40#1Fan 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 DETROIT- The Red Wings announced today that they have recalled forward Justin Abdelkader from their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids, and reassigned forward Aaron Downey. Abdelkader is fifth in scoring with the Griffins, compiling 14 goals and 13 assists in 44 games. The former Michigan State standout was named AHL Rookie of the Month for October after leading all rookie skaters with seven goals. http://kuklaskorner.com/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
up2here 41 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 (edited) Interesting that its not Helm. It begs the question of whether Downey has enough skill to be a contibuter on this hockey team. Edited January 30, 2009 by UP2HERE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chunkylover 26 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 So does this mean Franzen's out on Saturday? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds4Life 51 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Too bad. Downey is much better than Kopecky and yet it's him who's sent down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoWings1905 2,694 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 I predict this thread will cause chaos very soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mors 201 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Honestly I dont know what the f*** is going on with this team. Lets send down the guy who had the only energy on the ice last night, but make sure Tomas "I'm the most useless player on the Red Wings roster since Boyd Devereux" Kopecky keeps his permanent roster spot? You know what's even sadder? Devereux was better than Kopecky. Go ahead and try to deny it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 You know what's even sadder? Devereux was better than Kopecky. Go ahead and try to deny it. Hahaha..Boyd the Void?? Wow. You're right. I'm trying to come up with an argument, but I really...I'm speechless. Boyd Devereaux is actually better than Kopecky. As a side note, I was thinking about it last night, and does anyone else think we might be showcasing some folks here? I sure as hell hope we aren't showcasing Abdelkader, but with the amount of ice that Kopecky and Filppula saw last night makes me think Holland has some bigger deals in mind than Cory Cross this deadline. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest micah Report post Posted January 30, 2009 I wish Downey would have been kept up, but I can't say I'm at all unhappy seeing Ablekader called up. I echo the above re Kopecky Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
96warrior 11 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Homer out with a groin strain: MLIVE Red Wings recall Justin Abdelkader from GR, as Tomas Holmstrom out with groin strain by Ansar Khan Friday January 30, 2009, 1:49 PM Update from Friday's practice: The Wings recalled forward Justin Abdelkader from Grand Rapids. He'll make his season debut Saturday afternoon in Washington. They sent forward Aaron Downey back down to the Griffins. Henrik Zetterberg (back spasms) and Tomas Holmstrom (sore groin) didn't practice and won't play Saturday. Jiri Hudler also didn't practice due to a sore left foot, caused by blocking a shot on Thursday. Coach Mike Babcock said Hudler will be a game-time decision. If he can't play, Derek Meech will fill his spot up front. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckbags 863 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Interesting that its not Helm. It begs the question of whether Downey has enough skill to be a contibuter on this hockey team. There should never be any question about Downey's skill level. He would be the first one to tell you that he is a plugger and purely an energy guy, good team guy and a fighter. I think Holland is probably trying to get a few of these guys up while he has the space with Stuart on LTIR. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ms_Hockey 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Whatever happened to Helm? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 (edited) Hopefully Kopecky (or Maltby) will sit so we can see both Leino and Abdelkader. I'm ok with with Abdelkader over Downie - we need to see what this kid can do (and he can drop the gloves, too). Helm has been injured and is on the mend... which is why I assume he has not been called up. Edited January 30, 2009 by egroen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoWings1905 2,694 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Man, the injuries are really hitting hard right now. Maybe the new blood will provide some energy and let the regulars heal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
up2here 41 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 There should never be any question about Downey's skill level. He would be the first one to tell you that he is a plugger and purely an energy guy, good team guy and a fighter. I think Holland is probably trying to get a few of these guys up while he has the space with Stuart on LTIR. I should clarify that by skill I mean skating ability. Downey is OK in a straight line but I notice that when he has to turn he seems to struggle. He also falls down more than most players. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Whatever happened to Helm? If its not because Helm is injured, like egroen said, then its probably because Helm is a known commodity. The Wings know they have an NHL ready guy in Helm. They need to see how Abdelkader and Leino have developed so far this season and how its affected their play at the NHL level. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 I should clarify that by skill I mean skating ability. Downey is OK in a straight line but I notice that when he has to turn he seems to struggle. He also falls down more than most players. ...and Kopecky is not one of those "most players" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HOCKEY MATTERS 167 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Man, the injuries are really hitting hard right now. Maybe the new blood will provide some energy and let the regulars heal. Remeber last February? Wings did ok in that s***storm. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown Red Wings 245 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Figures. Hope that's not the last we've seen of Downey this season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
up2here 41 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 (edited) ...and Kopecky is not one of those "most players" Im not a Kopecky lover by any means but he could skate circles around Aaron Downey. In the past the Wings have had tough guys who can skate and not be a liability on the ice. Im not sure there is a player in the Wings organization like that right now. Im also not saying Kopecky should be in there at all,just trying to figure out why Downey cant stick with this team. Edited January 30, 2009 by UP2HERE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoWings1905 2,694 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Remeber last February? Wings did ok in that s***storm. Yeah, I remember it sadly. I wasn't really doubting the Red Wings - it is just unfortunate that the injuries have really seemed to pile up lately. It's a good opportunity for guys like Leino and Abdelkader. The difference this season is that the Red Wings have nowhere near the cushion of points they had last February. Chicago isn't that far behind in the Central and the Sharks could bury the Red Wings with any extended losing streak. I want the Red Wings to get healthy, but they need to be careful of not letting this losing streak linger for too long. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dat's sick 1,002 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Damn it, no Z, Homer and maybe Hudler on saturday.. will be a tough game against a strong Capitals team. This losing streak just might stretch even further. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevkrause 1,247 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Whatever happened to Helm? Helm JUST got off an injury... he needs some time in GR before they bring him up to rehab, I'm sure if he hadn't been injured, he may have been called up, but I love the call of of Abs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ms_Hockey 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 If its not because Helm is injured, like egroen said, then its probably because Helm is a known commodity. The Wings know they have an NHL ready guy in Helm. They need to see how Abdelkader and Leino have developed so far this season and how its affected their play at the NHL level. Yeah, I can see where they'd want to work new players in the NHL level. I really hope Helm gets some playoff ice time. What an amazing rookie. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ManLuv4Clears 7 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Sucks for Aaron, I thought he showed last night that he's more of an asset than a liability. As others mentioned it's probably more of a move to see how the kids can compete in the big show. Keep your head up #44 you were voted player of the game by the fans for a reason. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ms_Hockey 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2009 Helm JUST got off an injury... he needs some time in GR before they bring him up to rehab, I'm sure if he hadn't been injured, he may have been called up, but I love the call of of Abs I'm excited to see Abs play. I haven't as of yet, but from what's been said on this board - it should be a good show. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites