Mursak is out

[BigWillieStyle 662]

From what I've seen so far, Emmerton and Brunnstrom have looked really good. Emmerton has played better each game he's been in, and is playing like he intends to make the roster. He's doing things on both ends of the ice that show he wants it. I'm not sure of the stats, but he had to be better than 50% on faceoffs. But it probably helps that he was playing against minor leaguers.

Brunnstrom has also looked pretty impressive. He fairly strong on the puck, and has created quite a few scoring chances. He has actually surprised me with his play in the defensive zone. He's pretty good at tying up guys along the boards, and digging out pucks, something I wasn't expecting to see from him.s for

I think a good idea, would be to sign Brunnstrom to a 2 way contract that is a little richer than entry level, maybe even, say, $1.25 million, just to make it a little easier for him to clear waivers if he needs to be sent down. My thought is, most teams waiver acquisitions are usually at or near league minimum. Having to spend twice that amount, might keep most teams from trying to acquire him, especially with his recent history.

As for Mursak, what a tough break (not meant to be a funny). I hope he can heel up, and be back in a few months. I was looking forward to seeing he and Helm out on a line together melting the ice behind them as they fly around at ludicrous speed.

[Guest Crymson]

Drew freaking Miller.

Do you ever get sick of whining about him? First it was that we "lost" Ritola because of him. Now what?

[eva unit zero 271]

Why would it be Miller? He puts up roughly the same amount of points as Eaves and is a better PK'r. He also had the same amount of goals as Hudler last season. not to mention he is a proven NHL player, while Emmerton is not. I can't see Miller being waived.

Eaves is more productive, and has significantly better offensive tools should the need arise for one of them to be promoted into a scoring role. Eaves is faster. The difference in their defense and PK is negligible. It's like comparing Draper and Maltby in 1999. Except Eaves has a cannon shot, and unlike the Draper/Maltby scenario, Eaves is easily a superior skater.

Miller is the most expendable regular roster player; he's a non-vital defensive specialist on a team which has two others currently in a checking role who are five years younger, as well as four top-six forwards who are better than Miller at all of his key skills. The only other Wing it could be said of is Emmerton, and he's not even a guarantee to make the team.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Do you ever get sick of whining about him? First it was that we "lost" Ritola because of him. Now what?

I reckon you should start to be quiet about Ritola, since he's starting to really come on now that he's illness free.

[Kira 451]

I hate to see this happen, since he was doing so well at camp when I saw him. However, this does open the door for Cory Emmerton and perhaps Brunnstrom as well. They both impressed me at camp, especially Brunnstrom, who seems to have done a 180 on attitude and really came off as a very humble, hard working kid at camp. I like the idea of the 2-way contract for him - he's showing a lot of upside. Just a shame it's coming at Jan's expense.

[ogreslayer 1,069]

Have to figure it's Emmerton & Brunnstrom. I have to think that Kenny will have more than 2 months to figure things out once Mursak is healthy though because he'll probably also have to do a conditioning stint down in GR before he's deemed ready to return. Just wonder if that would make it easier to get him or one of the other two through waivers if it's happening right before the holiday waiver freeze.

[Guest Crymson]

I reckon you should start to be quiet about Ritola, since he's starting to really come on now that he's illness free.

It's so cute that you get offended whenever you're reminded of your diatribes about Ritola.

Ritola has "come on"? Interesting. I don't see it anywhere.

[under_par_00 45]

Ouch, that is terrible.

I see this happening a lot for Mursak, his speed is just insanely dangerous when he goes crashing in there.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Chris Conner all the way!

A speedy checker... just what we have in abundance!

Brunnstrom please. Sign him dirt cheap and waive him if he falls on his face. He cost nothing to acquire, anyway.

[jollymania 162]

i would say brunnstrom/johnson/miller at this point, miller has by far been better than the other fringe guys and brunnstrom seems to be playing with a bit more conviction than he has in the past.

[LeftWinger 4,951]

If we are throwing names around on who we think is the most expendable, then my vote is Hudler(of course.) Bottom line is Miller and Eaves at their rate of pay are far better than Hudler at his rate of pay. Unfortunately Hudler cannot be traded (nobody wants our fodder) and he won't be waived, so we are stuck with him. I just can't wait until he is a healthy scratch (again) this season and is splitting time with Emmerton in and out of the lineup.

Considering the lines, I absolutely loved Filppula on Datsyuk's wing in the playoffs last year and would love to see that again, which would move Helm up to 3rd line center and give Abby the 4th line. This probably wont happen and Hudler will probably be put on Dats line, I hope he does well up there, but he is VERY one dimensional and his point total can and will be replaced with the Miller/Eaves combo, plus the defensive upside of those to make Hudler look like a wet diaper. I also loved Helm and Eaves together and the Bertuzzi/Zetts/Franzen combo was lethal for a stretch, but I know lines will change all year long, so nothing is set in stone. IF Brunnstrom gets a contract, Hudler better "return to 2008 status" or he could find himself out of a job in the near future. I believe Miller will not be waived, the final two spots are down to Emmerton/Brunnstrom/Conner/Johnson. I don't know which (if any) can go to Rapids without passing through waivers (I do know Emmerton cannot.)

Anyhow, get well soon Mursak and here's to the regular season!

[hooon 1,089]

Eaves is more productive, and has significantly better offensive tools should the need arise for one of them to be promoted into a scoring role. Eaves is faster. The difference in their defense and PK is negligible. It's like comparing Draper and Maltby in 1999. Except Eaves has a cannon shot, and unlike the Draper/Maltby scenario, Eaves is easily a superior skater.

Miller is the most expendable regular roster player; he's a non-vital defensive specialist on a team which has two others currently in a checking role who are five years younger, as well as four top-six forwards who are better than Miller at all of his key skills. The only other Wing it could be said of is Emmerton, and he's not even a guarantee to make the team.

I agree with all of this. I like Miller, but he is just so redundant. Everything he brings to the team is either matched or exceeded by other players in the lineup. He doesn't have any untapped potential that I'm aware of, and therefore has reached his peak playing level.

I was a little puzzled at the re-signing of him, especially when we have so many "over-ripe" prospects lurking in the minors.

With Mursak absent for a while, I believe it will be Brunnstrom and Emmerton, and would be pleased.

I just hope this doesn't stunt Mursak's development significantly. It must be weird starting your rookie season 2 or 3 months after the season has begun, missing out on team chemistry, etc. When he comes back, he'll likely have to re-earn a spot from whomever his replace will be.

[rrasco 1,312]

Was I the only one who thought the push Mursak got was a little dangerous? You always hear about that type of dangerous play, even though they were at the goal line, that is what threw him off his balance and eventually into the boards.

Edited September 26, 2011 by rrasco

[13dangledangle 958]

A speedy checker... just what we have in abundance!

Brunnstrom please. Sign him dirt cheap and waive him if he falls on his face. He cost nothing to acquire, anyway.

I've really liked the Brunnstrom idea since we agreed to a try out, I just feel we are the perfect team for him to make a come back with. Heck he could even turn into a top six from what I've seen if he continues to work hard, and I think the help of having Lidstrom, Hank & Dats (just to name a few) around is just what will help put him over the top.

Edited September 26, 2011 by 13dangledangle

[Motown4013 350]

Conner only makes the team at Miller's expense. Why take him over Brunnstrom or Emmerton when you already have what he brings, only better? Johnson's faceoff skills might help him into a spot, but if he doesn't earn that 4th line center job out of camp he doesn't get a contract. If you take the lines that have been used this preseason, it was shaping up as Cleary/Dats/Hudler, Filppula/Zetterberg/Franzen, Abby/Helm/Bert, and Homer/???/Eaves. Johnson likely has to earn that spot over Bruno and Cory to get a contract at all.

No, I never said OVER Brunnstrom...if you read my post I said that Brunnustrom should be a lock now...AND that they will have to take a long look at Conner. Chris Conner had a very solid training camp and he is very similair to Miller with a bit more sandpaper.

I like Emmertons game and I really really like giving the young guys who have dedicated 4 years to GR a chance to make the big club... or at least have a shot. All i am saying is that Bruno is the guy to beat out of that spot, and Mursak would have taken the last spot. If Emmerton makes this team, its because Mursak unfortunately broke his ankle.....not because he truly earned it.

Edited September 26, 2011 by Motown4013

[NvrFrgtRussian5 85]

Brunnstrom, Brunnstrom, Brunnstrom.

that is all.

[robb himself 143]

Brunnstrom, Brunnstrom, Brunnstrom.

that is all.

this.

[Konnan511 1,736]

Eaves is more productive, and has significantly better offensive tools should the need arise for one of them to be promoted into a scoring role. Eaves is faster. The difference in their defense and PK is negligible. It's like comparing Draper and Maltby in 1999. Except Eaves has a cannon shot, and unlike the Draper/Maltby scenario, Eaves is easily a superior skater.

Miller is the most expendable regular roster player; he's a non-vital defensive specialist on a team which has two others currently in a checking role who are five years younger, as well as four top-six forwards who are better than Miller at all of his key skills. The only other Wing it could be said of is Emmerton, and he's not even a guarantee to make the team.

I am fully aware that Eaves is better offensively, but when both are putting up the same +/- and the same points, it's silly to think that one is more expendable than the other. I like Eaves more than Miller, but Miller is highly under-rated on this board since his beard and celebrations are not nearly as epic as Eaves' celebrations and beard. And as stated, Miller is a proven NHL player while Emmerton is not, and it also doesn't look that good for Emmerton as it is. So why is it that Miller would be the first to go automatically? If Miller's defense is only negligible over Eaves, then Eaves' skating ability is only negligible over Millers since I clearly remember more Miller break-a-ways than Eaves.

[Konnan511 1,736]

No, I never said OVER Brunnstrom...if you read my post I said that Brunnustrom should be a lock now...AND that they will have to take a long look at Conner. Chris Conner had a very solid training camp and he is very similair to Miller with a bit more sandpaper.

I like Emmertons game and I really really like giving the young guys who have dedicated 4 years to GR a chance to make the big club... or at least have a shot. All i am saying is that Bruno is the guy to beat out of that spot, and Mursak would have taken the last spot. If Emmerton makes this team, its because Mursak unfortunately broke his ankle.....not because he truly earned it.

Mursak dedicated 4 years in GRap because the first couple years he was garbage, then he flipped the switch and we just didn't have anywhere to put him last year. Emmerton dedicated 4 years in GRap because he isn't as good as anyone on the roster and isn't showing much of any potential. If we are talking about guys who "dedicated" time in GRap, we never should have let Tardiff go or other fringe players.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Jan

Detroit— The news on the injured Jan Mursak, the young forward who played well in a brief NHL stint with the Red Wings last year, got worse Monday, and there was a general sense in the dressing room the so-called hockey gods were particularly unkind to him.

Mursak suffered a broken ankle during an exhibition last weekend against the Blackhawks, catching it between his body and the boards as he slid with considerable force.

As television replays made clear, ankles are simply not intended to bend that way.

The Red Wings brass and players made plain that while they are disappointed because Mursak likely was to have a greater impact on the team than he had in 20 games in 2010-11, they are more concerned about the personal setback for a young player who was probably about to make his mark on the team.

"I'm disappointed for Jan because this was really his first chance," Holland said.

:(

[Motown4013 350]

Posted Today, 12:36 AM

Motown4013, on 26 September 2011 - 06:28 PM, said:

No, I never said OVER Brunnstrom...if you read my post I said that Brunnustrom should be a lock now...AND that they will have to take a long look at Conner. Chris Conner had a very solid training camp and he is very similair to Miller with a bit more sandpaper.

I like Emmertons game and I really really like giving the young guys who have dedicated 4 years to GR a chance to make the big club... or at least have a shot. All i am saying is that Bruno is the guy to beat out of that spot, and Mursak would have taken the last spot. If Emmerton makes this team, its because Mursak unfortunately broke his ankle.....not because he truly earned it.

Mursak dedicated 4 years in GRap because the first couple years he was garbage, then he flipped the switch and we just didn't have anywhere to put him last year. Emmerton dedicated 4 years in GRap because he isn't as good as anyone on the roster and isn't showing much of any potential. If we are talking about guys who "dedicated" time in GRap, we never should have let Tardiff go or other fringe players.

So basically we are saying the same thing about Emmerton and Mursak...Except you liked Tardiff and well, I never saw his having NHL potential.

[Konnan511 1,736]

Posted Today, 12:36 AM

Motown4013, on 26 September 2011 - 06:28 PM, said:

No, I never said OVER Brunnstrom...if you read my post I said that Brunnustrom should be a lock now...AND that they will have to take a long look at Conner. Chris Conner had a very solid training camp and he is very similair to Miller with a bit more sandpaper.

I like Emmertons game and I really really like giving the young guys who have dedicated 4 years to GR a chance to make the big club... or at least have a shot. All i am saying is that Bruno is the guy to beat out of that spot, and Mursak would have taken the last spot. If Emmerton makes this team, its because Mursak unfortunately broke his ankle.....not because he truly earned it.

Mursak dedicated 4 years in GRap because the first couple years he was garbage, then he flipped the switch and we just didn't have anywhere to put him last year. Emmerton dedicated 4 years in GRap because he isn't as good as anyone on the roster and isn't showing much of any potential. If we are talking about guys who "dedicated" time in GRap, we never should have let Tardiff go or other fringe players.

So basically we are saying the same thing about Emmerton and Mursak...Except you liked Tardiff and well, I never saw his having NHL potential.

Almostt. I like Mursak because he shows a lot of promise and brings things to the Wings that we don't have. You like Emmerton because you see something in his game you like and you like giving guys who spent years in GRap a chance to shine. Whereas I'm saying the reason Emmerton spent so much time in the minors is because he sucks, just like the other scrubs we had in the minors out of juniors and Emmerton is bascally a Miller-lite....and Miller Light is all sorts of nasty.

Edited September 27, 2011 by Konnan511

[king_malice 17]

2 spots ? is someone else out? I think Brunnstrom and either Emmerton or Conner

Franzen-Datsyuk-Cleary

Bertuzzi-Zetterberg-Filppula

Hudler-Helm-Holmstrom

Eaves-Abdelkader-Miller

[Austrianwing 71]

Was I the only one who thought the push Mursak got was a little dangerous? You always hear about that type of dangerous play, even though they were at the goal line, that is what threw him off his balance and eventually into the boards.

No, you aren't the only one. It did seem a little questionable, depending on who 'had' the puck. On the one hand it should be fine to blast the guy with the puck off of the path toward the goal. On the other hand, they both seemed to be racing for a loose puck going toward the end boards. Within the new interpretation of the boarding rules it does seem a bit borderline to me, but after twenty plus years of watching I still have no damn idea what the hell the criteria are...

[Majsheppard 203]

Almostt. I like Mursak because he shows a lot of promise and brings things to the Wings that we don't have. You like Emmerton because you see something in his game you like and you like giving guys who spent years in GRap a chance to shine. Whereas I'm saying the reason Emmerton spent so much time in the minors is because he sucks, just like the other scrubs we had in the minors out of juniors and Emmerton is bascally a Miller-lite....and Miller Light is all sorts of nasty.

lol, btw love the new avatar.