Eklund did me a solid, plus Detroit’s potential free agents
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If you listened to the hockeybuzz podcast https://youtu.be/A7YJm5TQ2hU today (8/13) you may have heard something bizarre at around the 45 minute mark. Ek did me the world’s biggest solid and actually read part of my blog! I was shocked and delighted. My poor wife of almost 20 years (this Thursday the 15th) must have thought I’d received an award for my latest iTunes upload. Unlike the tens of fans (12 to be precise) who’ve “enjoyed” my independent stylings, i found myself as part of a podcast with TENS of tens of fans. Pretty exciting! Thanks Ek.
I realize that the mood of my assessment of Detroit’s free agent attraction sounds a bit dark. We seem to fall solidly into the category of having “good veteran presence” to help guide the young guys. In truth, Mike Green is very valuable for this. When he can play, he can move the puck. I want Cholowski and McIsaac (and Seider if he’s around) to watch the nuances of Green’s game. We’re a better team when he’s playing. But, this is not a championship destination.
Where I think Yzerman will attract free agents will be in the unsigned collegiate and unqualified RFA’s. Possibly overseas additions. Taro Hirose came on board and made an impact last spring. Ryan Kuffner struggled a bit but is going to get opportunities. Oliwer Kaski could be an interesting addition. There are jobs to be had, and that is who we’re going to attract. People who can’t crack a roster with their drafted teams or who want to come over from Europe and get some ice time.
On Thursday (August 15th) unsigned college free agents can make their choices. I believe Detroit will be in discussion for a few players. The Defensive situation is particularly wide open. Ericsson, Daly, and Green have all struggled with injury. Half of the blue line is wide open. Someone has to “take” a job, and it is more possible now than in any time in recent memory.
In the meantime, Ek and the gang brought up a very pertinent point. Regardless of situation, the Red Wings need to make fans happy. I believe it will be a 3 part plan. Giveaways will be noticeable again. We’re not going back to when Mike Illitch bought the team and had to give away cars to get people to show up, but we need better than rally towels. Bobble heads have become big. Lanyards and mini plaques that celebrate retired players or championship anniversaries. If (probably when) Larkin is named Captain, expect either a statue, hat or T-shirt. Make it fun for people to show up, or at least load them up with eBay fodder.
Secondly, cheap tickets. I referred to this a couple blogs ago. Last year you could get a ticket with $10 in concession credits for 25 bucks. That’s pretty great. Get your deep dish slice and a coke and enjoy the chaos when Toronto comes to town!
Lastly, availability. Dylan Larkin has done at least 3 autograph signings this summer. Alumni games, signings, players serving you coffee at Tim Hortons, etc. Getting fans excited about the players is critical. There is still something special about NHL players (more than most other sports in my opinion) that makes them very approachable but still incredible athletes. I’ll never figure out why the meanest guy on the ice seems like the nicest guy in the world when you’re shaking his hand.
A final side note, i’d Really like to see Dylan Larkin back at the all star game this year. Yes, i’d Like to see he and Connor McDavid both in the fastest skater contest. It’s fun. But, over the past 2 years we’ve sent Jimmy Howard and Mike Green. They’re good guys and i was happy for them, but they’re not our star player. Athanasiou would also be fun to watch down there, but we need to see our star player getting treated like just that. As bad as the seasons have been, the all star game is a solid “pass” when we send someone down that’s not exciting to watch. Dylan is our present and future star. I’m not sure there’s even a close second...
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I realize that the mood of my assessment of Detroit’s free agent attraction sounds a bit dark. We seem to fall solidly into the category of having “good veteran presence” to help guide the young guys. In truth, Mike Green is very valuable for this. When he can play, he can move the puck. I want Cholowski and McIsaac (and Seider if he’s around) to watch the nuances of Green’s game. We’re a better team when he’s playing. But, this is not a championship destination.
Where I think Yzerman will attract free agents will be in the unsigned collegiate and unqualified RFA’s. Possibly overseas additions. Taro Hirose came on board and made an impact last spring. Ryan Kuffner struggled a bit but is going to get opportunities. Oliwer Kaski could be an interesting addition. There are jobs to be had, and that is who we’re going to attract. People who can’t crack a roster with their drafted teams or who want to come over from Europe and get some ice time.
On Thursday (August 15th) unsigned college free agents can make their choices. I believe Detroit will be in discussion for a few players. The Defensive situation is particularly wide open. Ericsson, Daly, and Green have all struggled with injury. Half of the blue line is wide open. Someone has to “take” a job, and it is more possible now than in any time in recent memory.
In the meantime, Ek and the gang brought up a very pertinent point. Regardless of situation, the Red Wings need to make fans happy. I believe it will be a 3 part plan. Giveaways will be noticeable again. We’re not going back to when Mike Illitch bought the team and had to give away cars to get people to show up, but we need better than rally towels. Bobble heads have become big. Lanyards and mini plaques that celebrate retired players or championship anniversaries. If (probably when) Larkin is named Captain, expect either a statue, hat or T-shirt. Make it fun for people to show up, or at least load them up with eBay fodder.
Secondly, cheap tickets. I referred to this a couple blogs ago. Last year you could get a ticket with $10 in concession credits for 25 bucks. That’s pretty great. Get your deep dish slice and a coke and enjoy the chaos when Toronto comes to town!
Lastly, availability. Dylan Larkin has done at least 3 autograph signings this summer. Alumni games, signings, players serving you coffee at Tim Hortons, etc. Getting fans excited about the players is critical. There is still something special about NHL players (more than most other sports in my opinion) that makes them very approachable but still incredible athletes. I’ll never figure out why the meanest guy on the ice seems like the nicest guy in the world when you’re shaking his hand.
A final side note, i’d Really like to see Dylan Larkin back at the all star game this year. Yes, i’d Like to see he and Connor McDavid both in the fastest skater contest. It’s fun. But, over the past 2 years we’ve sent Jimmy Howard and Mike Green. They’re good guys and i was happy for them, but they’re not our star player. Athanasiou would also be fun to watch down there, but we need to see our star player getting treated like just that. As bad as the seasons have been, the all star game is a solid “pass” when we send someone down that’s not exciting to watch. Dylan is our present and future star. I’m not sure there’s even a close second...
[url][url]
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08 Detroit Red Wings : 23-22-19-19-?
09 Detroit Red Wings - Jan Levine is absolutely correct
13 ’s new “intensity” culture
13 ’s potential free agents
14 “Finnish”?
15 Detroit will, literally, be half the team it is now
19 Is there a trade Detroit can make this year?
20 Which Red Wings will lead the way this year?
21 Revisiting the Red Wings trade possibility via Mike Augello
21 Quick Hit - Is Nielsen a possible fit in Edmonton?
23 Is Cocaine the worst kept secret in the NHL?
23 If Eklund is right, Ristolainen could be on the way...
26 Can Larkin and Yzerman rebuild this team?
28 ’s number?
30 Why I hate training camp and the preseason...
09 Detroit Red Wings - Jan Levine is absolutely correct
13 ’s new “intensity” culture
13 ’s potential free agents
14 “Finnish”?
15 Detroit will, literally, be half the team it is now
19 Is there a trade Detroit can make this year?
20 Which Red Wings will lead the way this year?
21 Revisiting the Red Wings trade possibility via Mike Augello
21 Quick Hit - Is Nielsen a possible fit in Edmonton?
23 Is Cocaine the worst kept secret in the NHL?
23 If Eklund is right, Ristolainen could be on the way...
26 Can Larkin and Yzerman rebuild this team?
28 ’s number?
30 Why I hate training camp and the preseason...
03 The first Yzerman favor. Magnus Paajarvi PTO?
04 I hope Steve Yzerman is taking notes...
05 The fight inside the NHLPA
05 Detroit Red Wings Prospect Tournament lineup
06 Link for Traverse City Prospect games
09 Thoughts from Detroit Redwings Prospect games
10 “I told you so” Detroit Red Wings blog
11 Detroit wins the prospects tourney for the 2nd time
12 “teams” for training camp
16 Preseason injuries, what a waste...
17 ’s lineup for tonight (9/17) versus Chicago
19 Thoughts on Rasmussen
24 ’s three headed monster
26 Detroit Redwings head into final stretch of preseason
28 ’m probably wrong about Anthony Mantha
04 I hope Steve Yzerman is taking notes...
05 The fight inside the NHLPA
05 Detroit Red Wings Prospect Tournament lineup
06 Link for Traverse City Prospect games
09 Thoughts from Detroit Redwings Prospect games
10 “I told you so” Detroit Red Wings blog
11 Detroit wins the prospects tourney for the 2nd time
12 “teams” for training camp
16 Preseason injuries, what a waste...
17 ’s lineup for tonight (9/17) versus Chicago
19 Thoughts on Rasmussen
24 ’s three headed monster
26 Detroit Redwings head into final stretch of preseason
28 ’m probably wrong about Anthony Mantha
01 The horrible Red Wings cycle
02 Buckle up for a bad Red Wings start
04 Detroit Redwings may have Larkin ready for Nashville
05 The best Red Wings line since?
05 I was wrong, Detroit beats Nashville in season opener.
06 ’s three headed monster - LAR-MAN-ZZI
06 Good grief, Anthony Mantha
07 What are Blashill and Yzerman doing with Madison Bowey?
07 Detroit Red Wings call up 4 from Grand Rapids
08 Athanasiou will debut against Anaheim 10/8
08 Madison Bowey gets an opportunity against Anaheim
08 Detroit exhibits frailty in loss to Anaheim
02 Buckle up for a bad Red Wings start
04 Detroit Redwings may have Larkin ready for Nashville
05 The best Red Wings line since?
05 I was wrong, Detroit beats Nashville in season opener.
06 ’s three headed monster - LAR-MAN-ZZI
06 Good grief, Anthony Mantha
07 What are Blashill and Yzerman doing with Madison Bowey?
07 Detroit Red Wings call up 4 from Grand Rapids
08 Athanasiou will debut against Anaheim 10/8
08 Madison Bowey gets an opportunity against Anaheim
08 Detroit exhibits frailty in loss to Anaheim
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