40#1Fan 0 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...9/80103033/1048 Red Wings reserve defenseman Derek Meech, who has played in just nine games this season, practiced with the Wings Thursday, and then was shipped to Grand Rapids. “I’ll get down there, get some good minutes in, get the feeling of just getting out there and competing and getting into my old regiment will be a nice feeling for my mind and my body,†Meech said. “The goal is to go down and just to play well and hopefully help the Griffins to win some games down there.†Meech has played in just nine games this season. “It’s been a little bit difficult not getting into the lineup,†he said, “but guys have been really supportive. I’ve just been coming in every day with a good, positive frame of mind and just treating every practice as a game-type situation is what I’ve been doing all year. I’ve only had nine games this year, but I’m trying to keep it simple every game I’ve played in.†Meech is expected to return Jan. 17. Mike Babcock – who wished Meech good luck as Babcock passed Meech in the hallway while leaving Joe Louis Arena – said it would be a good experience for the 23-year-old. “We think he’s a real good player,†Babcock said. “But, we’ve got real good players and it’s not just like it’s your turn. It comes on an at-earned basis.†INJURY UPDATE: Tomas Holmstrom, out since Dec. 20 with a sore right knee, said he hopes to play either Sunday at Chicago or Tuesday at home. “I feel pretty good,†he said. “I’m shooting for Sunday. I really hope Sunday.†Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds4Life 51 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 Great news, cant wait to see Homer back Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cicada 4 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 i would have expected Meech to have played more games this year tbh.. being that #7 dman can be tough, but expected Kronwall to be out with one of his season ending injuries by now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 He was still eligible to be sent down????? And it took us this long to send him down, why would you keep him up when he could be logging 20 mins a night, PP and PK time. Why is he coming back up? Keep him in the minors so we wont lose him! Good that Homer is coming back, whenever Malts gets back, we'll have our full team and be unbeatable! (Yes, I went there). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt 1,049 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 He was still eligible to be sent down????? It's a two-week conditioning stint. January 4th - 17th = 14 days. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
irishtemper14+25 11 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 well thats good news about holmstrom Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 It's a two-week conditioning stint. January 4th - 17th = 14 days. Ah, I see. But conditioning stint? Isnt that when someones injured and there sent down to get back into game shape? Or can you do that with any player? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yemack 1 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 I don't think there is certain period rule in place for that. or maybe we shouldn't do it so blatantly I had high hopes for Meech but IMO he really hasn't showed anything to deserve a regular spot on roster. I like how he keeps himself positive and be a good teammate but he really needs to learn more about dealing with different situations and opponents. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 Meech is playing in a tough spot right now. He knows he isn't a superstar and hasn't been given many chances to play like we all want him to. In the nine games he did play he wasn't too impressive. Here's the thing, though, I really believe he CAN be a great player. He has the tools. All he needs is the confidence. Even the best players in the NHL suck when they have no confidence in themselves. And very, very, very few people can jump into the league and play really impressive defense off the bat. Even the best young d-men in the league right now have some rough times. Defense is much tougher and less forgiving then forward. I'd love to see Meech play really well in GR then come right up and play a fantastic game here in Detroit. That's what he needs. To bust his balls and play a really great game without worrying too much about it (ie. having some fun - ala Dats and Z) for two weeks in GR. Prove to himself that he's got it. Once he's convinced he can do it he'll be ready to impress. There's no way sitting out 32 games in Detroit hasn't shot his confidence- but he's got to look at the roster ahead of him. He's playing for the Detroit Red Wings. Very few 23 year olds crack that roster. And only in times of real need! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icer 0 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 (edited) Meech has got to be happy he even made it to the NHL. Not too many guys picked up in the 7th round can say that. Just goes to show you what hard work can do for you. Besides the Griffins can sure use him right now. Maybe he can help get them back up above the .500 mark. Edited January 3, 2008 by Icer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt 1,049 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 One thing is certain: The Wings aren't doing it as something toward cap relief, as Meech will still be paid his NHL contract. "...13.8. Conditioning Assignment. Unless a player consents, he shall not be sent to a minor league club for conditioning reasons. Nor shall such conditioning extend for more than 14 consecutive days without the player's consent. The player shall continue, during such period or mutually agreed to extension of such period, to receive the same salary, and be entitled to the same benefits, that he would have received had he continued to play with the Club..." Meech has got to be happy he even made it to the NHL. Not too many guys picked up in the 7th round can say that. Just goes to show you what hard work can do for you. Very true, especially considering some thought that he was merely riding Dion Phaneuf's coattails as his blueline partner in Red Deer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 Forgive my ignorance and lack of knowledge, but in this case can Meech be claimed off waivers then? Do the Wings, at least this season, have to even worry about him and waivers at all (regardless of how good or bad he is playing or how good/bad people might perceive him to be)? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lfd250 1 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 Nope he's ours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thedisappearer 291 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 Meech is playing in a tough spot right now. He knows he isn't a superstar and hasn't been given many chances to play like we all want him to. In the nine games he did play he wasn't too impressive. Here's the thing, though, I really believe he CAN be a great player. He has the tools. All he needs is the confidence. Even the best players in the NHL suck when they have no confidence in themselves. And very, very, very few people can jump into the league and play really impressive defense off the bat. Even the best young d-men in the league right now have some rough times. Defense is much tougher and less forgiving then forward. I'd love to see Meech play really well in GR then come right up and play a fantastic game here in Detroit. That's what he needs. To bust his balls and play a really great game without worrying too much about it (ie. having some fun - ala Dats and Z) for two weeks in GR. Prove to himself that he's got it. Once he's convinced he can do it he'll be ready to impress. There's no way sitting out 32 games in Detroit hasn't shot his confidence- but he's got to look at the roster ahead of him. He's playing for the Detroit Red Wings. Very few 23 year olds crack that roster. And only in times of real need! What he said. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt 1,049 Report post Posted January 4, 2008 Forgive my ignorance and lack of knowledge, but in this case can Meech be claimed off waivers then? Do the Wings, at least this season, have to even worry about him and waivers at all (regardless of how good or bad he is playing or how good/bad people might perceive him to be)? He is waivers-exempt for the condition stint. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grittzkey 1 Report post Posted January 4, 2008 He is waivers-exempt for the condition stint. he can be down in the ahl longer as long as he agrees to it? is that what im reading? And does this mean we are bringing someone up? or cant we. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
