The Left Wing Lock

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With the signing of both Adam Almqvist and Andrej Nestrasil (pictured) this week, the Detroit Red Wings have inked six of their seven 2009 draft picks. The only remaining unsigned prospect is college defenseman Nick Jensen, who has three years of NCAA eligibility remaining but is also a strong contender for a contract in a couple of years. The other 2009 selections with NHL contracts include Landon Ferraro (32nd overall), Tomas Tatar (60th), Gleason Fournier (90th), and Mitch Callahan (150th).

Detroit enters each draft year with the hopes of finding at least one … Continue Reading

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Dick Axelsson has been called a lot of things in his brief hockey career, but now he can add Swedish Elite League Championship to that list. Axelsson, who plays for Farjestadt, notched four goals and six assists through  14 postseason games.

The 6-foot-2, 188 pound winger has at times frustrated the Red Wings brass by some of the choices he has made both on and off the ice. Despite his ill-advised decision to leave Grand Rapids of the AHL in 2009 to return to Sweden, Axelsson seems to be finally taking a significant step forward.

The former second round pick in … Continue Reading

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When 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 … Continue Reading

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After suffering a disappointing end to his OHL season, Petr Mrazek will get a chance to join the Grand Rapids Griffins for the remainder of the season. The 19 year-old signed an amateur contract with the Griffins that will help him gain valuable experience. Mrazek was hoping to have a long playoff,  but fatigue and injuries caught up with him and the 67’s as they were swept in four games by the Sudbury Wolves.

The 6-foot, 162 goalie had an impressive season starting in 52 games and leading the league with an impressive .920 save percentage. Mrazek confirmed that, barring … Continue Reading

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Cory Emmerton faces an up hill battle to earn an NHL roster spot next season. The former 41st overall pick in the 2006 NHL entry draft signed a new three year deal with the Red Wings on Tuesday. The deal ensures that Emmerton will earn a guaranteed NHL salary in the final two years of the pact.

The 6-foot, 188 pound forward is out of AHL options next season, meaning that he will have to clear waivers in order to be sent to Grand Rapids. The Red Wings have had high hopes for Emmerton because of his playmaking ability … Continue Reading

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In case you missed my feature story over at Red Wings Central, please check it out here. Thanks to Petr Mrazek for his time and willingness to chat with me.

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The Red Wings want Gustav Nyquist, but does the young Swede want the Red Wings this year or next year? The 5-foot-11, 170 pound forward is in his junior season with the University of Maine. The team was eliminated from the Hockey East playoffs on Saturday in a 6-2 loss to the fourth seeded Merrimack College. Maine, which is a perennial entry into the NCAA Division I hockey championships, will likely be on the outside looking  in when the tournament starts this year. If that happens it will essentially end Nyquist’s season and possibly his collegiate hockey career.

With … Continue Reading

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The Red Wings had high hopes for Thomas McCollum when they selected him 30th overall in the 2008 NHL entry draft. Unfortunately the 21 year-old netminder has struggled in his first two season with Grand Rapids of the AHL.

McCollum had a shaky rookie campaign posting 3.48 goals against and a .881 save percentage in just 32 starts. The Sanborn, New York native had even worse numbers in his four games with Toledo of the AHL.
The 6-foot-2, 210 pound goaltender had hopes of regaining his confidence and posting stronger numbers entering this season while getting a chance to learn from … Continue Reading

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The Red Wings secured a piece of their future by inking Jan Mursak to a two-year contract extension. Mursak, who is out of waiver options after this season, could play in Detroit full time next season.

The 23 year-old forward play 17 games in the NHL this season, scoring his first career goal. Mursak proved he could play at the NHL level with his speed and skill. The Maribor, Slovenia native has vastly improved his defensive game after spending three full seasons in Grand Rapids.

Mursak’s path to the NHL hasn’t always been smooth and his position in the Red Wings … Continue Reading

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There wasn’t anything shocking about the Red Wings selecting a smallish skilled Swede late in the 2008 NHL draft. The surprise came when Gustav Nyquist announced his plans to attend the University of Maine later that year.

Nyquist, who is currently in his junior year with Maine, is taking an unconventional development path for a Swedish born player. The 21 year-old forward chose to leave home early to learn the North American game in the hopes of eventually playing at the professional level. His strong work ethic, all around game and hockey sense have helped him become a key player for the … Continue Reading