The Left Wing Lock

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Alan Quine (pictured), Nedomlel, Sproul and Almqvist Join the Griffins

Red Wings prospects Adam Almqvist, Richard Nedomlel, Alan Quine and Ryan Sproul may have seen their respective seasons come to an end, but the trio will join the Grand Rapids Griffins on amatuer try-out contracts (ATOs). For Sproul and Almqvist, who already have entry level contracts with the Wings, this will be a chance to preview the AHL game. Nedomlel and Quine on the other hand, will get another chance to showcase … Continue Reading

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Xavier Ouellet and Ryan Sproul at Red Wings 2011 training camp

The Red Wings recently announced the signing of defensemen Xavier Ouellet and Ryan Sproul to three-year entry level contracts. After strong training camps followed by impressive CHL seasons, both players were rewarded with early contracts.

Ouellet is a classic Detroit defenseman in the making. The 6-foot, 187-pound blueliner is a strong puck moving defenseman who also plays responsibly in his own end. The Bayonne, France native piled up 21 goals and 60 points in 63 games … Continue Reading

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Photo Courtesy: Larry Wong/Edmonton Journal/Postmedia News

Petr Mrazek has become the star of the 2012 World Junior Championship. The 6-foot, 162 pound netminder has been the backbone of the Czech Republic team which eventually fell to the Russians eliminating them from medal contention. Mrazek’s most impressive outing was the 52 stop 5-2 victory over team USA sending them to the relegation bracket.

The 19 year-old goalie has become known for his exuberant on-ice celebrations following big saves or key goals for his team. But Mrazek has every reason to be excited with 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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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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As expected the Red Wings opted not to sign Bryan Rufenach (pictured) and Nick Oslund by today’s deadline for college prospects. Both players completed their fourth and final years of college eligibility and are now unrestricted free agents. While Detroit opted not to sign either by the deadline, they have invited both players to participate in the 2011 prospect tournament and training camp on free agent tryout contracts.

The 6-foot-3, 210 pound Oslund never developed into the hard hitting gritty forward the Red Wings coveted when they … Continue Reading

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Despite announcing his retirement, Chris Osgood will still be expected to provide at least one more big save for the Red Wings. This time, however, that save won’t be on the ice but rather helping to rebuild the confidence of goalie Thomas McCollum.

Much is expected from the 21 year-old McCollum as he enters his third season as a professional. Unfortunately his lack of development last season left the Red Wings with few options other than to re-sign Joey MacDonald earlier this month. While the move adds depth to … Continue Reading

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The Detroit Red Wings will heading to Traverse City, MI earlier than expected when they host their annual prospect development camp beginning on July 7 and running through the 14th. Admission to the daily workouts will be free the first day but will cost $5  there after or fans can purchase a $25 pass good for the duration of the camp and can be purchased at the door. Below is the complete Schedule for the event:

July 7th

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm on-ice workouts

2:30 pm – 4:45 pm … Continue Reading

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I was asked to participate in a mock draft conducted by www.thedetroitsportssite.com. The draft included bloggers from across the internet. To see my selection click here. To see the latest selections in the draft click here. Tune in tonight at 7 pm to see who what the Red Wings do with the 24th overall selection.