Ryan Oulahen

[NGKEIB 32]

[CAVEAT LECTOR - I've never watched a Griffins game in my life, and am basing this on what I have read on e.g. RWC and GRC and what others, such as Drake Marcus, have said.]

I know that he has been discussed in a variety of different posts, but I thought that it might be worth consolidating some of the statistics and discussion into one single topic. I didn't post this in the Griffins forum, because this topic focuses on the possibility of him being a Red Wing next year. Here are what I see as some pros and cons.

Pros:

-Assuming that Detroit gives him a contract (which seems likely, given his important role in GR), he will need to pass through waivers to be able to play in GR. I believe that he has done this before, but given the reputation that Detroit prospects now have, I find it unlikely that he will clear waivers. Therefore, this could be an argument for him staying in the NHL.

-He has limited offensive upside, but would fit in on a shutdown line, as he is a solid defensive forward.

-He could be had for very cheap, letting us save money for possible trade deadline acquisitions once we have determined what the needs of our roster are.

-It would most likely let Abdelkader spend another year in GR developing, rather than stagnating on our 4th line.

-He is hardworking, underrated etc.

Cons:

-His limited offensive output isn't a concern, as his role would be a checking forward. However, I gather that he isn't much of a hitter, though Griffinscentral seems to suggest that he has improved this aspect of his game slightly (cited below). He could also benefit from watching great open-ice hitters like Kronwall and Stuart, and even old-timers who don't really hit anymore (Draper, Maltby) could help him.

-[i'm going to pre-empt some of the respondents by adding what they will probably say] He isn't Travis Moen.

-He injured his hip in March, but will hopefully be ready for training camp.

From a financial point of view, it makes sense to me to have him as the 12th forward, saving money to sign Hudler. Meech could continue in his capacity as 13th forward, and we could rely on GR for other forward call-ups (Abdelkader, Ritola etc.). This might also let us keep some defensemen (I'd like to have 8, as this year showed we are very vulnerable to injury).

What do you guys think of this? He hasn't been discussed much, but I know that Holland must be thinking about him. Maybe he's not being mentioned in the hope that nobody will notice him and that he'll be able to clear waivers. His injury may be another thing. In any case, he'll hopefully go to training camp, and if he looks okay out there in a defensive capacity, I wouldn't mind seeing him full-time.

Redwingscentral:

AWARDS

* 2004-05 OHL Eastern Conference coaches poll (underrated, hardest worker, best penalty killer)

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.

Grffinscentral:

What GRC says: 2008-09: Oulahen has done all he can at the AHL level, and the next logical step is to see whether he can play in the NHL. He listened to the Wings and added some snarl to his already defensively responsible game. The result was an increase in offense as he just missed his first 20-goal season, a mark he surely would have reached if not for his season ending dislocated hip. He is expected to make a complete recovery, and should earn a new contract from Detroit (NHL). His return is uncertain however, as he will have to pass through waivers before being assigned to GR and another NHL team may take a chance on the 24-year-old center.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

He is Matt Ellis.

[russianswede919293 95]

He is Matt Ellis.

Which isn't necessarily a bad thing

[mjlegend 155]

Sounds like he'd be an awesome assistant coach for some AHL team/ Canadian Hockey League in a few years. After four years in the pros and no big league games, I wouldn't even project him as a fourth liner.

[skacore 2]

Sounds like he'd be an awesome assistant coach for some AHL team/ Canadian Hockey League in a few years. After four years in the pros and no big league games, I wouldn't even project him as a fourth liner.

wtf? dumbest thing i've ever read... yeah let's write off a 24 year old prospect hahaha.. will Kindl make a good assistance coach too? clearly he won't ever make the NHL either right?

he's making strides every year, he's a solid two-way forward/penalty killer and the perfect guy we'll need on our team when Maltby/Draper are gone

[LeftWinger 5,153]

wtf? dumbest thing i've ever read... yeah let's write off a 24 year old prospect hahaha.. will Kindl make a good assistance coach too? clearly he won't ever make the NHL either right?

he's making strides every year, he's a solid two-way forward/penalty killer and the perfect guy we'll need on our team when Maltby/Draper are gone

These are the fans that beat the Hudler drum by saying lets give him $3.0m and just give up on these guys in the minors. We NEED players like Oulahen to compliment players like Hudler who knows nothing about the game except offense. He doesn't win battles in the corner, in front of the net or defense. Penalty Killing? Whats that? Oulahen might not be Hudler on the offense, but as Pitts proved this year, you don't need 6 goals a game to win, defense wins games (and Bettman ) and theor defense shutdown our offense, I am pretty sure Hudler was shut down the entire playoff!

I surely hope we don't lose Ryan to RFA, we will get nothing in return for him since he'll sign WAAAY under the compensation cutoff. He made about $550,000 last season I do believe, I wish Holland would offer him a 2 year $1.0 (combined) contract to play on the 4th line with Draper. That would allow (:puke:) Hudler to get a little more money, and Abby to get his 20+ minutes in GRR to be ready for the playoffs and 2010-11 PLUS save us more cap space PLUS allow us to sign another UFA. If he doesn't work out he can be traded or packaged in a trade to LA for Jack Johnson (wishful thinking, sorry!) No Oulahen is not a savior, but lets see what he can do in training camp and go from there.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

Oulahen still has that leg injury he is rehabbing from i believe, I think he'll get a legit shot to make the roster or atleast climb the pecking order for call ups. But that injury he sustained is a blow and will take some time to bounce back from.

I personally love Oulahen, he has that leadership and 2-way play that instantly draws respect torwards him, i mean he isn't going to run you through the boards physically or drop the gloves but he is a good character forward who will win battles and be hard to play against and overall just playing a very responsible mature game of hockey.

I personally hope that Tardif can rebound from a less then stellar season, Continue to work on his skating i can see him being pretty valuable for us if we need to call him up. He can provide some sandpaper for us, but i have a feeling that Abdelkader, Ritola, Emmerton, McGrath and Oulahen will be higher in the pecking order also since Ryno and Dick are coming oversea's to play, Who knows where they will rank in the pecking order also. Again there are also Newberry and Williams. Newberry is another character player and Williams has some skill to his game. So we have prospects who can make a impact, it's just deciding which one fits what we need.

Edited July 7, 2009 by xBrave_Heartx

[Mors 201]

Do we have any prospects who aren't undersized non-hitters with no physical edge or mean streak? Seriously...Helm can't be the only guy on this team who can throw a hit (aside from Kronwall once every 10 games or so).

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Oulahen still has that leg injury he is rehabbing from i believe, I think he'll get a legit shot to make the roster or atleast climb the pecking order for call ups. But that injury he sustained is a blow and will take some time to bounce back from.

I personally love Oulahen, he has that leadership and 2-way play that instantly draws respect torwards him, i mean he isn't going to run you through the boards physically or drop the gloves but he is a good character forward who will win battles and be hard to play against and overall just playing a very responsible mature game of hockey.

Yeah, he injured his hip in the third week of March. I assume he'd be ready for training camp in September... that'd give him 5 to 6 months of rehab time.

In my opinion Oulahen is the perfect choice for the 12th forward because he's so good on the PK, but it looks like Holland is leaning toward a veteran free agent who's willing to come in cheap. If he can't find someone like that, at least Oulahen is a good option.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

Do we have any prospects who aren't undersized non-hitters with no physical edge or mean streak? Seriously...Helm can't be the only guy on this team who can throw a hit (aside from Kronwall once every 10 games or so).

Tardif and Abdelkader. are the closest things we've got bro.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Do we have any prospects who aren't undersized non-hitters with no physical edge or mean streak? Seriously...Helm can't be the only guy on this team who can throw a hit (aside from Kronwall once every 10 games or so).

On defense we have Kolsov, who just had an impressive rookie season in Grand Rapids. He was their most improved player over the course of the season that just ended. He's still raw and definitely won't be a big point producer but he's got some good traits:

--> Loves to hit

--> Hits hard

--> Mean as an underfed pitbull

--> Has a mature attitude and can step up and play a steady game when someone goes down (did that in GR)

--> Loves to hit

--> Willing to mix it up (although he's not a huge fighter as far as I know, he's more like Lilja- willing to fight if necessary)

--> Loves to hit

--> Strong defensively for a rookie

--> Also he loves to hit

He's probably another 2 years away, though.

[Mors 201]

Tardif and Abdelkader. are the closest things we've got bro.

That's what I thought, nothing against Oulahen, just sayin'...Datsyuk can throw a mean hit when he wants to, but that doesn't mean I want to see our #1 feeling like he has to be the one to do it

[LeftWinger 5,153]

Yeah, he injured his hip in the third week of March. I assume he'd be ready for training camp in September... that'd give him 5 to 6 months of rehab time.

In my opinion Oulahen is the perfect choice for the 12th forward because he's so good on the PK, but it looks like Holland is leaning toward a veteran free agent who's willing to come in cheap. If he can't find someone like that, at least Oulahen is a good option.

...but isn't Ryan out of minor league options? I would assume that (him being a RFA) if Holland likes this guy, he will re-sign him and give him the 12th spot. Strange though, I wonder if he was going to be a call-up this playoff if he hadn't injured himself? I actually never heard his named mention unitl you brought it up last week. Maybe Holland is just going to give him the pass to go sign elsewhere? But like you mentioned and I have echoed a couple of times, his $500,000 salary would sureley help the cap for Hudler or Joe UFA to be signed...

[matemate 34]

Do we have any prospects who aren't undersized non-hitters with no physical edge or mean streak? Seriously...Helm can't be the only guy on this team who can throw a hit (aside from Kronwall once every 10 games or so).

Jonathan Ericsson ??

[Casey 145]

On defense we have Kolsov, who just had an impressive rookie season in Grand Rapids. He was their most improved player over the course of the season that just ended. He's still raw and definitely won't be a big point producer but he's got some good traits:

--> Loves to hit

--> Hits hard

--> Mean as an underfed pitbull

--> Has a mature attitude and can step up and play a steady game when someone goes down (did that in GR)

--> Loves to hit

--> Willing to mix it up (although he's not a huge fighter as far as I know, he's more like Lilja- willing to fight if necessary)

--> Loves to hit

--> Strong defensively for a rookie

--> Also he loves to hit

He's probably another 2 years away, though.

Can he hit?

[NGKEIB 32]

Look on the thread about this guy Ehrhardt. Someone posted info suggesting that he does drop the gloves quite a lot, and gave an example of one instance where he received 2 fighting majors in the same stoppage of play.

Newbury/Newberry (I've seen his name spelt both ways on the site and can't be bothered to look up the correct one) apparently has a bit of snarl. And I've seen a video of Sebastien Piché fighting, but I'm not sure if he does it regularly.

And as much as I love Helm, I'm not sure if he'll keep up his hitting pace throughout an entire season. But then again, I haven't had the chance to watch how he plays for a full season in GR, so...

Edited July 7, 2009 by NGKEIB

[under_par_00 45]

Look on the thread about this guy Ehrhardt. Someone posted info suggesting that he does drop the gloves quite a lot, and gave an example of one instance where he received 2 fighting majors in the same stoppage of play.

Newbury/Newberry (I've seen his name spelt both ways on the site and can't be bothered to look up the correct one) apparently has a bit of snarl. And I've seen a video of Sebastien Pich� fighting, but I'm not sure if he does it regularly.

And as much as I love Helm, I'm not sure if he'll keep up his hitting pace throughout an entire season. But then again, I haven't had the chance to watch how he plays for a full season in GR, so...

There's no way he can keep it up for a full season. His speed will be effective but his hitting game will pick up again in the playoffs I bet. It's not like his hitting is a great asset anyway, he is too small to play like that effectively.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

On defense we have Kolsov, who just had an impressive rookie season in Grand Rapids. He was their most improved player over the course of the season that just ended. He's still raw and definitely won't be a big point producer but he's got some good traits:

--> Loves to hit

--> Hits hard

--> Mean as an underfed pitbull

--> Has a mature attitude and can step up and play a steady game when someone goes down (did that in GR)

--> Loves to hit

--> Willing to mix it up (although he's not a huge fighter as far as I know, he's more like Lilja- willing to fight if necessary)

--> Loves to hit

--> Strong defensively for a rookie

--> Also he loves to hit

He's probably another 2 years away, though.

He's not mean at all, He doesn't hit very hard either.

[titanium2 867]

On defense we have Kolsov, who just had an impressive rookie season in Grand Rapids. He was their most improved player over the course of the season that just ended. He's still raw and definitely won't be a big point producer but he's got some good traits:

--> Loves to hit

--> Hits hard

--> Mean as an underfed pitbull

--> Has a mature attitude and can step up and play a steady game when someone goes down (did that in GR)

--> Loves to hit

--> Willing to mix it up (although he's not a huge fighter as far as I know, he's more like Lilja- willing to fight if necessary)

--> Loves to hit

--> Strong defensively for a rookie

--> Also he loves to hit

He's probably another 2 years away, though.

So... What would he do when he's looking at a guy's numbers as that guy protects the puck along the boards?

[newfy 695]

Look on the thread about this guy Ehrhardt. Someone posted info suggesting that he does drop the gloves quite a lot, and gave an example of one instance where he received 2 fighting majors in the same stoppage of play.

Newbury/Newberry (I've seen his name spelt both ways on the site and can't be bothered to look up the correct one) apparently has a bit of snarl. And I've seen a video of Sebastien Pich� fighting, but I'm not sure if he does it regularly.

And as much as I love Helm, I'm not sure if he'll keep up his hitting pace throughout an entire season. But then again, I haven't had the chance to watch how he plays for a full season in GR, so...

Hi everyone I'm new to the forum but I've been a reader here for quite a while now and finally decided I would join.

Newbury is a really feisty player but he's a better skater then he is a fighter even though he is willing. I saw alot of him back in his sarnia sting days when I had season tickets so I thought I could chime in about him a little bit. Piche is not a scrapper by any means, he got into one at the mem cup this year against another non fighter from Windsor but thats about all for him. He's a solid puck moving defenceman not a fighter.

[NGKEIB 32]

Do we have any prospects who aren't undersized non-hitters with no physical edge or mean streak? Seriously...Helm can't be the only guy on this team who can throw a hit (aside from Kronwall once every 10 games or so).

Callahan

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Oulahen -> 4th line, make it happen Kenny.

[Mors 201]

Callahan

I want this guy on the 4th line ASAP

" Strengths: Excellent fighter. Fearless style and works hard. Just enough skating and skill to be interesting.

Weaknesses: Might not have the frame to play his style at the next level.

Who'd have thought the toughest guy from the Dub in this year's draft would be from Southern California? The rugged style and fighting ability is the big draw here. But has just enough skating and skill to make for an intriguing middle round sleeper.

Great on-ice work ethic. Is strong defensively and a decent penalty killer. Lots of improvement from September to March this season. I think there could be some hidden offensive upside. Even if his best case upside is only a 5-10 goal scorer in the NHL, with the defensive play, physical style, and willingness to drop the gloves, that could be a really valuable guy to have.

"

http://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2009/6/27...troit-red-wings

[p_diddy_datsyuk_13 2]

Oulahen has proven himself to be a legitimate defensive forward who can play against the other teams top line... if he can do that, he wouldn't be a defensive liability and can likely do the same in the playoffs, like Draper used to be able to do... I think we give this guy a shot, and if he can't do it, we move on... for the price it will cost, with there being a good chance that this is Maltby's last year in the Winged wheel, we should see what happens, especially considering we need cheap players...

On the note of Kolosov, I personally heard from a couple of the Red Wings scouts that they see this kid blossoming into somewhat of a Vladimir Konstantinov... that said regarding his offensive abilities for a big d-man and his ability to hit. However, while he has the ability to hit, he doesn't yet do it enough... however one of these scouts said that as the past season went along, he was hitting more and using his big figure more, thus prompting the Konstantinov comparisons... with this said, this is what he could be not what he will actually be, regardless, whatever he turns into, will still probably be 2 years down the road, despite his smooth transition to North America.

Edited July 8, 2009 by p_diddy_datsyuk_13

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Oulahen has proven himself to be a legitimate defensive forward who can play against the other teams top line... if he can do that, he wouldn't be a defensive liability and can likely do the same in the playoffs, like Draper used to be able to do... I think we give this guy a shot, and if he can't do it, we move on... for the price it will cost, with there being a good chance that this is Maltby's last year in the Winged wheel, we should see what happens, especially considering we need cheap players...

On the note of Kolosov, I personally heard from a couple of the Red Wings scouts that they see this kid blossoming into somewhat of a Vladimir Konstantinov... that said regarding his offensive abilities for a big d-man and his ability to hit. However, while he has the ability to hit, he doesn't yet do it enough... however one of these scouts said that as the past season went along, he was hitting more and using his big figure more, thus prompting the Konstantinov comparisons... with this said, this is what he could be not what he will actually be, regardless, whatever he turns into, will still probably be 2 years down the road, despite his smooth transition to North America.

Thanks for that info regardling Kolosov. I knew he has upside as a physical force but didn't know we rated his offensive game that much. He did show the odd glimpse but not really enough to suggest he could be anything more than Lilja, if he even reaches that level of offence. I heard the same reports from posters over at Griffins territory, they all seemed to indicate that as the season went along he became more of a physical presence and was starting to use his body more. He's a giant with a big frame, if he continues his willingess to hit he could become a very solid prospect.