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From Call-up to Cornerstone: Andersson Making His NHL Case

anderssonWhen the Red Wings recalled Joakim Andersson in early February, he was expected to be an extra forward after veteran forwards Todd Bertuzzi and Darren Helm suffered injuries. 38 regular season games later, the 6-foot-2, 206 pound forward hasn’t left the line-up even as veteran forwards returned from injury.

Andersson, who is second in regular season games played by a rookie this season (Damien Brunner is first with 44 games), has exceeded expectations playing key minutes and seeing time on the panelty kill. The unassuming Swede has been known for his strong defensive play since being … Continue Reading

Key Contributor: Ferraro Taking the Next Step

Ferraro2Landon Ferraro may be the best Red Wings prospect no one is talking about. The 6-foot, 174 pound center is finally putting up the type of numbers the Red Wings expected after drafting him 32nd overall in the 2009 entry draft. Ferraro was Grand Rapids leading goal scorer this season with 24 goals and third on the team in points with 47. Despite his impressive statistics, he’s almost forgotten behind flashier forward prospects like Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar and Tomas Jurco.

With his offensive numbers more than doubling his rookie season total … Continue Reading

Organizational Blow: Jim Nill Will Be Missed

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Red Wings Assistant GM Nill with Tomas Tatar at the 2009 NHL draft

The Red Wings are celebrating clinching their 22nd straight post season appearance after defeating the Dallas Stars 3-0 on Saturday. But the organization is doing it with a heavy heart knowing a key management cog is departing. Just before the game, TSN broke the news that Detroit Assistant General Manager Jim Nill is likely to be announced as the new Dallas GM as early as Monday.

Nill has been the Red Wings assistant general manager … Continue Reading

Trade Barriers: Eastbound Detroit Facing Added Complications

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Gustav Nyquist is one of several prospects teams will inquire about in potential trades with Detroit

With the NHL trade deadline just days away, the Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland has already said he is unlikely to make a move unless there is a fit. Ideally, the Wings would like to acquire help at both ends of the ice, but they aren’t willing to relinquish prospects and draft picks for short-term help.

Among those Detroit was rumored to be interested in was former Calgary defenseman, Jay Bouwmeester … Continue Reading

Free Agent Finds

lashoffIf the Red Wings are able to land coveted undrafted free agent defenseman Danny Dekeyser, it won’t be the first time they have uncovered NHL talent without going through the entry draft. Detroit often uses its training and development camps to not only evaluate drafted prospects, but also allowing select players to tryout for a potential contract. Dekeyser, who participated in the Wings 2011 development camp, just finished his junior season at Western Michigan and has decided to turn pro.

Detroit can also count current Red Wings defenseman Brian Lashoff … Continue Reading

Defensive Deficiency

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No replacing Captain Norris

Not to state the obvious, but the Red Wings miss Nick Lidstrom. When the 42 year-old defenseman announced his retirement over the summer, everyone knew Detroit would struggle. Just three games into the season the Wings have allowed 10 goals and used 9 different defenseman mostly due to injuries. The current unit includes a mixture up and coming prospects like Brian Lashoff and Brendan Smith along with recently signed Kent Huskins who had been playing for Norfolk of the AHL prior to inking … Continue Reading

Chopping Block: Final Roster Spot On the Line

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Emmerton and Mursak in an Early Battle

It’s been a battle that has been seven years in the making for Cory Emmerton and Jan Mursak. With Todd Bertuzzi (Mono) and Darren helm (back) out, the pair of 2006 Red Wings draft picks will both get a chance to play in tonight’s season opener against the St. Louis Blues. After that it is unclear which player will earn the final spot on the Wings 23-man roster or when the decision will be made.

Detroit was expecting to … Continue Reading