FunkedUp 29 Report post Posted September 29, 2008 http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20...stined_for.html DETROIT -- Darren Helm and Ville Leino are battling for the 13th forward spot on the Detroit Red Wings, which could be like the 13th floor of some hotels: It might not exist. The club appears set with its top 12 forwards and will carry eight defensemen. Even after trading a defenseman, the Red Wings might not have the salary cap space to accommodate an extra forward, at least at the start of the regular season. And if the Red Wings carry a 13th forward, they might opt for toughness over skill by keeping Aaron Downey or Darren McCarty instead. So while Helm clearly is an NHL player and Leino is close, the pair seem destined for AHL seasoning in Grand Rapids. Good article. I found Bab's comment on Lilja the most interesting. Discuss... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stormboy 47 Report post Posted September 29, 2008 as we've talked about before...it makes me sad that helm will be in the ahl. but what else are we going to do? i'd love for him to make the team, but in place of whom? i'm sure someone will get injured at some point and we'll be seeing him around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dominator2005 558 Report post Posted September 29, 2008 For Lilja - Holland wasn't going to sign him for 2 more years and then trade him... That would send a wrong message to all future FA's (around NHL). That's not a way to do it and Holland knows that. Helm and Leino - Why would you put those guys on the 4th line? Let them play BIG minutes in GR!!! Red Wings already have 3 scoring lines... they need energy 4th line... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b.shanafan14 733 Report post Posted September 29, 2008 I would love to see both on the big club, but we're too stacked at the moment, and it makes more sense they develop with more minutes in GR. But I thought that if Leino didn't make the Red Wings he was free to head back to Finland, am I wrong? If this is true, what are the chances he agrees to buy into the program and wait in GR for a year or more? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FunkedUp 29 Report post Posted September 30, 2008 I would love to see both on the big club, but we're too stacked at the moment, and it makes more sense they develop with more minutes in GR. But I thought that if Leino didn't make the Red Wings he was free to head back to Finland, am I wrong? If this is true, what are the chances he agrees to buy into the program and wait in GR for a year or more? You're right. Leino can opt to go back to Finland if he so desires. I would think that if he doesn't make the squad then he'll be on his way over the pond. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j.hoop 64 Report post Posted September 30, 2008 http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20...stined_for.html Good article. I found Bab's comment on Lilja the most interesting. Discuss... babs just sees something in lilja we dont, maybe we'll never know!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoWings1905 2,694 Report post Posted September 30, 2008 babs just sees something in lilja we dont, maybe we'll never know!! No, Babcock sees something in Lilja that too many people refuse to acknowledge. For a bottom pairing d-man, Lilja does just fine in that role. He is one of the best penalty killers on the team and a good shot blocker as well. Lilja is far more valuable to the Red Wings than Lebda will ever be. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CenterIce 83 Report post Posted September 30, 2008 Meech could play forward and defense, so he could save them a roster spot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Z and D for the C 712 Report post Posted September 30, 2008 Glad to see that babs doesn't want to deal Lilja. He's way underrated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
up2here 41 Report post Posted September 30, 2008 Is it just me or does it seem like Grand Rapids is going to have a strong team this year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CapnSmitty 39 Report post Posted September 30, 2008 We are hoping that GR has a strong team, but the same was said last year before the Debacle that was called our Season... With Leino, he has agreed to spend at least a month in GR if he is sent down, and we hope he will stay longer, because the line of Haydar, Helm and Leino is a drool worthy thought in GR, with Big Rig shoring up the D, and that is a DAMN good first line. Talking to the Griffs GM, he is feeling quite happy about the Talent we are gonna have in GR this year, only downside is it is going to be a VERY young team, unless Mac gets sent down... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EuroTwin 240 Report post Posted September 30, 2008 Nooo! Helm!! I was looking forward to watching him this season. Damn. Too many awesome players, this is the worst problem ever, lol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hoogs 8 Report post Posted September 30, 2008 Get rid of Maltby = problem solved Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nev 1,085 Report post Posted September 30, 2008 I found Babcocks comments on Leino most interesting - he's talking about him in exactly the same terms as he's talked about Hudler the last 2 years "does he want to be an NHL player?" etc. And its pretty obvious that he wants Helm in the line-up over Leino right now. As for Lilja, for all we know Holland may have signed him and told him there was still a chance he would be traded come October. Still, you gotta think Lebda, Meech or Quincey will be the one gone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
