The Left Wing Lock

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The Detroit Red Wings have invited 12 free agents to the 2015 NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City beginning September 12th. Among those auditioning are several players who have skated previously with the Red Wings including: Nick Betz, Jalen Chatfield, Kurt Etchegary, Conor McGlynn, Jarett Meyer, Evan Polei, Ty Stanton, and Jerome Verrier

Following is a review of the invitees (listed alphabetically).

• Nick Betz – The 6-foot-4, 220 winger spent last season playing on first overall selection, Connor McDavid’s wing and saw his production jump from 5 goals and 18 points in 2014 to 22 goals and 58 points in 2015. The Mt. Clemens, MI native is a good skater with a big body and long reach which helps him create turnovers.
• Jalen Chatfield – The 6-foot-1, 178 pound defenseman plays a solid two-way game. The Ypsilanti, MI native played last season for Windsor picking up 21 points in 60 OHL games.
• Kurt Etchegary – The 5-foot-11, 185 pound center was slated to participate in last years Prospect Tournament for the Red Wings but was forced to sit out due to a heart condition called a pericardial effusion which has since been corrected. Etchegary is a warrior-like competitor who is described as hardworking character player.
• Connor Ingram – the 6-foot-1, 212 pound goaltender was ranked 19th best North American Goalie in the Central Scouting’s final 2015 rankings but went undrafted this past June. Ingram had a very strong second half of the season with Kamloops helping his overall numbers clime to 2.96 GAA and .904 save percentage.
• Justin Lemcke – The 6-foot-3, 200 pound defenseman was ranked the 137 North Amerian skater on Central Scouting’s final 2015 rankings but went undrafted this past June. Lemcke is a strong physical defenseman with a work ethic beyond his years. A leader in the locker room, the 18 year-old was once described by his Belleville Coach as “the ultimate teammate.”
• Matt Mancina – The 6-foot-3, 197 pound goaltender had an up and down season with Guelph of the OHL playing in 38 games but posting 3.42 goals against. Despite his underwhelming numbers and inconsistent season, Mancina attended the Toronto Maple Leafs development amp earlier this summer.
• Conor McGlynn – The 6-foot-2, 195 pound forward had originally committed to Boston College but opted to sign with Kingston of the OHL where he has played the past two seasons. McGlynn attended the Red Wings 2015 Development camp earlier this summer. He’s a big physical forward who needs to increase his strength and improve his skating.
• Jarett Meyer – The 6-foot-8, 246 pound defenseman has attracted a lot of attention due to his size. Meyer is a decent skater with good decision making who is still growing into his body. The Long Island, NY native played 34 games last year with Owen Sound but was held off the scoresheet.
• Evan Polei – The 6-foot-2, 216 pound winger participated in last years NHL Prospect Tournament with the St. Louis Blues but was injured and unable to attend their main camp. Polei also participated in the Red Wings 2015 Development camp. The 19 year-old is a power forward who isn’t afraid to drop the gloves.
• Andrew Porchno – The 5-foot-11, 190 pound defenseman plays a similar game to Detroit’s Nick Jensen without the foot speed. Porchno is an all around defenseman with a heavy shot who just completed is fourth season with St. Cloud State.
• Ty Stanton (pictured) – The 6-foot-4, 176 pound defenseman is a two way blueliner who has big frame but is extremely thin at 176 pounds. Stanton was passed over in the 2013 NHL draft after finishing the season as the 78th ranked North American prospect according to the Central Scouting Bureau. Stanton participated in last years NHL prospect Tournament with the Red Wings.
• Jerome Verrier – The 6-foot, 192 pound forward was an offensive force in the QMJHL in the 2013 and 2014 seasons netting 75 and 72 points respectively. This past season the undersized forward struggled with back and shoulder injuries that limited him to just 8 goals in 40 games. Verrier, who is the son of the Drummondville Voltigeurs President, is an undersized forward who plays with tenacity that gets under opponents skin.