The Left Wing Lock

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Photo Courtesy The Detroit News

Chris Conner is embracing his opportunity with the Red Wings.  The 5-foot-7, 180 pound forward was recalled more than a week ago from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL after Patrick Eaves was sidelined due to a broken jaw. Since his promotion, the 27 year-old winger has notched a goal and three points through 6 games. Conner has played a limited role, mostly on the fourth line, for Detroit but his speed and tenacity have been assets to the veteran-laden Wings.

He’s played his … Continue Reading

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On Friday team Slovakia named Red Wings prospects Marek Tvrdon (pictured) and Tomas Jurco to their preliminary roster for the 2012 World Junior Championship which kicks off after Christmas. While the duo has not officially been named to the final roster, it’s a safe bet that both players will make the final roster.

Matter of fact, Tvrdon and Jurco could be key contributors for Slovakia when they kick things off on December 27th against Latvia. The 6-foot-2, 187 pound Jurco is one of just six players returning to this year’s … Continue Reading

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Despite all the rumors, the Detroit Red Wings will not be joining the Eastern Conference. Under the new plan, the Wings will be part of the newly realigned central conference which will also feature Chicago, St. Louis, Winnipeg, Nashville, Columbus, Dallas, and Minnesota. The league will be divided into four total conferences – two with eight teams and two with just seven teams. The bulk of the schedule next season will focus on inter-conference games, but each team will play the teams outside its respective conference twice.

The Red Wings, who have … Continue Reading

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Ty Conklin had to wait 17 games before getting another chance to start for the Red Wings. Sunday’s 4-2 loss against the Colorado Avalanche did little to secure his standing with the Red Wings. Conklin previous two starts came in late October and included a 7-1 loss to the Washington Capitals and 4-1 lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Jimmy Howard, who’s sparkling 1.83 goals against is fifth best in the NHL, hasn’t made it easy for Conklin to earn starts with the Red Wings. Howard has been the teams undisputed most valuable player this season, but … Continue Reading

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The Detroit Red Wings will be returning to Traverse City, MI to host their annual prospects tournament and training camp at Centre I.C.E. Arena in Traverse City, Mich.
 
The prospect tournament, which is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 19, will feature entries from eight teams including the Red Wings. The full schedule will be announced at a later date. Tickets are expected to be $5 per day and should be available on game days.
 
Training camp will begin Sept. 22 and run through Sept. 25 with morning practices, with ticket prices expected … Continue Reading

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When the Red Wings announced that they had placed Fabian Brunnstrom on waivers Friday it was with the intention of getting the 26 year-old forward a chance to play. The 6-foot-2, 212 pound forward signed a one year two-way contract with Detroit after an impressive training camp tryout.

Since the start of the season, Brunnstrom has played in just one game and is unlikely to see the ice any time soon since all of Detroit’s forwards are healthy. The move was necessary in order to keep the big Swede in game … Continue Reading

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Andrej Nestrasil is seizing his opportunity with Grand Rapids. The 6-foot-2, 200 pound forward didn’t make the Griffins out of training camp and eventually started the season with Toledo of the ECHL. After just a single game with the Walleye, he was recalled to Grand Rapids

The Griffins, who are without the service of forward Mitch Callahan (suspension) and Landon Ferraro (concussion), needed an extra forward. Nestrasil has notched two goals and assist in three AHL games. Outside of Gustav Nyquist and Chris Connor, the big winger has been one of … Continue Reading

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The Red Wings secured a piece of their goaltending future by signing Petr Mrazek to a three-year entry level deal recently. Terms of the contract have not been officially released, but the deal has been confirmed by the 19 year-old stopper.

The Ostrava, Czech Republic native is currently playing for Ottawa of the OHL. In eight games this season he has posted a 2.34 goals against and .925 save percentage. He is currently sixth among all OHL goaltenders in both categories.

Mrazek, who will turn pro next season, will have a chance to compete … Continue Reading

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Since being released by the Detroit Red Wings last month, Ramis Sadikov hasn’t played a single game with the Erie Otters of the OHL. The 20 year-old netminder is the odd man out in Erie with the team choosing to play younger goalies Tyson Teichmann and Chris Festarini. Sadikov’s position on the team is further complicated by the fact that he is an overage player and the Otters are currently two over the league limits.

The 6-foot-2, 230 pound goalie was one of the top stoppers in the OHL last season … Continue Reading

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Just two games into Detroit’s season, the writing appears to be on the wall for Tomas Holmstrom. The 38 year-old forward is entering his 14th NHL season with the Red Wings and he could break the 1,000 game mark this year. While the veteran forward was productive last season with 18 goals and 37 points, he’s clearly in the twilight of his NHL career.

The 6-foot, 198 pound forward has never listed skating as one of his assets and his defensive game has been called into question at times. That being said, … Continue Reading