapointe, & even Rouse.

I know, but one can dream can't they. By the way, Kocur wasn't dressed that game.

[redwingfan19 293]

Downey would be good for this team, with him and drake flying around hitting everything and scraping that should get the guys goin like they did in the playoffs when schnider threw the first big hit of the calgary series. It got everyone goin and saying" hey this is how we are going to play",and have the cant be pushed around mentality. Downey would be great for this team IMO. He's no Boogaard, but he fights anyone and has alot of heart and is a good team guy.