Most likely forwards to be called up next season?

[Guest blueadams]

First of all, let me say this, I am a big proponent of not making any big moves this summer, saving a little cap-space, and seeing whats out there at the trade deadline. In the absence of Hoss and Sammy, I think that Flip, Huds, Leino and Helm are really, really going to step it up points-wise. I think that we should wait and see how they develop before making any drastic moves to replace Hoss and Sammy. Besides, who knows - knock on wood - there could be an injury to a key player that needs replacing at some point during the season. Even if that's not the case, seeing how the team develops, and addressing a weakness at the end of the season is a much smarter approach than trying to guess what weaknesses we're going to have prior to even training camp. It also has a certain tendency to energize a tired old team...ala Brad Stuart last season. I think that we would be just fine going into the season with lines (something!) like this:

LW: Filppula, C: Zetterberg, RW: Franzen

LW: Hudler, C: Datsyuk, RW: Cleary

LW: Leino, C: Helm, RW: Holmstrom

LW: Abdelkader, C: Draper, RW: Maltby

LD: Lidstrom, RD: Rafalski

LD: Kronwall, RD: Stuart

LD: Ericsson, RD: Lilija/Lebda

G: Osgood

G: Howard

The question with that club, offensively at least, is depth. If someone goes down, who is going to step up now that Helm, Leino and Abby are all everyday players. So my question is this - who would be the first, second, etc. forward prospects called up from grand rapids!? I'm not talking about our 'best overall prospects,' I'm talking about our most NHL-ready prospects.

Ritola?

[uk_redwing 495]

I want to see Jamie Tardif get a few games.

[robb himself 143]

RITOLA and TARDIF at forward and KINDL on defence

Edited July 4, 2009 by robb himself

[Andy Pred 48 337]

Id like to see what Pare could do playing with better players. I also think Tardif could provide some grit to the fourth line, not a heavyweight but he does drop the gloves.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

Ritola, Tardif, Emmerton. Mcgrath? Oulahen?

[GROwl 5]

Ritola, Tardif, Emmerton. Mcgrath? Oulahen?

Yes, these boys will compete for callups against the handful of late signings that Detroit usually adds to the GR roster:

*Veteran AHL'ers

*Guys that have spent most of their career floating between the AHL, NHL and Europe

*Last-chancers (RFA's from other clubs that didn't receive qualifed offers-rarely does this last group work out).

When Detroit and GR signed their affiliation contract, Detroit agreed to supply GR with a certain number of players. Usually the number of true prospects falls slightly short, so Detroit adds the roster fillers by the end of training camp.

[dat's sick 1,002]

Tatar and Ferraro.

I wish. Can't wait until we get to see those guys though.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

GRowl, Whats the word on Oualy, Will his leg be alright to start TC?

[Zeowingsfan 16]

I thought that I read in one of the threads that Oulahen was out of minor league options, though I could be wrong on this. Anyone know if this is true or not?

[LeftWinger 5,153]

I thought that I read in one of the threads that Oulahen was out of minor league options, though I could be wrong on this. Anyone know if this is true or not?

I read the same thing, Drake Marcus was saying that he is out of options so he has to make the club or be waived. He said he is good enough to be on the 4ht liine with Draper and Maltby because he is an excellent penalty killer and often plays as a shutdown guy. If Abby is herer for sure, then with the final roster spot my guess would be if Ryan seriously impressess in training camp he will get that last spot, whether Hudler is here or not. I for one am totally excited to see these kids coming up, especially (not being racist, but biased for sure) the North Americans. Abby, Helm & if Oulahen makes the team. I am excited for Leino and Ericsson as well, but its been awhile since we've had a North American prospect make the club and become an important cog in our machine! (I know Cleary is Canadian, but I mean someone we drafted and watched develope.)

And that is why we will be fresh for the Cup run this year, we may not come in the #2 or #1 seed, but who cares really? If we were healthy last year it wouldn't have gone past 5 games anyway... Bring on the kids! Youth Gone Wild!

[RedFX 48]

Well obviously if Abby does go back to G.R. then he's first on deck. Depending on what style player is getting replaced, I think Ritola and Tardif would be next in line. On defense, I think Kindl would be #1.

Also, wasn't Ryno coming back to G.R.? I'd like to see him get a shot

[stillwater 186]

First of all, let me say this, I am a big proponent of not making any big moves this summer, saving a little cap-space, and seeing whats out there at the trade deadline.

That's good, because there's little or no other options.

[Superman54 91]

Im gonna go with Emmerton on this one. Its only fair to assume Detroit will have some injuries, and I think we will see him more then any other GR if Abs is a full timer.

[Guest lnvincible]

Im gonna go with Emmerton on this one. Its only fair to assume Detroit will have some injuries, and I think we will see him more then any other GR if Abs is a full timer.

Darren Haydar?

[NGKEIB 32]

Darren Haydar?

Signed by Colorado. He should crack the top 6.

But seriously folks, Oulahen. I've never watched any Griffins game, can anyone say if this guy is NHL-ready? Will he look out of place on a shutdown line? Would it be worth keeping Abby in GR for another year to develop and get good minutes, and have Oulahen as a 12th/13th forward?

[Andy Pred 48 337]

Of course there is a dark horse out there, has sick skills just a ? about his attitude, Dick Axelsson. Maybe working with his fellow countrymen will show him whats needed to be a NHLer.

I know the Wings don't like rushing their prospect's so the likelihood of Ferraro or Tatar getting a chance is slim, but I just wish that they would take a chance on one and give them 3rd line mins all season, I mean just think what they could learn playing with the pros at such an early age. This is why I suggested Pare earlier, he had great numbers in the jnrs. 298 points in 217 games and his first year in the AHL was great leading the Griffs in +- with a +23 and 24+24 in his 63 reg season games was good enough for 3rd on the team. He#'s just turned 22, maybe a season too soon for him, but would like to see him get a shot.

Wishful thinking, but Landon Ferraro is a speed demon, put him out with the speedster

Helm and the not to shabby Abby on the 3rd line, will give most other 3rd lines out there nightmares.

[RedFX 48]

But seriously folks, Oulahen. I've never watched any Griffins game, can anyone say if this guy is NHL-ready? Will he look out of place on a shutdown line? Would it be worth keeping Abby in GR for another year to develop and get good minutes, and have Oulahen as a 12th/13th forward?

From what I understand, Oulahen is out of minor-league options. So unless Kenny plans on waiving him he wouldn't have a choice but to put on the roster

[thedisappearer 291]

but I just wish that they would take a chance on one and give them 3rd line mins all season

But that's the exact opposite of how Detroit raises talent.

[Zeowingsfan 16]

This is the stuff on Oulahen

HISTORY

2002-03:

* Sixth-highest rookie scorer in OHL with Brampton (61-21-22-43) and had a plus-20.

* Actually outscored teammate and Minnesota Wild first-rounder Brent Burns during regular season.

* Finished second in Coaches Poll as Eastern Conference's most underrated player.

* Had just three points in 11 playoff games.

2003-04:

* Entered season expected to be among OHL Brampton's top-three forwards.

* Had 16 points in 23 games before missing 11 games at Christmas with a serious neck injury.

* Alternate captain finished season with 19 points in final 34 games.

* Pro-rated production actually dipped from rookie season.

2004-05:

* Named captain of Brampton (OHL) and had outstanding regular season (64-27-31-58).

* Had strong post-season (5-1-4-5) but missed team's elimination game with concussion.

2005-06:

* Earned depth role with Grand Rapids and had solid AHL rookie year (75-9-10-19, even).

* Saw limited duty in post-season (16-0-0-0, minus-2).

2006-07:

* Improved on AHL rookie totals and developed all-around game with Grand Rapids (79-11-16-27).

* Became one of team's most reliable two-way forwards (plus-4, three shorthanded goals).

* Grand Rapids went 37-32-6-5, grabbing Western Conference's eighth and final playoff spot.

* Wore a temporary assistant captain's letter at times with injuries and call-ups.

* Performed well as Grand Rapids lost to Manitoba in AHL's first round in seven games (7-0-2-2).

2007-08:

* Spent third season in AHL with Grand Rapids and served as one of three rotating captains.

* Posted career highs in goals (14) and points (30) but didn't make expected offensive leap.

* Wasn't one of seven minor-leagues recalled to Detroit to serve as "Black Ace" for NHL playoffs.

* Re-signed to a one-year contract by the Red Wings in July.

2008-09:

* Appeared in two NHL pre-season games with Detroit.

* Returned to Grand Rapids for a fourth AHL season and served as an alternate captain.

* Marginally improved his offensive totals for the fourth straight season (73-19-12-31, plus-7).

* Became further entrenched as key penalty killer and shut-down defensive specialist.

* Season ended prematurely on March 27 when he dislocated his hip.

* Spent AHL playoffs behind the bench alongside head coach Curt Fraser.

SCOUT COMMENTS

"Ryan's game isn't judged by points. He's just a character, hard-working guy, who will always be playing against the other team's top players. He's a meat-and-potatoes player, something we probably need to add in our organization." — Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill (October 2004) ... "If he wants to get to the next level, he's going to probably need to develop a little grit to his game." — Griffins general manager Bob McNamara (November 2006) ... "He plays a significant role with us, having a letter, being great defensively, killing penalties, chipping in a bit offensively. He's a quality kid, a leader on our team, similar to Matt Ellis." — McNamara (January 2008).

STRENGTHS

Quick, fast skater with speed and acceleration ... Hard-working defensive center ... Shut down the opposition's top-line players ... Plays a mature game ... Outstanding penalty killer ... Terrific faceoff man ... Patient with the puck and good hockey sense ... Character player with leadership skills.

WEAKNESSES

Limited offensive-upside ... Below-average size that might limit potential as a checker ... Doesn't make a physical impact ... Doesn't have a mean streak or a nasty side.

PROJECTION

After four seasons in the Red Wings' system, Oulahen is entrenched as one of the top leaders in Grand Rapids with a particular strength in penalty killing and shutting down top-line players. The Red Wings would probably like to keep him around to set a good example on the farm, but after four years, may let him test the waters elsewhere if he isn't in their NHL plans.

Link

[GROwl 5]

Ryan Oulahen is definitely expected to be back in time for training camp. Yes, he's out of options and will need to clear waivers before returning to GR. He had to last year also. That being said, it will likely be more difficult this year. His stats don't show near his value. He is one of the best PK'ers in the AHL. After his injury this Spring, he received special permission from the league to be behind the bench. He did a great job. He's a lot like Matt Ellis...a very hard woker and a bit of a late bloomer.

[Lidstrom for life 20]

This is the stuff on Oulahen

Sounds like Draper.

[Scotty 0]

Forwards would probably be Ritola/ Emmerton (Helm or Abdelkader if they get sent down).

Defense would be Kindl or Kolosov.

Goalie would be Larsson for sure.

Maybe Oulahen or McGrath if they get re- signed.

[Dimaline312000 51]

I'd really like to see what Ritola could do for this club maybe a couple times this season. Depending on if Abs stays up or goes back down. Obviously if he goes down he's the first call-up but if he stays up and we need someone to fill an injury whole or something this season I'd like to see Ritola get a chance. Wouldn't mind seeing Emmerton possibly once this season.

Saving the cap space would probably be a smarter idea and that way we give all our young guys a chance to prove what they can do as a full time player on the NHL Roster. I don't really think we need to do any signing of FA this off-season. Just keep who we can keep on this roster and bring the young guys up permanantley and I think we'll be a much better team and be very well sparked with young talent. It will also get everyone off our backs about how old we are. With so many NHL teams having more and more youthful players on their rosters It might be a good idea to go with a small youth movement to see what they can porvide.