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While Detroit gets a quick breather, it felt like a good time to check up on “the kids”. So far Grand Rapids is 3-1. Husso’s lone appearance was a shutout, and Cossa has 1 shutout, is 2-1-0 with a .949 SV% and 1.67 GA. Lombardi’s pair of goals last night lead the team in that category with Shine and Snively both posting 3 points (1G, 2A) to open the season.
You can see the game recaps here.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka is tied for 2nd in points with 10 (4g, 6A) and his 4 goals is part of a 4 way tie for first on the team. Those 10 points were obtained in 11 games. After a brief note to someone whose opinion I greatly admire and look up to, there seems to be some head scratching as to why ASP didn’t choose Grand Rapids this year. Skelleftea are defending champs of course, but the time, space, speed and strength adjustment to the North American game can be especially tough on defensemen.
This year’s first round picks Michael Brandsegg-Nygard hasn’t posted any goals or assists in his first 3 games. Clearly a good developmental year for him to play overseas. However, the option was given to him as well to play in Grand Rapids and the group/player insisted it was the NHL or Europe. For whatever reason neither player seems overly excited about the AHL at this point in their development.
This brings a final issue to the table. Major changes are happening to the CHL with the NCAA’s loss to the players in terms of compensation and the Name Image and Likeness clause. Just 3 games into the season, a quarterback hired an agent (Las Vegas), demanded more money and dropped out of the program when he didn’t get it. Not a great start. The team was 3-0, but his passing was limited to about 100 yards per game. Not exactly elite.
The CHL had the advantage of offering “pro hockey” to young players, but because of that monicker they were ineligible for the NCAA. As the lawsuit was settled, a small collective of agents (surprise) went to get the decades long ruling overturned. So, with the CBA coming up, teams need to be able to address this.
Personal suggestion, an NCAA modified ELC deal. The player still gets the signing bonus, but a modified (lower) salary with each team getting 1 per draft. This should also not count against the contract cap of 50 as it will have to be modified to a traditional ELC depending on how many seasons were played with a “make good” on the revenue that was adjusted.
Players know the free agent route available through the NCAA well and a few use it leaving the drafting team holding the bag. Add a penalty to the signing team of a forfeited pick for whatever round the player was selected in. That’s just opinion, let me know your thoughts and how you think the “kids” are doing so far this season.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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