Red Wings/Griffins Grades?

[titanium2 867]

For those who see the Griffins play day in and day out, any chance you can summarize and grade the progress of the Red Wings prospects in GR? Few of us get to see the Griffins actually play and I haven't seen an article like this.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

There are a couple of posters here who are in a good position to do something like that.

I haven’t caught any games, only followed the box scores, stats and the recaps/comments people provide. Probably doesn’t qualify me to post grades but I could give it my best shot…

[Coyote0106 2]

Alright, here is my summary and grade. For the "grades" of the players, i based it off of how they were playing based on their effort, potential, and role. A career AHL'er who tries hard got a better grade then a big prospect who phones in performances.

Jonathan Ericsson - When he is playing to his potential, he is a force on defense. He is in a good position to make things tough on forwards. On the PP, or once we have setup in the offensive zone, he has a very heavy slapshot. His lack of determination is his downfall. Ericsson isn't playing every shift, or even every other. He is generally taking the first 2 periods off, then showing up for the third. He was expected to be our #1 defensmen this year, and he has yet to show that with his effort. D

Jakub Kindl - Kindl has probably been our best Red Wing owned D man. He has come along way since last season. He is joining in on the rush, moving around alot more on the PP. He wont hit people much, but when he does, it is a big one. He could definitely hit people more. He is still getting flustered when the opponents pressure him, which causes a bad pass or just loses the puck. B-

Logan Pyett - This guy is tricky. He doesn't make alot of mistakes, and seems to make the safe play. He gets pushed around alot, and doesn't appear to have the talent that some of these other guys do. I think he has reached his top level of play, and there is nothing wrong with being a career AHL'er. D+

Sergei Kolosov - He is huge. He needs to use his frame and knock people around. He seems to be afraid to take a penalty, and that makes his defensive play horrible. His puck skills aren't good...but after a year or two in the AHL it should improve. D

Ville Leino - Ville is one of the smartest players that have come through GR. He knows when to make a flashy move on a guy, or just pass it off. He SHOULD be on an NHL team. He has made defenders look like pylons. His stickwork is just amazing. Leino seems to be afraid of the hits. He went through a stretch where he was afraid to drive to the net, or fight for the puck along the boards. He ended up going pointless, then for some reason he has gone back to that original style, and it's working again. He has absolutely shocked me with his talent. B+

Justin Abdelkader - He has made several high-light reel hits. He is good defensively, and can score when the team needs it. He is very skilled at deflections. Our D-men know it, and just shoot it at him. He can knock it down almost every time. His only knock is his PIM. He takes alot of penalties that aren't necessary. B

Cory Emmerton - He will improve the more he is here in GR. He started off playing only the odd game, but earned his nightly spot. He is not shy to go into the boards for the puck, and in open space can make a move. He could improve for next year if he gains muscle like Helm did. C

Jan Mursak - The few times I've talked to him, he seems to be really disappointed with his lack of playing time. He knew he would have to fight for games, but I think he expected more. He is really quick the few games I've seen him play. He passes well, and helps out defensively. Next year he will get a better opportunity to play. Incomplete

Evan McGrath - McGrath is another Matt Ellis to me. He will be borderline AHL/NHL player at best. He can score(but it generally isn't expected), and works hard. He just doesn't have the talent to be a consistent NHL player. He has really stepped it up lately, but I think his time has passed with Detroit. I think a team like LA would like him (since they are mad about losing Ellis). C

Darren Helm - The improvement from last year to this year is as amazing as Kindl's. He isn't getting pushed off the puck anymore, and will hit people when last year he was the one getting hit. He has had many good chances on goals, and just not had the lucky bounce other teammates have had. He could easily be with 75% of the NHL teams right now. He will be a RW for a while. B+

Aaron Downey - He plays his role perfect. He is a teacher for the young players, and scares the crap out of most opponents. He is a bulldog. He will see his teammates getting harassed and try to shake out of the refs grasp to stick up for them. His play is dropping off, but he is at the end of his career. C in play, B+ in the intagibles

Jamie Tardiff - Jamie works hard every game, and doesn't get much to show for it. He would be the 3rd assist on most goals. He goes in the corners, he sacrifices his body for the team. He does all the ugly work, and gets nothing to show for it. He is another career AHL'er. B+

Mattias Ritola - Ritola doesn't turn the puck over. He can easily beat people in open ice situations, and is a big asset on the PK. He plays hard every shift, every game. You know what to expect from him. He has good hangs, but I'm not sure how well that will translate into NHL goals. B+

Randall Gelech- I didnt see him play much this year, then they shipped him out to Rochester. I think he is done with the Wings. [/b]incomplete[/b]

Ryan Oulahen - He is more deserving to have the C then Haydar. He is the same type of player as Tardiff and McGrath, except Oulahen has slightly better hands. I think there is a big jump between the NHL and AHL, and he's borderline. B

Darren Haydar - Biggest bust of the year. He might be OK on the PP, but that is all he is good for. He gives up on the puck if someone challenges him. He wont fight for it in the corner. I'd only play him in the final minute, when we're up, so he can score that way. I'm sure he teaches the younger guys things, but I hope his work ethic isn't one of them. F

Jimmy Howard - Jimmy is having another inconsistent year. Our defense was to blame for some of it, but with Larsson playing as well as he has, Jimmy needs to take it up a level or two. He doesn't seem to keep his head in the game, and that can wear down a team. He has flashes of brilliance, then just looks horrible. C

Daniel Larsson - Daniel has been our best goalie. He can make the necessary saves when the team isn't playing in front of him. He has adapted quickly to the north american style of play, which is a surprise. Liv took several months to get comfortable, Daniel definitely already is. The only two things I think he could really work on is rebounds, and shootouts. B+

[titanium2 867]

Thanks a lot Coyote! I really appreciate it.

Here is my blind optimism for some of the players.

I'm hoping Kindl-Ericsson will be another version of Kronwall-Stuart. Despite the knocks on their play as of late, it seems like that's very possible. I know he has great skating abilitiy, but it seems to me as if Ericsson is best as a stay-at-home defenseman?

If the Wings keep Pav and Z on separate lines for the playoffs, my hope is that Leino will be on Z's right wing. Z needs a guy who can handle the puck and make plays so that he can concentrate on shooting more. Leino seems better suited for that than Filppula, Samuelsson, Cleary or any of the other guys they have on the third and fourth lines.

They said Helm is like Draper with more offensive upside. It seems as if Abdelkader is like Dallas Drake with more offensive upside. Helm will definitely be a Red Wing in the playoffs and next year. I hope that Abs will be up next year as well. The 3rd and 4th lines need some real energy and I think he can provide that.

I'm struggling to get a handle of Ritola's play. They say he can fill a Tomas Kopecky-like role, but that doesn't say much. From what you said he seems to have better offensive ability?

[GROwl 5]

Coyote seems a little harsh on a few players...but for the most part, I'd agree.

Jonathan Ericsson: Has not been as much as a force this year as last year, but certainly better than a "D". With the exception of December (he just started playing again last night following the injury which kept him out of game for 3+ weeks), he played solidly for a heck of alot of minutes each game.

Ville Leino: One of the best stick/puck handlers I've seen at the AHL level. He had a stretch where he went goaless following an injury. While he only missed two games, I'm not convinced that his injury had healed when he came back. He has since gotten back into the groove and leads all Griffins in points. Needs to experience a game or two with the Wings soon.

Daniel Larsson: Huge improvement from the beginning of the season. Plays far more consistently than Jimmy Howard. Adapting very well to the rink dimensions in North American.

Jimmy Howard: Inconsistent. Seems very distracted in most of the games I've seen.

Darren Helm: Playing well at both ends of the rink. Loves penalty kills and the opportunity to break away and try to score short-handed. Like Ville Leino, ready to join NHL fulltime.

Ryan Oulahen: Very hard worker no matter the situation. Is not great a scorer, but plays his heart out each time he's on the ice.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Great read Coyote, excellent stuff! A few thoughts…

I thought you might have been a tad harsh on the pair of defensive rookies Kolosov and Pyett. In reality Kolosov hadn’t done a thing prior to signing with the Wings so they took a gamble and decided they needed to have a first hand look at him to evaluate where he’s at. While he certainly hasn’t set the world on fire I think he’s been a pleasant surprise. He doesn’t have many points but he’ll never be one to rack up the points. By all reports after a shaky start to the season he’s starting to come on strong now and has been a regular in the line-up for the past month or two now. He’s starting to get some time on the PK which is a good reward.

Pyett has been pretty inconsistent and at his worst a D+ would adequately suit but for an undersized rookie defenceman in a tough league he was always going to have his off nights. However like Kolosov I feel as though he’s really starting to develop and that’s a big call to suggest he’s a career AHL’er.

Emmerton could feel hard done by with just a C; I’d probably have him at a B. Started slowly this season but has been quite good this month, racking up the assists as well as finding his scoring touch. I’ve never been a huge fan of Cory and have felt he’s been overrated by a lot of Wings fans but his rookie AHL season has been quite steady after a slow start.

Out of all the prospects playing for the Griffins, I’ve been the most disappointed with Mursak. Not so much because of his play, simply because he hasn’t got a chance. When he plays he hasn’t had much ice-time and it seems he plays one game and then sits for the next 2-3. He is one of my favourite prospects in the organisation, certainly in my top 5, so it’s a real shame to see the coaching staff have such little faith in him. He’s such a hard worker and a talented playmaker, I think the Griffins could really benefit by giving him a larger role. I don’t want to see him suffer the McGrath fate, a poor rookie season which really sets his development back.

[Coyote0106 2]

The reason I was so hard on our D was because of how bad they have been (as a whole). Ericsson went through that stretch where he didn't try for 50 minutes, then would for the last 10. He was expected to be the #1 defenseman this year, and he isn't based on his lack of effort. Kolosov got a lower score because he needs to use the body. He needs to watch how Ericsson does it, and move the guy off the puck. If his lack of physical play was just that it'd be higher, IMO, but it leads to scoring chances for the opponent...that's just the nature of the position.

I completely agree with you though on Mursak. It really is a shame he doesn't get a legitimate chance. I dont know who he rotates in and out of the line-up to get Mursak playing time.

[lidstromania 0]

Garret Stafford? Francis Pare? Francis Lemieux? Tom Galvin?

[Coyote0106 2]

Garret Stafford? Francis Pare? Francis Lemieux? Tom Galvin?

The OP just wanted the prospects...

[GROwl 5]

Expected that Pare will become a Red Wings prospect soon. He's done very well in his first few months with the Griffins. Especially in December. He's young and plays with al ot of enthusiasm - the line of Pare, Lemieux and McGrath have been having a ball and generating a ton of excitement lately. You can see it on their faces each time they are on the ice.

Doubtful that Galvin or Lemieux will become Red Wing prospects. Lemieux possibly if he and Pare continue to sync the rest of the season.

Garret Stafford belongs to Dallas for the rest of this season and next. Solid defensemen and very personable. Respected by his teammates and fans.

[Coyote0106 2]

Garret Stafford belongs to Dallas for the rest of this season and next. Solid defensemen and very personable. Respected by his teammates and fans.

He's been one of our best D-men all year.

[jawbreaker 0]

Okay... after some looong technical problems, i'm back in business... and i'll try to resurrect the SEL thread.

I'm happy that Kindl is back on track, but why is Ericsson just average. Maybe he is disappointed that he didn't make the DRW, and is just sick of AHL? So there is a lack of effort.

If Haydar is as bad as you guys say (well... he is leading the team in points, but is -13), then maybe they should give Mursak a chance. Plus, I wonder why they gave him the C. One of our old guys should wear it, not a career AHLer, who is in his first season with the Griffins.

Leino... What did you guys expected? He was one of the best players in Finland. He was never meant to be another Grigorenko (who was, and still is below-average player in Russia). European leagues are pretty good, and have some great talent. It's not just NHL and AHL.

[GROwl 5]

Don't know what's up with Jonathan. He plays a ton of minutes and he plays them well. Just not as well as the last two years. It may be a case of expectations being so high (both on him and for him) that he couldn't possibly measure up to them.

Darren Haydar is having a rough year off ice. He admits that he has a difficult time focusing. The fact that he's leading the team in goals is pretty amazing. I don't understand the -13 nor do I understand why someone not doing well defensively is sent out on the penalty kill every time. But I guess that's Curt Fraser's decision - not Haydar's. And it seems to be working. I believe GR's penalty kill is at the top of the league right now.

I enjoy watching Leino - his skills are that good! I didn't know what to expect coming into the season, but have been very pleased. With any other franchise, he would be regularly up with the NHL Club.

[titanium2 867]

I kind of wish someone would put some new vids of Ville Leino up on YT. You know, other than the old ones in Finland of him diving and flicking people off.

[titanium2 867]

http://www.griffinscentral.com/articles/011509.html

Griffins First Half Report Cards

And the youth shall lead...

By Jason Kasiorek

www.griffinscentral.com

Seven of the Griffin's top players in the first half of the season have played less than two seasons in the AHL, giving a glimpse of a bright future in the organization. With Grand Rapids tied for first place in the North Division and Western Conference and one point out of first overall, Coach Fraser has done a masterful job of putting this franchise back on the right path after a train wreck last season. AHL All-stars Jimmy Howard and Jonathan Ericsson have taken a step back but have been replaced by Jakub Kindl and Daniel Larsson, named to represent the club this season.

These are the Griffins' first half grades:

The Rating Scale:

A - Excellence

B - Above Average - Exceeds Expectations

C - Average - Meets Expectations

D - Below Average

F - Fail

Daniel Larsson A

To say that the first year netminder has made a successful jump to North America is an understatement. All Larsson has done is win in convincing fashion, outplaying battery mate Jimmy Howard, by notching 14 wins and 5 shutouts in 19 decisions. Extremely confident and seemingly unflappable, Daniel ranks among the league leaders in wins, goals against average, shutouts and save percentage. Named to the PlanetUSA all-star team, Larsson would have to be a strong candidate for Griffins first half MVP.

Landon Wilson A

Wilson was the team's best player the first 15 games of the season. He did it all, scoring goals, providing grit, dropping the gloves and most importantly instilling a locker room swagger that carrier over onto the ice. The happy-to-be-here veteran was rewarded with a recall to Dallas where he has become a permanent fixture.

Francis Pare A

After an impressive training camp Pare was told not to get a place in GR because he might not be staying. The former QMJHL MVP took advantage of every opportunity and has just kept scoring, making it impossible to remove him from the lineup. The catalyst on a line with Lemieux and McGrath, Pare has been arguably the Griffins hottest offensive player the first half. Frankie plays well in all zones and has a knack for getting open where he uses his tremendously quick release to get an accurate shot off.

Justin Abdelkader A-

Abby got off to a great start, leading the league in rookie scoring the first month and playing a gritty, physical two-way game. It wasn't a huge surprise that his scoring fell off a bit as the season wore on. The biggest reason being the adjustment to the pace of the 80 game pro season from the 40 game collegiate seasons he was used to. The rest of his game, however, has exceeded the high expectations foisted upon him. Justin is physically mature and plays a hard game with great intensity and energy. He is responsible defensively and has the capability to be a game changing player.

Mattias Ritola B+

What a difference a year makes. Ritola has used his experience to become an impact player, leading the team in goals with 15, already more than twice what he scored all last season. The smooth skating winger is a force at both ends of the ice and is built solidly enough to give or take a check. He had a little scoring drought in November (he wasn't alone there) but has bounced back nicely.

Ville Leino B+

Leino was anointed NHL ready at the end of training camp, and started out the season proving that that was an accurate statement. The talented Finn ran into some troubles in the middle of the half, as he tried to adjust to the smaller ice and more physical nature of the North American game that left him tired and worn down. He recovered fairly quickly and started to show off his dominant puck handling skills again. Ville has led the club in scoring all season and truly has world class offensive moves. When he will have an opportunity to show those in Detroit is anyone's guess.

Sergei Kolosov B+

Signed as an afterthought at the recommendation of Coach Fraser, expectations were low for the hulking Belarusian defenseman. After a rocky start, Kolosov has improved rapidly under the tutelage of the Griffins coaching staff to become a regular in the lineup; even unseating highly touted prospect Logan Pyett. While he still has some improving to do before he has an NHL future, he has made great strides in his intensity, competitiveness and defensive play.

Jakub Kindl B

Kindl rebounded from an abysmal rookie season to become one of the top blueliners on the team. His offensive game has come online faster than expected and he ranks fourth in the league in scoring with 25 points, earning him an all-star game starting nod. He routinely mans the point on the #1 powerplay unit and shows off his low, hard point shot which he can get away quickly. His play without the puck had shown much improvement until recently when he started to backslide to a defensive corps worst -9. If he can tighten his play back up and have a strong second half, the future will look bright for Jakub.

Francis Lemieux B-

Frankie couldn't catch a break at the beginning of the season, sitting out 14 of the club's first 24 games, and not making much of an impact in the ones he did play. But the grinding winger just kept working hard and eventually was rewarded. He meshed well with rookie Frankie Pare, and ripped off a hot streak, posting 11 points in 10 games including his first career hat trick. Scoring at this level is a bonus for Lemieux who has a lot of Matt Ellis hustle and work ethic in him and plays an energetic two way game.

Ryan Oulahen B-

Always a solid defensive forward, Oulahen has stepped it up another notch this season, adding some grit to his game and even playing with an edge some nights. His offensive numbers are about where they normally are, but he has about twice as many goals as usual. Ryan provides versatility, playing all 3 forward positions in any role, and even suited up for a surprisingly effective game on the blueline earlier in the season.

Evan McGrath B-

McGrath has seen quite a turnaround in his fortunes this season. After finishing last season on a tear, big things were expected from the third year center, but instead he found himself a regular scratch to start the year. A switch to the wing, a new found work ethic, and some luck being paired with the two Frankie's have all parlayed into the best stretch of his pro career. Evan has upped his intensity and competes every night, both things he was knocked for earlier in his career.

Jason Jozsa C+

A depth defenseman heading into camp, Jozsa impressed Coach Fraser enough to earn semi-regular ice time. Used in place of struggling rookies or injured vets, Jason played well in spurts as a safe reliable blueliner with a good first pass up ice. The smooth skating rearguard was only a minus player 3 times in 23 games.

Darren Helm C+

Helm started out the season on a tear, notching 18 points in his first 15 games sandwiched around a pair of recalls to Detroit. Then his offense started to sputter and eventually the rest of his game seemed to lack the same urgency and intensity as his impact lessened. Lately playing in a more defensive role, Darren has been mostly unnoticeable and really needs to step things up the second half.

Aaron Downey C+

Downey struggled after being sent down, both on the ice, and with the prospect of playing in the AHL. After some soul searching he settled in and has played well in an energy role. He will never be mistaken for a scorer, but is an effective forechecker and a physical presence. Perhaps one of his biggest additions to the team is in the locker room and on the bench where his Stanley Cup ring and NHL experience make him a well respected voice.

Garrett Stafford C

Garrett has played as expected so far this season, solid but not spectacular. He has run the point on the powerplay and been a good partner for Kolosov, playing reasonably well at both ends of the ice. The problem is that he always seems to leave you expecting more, especially after last season's red-hot second half.

Cory Emmerton C

Emmerton has had an up and down first half as he adjusts to the pro game. After a slow start, the freshman pivot ripped off a torrid stretch of 13 points in 15 games before slowing down again. When his offense dried up, the rest of his game seemed to fall off as well, leading to him sitting out a few nights. He needs to work on his intensity and consistency, but is about where expected.

Jimmy Howard C-

Howard was supposed to come in this season, fresh on the heels of the disappointment of losing the back job in Detroit to Ty Conklin, start 65-70 games and once and for all prove he is the man for the job. Things haven't gone according to plan for Jimmy as inconsistent play and a phenomenal start by backup Daniel Larsson have cast his future in doubt. Howard has played well in stretches this season, but has not been able to put a solid run together to quiet the growing number of nay-sayers. The team appears to play better for Larsson, leading to the observation that the fourth year goaltender needs to have a strong second half to win his team back over and keep his Detroit hopes alive.

Tom Galvin C-

Tom has proven his doubters wrong every step of the way to secure a spot in the AHL with his strong positional defensive play. This season the magic has not been there, and he has not played to his usual standards. Galvin tried to be more offensively involved during the early going, which came with mixed results, and he has spent the last few weeks paired with Kindl which can be an adventure.

Jonathan Ericsson C-

After a dominant year in the AHL, Ericsson was being touted as NHL ready. His strong play, size and story (last pick in the draft) made him an intriguing prospect, and he was expected to tear up the minors while he waited for a spot to open up in Detroit. Instead he coasted through the first few months of the season, displaying little intensity, before being injured. He has ramped up his play since returning, but has some work to do before regaining all-star form.

Darren Haydar C-

Former AHL MVP Haydar was brought in to provide winning leadership in the room and scoring prowess on the ice. So far the results are mixed as the veteran has battled through personal issues and inconsistency. He is on pace for one of his lowest scoring season's as a pro, and sports a team worst -13 defensive rating.

Jamie Tardif C-

There were high hopes for Jamie as he was signed to his first NHL contract over the off-season after toiling on AHL contracts the last few years. But for whatever reason the gritty winger struggled to start the season, even losing his spot in the lineup at one point. He has stepped up his play at both ends of the ice, but has not been able to rekindle his offense consistently.

Aaron Gagnon C-

Gagnon was one of the rotation of regular scratches the first half, and seemed to play OK in spurts when in the lineup. A serviceable defensive forward, Aaron has not displayed the grit or consistency to lock down a spot despite a few solid games.

Logan Pyett D+

Logan had a rocky reception to the pro ranks, and soon played himself out of the lineup. His top-flight offensive game has deserted him somewhere between Regina and Grand Rapids, and until the last stretch, his defensive game hadn't adjusted to the speed or size of the pro game. After some time being tutored by Jimmy Paek after practice, Pyett looked to be improving the last 10 games or so.

Jan Mursak F

Mursak was expected to make a speedier adjustment to the pro game than he has. It is obvious he has the talent and speed to play here, but so far the results have been missing. A confidence building trip to the ECHL would probably be the best thing for him to start the second half.

P.J. Atherton Inc.

A favorite of the coaching staff during training camp, Atherton found himself the victim of the numbers game when he was unable to unseat Galvin or Jozsa for regular ice time. He hasn't had much of an opportunity, but hasn't shown much to earn a longer look either.