Kopecky to test the open market

[titanium2 867]

Kind of disappointing though isn't it?

03/18/2006

Tomas Kopecky, C, 38th overall, 2000

A breakout year moves Kopecky from 12th to seventh on the Top 20 list. He has finally arrived as a scoring threat and has been instrumental in Griffins success in 2005-06. The Red Wings called him up when the gold medal-winning Swedes missed a game after the Olympics. Kopecky was a +1 with one shot on goal.

His development has been slow, scoring only 66 points total in three previous seasons in Grand Rapids. The 2005-06 season is a contract year for Kopecky and breakout season is necessary to persuade the Red Wings to re-sign him. Posting 54 points in 66 games and a notable +16, the second round pick in 2000 has earned a second contract. His 23 goals are good enough for fourth best on the team.

Kopecky centers a tough but productive line with Filppula and Darryl Bootland. Often matched up against opponents' top forwards, he has shown he can find the net and sustain a physical role. At 6’3 and 205 pounds, Kopecky has the size to play an aggressive game, but needs to gain strength to challenge larger NHL skaters.

Kopecky’s has a potential role as an agitator with an offensive upside. He has great hands, boasts a powerful shot and uses his size well. He will get a good look from the Wings during training camp next year, but needs to work on speed, defensive awareness and strength. He will likely spend most of the 2006-07 season in Grand Rapids. For the Griffins, he will be given the chance to continue his offensive progress and log plenty of ice time.

[eva unit zero 271]

Nice projected stats.

Yeah, and I had the potential to be an underwear model.

Kopecky was considered a B-level power forward prospect with defensive upside. Due to injury, he ended up becoming more of a defensive grinder with a bit of offensive awareness and skill. It could just be that he needs some time to recover, it could be that his maximum potential is ruined. We won't know for another couple of years. But Kopecky was projected as a physical second line scorer with good defensive play. He was a dominant physical player and scorer in the AHL. I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up producing much more than most posters here ever expected out of him if he ends up leaving and going somewhere he actually gets a chance to play. He may not be a top talent, but he is a two-way talent who brings physical play. A lot of teams would give him a shot on one of their top two lines, just as Franzen was given a shot in Detroit. Kopecky was given a shot in Detroit on the second line and did well when playing there. He didn't look out of place and he performed quite well. Letting him go for nothing is a mistake on Holland's part.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Kopecky was considered a B-level power forward prospect with defensive upside. Due to injury, he ended up becoming more of a defensive grinder with a bit of offensive awareness and skill. It could just be that he needs some time to recover, it could be that his maximum potential is ruined. We won't know for another couple of years. But Kopecky was projected as a physical second line scorer with good defensive play. He was a dominant physical player and scorer in the AHL. I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up producing much more than most posters here ever expected out of him if he ends up leaving and going somewhere he actually gets a chance to play. He may not be a top talent, but he is a two-way talent who brings physical play. A lot of teams would give him a shot on one of their top two lines, just as Franzen was given a shot in Detroit. Kopecky was given a shot in Detroit on the second line and did well when playing there. He didn't look out of place and he performed quite well. Letting him go for nothing is a mistake on Holland's part.

You really think some team will be willing to trade anything for this guy?

Holland doesn't have a choice but to let him go for nothing.

[eva unit zero 271]

Kind of disappointing though isn't it?

03/18/2006

Tomas Kopecky, C, 38th overall, 2000

A breakout year moves Kopecky from 12th to seventh on the Top 20 list. He has finally arrived as a scoring threat and has been instrumental in Griffins success in 2005-06. The Red Wings called him up when the gold medal-winning Swedes missed a game after the Olympics. Kopecky was a +1 with one shot on goal.

His development has been slow, scoring only 66 points total in three previous seasons in Grand Rapids. The 2005-06 season is a contract year for Kopecky and breakout season is necessary to persuade the Red Wings to re-sign him. Posting 54 points in 66 games and a notable +16, the second round pick in 2000 has earned a second contract. His 23 goals are good enough for fourth best on the team.

Kopecky centers a tough but productive line with Filppula and Darryl Bootland. Often matched up against opponents' top forwards, he has shown he can find the net and sustain a physical role. At 6’3 and 205 pounds, Kopecky has the size to play an aggressive game, but needs to gain strength to challenge larger NHL skaters.

Kopecky’s has a potential role as an agitator with an offensive upside. He has great hands, boasts a powerful shot and uses his size well. He will get a good look from the Wings during training camp next year, but needs to work on speed, defensive awareness and strength. He will likely spend most of the 2006-07 season in Grand Rapids. For the Griffins, he will be given the chance to continue his offensive progress and log plenty of ice time.

9/8/2006

Next up is Tomas Kopecky, who like Hudler has seen his development go up and down since the draft. Last season put him back in the Wings’ future plans and he now has a good chance of making the team out of training camp. Kopecky has a good combination of size, skill and grit that the Wings are seeking. He could spend time anywhere from the second line to being and extra forward this season.