Red Wings send Abdelkader back to Griffins, call up Darren Helm

[Louisville 112]

What the hell do you guys want from Abs? He played well for only two games since his debut 8 or 9 months ago. He finished his checks, had a few opportunities to score, and went to the net. That's more than I can say about the 3rd and 4th lines right now. He did look a little lost but that's natural for guy who's played four pro games split between two seasons. He wasn't a liability and also had the least amount of ice time than anyone last night.

It was also kinda hard to top Leino and his first NHL goal.

Jesus, you guys are harder to please than my first high school girlfriend.

[dat's sick 1,002]

Abdelkader's played a grand total of 2 games and 18 minutes of ice this season. Hard to get much of an impression.

Of course, and it's not that I think he's been bad. He could easily replace Kopecky, or Maltby. I'd love for him to get more playtime.

But I'm a big fan of Helm and if you have to send down either Abby or Leino to get him up, right now I'd rather see Leino get a little more time.

[CMatt89 63]

Well, like Babcock said at the beginning of the season..he was going to get a look at all of his GR guys that he knows are NHL ready. Im glad he stuck to his word...Now he jsut has to find a way to keep them up here! Imagine a lineup with all 4 of those guys in it... and Maltby, Sammy and, Kopecky gone...

Holmstrom/Datsyuk/Hossa

Leino/Zetterberg/Franzen

Cleary/Filpulla/Hudler

Abdelkader/Draper/Helm

Downey-Meech

.....Scary Good

[T.Low 1,011]

Excited to see Helm up. I hope its for longer than just a mocha. Whats the deal, are these guys having to clear waivers or what?

[Reds4Life 51]

Good news

I am very happy Leino is still with the team. Now if only Kopecky somehow disappeared everything would be dandy.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Good stuff. No disrespect towards Abdelkader, but Helm will be a more physical player at NHL level, this year. And that's what we need.

[GROwl 5]

Excited to see Helm up. I hope its for longer than just a mocha. Whats the deal, are these guys having to clear waivers or what?

No, except for Downey, they are still waiver exempt. They can continue to go up and down as long as their is roster room and cap space for them. No one wants Stuart to be injured or on the LTIR, but it does give the Wings the flexibility to take a look at these kids. I'd also like to see Ritola and maybe McGrath up in Detroit for a game or two before Stuart returns.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

i believe it was kopecky, who he more than made up for

Kopecky got injured

Hartigan sucked

Helm exploded

[Bannedforlife 403]

Jesus, you guys are harder to please than my first high school girlfriend.

I didn't have a hard time pleasing her

[AtomicPunk 296]

I didn't have a hard time pleasing her

Just keep plugging away and eventually things will work out.

[T.Low 1,011]

I didn't have a hard time pleasing her

Dingdingdindingdingding!