Leino?

[hckypete96 3]

will he be on the squad next season? i think he will cuz its a 1 year deal and he didnt sign that w/ intentions to play in GR...peace out maltby hello leino. what do u guys think???

[Swede40 0]

Maltby isn't going anywhere.

[redwinger4747 6]

I have no idea how Leino can make this team. I wonder what will happen.

[SwedeLundin77 460]

Yeah, Leino is not going to just waltz into town and jump into the big team roster. That's not how things work around here. If he impresses enough and we have a spot for him to fill, he'll probably log 4th line minutes and earn more time through doing that. But I would bet on him playing most of the season in GR and signing something more prominent next season when we have more room for him.

You must earn your keep here, doesn't matter what you did in Europe, you need to prove it at the North American level.

[marcaractac 3,963]

His contract is basically a 1 year tryout. If he impresses at the AHL level, then I would say he gets a shot for the 2009/2010 season. We won't see him here this season. The team is too deep. I don't even think there is room for Helm either, unless we got rid of either Sammy or Hudler. No way we lose Kopecky or Maltby because we need grit.

[SaCkaveli20 275]

This is kind of off topic, but what's the story on Grigorenko?

[irishtemper14+25 11]

i wish grigs would come over and play for GR, but it wont happen......Ville Leino will make the squad mark my words, i dont know how but he will. He is too GOOD to not be playin but w/e I wouldnt mind if he plays for GR too

[Saran 1]

This is kind of off topic, but what's the story on Grigorenko?

i personally don't think we'll ever be seeing him in a wings jersey

[CenterIce 83]

i personally don't think we'll ever be seeing him in a wings jersey

I believe he is an UFA, because the Wings had signed him to a one year deal. He will probably play in Russia.

[Superman54 91]

With the suprise aquisition of Hossa, and the break out by Helm, Leino in a wings jersey doesn't appear to be very likely, at all

[Doggy 130]

Trade bait.

[FLWINGSFAN4013 5]

he would have to majorly impress and dominate in GR to make it up to the big team.....igor doesn't seem like he wants to play over here in the US, we wont see him in a red wings jersey besides last yr during the pre-season.

[Glubki 17]

He wont play in G.R. this year - if he doesn't make the team he'll go back to Finland. If he impresses the coaching staff they will probably try to hold on to his rights for another 2 years.

Edited July 3, 2008 by Glubki

[Reds4Life 51]

I have seen Leino play couple of games..he is totally awesome.

[Z and D for the C 712]

His contract is basically a 1 year tryout. If he impresses at the AHL level, then I would say he gets a shot for the 2009/2010 season. We won't see him here this season. The team is too deep. I don't even think there is room for Helm either, unless we got rid of either Sammy or Hudler. No way we lose Kopecky or Maltby because we need grit.

^ This man knows.

[skacore 2]

Trade bait.

I don't think so, what would that say about the organization? Leino could have signed with any team he wanted.

[PaVel DaTsYuK fan13 0]

he'll get his fair shot, bit unless they trade Sammy, he'll spend the year in GR unless injuries open up significant space.

[digitaljohn88 4]

His contract is basically a 1 year tryout. If he impresses at the AHL level, then I would say he gets a shot for the 2009/2010 season. We won't see him here this season. The team is too deep. I don't even think there is room for Helm either, unless we got rid of either Sammy or Hudler. No way we lose Kopecky or Maltby because we need grit.

I read on another forum that his contract is specifically NHL or back to Finland for the year. He's an MVP there and doesn't want to spend any time playing in a second-tier league here. If that's true, he'll either make the Wings or go back to Finland.

[whitey 4]

I don't think so, what would that say about the organization? Leino could have signed with any team he wanted.

I think we will see some preseason trades for prospects and/or picks. We will likely move a forward and a D-man in order to provide playing time for some of the younger players/prospects. This makes imminent sense from a cap viewpoint.

[Dominator2005 558]

Trade Sammy and you will have place for Leino... What about Ryno, any news on him?

[Hank 0]

His contract is basically a 1 year tryout. If he impresses at the AHL level, then I would say he gets a shot for the 2009/2010 season. We won't see him here this season. The team is too deep. I don't even think there is room for Helm either, unless we got rid of either Sammy or Hudler. No way we lose Kopecky or Maltby because we need grit.

I actually like Helm over both those guys (Maltby and Kopecky).

Maltby is great because of his leadership and experience, but Helm has wheels and some nice hands for a checking centre.

And with Hossa signing I wonder where McCarty fits in. He was already bumped from the SC finals by Helm so I don't see him cracking this lineup either.

If he signs, it'll have to be a two-way contract.

[Konnan511 1,736]

Like others have already said Ville Leino will have ONLY 2 scenarios play out. 1) He will play for the Red Wings and NOT play for GR as KH had promised him or 2) He will be back in Finland if he doesn't make the Red Wing's squad.