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The chat has had a good deal to say throughout the year in terms of call ups, development, who could be replaced on Detroit’s roster, etc. Many (myself included) are looking forward to seeing Axel Sandin Pelllikka (please play some G&R when he scores his first goal) come over with Michael Brandsegg Nygard coming along for the ride as well. This has been a delay on that premier as
Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Michael Brandsegg Nygard are still in the playoff face overseas, per Kevin Allen. An overtime win has kept them in the race.
We now know that Trey Augustine won’t be around for next season, as many were wondering if he may take a look at GR next year. Buchelnikov is anybody’s guess simply due to the lack of information coming out of that league. So, in terms of spots/promotions available for prospects eyes turn to Grand Rapids.
Marco Kasper has transitioned well and is getting reps at center after a significant stint on the wing. Detroit really seems to want Mazur in the lineup but the injury bug continues to be, well, a pest. Soderblom started to see some strong shifts, Shine was signed but isn’t what you’d consider a traditional “rookie”. Please add or subtract from this but thoughts on GR players that look like they could grab a spot and put someone on waivers seem to be:
Lombardi - needs to stay healthy, could have a track similar to Kasper. Start on the wing, move to the middle
Danielson - this is more of a reach but any time the staff talks about the player they are very high on his 2 way play. He’s able to retrieve pucks and make quick decisions. May just need a little more time.
Tuomisto - there’s at least one or two voices in the chat that feel like he could take Holl’s spot. The big right shot D man should do everything he can to have an outstanding camp/preseason
Wallinder - left shot, believed by some fans to be an upgrade to Gustafsson.
Shai Buium - he’s climbed the ranks. 2 goals, 21 assists has him 6 points ahead of Wallinder. He’s only a point behind Tuomisto
Sebastian Cossa - this is the big question. The team seems to be riding Talbot the rest of the way. Lyon seems likely to at least check the market as it’s not packed with UFA goalies. Mrazek’s return may be the hiccup.
As for free agents, names aside (there are already rumors flying but Lord knows what the pricing will be like and Detroit needs to shed some weight).
A left shot Dman for Seider. As Edvinsson continues to grow his game, it would still be nice to see Yzerman get ahold of a top pairing lefty allowing Edvinsson to run on the 2nd pairing.
A right shot Dman for Edvinsson - though Tuomisto may be an improvement on Holl, it may still behoove the club to see if there is an available option out there as some teams look to give raises based on the 2 and 3 year projections that Bettman gave on the cap.
A top 6 center. This has been brutal. Kasper may well be able to take that spot, but he’s playing between Kane and Debrincat. Those two feed off each other and it’s uncertain how many more years Kane will don the winged wheel. If Kasper has locked it down, Detroit needs a top 6 winger. Larkin, Raymond and (?).
The PK has to be better. The goalie situation is still unsettled. I don’t know if they should focus more on an overhauled blue line or looking for more between the pipes.
Now it’s your turn. Who do you think has a realistic chance of taking a job. Buchelnikov will undoubtedly come up, it would be nice to have more information. Is Buium making a push to jump in the mix? We’ll see how it all pans out.
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