The Left Wing Lock

Follow

The Red Wings surprised many in 2004 making Johan Franzen their first pick in the draft that year. Detroit had to wait until the 97th overall pick after trading away their first two picks in trade deadline deals. At the time of the draft, Franzen was 24 years-old and had been passed over in multiple drafts causing some to question the selection.

Hakan Andersson, the Red Wings top European scout, pushed for Franzen because of his size and defensive game. When Detroit picked him, they projected the 6-foot-3, 220-pound winger as a defensive player who could fill out their bottom … Continue Reading

Follow

When the Hockey Hall of Fame inducts it’s 2011 class, Eddy “The Eagle” Belfour may be the only the only member in his first year of eligibility. Belfour, who led the Dallas Stars to a Stanley Cup Championship in 1999, has the credentials with nearly 1,200 NHL games, a Stanley Cup Championship, and two World Cup titles. Although “Crazy Eddie’s” career was sometimes marred by his arrest record and occasional angry on-ice outbursts, Belfour’s career should still justify his selection to the Hall.

The other first year eligible players are highlighted by Trevor Linden, Glen Murray, and former Red … Continue Reading

Follow

Peter Mrazek may be the best Red Wings prospect you’ve never heard of.

The 6-foot, 162-pound goalie is having another strong season for the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario hockey league. Mrazek is currently second in the league in save percentage with a .920 and his 2.89 goals against isn’t too shabby either.

The Red Wings drafted Mrazek with 141st pick in the 2010 draft citing his competitiveness as a key reason for the selection. In is first year as a starter in the OHL, the Czech born netminder is putting himself on the map as a prospect. The Hockey … Continue Reading

Follow

The NHL Breakaway Challenge featured in the All-Star Skills competition on Saturday night is the NHL’s failed attempt to compete with the MLB (home run competition) and the NBA (dunk competition). The problem with the NHL’s version is that many of the moves attempted would never be attempted in a real game situation. The NHL should leave the showboating to the other sports and focus on the game of hockey.
The athletes that play in the NHL are some of the most skilled in the world. The real product is fast and hard hitting and while a competition like the … Continue Reading

Follow

The NHL held it’s first ever All-Star Fantasy draft last night on Versus. While it was entertaining to see some of the players squirm (Jonathan Tarves) as they waited for their name to be called, at times the broadcast was difficult to watch. TSN’s James Duthie did his best to manufacture intrigue and animosity where there was none.

The NHL produced the show to seem as though it was the NHL entry draft complete with players in suits and jackets.

In the end Team Staal ended up with a team full of favors and teammates such as Cam Ward and Jeff Skinner, … Continue Reading

Follow

Landon Ferraro has had a tough couple of years since being drafted by the Red Wings 32nd overall in 2009. The 6-foot, 171-pound forward was recently diagnosed wit a hernia which will require surgery. The 19-year-old Center will now be out four to six weeks after he was just starting to show his offensive ability for Everett of the WHL.

Ferraro, who is the son of former NHLer Ray Ferraro, was traded from Red Deer in the off season after a very public disagreement with the Rebels head coach Jesse Wallin.

The young forward signed a contract with the Red Wings … Continue Reading

Follow

Adam Almqvist (Pictured) and Calle Jarnkrok are among the five best junior players currently playing in the Swedish Elite League according to the Swedish website Hockeyligan.se. Almqvist, who is an undersized puck moving defenseman, was rated the fifth best prospect and Calle Jarnkrok was rated as the top prospect.

Jarnkrok is a shifty offensive forward who is also undersized, but has the talent and ability the Red Wings covet. Both products are the result of Detroit’s super Swedish scout, Hakan Andersson, and could prove to be valuable assets if they focus on improving strength.

With Almqvist’s high ranking, it’s even more … Continue Reading