Ace in the Hole: Kolosov’s Time With the Wings Could be Done
FollowWhen the Red Wings announced the 15 player Black Ace squad on Monday it was no surprise that Sergei Kolosov’s name was no where to be found. The 6-foot-4, 217 pound defensemen signed a one year deal last summer. In 55 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins this season he has picked up a single assist along with 46 penalty minutes.
The former 151st overall selection in the 2004 NHL Entry draft is a steady defensive presence on the blue line, but he hasn’t developed the mean streak and physicality that Detroit was hoping for. Despite that, Kolosov has been solid in the AHL, but his NHL upside is limited due in large part to a lack of offensive potential. With his development stalled and barring a push from the Griffins management, the Red Wings will likely opt to not re-sign the 24 year-old defensemen putting the focus on other more promising defense prospects.
Other players not included among the Black Aces were Willie Coetzee and Sebastien Piche. Coetzee, who is in the first year of his three-year entry level deal, split time between Toledo (ECHL) and Grand Rapids (AHL) this season. Piche has also had a hard time earning an AHL roster spot, spending all but 11 games with Toledo. Both players will need the extended off season to improve their skills heading into Detroit’s 2011 training camp.