Red Wings Shift Foucus to UFA's

[egroen 384]

Holland has already said that he believes that Abs is ready to play in the NHL. Yes all the young guys could stand a little more development but I think Abs would make a good 3 or 4 line forward and who knows he may see more time than we think.

Did he?

I keep reading quotes from Holland that they would prefer him getting top minutes in GR next year.

... or maybe more of a "He's ready, he just would not get much playing time on the Wings next year."?

Ultimately, he will have the chance to prove himself at camp, and already has a good leg up with his decent play in the playoffs -- but he'll need to show he is ready for more than the 4th line, or he will assuredly find himself in GR for the greater minutes.

[Dimaline312000 51]

Did he?

I keep reading quotes from Holland that they would prefer him getting top minutes in GR next year.

... or maybe more of a "He's ready, he just would not get much playing time on the Wings next year."?

Ultimately, he will have the chance to prove himself at camp, and already has a good leg up with his decent play in the playoffs -- but he'll need to show he is ready for more than the 4th line, or he will assuredly find himself in GR for the greater minutes.

You're right he will have his chance to prove how ready he is for the NHL at Camp but I think you are right he will probably see more time in GR this season rather than less time in the NHL on the 4th line. I want to see him in Detroit very bad but not at the cost of his development and him becoming a better player stayin in GR for one more season. Now with the signing of Willimas that adds even more question as to if Abs will make the NHL roster or stay in the AHL.