kemosabi 0 Report post Posted May 21, 2009 This may be obvious, but it just hit me. I was reading this freep article: http://www.freep.com/article/20090521/SPOR...0718/1053/rss17 And then I realized... Abdelkader - Helm - Downey will be the new Maltby - Draper - McCarty think of the fun that'll be! But, is it possible Downey will ever make it in the lineup full time? Also, that freep article says Maltby and Drapes still think they have more left in the tank. Maybe they do, but what about your young guys!? How long are Malts and Drapes thinking of staying?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NGKEIB 32 Report post Posted May 21, 2009 Sorry but I don't think Downey will see much time in a Wings uniform... Maltby has 1 year and Draper has 2 years left on their contracts. I think that Helm will be a Red Wing next season, but due to depth, cap etc. it seems likely that Abdelkader will be in GR to develop for another season, as opposed to playing 8 minutes a night in Detroit. Draper is still quick and a great defensive forward with good face-off skills. I thought that Maltby's regular season was pretty crap, but he's impressed me this post-season. Maybe they'll think about retiring after this post-season if we're successful. I think that we'll see Leino, Ericsson, Howard and probably Helm next season, but I don't think Abdelkader will play in the D. In terms of a future grind line, Helm and Abdelkader will be great. Maybe with Kopecky as the other winger? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nkuehnl 0 Report post Posted May 21, 2009 Send Kopecky to the Boogard School of Fighting and that would work. Downey is never going to see significant playing time with this club. Dude sucks at hockey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NGKEIB 32 Report post Posted May 21, 2009 And then I realized... Abdelkader - Helm - Downey will be the new Maltby - Draper - McCarty Don't forget Joey Kocur! He was on the Grind Line in 1997 and 1998. McCarty played with (among others) Shanahan and Larionov during this period. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites