20 replies to this topic

[mindfly]

With all these depth signings lately (and maybe more to come) what would the lines and D-pairs look like?

Will Oulahen, Abdelkader etc be on the first line?

Delmore and Kindl the first pair?

Anyone who follow GR better than I do? lol

[zata20]

The lines might look something like this. I really wouldn't be surprised if Axelsson could get top line minutes with the Griffins.



Mattias Ritola Justin Abdelkader **** Axelsson
Ryan Oulahen Francis Pare Jeremy Williams
Johan Ryno Cory Emmerton Evan McGrath
Jan Mursak Kris Newbury Jamie Tardif
FA

Jakub Kindl Doug Janik
Andy Delmore Sergei Kolosov
Sebastien Piche Logan Pyett
Travis Ehrhardt


Daniel Larsson
Thomas McCollum

[mindfly]

Calder next eh?

This team is great... on paper atleast... very curious on how piche will handle pro hockey.

Edited by mindfly, 29 July 2009 - 12:09 PM.

[GROwl]

I hear Frankie Lemieux will likely be back (though he has actually been signed by GR yet). If so, he'll probably be at least initially put back on a line with McGrath and Pare since they had such good chemistry last year:

Mattias Ritola Justin Abdelkader **** Axelsson
Francis Pare Evan McGrath Francis Lemieux
Kris Newbury Ryan Oulahen Jeremy Williams
Johan Ryno Cory Emmerton Jamie Tardif
Jan Mursak

Jakub Kindl Andy Delmore
Doug Janik Sergei Kolosov
Sebastien Piche Travis Ehrhardt
Logan Pyett

Daniel Larsson
Thomas McCollum

[WINGed]

I hear Frankie Lemieux will likely be back (though he has actually been signed by GR yet). If so, he'll probably be at least initially put back on a line with McGrath and Pare since they had such good chemistry last year:

Mattias Ritola Justin Abdelkader **** Axelsson
Francis Pare Evan McGrath Francis Lemieux
Kris Newbury Ryan Oulahen Jeremy Williams
Johan Ryno Cory Emmerton Jamie Tardif
Jan Mursak

Jakub Kindl Andy Delmore
Doug Janik Sergei Kolosov
Sebastien Piche Travis Ehrhardt
Logan Pyett

Daniel Larsson
Thomas McCollum

[WINGed]

[Ritola,Emmerton,Williams

[titanium2]

I hear Frankie Lemieux will likely be back (though he has actually been signed by GR yet). If so, he'll probably be at least initially put back on a line with McGrath and Pare since they had such good chemistry last year:

Mattias Ritola Justin Abdelkader **** Axelsson
Francis Pare Evan McGrath Francis Lemieux
Kris Newbury Ryan Oulahen Jeremy Williams
Johan Ryno Cory Emmerton Jamie Tardif
Jan Mursak

Jakub Kindl Andy Delmore
Doug Janik Sergei Kolosov
Sebastien Piche Travis Ehrhardt
Logan Pyett

Daniel Larsson
Thomas McCollum

Why Mursak as the reserve forward?

[GROwl]

Why Mursak as the reserve forward?

Quite honestly, I didn't consistently see anything from him last year that warranted a full time spot on the roster. Maybe it was just a first year adjustment - hopefully he'll do better this year.

[titanium2]

Quite honestly, I didn't consistently see anything from him last year that warranted a full time spot on the roster. Maybe it was just a first year adjustment - hopefully he'll do better this year.

Well then why do you think Ryno should get a full time spot?

[GROwl]

Well then why do you think Ryno should get a full time spot?

Spanish Inquisition? We didn't see much of Ryno when he came two years ago...just a handful of games at the beginning of the year and at training camp. But he had some good features. If he's continued to develop them, he could be a contributor. Ryno also has a nice size advantage. If I remember correctly, he's nearly as tall as Ericsson, but a lot bigger. Again, if he learns to use his strengths. there are some good possibilities with this kid. This is also his last chance. If he's hungry...

What did you see in Mursak that would generate some excitement?

[titanium2]

Spanish Inquisition? We didn't see much of Ryno when he came two years ago...just a handful of games at the beginning of the year and at training camp. But he had some good features. If he's continued to develop them, he could be a contributor. Ryno also has a nice size advantage. If I remember correctly, he's nearly as tall as Ericsson, but a lot bigger. Again, if he learns to use his strengths. there are some good possibilities with this kid. This is also his last chance. If he's hungry...

What did you see in Mursak that would generate some excitement?

Haha. Sorry. That last reply was one I posted in a hurry because I was between other things. I didn't mean that to come off so annoyingly.

You obviously know more about the Griffins. I'm just curious as to why he's often being slated to be a reserve forward (not just by you) after putting in a year of work. Nothing more than that though. Still think he's struggling to manage his weight problems? I read that he put on a lot of weight but didn't know how to manage it and maintain the same speed in his game.

[GROwl]

Many of the boys who come straight from juniors have trouble in their first year transitioning to even AHL hockey. They are used to being among the top players on their team, and now they are playing among other top players...who are often older, bigger, stronger and have already made that adjustment. Mursak may have benefitted from a temp ECHL assignment. At least this year, he knows now what to expect. Hopefully, he's used this summer to hit the weight room and work on some of his skills.

[Aussie_Wing]

Been thinking about possible lines this season as the start of the season draws closer. There’s still a few questions to be asked, such as will Abdelkader start the season in Detroit given Helm’s injury? Everything points to yes, so although this line-up features him, it’s factored into when Abs is back in Grand Rapids.

Ritola - Abdelkader - Williams
Tardif - Oulahen - Newbury
Vigilante - McGrath - Pare
Axelsson - Emmerton - Mursak

Ryno/Walsh

When Abdelkader is absent I'd say put Cory centering that 1st line, big ask but I think he could do with a challenge like that.

If he does play in Grand Rapids, expect Tatar to possibly slot in on the 3rd line with PP time. Question marks still surround Ryno and where he decides to play when he is inevitably cut from the Wings. Will he once again return home or will He at least start the season in the AHL? What’s happening with Lemieux?

Delmore - Kindl
Janik - Pyett
Kolosov - Piche

Ehrhardt

Slightly concerned about that 1st pairing as it could potentially be turnover city. I really wish Lashoff was here but he’s off to the OHL again. Hopefully Pyett rebounds from a tough rookie season but the early signs with pre-season play with the Wings hasn't been great. What's the reason behind Kolosov not getting any games, is he injured or deemed not ready?

Larsson
McCollum

Goaltending should be really, really solid. Huge faith in both these guys.

[uk_redwing]

So long as ma boy Tardif gets a heap of minutes Im one happy chappy.

[GROwl]

Looks like Oulahen won't be playing for awhile. His hip injury hasn't healed as expected. Heard he had to have surgery this summer.

[waitahochiminute]

Better throw Tartar sauce in the mix...

[Aussie_Wing]

With Tatar included, and no Abdelkader given he should start the season with Detroit....

Ritola - Emmerton - Williams
Tatar - McGrath - Pare
Tardif - Newbury - Vigilante
May - Walsh - Mursak

Ryno/Axelsson

Bit weak at centre IMO, especially without Abs. Not many natural centres when Abdelkader and Oulahen are absent. Who would be your choice to centre the first line? Don't think Emmerton is quite ready but he might have to step up to the plate. Is **** Axelsson going to be fit any time soon, ditto with Oulahen?

Edited by Aussie_Wing, 25 September 2009 - 02:23 AM.

[matemate]

Ritola - Emmerton - Williams
Tatar - Abdelkader - Axelsson
Tardif - Newbury - Ryno
May - Oulahen - Mursak

[GROwl]

Ritola - Emmerton - Williams
Tatar - Abdelkader - Axelsson
Tardif - Newbury - Ryno
May - Oulahen - Mursak

Word on the street is that Oulahen may not be skating before Christmas even. If this is the case, it will be a long time before he centers any line.

[uk_redwing]

Grand Rapids have signed AHL Heavyweight Paul Crosty on a PTO.