Article summing up the top five points to bring from training camp

[Drake_Marcus 890]

From Freep: What we've learned about the Wings so far

The Red Wings finished their exhibition season with a 6-3 record after shutting out Toronto, 4-0, on Saturday, ending a preseason that has been refreshingly devoid of controversy. Other than one opening at both forward and defenseman, the story lines were spoken for before camp commenced on Sept. 13. Here, then, is what we've learned since:

1. Johan Franzen looks ready for a break-out year. He has jelled well playing on the left side of Pavel Datsyuk, and the fact he still hungers to kill penalties -- an unglamorous job that requires a willingness to block shots -- shows just how utilitarian he can be. In six exhibition games, Franzen scored five goals.

2. Igor Grigorenko looks better than when he first joined the Wings three weeks ago. He's getting more involved, and it's clear that when he does have the puck, he knows how to handle it. If his conditioning can catch up to his smarts, he could be a valuable addition.

3. Valtteri Filppula looks entirely capable of having his own line. This isn't a surprise, as his skill level has been there from the start and his defensive instincts always were well-developed. But it's a further sign that the Wings are in good shape that Filppula, already a good passer, spent the summer honing his shot.

4. Jimmy Howard looks ready to dominate the AHL. He's fitter mentally and physically than in previous camps, and has impressed with his maturity.

5. The defense looks to be in great shape long term, what with the puck-handling skills of Jakub Kindl and the steady presence of 6-foot-5 Jonathan Ericsson.

Helene St. James

Sounds about right to me.

[Kp-Wings 3]

It all depends on how willing Grigorenko is to accept an assignment to GR.

Honestly, it will do him no good being the #13 forward. Unless you take someone like Kopecky out of the lineup, that is what he'll be. Downey is a much better suit to that role, since he probably won't demand a whole lot of ice time like Grigorenko would.

We'll see what happens tomorrow, I guess. The final decisions should be made then.

[WhiteLightning91 105]

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20..._to_organi.html

Grigorenko is willing to start the season in GR. Him and his agent both confirm this. Grigs and his wife are also looking for an apartment in the suburbs so it looks as though he is committed to staying with us the whole year.

[Konnan511 1,736]

So I was never able to watch Kindl, how'd he look out on the ice?

[Lidstromrules16 7]

Grigorenko's agent sounds like an ass saying that he was obviously better than some of the wings prospects out there. Honestly, I dont think Grigs did anything more than Hartigan or Ellis. To me, its a toss up.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Grigorenko's agent sounds like an ass saying that he was obviously better than some of the wings prospects out there. Honestly, I dont think Grigs did anything more than Hartigan or Ellis. To me, its a toss up.

I'm surprised Grigorenko's agent isn't Mark Gandler or Gary Greenstein. Those two have a knack for turning simple situations into big problems when it comes to Russian hockey players.

Hopefully Grigorenko actually earns a roster spot, and not get's it by threatining to go back to Russia. I don't want someone like Downey or Ellis, who are working their asses off to be here, to lose their rosters spots to someone who doesn't want to try.

Edited October 2, 2007 by Kp-Wings

[datsyukismyfriend 4]

I'm surprised Grigorenko's agent isn't Mark Gandler or Gary Greenstein. Those two have a knack for turning simple situations into big problems when it comes to Russian hockey players.

Hopefully Grigorenko actually earns a roster spot, and not get's it by threatining to go back to Russia. I don't want someone like Downey or Ellis, who are working their asses off to be here, to lose their rosters spots to someone who doesn't want to try.

yeah, my excitement for grigorenko is pretty much gone. i didn't see much of him, but what i did see was disappointing to say the least. to not even show up to camp in-shape for basically the biggest tryout of your career says a lot about your character. hopefully he'll turn it around with a few weeks in gr, but from what i've seen so far i doubt it. if he doesn't then good riddance.

[clutchngrab 12]

I can't think of a time in the last 10 years of RW history when a young, highly touted player of this nature had such an open door to cracking the top 9 (let alone top 6) forward spots of the wings. Along with others, I am very disappointed in his preparation for this opportunity. It will be very interesting to see whether he heads back to Russia where he can make 2mil or so (tax free) or stays in GR for 70K. I suspect that decision has already been negotiated by the wings and grig's agent. It should be very interesting to see what transpires for Grigorenko in the next month.