Wings sign Ilari Filppula 1yr/$500k

[Guest DatsyukianDeke13]

I more or less got off to the fact that we had one Filppula....now that we have two...my god

[HankthaTank 1,100]

No worries every Finnish elite league team has some of the ugliest uni's ever! Prepared for Finnish Wing to nail me on this one

No clue on this kid's potential but the skill set seems to be there so we will see if brother can score more. Not sure about that last statement, meant more points. Bah whatever potential dual Flips. I'm in by what the videos are showing.

[Z Winged Dangler 2,082]

i was pretty surprised to see this. if ilari was coming to north america, it would make sense that he comes to the wings/griffins org, but it was kinda out of left field. i'm glad they signed him though. it would be cool if he panned out and played on a line with val.

[uk_redwing 495]

He might add a little scoring depth to Grand Rapids' third line, but I'd be surprised if he accumulated more than 30 points, assuming he even makes the team.

But I'll be ready to eat my words if he wants to net 80.

Fixed.

[hillbillywingsfan 792]

We're getting our own "Sedin twins" (I know they are not actually twins)

yeah make sure you specify that or you will get flamed on here and strung up.

[SweWings 45]

If he makes the Red Wings that would be really cool but I'd be very surprised considering he isn't what they really NEED.

[HankthaTank 1,100]

That's my thought too, I just would have preferred it be at least a 2 yr deal, so if he does blow everyone away, we don't have to give him a raise, or lose him in the off season... plus, he could still return to Finland, we'd just own his rights... stilll nothing to dislike about this signing!

Just own up, you knew this already and this is what you meant by 70 points by Filppula(s) .

/end sarcasm

Hopefully this works out.

Edited June 16, 2010 by HankthaTank

[Hossa4Life 4]

I hope he makes the team and plays on a line with his bro. I just think that would be fun to see.

[Z and D for the C 712]

I hope he makes the team and plays on a line with his bro. I just think that would be fun to see.

I'm sure there will be a least a few games he plays with the Wings and we get to see that.

[Guest Heaten]

I'm all for a Ritola-v.Filppula-i.Filppula 3rd line

That said, I have no idea what i.flip's potential is. But one can hope he is a steal.

[Z Winged Dangler 2,082]

I hope he makes the team and plays on a line with his bro. I just think that would be fun to see.

the filppula cycle?

if my dad sees this post he'll kick me in the junk dude hates the sedin's

either way, i hope this turns into a good signing.

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Haha take it easy guys. Sarcasm is not allowed my bad...

Neg central

[robb himself 143]

I think I saw that he wears #81. Thats just such a bad ass number! Man am I looking forward to this kid. I really hope he makes the team right out of camp.

[Swayze 81]

They're probably bringing him in (like everyone said) as depth/for GR, and to push Ritola in camp. Either way, looks like we have a #81 again if he keeps it.

[cjm502 165]

The 2 Filppulas are almost the exact same height and weight and they look exactly the same. They have a very similar playing style (shocker). I expect Big Filp to do well, he tore up the SM Liiga last year and was the playoff MVP. He could be our next 3rd line scorer, and I do expect him to make the Wings during the pre season. He is also said to be very strong on the puck for the league he plays in, but we all know how little that means when it comes to converting to North American hockey.

Edited June 16, 2010 by cjm502

[Icesurfer 75]

Too bad he is another playmaker and not really the high percentage shooter we need. Someone has to put the pucks on net for Pete's sake.

[newfy 695]

Nothing exciting here really. He won't make the team and he doesn't provide anything we don't already have.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

Never heard of him...

[Finnish Wing 110]

No worries every Finnish elite league team has some of the ugliest uni's ever! Prepared for Finnish Wing to nail me on this one

No clue on this kid's potential but the skill set seems to be there so we will see if brother can score more. Not sure about that last statement, meant more points. Bah whatever potential dual Flips. I'm in by what the videos are showing.

I agree with this, but instead, we don't have commercials every other minute.

About the signing. This year was the first year I've actually watched him. Everyone knew he had much potential before, but he turned out to be a late bloomer and eventually dominated the league. So the signing is much like the Leino-signing (one year, two-way deal). Leino was a little younger though. Even though Ilari is 28, I believe he can still take steps forward. Whether his future is in the NHL, remains to be seen. One thing is for sure though, even though he was explosive offensively, he also has a good two-way game as he had spent the earlier years mostly playing on the bottom 6 and on the PK.

As said before, nothing to lose in this signing. He can play offensive and defensive roles in GR, so I'm pretty sure he's not eating any prospects ice-time. Low risk, medium reward.

Edited June 16, 2010 by Finnish Wing

[Konnan511 1,736]

People hate Valtteri enough around here, I feel terrible for Ilari lol

[uk_redwing 495]

Fixed.

Not sure why I got minus-3 for that. He has a two-way contract, has never played North American hockey before and has agreed to play in Grand Rapids if need be. Don't get angry at me that that's where he'll spend his FIRST season in North America. Not my fault

Good signing for Grand Rapids at any rate.

[Guest mindfly]

Not sure why I got minus-3 for that. He has a two-way contract, has never played North American hockey before and has agreed to play in Grand Rapids if need be. Don't get angry at me that that's where he'll spend his FIRST season in North America. Not my fault

Good signing for Grand Rapids at any rate.

Don't forget that he's 28 years old(!) not much room for improvement, it's downfall for most players starting at that age...

[magicaldatsyuk 6]

hopefully he works out!

[Finnish Wing 110]

Don't forget that he's 28 years old(!) not much room for improvement, it's downfall for most players starting at that age...

You have certain amount of potential. Some players max it out at younger age already. For other it takes more time.

Not sure why I got minus-3 for that. He has a two-way contract, has never played North American hockey before and has agreed to play in Grand Rapids if need be. Don't get angry at me that that's where he'll spend his FIRST season in North America. Not my fault

Good signing for Grand Rapids at any rate.

Maybe it's because after you "fixed" it, it said he'll spend the season playing 3rd line in GR.

[uk_redwing 495]

Maybe it's because after you "fixed" it, it said he'll spend the season playing 3rd line in GR.

The emphasis was on it being in GR, not the Wings. The line wasnt important. Anyone who watches Grand Rapids (the three who negged me probably dont) will know the 3rd line gets nearly as much ice time as the 1st anyway.