Stuart’s Return Good News For Wings, Bad News for Kindl
FollowWhile Brad Stuart‘s return will provide a boost to the Red Wings, it likely means rookie Jakub Kindl‘s consistent ice time is coming to an end. Stuart is slated to play in Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning after sitting 15 games with a broken jaw.
The former 19th overall selection in the 2005 NHL draft filled in more than admirably during Stuart’s absence. Kindl used the opportunity to gain experience and confidence while playing with veteran Ruslan Salei on the third pairing.
Expectations for the 6-foot-3, 210 pound defenseman have been high since being the highest Red Wings draft pick in years. Despite these high expectations, Detroit has given given Kindl plenty of time to develop and work on being consist and improving his defensive game. The Sumperk, Czech Republic native was out of waiver options this season and made the Red Wings roster as the seventh defenseman.
Kindl had seen limited action before the Stuart injury, playing in just 13 games with limited ice time. During the 15 games filling in for Stuart, the 24 year-old has had his ice time steadily increase as his overall defensive game has improved.
While he likely will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, it won’t be because of his play. The Red wings should be thrilled to not only get Stuart back, but also because Jakub Kindl’s play over the last 15 games has shown flashes of what his NHL career could be.