Babcock confirms roster

[N4C3R 0]

http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/

Babs on Downey and Ellis:

On Downey

"He's going to be on the team. … We'll see what he can bring us."

"He sticks up for his teammates, gives us something we don't have in the organization. But his attitude is why he's here."

On Ellis

"Ellis is a real safe guy. We think he's improved. He's a big guy. We like his attitude. We like that about Downey too. We think they bring a lot of positive to our team as far as good people, work ethic, commitment to the guys."

Note Babs mentiones Downey when speaking about Ellis. More comments about Quincey, Meech, and Grigorenko as well. Please check Bruce's blog for complete details.

Good news for fans of the rought stuff. With Drake, Maltby, Kopecky, and Downey in the lineup, the Wings are definitely more abrasive and difficult to play against.

[Izzy24 44]

DOWNEY!!!

[NEEDMOREGRIT 12]

Good news indeed. Way to go Downey!

[Echolalia 2,961]

The game on Wednesday just got a little more exciting

[Heaton 1]

The game on Wednesday just got a little more exciting

Why? Downey won't be playing. He made the team as the 13th/14th forward, the opening day lineup has already been set. It's nice to see guys like Downey and Ellis make the team, but they won't be playing that often.

[StevieY9802 6]

I like what Downey brings. Mickey and Ken were saying the other night that he's very McCarty like. And thats what this team needed. Not the big goons like some people seemed to want. Downey is a 3rd/most likely 4th line guy that bring energy and stands up for his teammates.

Glad to see Ellis gets a shot and I agree that Grigs is better off down in GR for a little while. This could be another good year. People are saying the Wings won't be able to do it again just like the last two years. Not quite as bad as the last few years but I like not having the attention that SJ and the Ducks and Rangers are getting.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Why? Downey won't be playing. He made the team as the 13th/14th forward, the opening day lineup has already been set. It's nice to see guys like Downey and Ellis make the team, but they won't be playing that often.

Thank God. Especially in Ellis' case. Downey I wouldnt mind seeing in the lineup here and there. But IMO Ellis is worthless.

[Turkey 0]

Here's hoping that Grig sees the light and plays in GR. I still think this kid can be a star if he adapts. He's got the smarts and hopefully the rest will come with time. If he pitches a fit and goes back to Russia, I bet we don't see him again.

[N4C3R 0]

For anyone who still needs proof as to the sort of team mentality Downey brings to the table, here is a quote from Aaron reacting to the news he'd earned a spot this morning. Thank you Bruce! http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/

"A two-way deal gives them a little more flexibility in case some time down the road things don't work out. Being around the game a long time now, I understand the situation. But it's an opportunity and it's a tremendous feeling now."

"I'm going to call my dad this afternoon first, then we'll call back Kenny (Holland). … A chance to play for a team like this is an amazing feeling rather than a team like someone at the bottom of the league. … This is the Detroit Red Wings. To be able to make this hockey team is a special feeling."

Edited October 1, 2007 by N4C3R

[Zeta Power 40 1]

yes...now can wednesday come any sooner?!!?!??!

[bringback91 2]

Here's hoping that Grig sees the light and plays in GR. I still think this kid can be a star if he adapts. He's got the smarts and hopefully the rest will come with time. If he pitches a fit and goes back to Russia, I bet we don't see him again.

HIm and his agent have already been quoted as saying he doesn't mind spending time in G.R. if that's what the team thinks is best.

[Turkey 0]

Yes, I'm just hoping it's actually true. I'm not going to assume it though. If it happens, I'll dance in the streets. If it doesn't...I won't be totally shocked.

[TheBadOne 0]

I saw the roster and smiled.

For Downey, I'm glad he'll be around at the beginning of the season, because thats typically when fighting is at its highest. As Grigs is able to condition and prepare for the NHL, he can provide some needed defense for the guys until Grigs is ready for the up-tempo NHL game. I hope Grigs gets into a few fights in the minors as well, so that way he has that dimension going for him when he comes to the big club.

As for Ellis, I don't typically swear on these boards, but the opinion that he is worthless is complete and utter bulls***. The guy's managed to develop himself beyond expectations year after year, improving every facet of his game as requested by the organization.

The reason he's on the team is because he's a essential team player. I remember last year when Dom was in a slump (or coming off an injury, I forget), he called on Ellis to practice with him one-on-one to help him get his game back. Matt did, and as a result, Dom got his game back. What people see with Ellis isn't going to be measured on the stats sheet or observed by the general public. However, the 22 other guys in the dressing room are going to love having a player around who's willing to do what he can to make the team better, even if it means putting in extra time at practices and whatnot to make certain that the team is as fired up and ready as possible. And considering the scoring potential of the other 12 forwards we have, he'll fill in nicely on a 4th line if need be.

Bottom line, you may be able to ask for a better player, but you couldn't ask for a better teammate.

Congratulations to Ellis and Downey for making the cut. Go Wings!

Edited October 1, 2007 by TheBadOne

[DRAPES RULES 7]

Ellis hustled and skated his balls off at camp. We kept commenting on his grit and speed also.

Way to go Matt !

[wingschamps 0]

Congrats to Ellis and Downey!

[Guest DetroitIan]

As for Ellis, I don't typically swear on these boards, but the opinion that he is worthless is complete and utter bulls***.

Bottom line, you may be able to ask for a better player, but you couldn't ask for a better teammate.

Oh ok my bad. I'll rephrase it now. Ellis' hockey skills are worthless. He might be a great teammate. But i'll take someone that can actually help this squad get the "W". We have enough "great teammates". Ellis = Worthless.

[TheBadOne 0]

Oh ok my bad. I'll rephrase it now. Ellis' hockey skills are worthless. He might be a great teammate. But i'll take someone that can actually help this squad get the "W". We have enough "great teammates". Ellis = Worthless.

Hey, he could be lazy AND sucking

Seriously though, the Wings have a pretty complete hockey club, and I'm personally hard-pressed to find anyone else in the organization who's better for that role. They have their needs addressed in the top 6 and everywhere else, they may as well have a guy who's work ethic is not only through the roof to begin with, but is also a positive influence on his teammates. Yes, goals, assists, and saves win hockey games, but that means nothing if the right building blocks aren't in place. It wasn't like Grigs was in superb conditioning and in all-star form yet ended up sent down so a role player could have a roster spot. If the guys on the final roster can't work together to get the W, I see that as a problem with the 12 forwards put on the ice as opposed to the one who's there for support should anything go down.

There's a reason the organization's high on this guy. Considering how successful the Wings have been in spite of everything and everyone in their way, I'll have faith in their decision to award Ellis an NHL roster spot.

[isbister 0]

Oh ok my bad. I'll rephrase it now. Ellis' hockey skills are worthless. He might be a great teammate. But i'll take someone that can actually help this squad get the "W". We have enough "great teammates". Ellis = Worthless.

Unfortunently I agree with you. Ellis brings nothing to the team IMO. Ellis doesn't pose a threat offensively and he's not all that physical either. Oh well, hopefully he'll prove me wrong.

[StevieY9802 6]

Hey, he could be lazy AND sucking

Seriously though, the Wings have a pretty complete hockey club, and I'm personally hard-pressed to find anyone else in the organization who's better for that role. They have their needs addressed in the top 6 and everywhere else, they may as well have a guy who's work ethic is not only through the roof to begin with, but is also a positive influence on his teammates. Yes, goals, assists, and saves win hockey games, but that means nothing if the right building blocks aren't in place. It wasn't like Grigs was in superb conditioning and in all-star form yet ended up sent down so a role player could have a roster spot. If the guys on the final roster can't work together to get the W, I see that as a problem with the 12 forwards put on the ice as opposed to the one who's there for support should anything go down.

There's a reason the organization's high on this guy. Considering how successful the Wings have been in spite of everything and everyone in their way, I'll have faith in their decision to award Ellis an NHL roster spot.

My take on it is that management knows quite a bit more than any of us on this board does. If they didn't people in here would be in the front office. And honestly if some people in here were people would get released every wek. So I have faith in what they do. Fans in here were saying the Blue Jackets would be better than the Wings back in 06. How'd that one turn out? People in here also didn't see the Wings getting past the Flames, I was a skeptical one but I wasn't thinking they were done for sure. Ellis might not have the best hockey skills but he knows his role isn't to score goals, he's even said so.

Edited October 1, 2007 by StevieY9802

[Nightfall 871]

HIm and his agent have already been quoted as saying he doesn't mind spending time in G.R. if that's what the team thinks is best.

Thats a different tune than he sung when he came into camp. He wanted a roster spot or he was going back to Russia. Personally, I think the AHL is a good start for him to learn North American style hockey because it is vastly different than the experience he would get in Russia. That makes his transition easier.

Personally, I would be pleased a punch of Igor stayed here and played in GR. He will be a first line player there and he could easily work on the language barrier when he is not playing.

[auxlepli 17]

Dangit. I was really hoping Grigorinko would make the team. I understand why Babcock sent him down. Hopefully Grigorinko does what Babcock hopes and he'll back sooner rather than later.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

YAYYYYY!

The two I wanted to make it both did. I know they won't be playing much, but you gotta think they'll get their fair share of playing time with injuries and all.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

I'm glad as hell that Downey made it, but why isn't he dressed for Wednesday's game? You know the Ducks will have at least 2 enforcers in the lineup.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

I'm personally not surprised about Grigs not making the roster. What does surprise me is that there isn't anyone on the boards really complaining about it. I've never really been too impressed with Grigs, I'd take Downey in a heartbeat.

[N4C3R 0]

I think this is mostly an indication of who has made the team at this point. I do not believe Babs has released the lineup for Wednesday's game at this point. I wouldn't be surprised if he dressed Downey to send a message to the Ducks and the rest of the team.