Jeremy Laura: Welcome to Grand Rapids! Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

VERY excited about ASP. I'm hoping he's playing with the big club beginning in October.

VERY excited about ASP. I'm hoping he's playing with the big club beginning in October.
- todd3066

I think that’s possible. Very exciting for sure

Detroit fans are measured in our optimism for our prospects. Fans of other teams, particularly north of the border, are much different. I follow a few hockey pages on Insta and Habs fans are already saying Demidov is better than Bedard and Celebrini. Of course, Hutson is also far superior to Makar.

Just to get them going, I pointed out that Dmitry Buchelnikov finished 19th in the scoring race, while Demidov was 27th, with the same number of games played, and that he's the fastest player in the KHL and arguably the best passer. Of course, they pointed out that Buchelnikov played four more minutes per game, to which I responded, Bedard never played 3rd or 4th line, if he's that good, shouldn't he be on the first line?

Anyway, I had a little fun raising their blood pressure a bit, but it really is a stark contrast to how different fan bases think about their prospects and young players. Teams like MTL, CBJ, ANA, SJS, BUF, etc., tend to bring their prospects up very early in their development, likely so they can generate the hype and market them right away. I think most of the time, it sets back their development because in my opinion, confidence is the most important thing to young players and playing them too soon has caused an awful lot highly touted players to have really disappointing careers.

The key on all of these players is their third or fourth year. Often times they have great first years and then the sophomore slump. That occurs because teams have a full year of video and learn their habits and tendencies. The key is, can those young players adapt and essentially re-invent themselves, and can they handle the pressures of playing at the highest level, with immense expectations on their shoulders.

Having said all that, I think Kasper would have been in the top 5 had he gotten adequate ice time in the first three months and would have probably been pushing 50 points. Next year will be a whole new challenge for him, but I like the way he plays. I'm certainly excited for ASP and I think as the season went on MBN became a really solid player. As far as Buchelnikov goes, he may have the most talent and raw physical skills out all Det prospects, but you never know if KHL players can translate their game to the NHL. I'm really hoping next year has a significant injection of youth into the lineup, followed by several more next year. I'd prefer to watch the kids come of age, rather than a bunch of dudes at the tail end of their careers.

Detroit fans are measured in our optimism for our prospects. Fans of other teams, particularly north of the border, are much different. I follow a few hockey pages on Insta and Habs fans are already saying Demidov is better than Bedard and Celebrini. Of course, Hutson is also far superior to Makar.

Just to get them going, I pointed out that Dmitry Buchelnikov finished 19th in the scoring race, while Demidov was 27th, with the same number of games played, and that he's the fastest player in the KHL and arguably the best passer. Of course, they pointed out that Buchelnikov played four more minutes per game, to which I responded, Bedard never played 3rd or 4th line, if he's that good, shouldn't he be on the first line?

Anyway, I had a little fun raising their blood pressure a bit, but it really is a stark contrast to how different fan bases think about their prospects and young players. Teams like MTL, CBJ, ANA, SJS, BUF, etc., tend to bring their prospects up very early in their development, likely so they can generate the hype and market them right away. I think most of the time, it sets back their development because in my opinion, confidence is the most important thing to young players and playing them too soon has caused an awful lot highly touted players to have really disappointing careers.

The key on all of these players is their third or fourth year. Often times they have great first years and then the sophomore slump. That occurs because teams have a full year of video and learn their habits and tendencies. The key is, can those young players adapt and essentially re-invent themselves, and can they handle the pressures of playing at the highest level, with immense expectations on their shoulders.

Having said all that, I think Kasper would have been in the top 5 had he gotten adequate ice time in the first three months and would have probably been pushing 50 points. Next year will be a whole new challenge for him, but I like the way he plays. I'm certainly excited for ASP and I think as the season went on MBN became a really solid player. As far as Buchelnikov goes, he may have the most talent and raw physical skills out all Det prospects, but you never know if KHL players can translate their game to the NHL. I'm really hoping next year has a significant injection of youth into the lineup, followed by several more next year. I'd prefer to watch the kids come of age, rather than a bunch of dudes at the tail end of their careers.
- bluelineenforcer

It’s such a different level of fandom, and there is a ton of (rightfully) optimism that the cup could return to Canada this year. We’ve had a couple prospects ready quickly. Raymond at 19, Seider would have at 19 but with the season a bit up in the air went to Sweden (Kaser still saying Seider is one of if not the best prospect he ever saw in GR). Kasper, I think you’re right. I also think the culture change/intensity of McLellan benefitted he and Debrincat both a ton. Kasper loves to jump in and I’m still hoping he grabs 2 more goals to hit 20 this year. Lombardi really looks like he could contribute from the start. Would love to see him on the wing with Larkin and Raymond. ASP is the guy that’s had the most “international” coverage I can remember in a prospect. Set records in the SHL, 1 championship there, made waves in the IIHF worlds U20 and has a lot of eyeballs waiting to see how he transitions over. Not sure if he and MBN are debuting tonight. Kind of hoping not because it will be hard to watch two games (though not impossible). We are definitely seeing the 3,4,5 year development players get ready to jump in. Exciting times ahead, hoping for a long Griffins playoff run!

Update - ASP and MBN will debut on Friday

I hope they both make the Red Wings next season as they need all the help they can get.

I hope they both make the Red Wings next season as they need all the help they can get.
- Bigfrog

I definitely want to see Sandin-Pellikka, need to see MBN play. Lombardi looks ready, Danielson has had a better 2nd half, Nygard may need a few in GR. I do like his strength, just want to see how he developed this past year. Wish we’d get some sort of update on Buchelnikov. Definitely want to see some young guys push their way onto the roster and possibly send someone on waivers. Very curious to see who they want to pair ASP with. May need a “stay at home” while he adjusts