daniel1 32 Report post Posted April 23, 2009 Justin Abdelkader has started off his rookie AHL playoff season with quite a bang. He recently had a fight and a goal last game to increase his league leading point total in the playoffs. I can't wait to see someone with that kind of intensity and enthusiasm in the Wings lineup. Justin seems to elevate his game when his teams need it most, be it college hockey or AHL. How long do you think it will take before the Wings give him a shot with the big club? I know he's young but if they lose people over the summer can they really ignore 'Kader if he comes in and has a super training camp next summer? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GROwl 5 Report post Posted April 23, 2009 How long do you think it will take before the Wings give him a shot with the big club? I know he's young but if they lose people over the summer can they really ignore 'Kader if he comes in and has a super training camp next summer? It could be the year. With several Wings who need re-signing this summer and are due raises, it would put the team over the cap to give them what they are worth. The players either need to accept significant discounts to stay in Detroit...or the Wings will need to fill the openings with some entry-level player salaries. As you said, the summer will be interesting and training camp could be pretty competitive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skacore 2 Report post Posted April 24, 2009 my god I hope so Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xBrave_Heartx 0 Report post Posted April 24, 2009 He didn't impress in his games earlier in the year.. ill say that much. But i got love for the kader.. he just needs to show up in DETROI!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zettie85 106 Report post Posted April 24, 2009 Justin Abdelkader has started off his rookie AHL playoff season with quite a bang. He recently had a fight and a goal last game to increase his league leading point total in the playoffs. I can't wait to see someone with that kind of intensity and enthusiasm in the Wings lineup. Justin seems to elevate his game when his teams need it most, be it college hockey or AHL. How long do you think it will take before the Wings give him a shot with the big club? I know he's young but if they lose people over the summer can they really ignore 'Kader if he comes in and has a super training camp next summer? Yes they can easily ignore him becasue the Wings are never quick to pull up young guys early on. Helm lucked out big time and had an amzing playoffs last year and may not even play next round when drapes is back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GROwl 5 Report post Posted April 24, 2009 Yes they can easily ignore him becasue the Wings are never quick to pull up young guys early on. Helm lucked out big time and had an amzing playoffs last year and may not even play next round when drapes is back. Helm, Leino, and Abdelkader all have at least one more year of waiver-exemption too. So, worst case scenario (from their personal standpoint) would be that all three get sent back to GR next year regardless of how they do in training camp. At least with Jon Ericsson, he's out of options. Detroit either makes a spot for him or loses him to another team on waivers. Does anyone else find it odd that Helm has had more hits and key plays in any single playoff game so far than he has had in most of his GR games this season aggregated together? Does he step his game up that much due to play-offs or to impress the Wings - or a combination of both? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted April 24, 2009 I can't help but get the feeling he is extremely underrated. He is an exceptionally good prospect, there is definitely top 6 potential in him. I like this kid more after each day. What a gem! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted April 24, 2009 Helm, Leino, and Abdelkader all have at least one more year of waiver-exemption too. So, worst case scenario (from their personal standpoint) would be that all three get sent back to GR next year regardless of how they do in training camp. At least with Jon Ericsson, he's out of options. Detroit either makes a spot for him or loses him to another team on waivers. Abdelkader will be in Grand Rapids next season, Helm 50/50 but no way will Leino. He'll be back in Finland before he is playing for the Griffins again. He's served his time in the minor league, Detroit knows they've got a beauty here, they won't let him leave. He'll be a Red Wing next season serving as a replacement for Samuelsson. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vladifan 680 Report post Posted April 24, 2009 Abdelkader will be in Grand Rapids next season, Helm 50/50 but no way will Leino. He'll be back in Finland before he is playing for the Griffins again. He's served his time in the minor league, Detroit knows they've got a beauty here, they won't let him leave. He'll be a Red Wing next season serving as a replacement for Samuelsson. YESSS! ...is there somewhere where we can vote on this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
