European Invasion next Season?
Much was made of a comment from Wings general manager Ken Holland in this article from the Detroit Free Press:
“During the summer, we’re going to have to decide whether we’re going to continue to be a Cup contender, or do we want to move some kids into the lineup, maybe take a half-step back in order to take two steps ahead in the future.”
The big question is which kids are Ken Holland talking about? The team already raided Grand Rapids of their top 3 forwards. Perhaps he is talking about Jakub Kindl and Jonathan Ericsson, who are probably the top two prospects on defense for the Red Wings. The rumor is that Ericsson nearly made the team out of training camp. The Wings will also hope to get Igor Grigorenko signed and in training camp next season.
Red Wings Central caught up with Hakan Andersson, who is the Red Wings director of European scouting. Andersson was bullish on one of the forward prospects the Red Wings have stashed overseas: Johan Ryno.
“I project him as a top two line player,” Andersson said. “He’s a 6-foot-5 guy with very good hands and hockey sense. He’s got real upside. He’s the guy who has the biggest chance out of Europe to be an impact player in Detroit.”
It would seem like Ryno would need more time against higher level competition, but given Andersson’s track record and Detroit’s need for big, skilled forwards he will likely be signed by the Wings and possibly even be given a shot in training camp to earn a spot on the team.
The Red Wings Central message board also has a transcript of a very good interview with Grigorenko.
Things are also looking pretty good here in North America. Darren Helm is ranked as the #7 prospect in the WHL according to this Hockey’s Future article from Glen Erickson. Here is what he has to say about the Red Wings prospect:
Acquired by the Red Wings in the fifth round, 132nd overall at the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Darren Helm has established himself this season as top WHL prospect with the Medicine Hat Tigers. The native of St. Andrews, Manitoba has scored 20 goals and 33 assists in 47 games.
Helm has put on some weight and grown to become a feared offensive threat in the WHL. His explosive first stride and acceleration make him a handful for even the top defensemen in the league. He played in the ADT Canada/Russia Challenge and was a valuable energy player for Team Canada at the WJC in Sweden.
Offensive defenseman Logan Pyett garnered notice in the “other notables” section.
Darren Helm Igor Grigorenko Johan Ryno Logan Pyett NHL Prospects Red Wings2 Comments
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment
Holland may have been referring to the defensive corps, which could be filled by three NHL-ready defensemen from the AHL: Kyle Quincey, Derek Meech, and Ericsson.
I really don’t think they have enough depth at forward to go with any more prospects next season. On defense, maybe.
Matt, I agree with you. Ken Holland said as much when he said that the Wings feel like any of those defensemen could be called up this year and they would fit in without any problems.