Helm on the the roster for 2008-09?

[SFwingsfan 23]

I'm inclined to say yes. His speed and strengh on the puck are insane, not to mention his confidence. Please discuss....

[Dabura 12,232]

Definitely. I could see him working well on a line with Abdelkader....

Edited June 1, 2008 by Dabura

[Lidstromrules16 7]

I dont know about that, but Huds has earned a 2nd line spot if you ask me.

[Gizmo 21]

I've been real impressed on the way he's handled himself in the Finals. Skating, hitting, shooting... he's a package deal.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Yes, no doubt at all. He's an excellent young hockey player that's really proven his worth.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I love his speed and how he always finishes checks.

[Casey 145]

He has definitely earned it.

[RedFX 48]

I would absolutely say yes. He's always shown great hustle and grit while he's been here.

[RWK23 0]

It would be pretty hard to keep a guy who has played as well as he has throughout the playoffs off the team next season. He's 20 and he's playing like a seasoned veteran. It's extremely impressive.

I agree with Dabura that I think Helm and Abdelkader would work well together. We have to remember Kopecky as well who was playing extremely well at the time of his injury.

[PaVel DaTsYuK fan13 0]

He's already a complete player and shows amazing composure for a player his age he has the energy of a young guy and plays with the knowledge of an old vet.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

For such a small guy he hits all the time. He just crashes opponents into the boards with no hesitation. He brings such intensity to the ice whenever he's out there. Rate him so highly and have been so impressed with his play in the playoffs.

[poxer 0]

Well, it's going to be hard to keep Helm up in Detroit. Depending on a few things though. If Drake retires and Kopecky is back to what he was doing before he got injured, he will take Drakes spot. Then that frees up the spot for one of the young guys to take over, either Helm or Abdelkader. It really depends on who earns their spot but Babcock might look at Helm's performance in the playoffs and be like, this guy has earned it in my book and he gives it to him.

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

It would be pretty hard to keep a guy who has played as well as he has throughout the playoffs off the team next season. He's 20 and he's playing like a seasoned veteran. It's extremely impressive.

I agree with Dabura that I think Helm and Abdelkader would work well together. We have to remember Kopecky as well who was playing extremely well at the time of his injury.

you think so? idk but i can definatly seen Kopecky getting let go simply because we have to much depth.

I mean ye he was improving but Kopecky was nothing special imo

[dr_lobster 0]

Unless he somehow doesn't show well in training camp, it's a no-brainer. Forgive the sacrelige, but his wheels make him the next coming of Draper.

[South Dakota wings fan 7]

He has definitely earned it.

I have to believe it will be hard to keep him out of the starting lineup. I just don't see sending the kid back to Grand Rapids after playing almost every game, and playing well, during a deep playoff run.

[Systemfel 33]

I don't see how he can be a lock. With a poor camp he's going back to GR.

[SoDakWing 8]

I think he'd for sure get one if he keeps it up in training camp. no slackin.

Babs will give the spot to people that deserve it. So if he continues to play like he is or (like I think he will) elevate his play. He'll have the spot.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

you think so? idk but i can definatly seen Kopecky getting let go simply because we have to much depth.

I mean ye he was improving but Kopecky was nothing special imo

That's the way I feel. He was going along well, but I'd rather see guys like Helm, Abdelkader, Filpula and Hudler develop more and get games. I dont think Kopecky could win a roster spot over them. I wouldnt be surprised if Samuelson and Kopecky are shipped out, Sammy's usefullness has run out with Hudler, Franzen and Clearys development. Kopecky, he doesnt bring anything we dont already have.

What I could see

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Filpula-Franzen-Cleary

Maltby-Draper-McCarty

Abdelkader-Helm-Hudler

Downey

or

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Franzen-Filpula-Hudler

Cleary-Draper-Maltby

Abdelkader-Helm-Downey/McCarty

Edited June 1, 2008 by Detroit # 1 Fan

[Dabura 12,232]

For such a small guy he hits all the time. He just crashes opponents into the boards with no hesitation. He brings such intensity to the ice whenever he's out there. Rate him so highly and have been so impressed with his play in the playoffs.

Bang-on.

He plays a simple game, and he plays it extremely well -- efficiently and consistently, at that. He's the next generation of Motown Grinder.

[Echolalia 2,961]

I really like the way he's been playing. His style has directly resulted in a couple goals for us this post season, which is especially impressive considering he's a temporary 4th liner with next to no nhl experience. I felt the same way with Quincey last year, and the reason he isn't here now is because of our logjam of talent already here. If Helm is to be on the roster permanently next year, he will be competing with proven nhl players to get it.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I really like the way he's been playing. His style has directly resulted in a couple goals for us this post season, which is especially impressive considering he's a temporary 4th liner with next to no nhl experience. I felt the same way with Quincey last year, and the reason he isn't here now is because of our logjam of talent already here. If Helm is to be on the roster permanently next year, he will be competing with proven nhl players to get it.

Quincey isnt on the roster because of his wrist injury early on at camp. He'd probably have made the team over Lilja, maybe even Lebda. I think if Helm stays healthy he'll make this roster.

[Lidstromrules16 7]

It might end up like the situation with Quincey last year though, granted he has played better than Quincey did last year.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Yes. But assuming Kopecky comes back, he'll probably be one down in the depth chart. I think though he might be in a situation like Howard though, where he'll do no good as a healthy scratch every few games. Assuming the Wings roster remains close to the same next season and assuming he doesn't have to clear any waivers, I'd keep him in Grand Rapids to get the most playing time possible. Does he have to clear waivers next year?

[MississippiWing 14]

I think you have to give him a spot. He's got speed no doubt, and he's giving it all he's got. If nothing more than the moral boost he provides to the young guys by showing if you have enough heart and play your ass off when given the chance you'll get a shot.

[nkuehnl 0]

Kopecky was one of our better forwards down the stretch. I can't believe how many people are writing him off.