Red Wings sign LW Leino

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

I am excited about this and I tell you why.

Fabin Brunstrom was getting all the hype for breaking out and being a superstar and this kid did a very simular feat. I am not saying he will be better then Fabin, and it looks like Vilie was plan B, I am saying that this kid can play. I actually hoped not too long ago that we signed both of these late bloomers as it would be the perfect timing to fill out the Forward depth and see what they had before making a call on some of our farm prospects.

Plus isn't the Wings the team that always gets a plan B guy and makes him look like class A?

Answer: Yes.

From the very little I saw of this kid, which consisted of a 40 second highlight reel I can't seem to find right now, he looked better then Val....

Of course I have seen alot more of Val then a 40 second highlight so this says nothing.

The guy is fairly big, he has a mean streak in him, has good hands and hockey sense, plus he is a two way player. Sounds like a addition for the Red Wings.

In the very least it will give me two players to scout against each other in the coming years.

I have no doubt he will be better than Val.

[Kp-Wings 3]

77 points in Finland? Those are some pretty good numbers, especially in the European leagues, which don't have as much scoring. Speaking of which, that is more points than Brunnstrom ever put up, so why was there not as much with Leino? Does the scoring in Sweden drop off that much that the numbers Brunnstrom put up, which was only about 30-40 points, seem more impressive than it really is, or is it because the offensive talent in Finland is that much better?

Oh well, whatever the case may be, this seems like a good signing to me. Leino sounds like he has a lot of offensive abilities, which is good, because this team could always use more secondary scoring. Good signing.

Edited May 11, 2008 by Kp-Wings

[FinRedWing 172]

77 points in Finland? Those are some pretty good numbers, especially in the European leagues, which don't have as much scoring. Speaking of which, that is more points than Brunnstrom ever put up, so why was there not as much with Leino? Does the scoring in Sweden drop off that much that the numbers Brunnstrom put up, which was only about 30-40 points, seem more impressive than it really is, or is it because the offensive talent in Finland is that much better?

That's a very good question.

Maybe our Swedish fans could shed some light on this?

All I know is that Leino was dominant last season,but I bet he also played more minutes than Brunnstrom did in his team.

And he didn't exactly come out of nowhere (lower level hockey) like Brunnstrom did.

Maybe those things don't make him worth any hype?

Edited May 11, 2008 by FinRedWing

[cirov19 1]

I can't really say I expect him to be good, but signing Leino is a huge relief. Not that I don't expect him to be good. I'd rather not have any expecatations at all so I'm not disappointed.

Edited May 11, 2008 by cirov19

[SweWings 45]

That's a very good question.

Maybe our Swedish fans could shed some light on this?

Brunnstrom had an excellent agent.

[miksteri 55]

77 points in Finland? Those are some pretty good numbers, especially in the European leagues, which don't have as much scoring. Speaking of which, that is more points than Brunnstrom ever put up, so why was there not as much with Leino? Does the scoring in Sweden drop off that much that the numbers Brunnstrom put up, which was only about 30-40 points, seem more impressive than it really is, or is it because the offensive talent in Finland is that much better?

Outside of Selänne, the skill in scoring goals drops off dramatically, the finnish talent mainly excels in defensive side of the game, specially between the pipes, Kipper, Bäckström, Toskala and few others waiting for their opportunity.

Defence is good at keeping their own end clean, only a few that can are good at PP.

I wish that finnish junior coaches would wake up and try to develop the creative forwards too.

[Johnny Diamonds 25]

Here's an interesting take on Ville Leino off this blog.

A couple weeks ago, at the height of the Fabian Brunnstrom madness, I was chatting a bit with Risto Pakarinen, a Finnish hockey writer based out of Stockholm. What I really wanted was a sense of what those who had seen Brunnstrom play thought of him, and where they pegged him as a potential NHL player.

Pakarinen was relatively muted in his praise of the young Swede, but he was keen on another player. Good Finn that he is, Pakarinen wanted to let me know about a countryman named Ville Leino.

"Brunnstrom is not the hottest player around here," he said. "This guy is."

[Opie 308]

Here are a few questions:

Are the Red Wing's savvy enough to pull off the old switcheroo?

Did they fain interest in Brunnstrom so that people would follow their lead? I mean it is well known that Hakan is the European scouting god, if the wings are interested in Brunnstrom, they make their interests known, now other teams are thinking, damn this kid is a Swede, the Wings are talking to him, we should be too.

All the while they are talking to Leino behind the scenes and walk away with the more talented player. Not saying right now one is better than the other, I don't know that, but it seems like a likely scenario.

Have the Wings gotten to a level with their scouting that other teams are willing to try to pick off players they are going after?

Would they use that to fool others and get who they want?

[FinWing 26]

Here are a few questions:

Are the Red Wing's savvy enough to pull off the old switcheroo?

Did they fain interest in Brunnstrom so that people would follow their lead? I mean it is well known that Hakan is the European scouting god, if the wings are interested in Brunnstrom, they make their interests known, now other teams are thinking, damn this kid is a Swede, the Wings are talking to him, we should be too.

All the while they are talking to Leino behind the scenes and walk away with the more talented player. Not saying right now one is better than the other, I don't know that, but it seems like a likely scenario.

Have the Wings gotten to a level with their scouting that other teams are willing to try to pick off players they are going after?

Would they use that to fool others and get who they want?

An interesting take on this. I wouldn't put it past them, Wings seem to be a step ahead of everyone in terms of scouting, especially in Europe.

[Hank 0]

I wonder if he got the 1 month guarantee like Fabian was given. The only good thing about this is if he pulls a Rhyno and wants to go home.

I'm no genius but for whatever reason I think this kid is going to be a top-6 guy from the get-go.

Finland has been called "Canada Jr" in Europe. He's used to physical hockey and he obviously has the skillset to succeed in that league.

I wouldn't be surprised if he scores over 20 along with 50+ points his rookie year.

[Hank 0]

An interesting take on this. I wouldn't put it past them, Wings seem to be a step ahead of everyone in terms of scouting, especially in Europe.

That's why it would be pretty scary if Holland ever left and took Hakan Andersson with him.

[Opie 308]

That's why it would be pretty scary if Holland ever left and took Hakan Andersson with him.

I am not sure about this so it is a question out of curiosity not questioning you, but isn't Hakan more tied into Jim Nill and Devellano than Holland.

For some reason I remember reading one of or the two of them brought Hakan in. I could be very very wrong though!

[Hank 0]

I am not sure about this so it is a question out of curiosity not questioning you, but isn't Hakan more tied into Jim Nill and Devellano than Holland.

For some reason I remember reading one of or the two of them brought Hakan in. I could be very very wrong though!

No, you're right. He definitely has more ties.

I'm just thinking, if Holland ever took another job he'd be dumb not to try and pursuade Hakan to work for him.

But from the sounds of things, Hakan loves being apart of this organization so I don't think it'll ever happen. Hopefully he has a son and carries on the tradition.

[FinRedWing 172]

Kenny's comment

“We think he’s a good hockey player,” general manager Ken Holland said, adding Leino was recommended by the team’s scouting staff. “He wants to come over to North America. He’s got good hockey sense. He’s good down low. He’s got skill, good hands. His goal is to play in the NHL. If he can’t make our team, we can send him back to the Finnish league.”

Back to the Finnish league? With one year deal he's got?

It's make or break then.

[WhiteLightning91 105]

I was under te impression he had no problem playing in GR if he didn't make the Red Wings right off the bat.

[FinRedWing 172]

I was under te impression he had no problem playing in GR if he didn't make the Red Wings right off the bat.

Me too,that's why Kenny's comment seems to strange.

Leino has made it clear that he wants to play in North America,hard to believe he'd even want to come back right away.

He has seen the game played here and the rinks etc. - it's time for a new challenge.

[up2here 41]

Here are a few questions:

Are the Red Wing's savvy enough to pull off the old switcheroo?

Did they fain interest in Brunnstrom so that people would follow their lead? I mean it is well known that Hakan is the European scouting god, if the wings are interested in Brunnstrom, they make their interests known, now other teams are thinking, damn this kid is a Swede, the Wings are talking to him, we should be too.

All the while they are talking to Leino behind the scenes and walk away with the more talented player. Not saying right now one is better than the other, I don't know that, but it seems like a likely scenario.

Have the Wings gotten to a level with their scouting that other teams are willing to try to pick off players they are going after?

Would they use that to fool others and get who they want?

There may be some truth to this. I'm sure that by now when the Wings scout a Swede the rest of league are telling their people to scout that Swede also. I'm also sure they are sick of hearing how late Hank was drafted.

[Glubki 17]

I was under te impression he had no problem playing in GR if he didn't make the Red Wings right off the bat.

He doesn't want to end up playing a season in the AHL - scroll to the bottom of this link and and you will see a quick notation citing a foreign article on Ville...

http://www.hockeyforum.com/international-h...07-08-a-17.html

Edited May 12, 2008 by Glubki

[WhiteLightning91 105]

Holland said Leino will come over next season to try and make the Wings.

"If he can't make the team, we'll probably send him back to the Finnish League," Holland said. "I think if has to go down (AHL) for a couple weeks to get acclimated, he'll do that. The plan is he's coming to North America to try and play in the NHL."

Seems pretty evident Leino will not be going back to Finland.

[FinRedWing 172]

He doesn't want to end up playing a season in the AHL - scroll to the bottom of this link and and you will see a quick notation citing a foreign article on Ville...

http://www.hockeyforum.com/international-h...07-08-a-17.html

That is his agent's comment,not Ville's.

And it was a month old article,way before he had signed to play for us.

I'm sure he had a few teams after him,but he chose Detroit.

And that's not the easiest way to get into NHL,I'm sure also Leino realizes that.

"I think if has to go down (AHL) for a couple weeks to get acclimated, he'll do that. The plan is he's coming to North America to try and play in the NHL."

Sounds good!

[Dabura 12,232]

Good signing. With time, he could be a solid second-line staple.

Edited May 12, 2008 by Dabura

[djup 0]

He sounds great, but knowing Ken I wouldn't be suprised if he spent a year or two playing for the Griffins.

[redwinger4747 6]

If we let Drake and Downey go (sorry but I want youth right now) there seems to be room for Leino on a roster of 14 forwards, and this includes Helm and McCarty. I wouldn't mind seeing next year look like:

Datsyuk Zetterberg Holmstrom

Samuelsson Franzen Filppula

Maltby Draper Cleary

Hulder/Helm/Kopecky/McCarty/Leino (these 5 battle for 4th line duties at least to start)

This looks great to me.

And just for kicks, I'm hoping for:

Lidstrom Rafalski

Kronwall Stuart

Ericcson Chelios (Meech/Lebda if he retires)

Try to move Qunicey for a draft pick, maybe 4th-5th round.

[WhiteLightning91 105]

If we let Drake and Downey go (sorry but I want youth right now) there seems to be room for Leino on a roster of 14 forwards, and this includes Helm and McCarty. I wouldn't mind seeing next year look like:

Datsyuk Zetterberg Holmstrom

Samuelsson Franzen Filppula

Maltby Draper Cleary

Hulder/Helm/Kopecky/McCarty/Leino (these 5 battle for 4th line duties at least to start)

This looks great to me.

And just for kicks, I'm hoping for:

Lidstrom Rafalski

Kronwall Stuart

Ericcson Chelios (Meech/Lebda if he retires)

Try to move Qunicey for a draft pick, maybe 4th-5th round.

Quincey is way more valuable than a 4th or 5th rounder that may or may not pan out. Meech and Lebda should be moved before Quincey.

[djup 0]

If we let Drake and Downey go (sorry but I want youth right now) there seems to be room for Leino on a roster of 14 forwards, and this includes Helm and McCarty. I wouldn't mind seeing next year look like:

Datsyuk Zetterberg Holmstrom

Samuelsson Franzen Filppula

Maltby Draper Cleary

Hulder/Helm/Kopecky/McCarty/Leino (these 5 battle for 4th line duties at least to start)

This looks great to me.

And just for kicks, I'm hoping for:

Lidstrom Rafalski

Kronwall Stuart

Ericcson Chelios (Meech/Lebda if he retires)

Try to move Qunicey for a draft pick, maybe 4th-5th round.

Samuelsson should not be a 2nd liner. He hasn't done much to prove himself this year IMO. It should look more like this:

Datsyuk | Zetterberg | Holmstrom

Cleary | Franzen | Filppula

Hudler | Draper | Helm

Maltby | Leino | McCarty

Lidstrom | Rafalski

Kronwall | Stuart

Ericsson | Meech

Players that should be moved/scratched: Drake, Downey, Kopecky, Lebda, Lilja

Chelios and Hasek I assume will retire.