The Lebda/Meech Conundrum

So we're five games into the season. We're sitting at 2-3-0. Tied in points with Nashville and St. Louis with a game in hand. I know it may be early for Divisional Standings but the Detroit Tigers this year taught us that EVERY GAME MATTERS. When late April rolls around, we may be looking back some of these games we let slip away.

Now, onto the topic at hand: Lebda and Meech.

We've seen 2 games out of Brett Lebda: 0 points, -2 rating

We've seen 3 games out of Derek Meech: 0 points, -3 rating

At what point do the Wings look at giving Andy Delmore or Jakub Kindl a look at this lineup? Both Lebda and Meech have looked HORRENDOUS. If Lilja can get healthy, I'm almost to the point where I say "waive them both" if you can't get any trade value. Harsh? Maybe. But when Lilja comes back, there just won't be any more room for either of these two.

Between Delmore and Kindl, I would definitely give Delmore a shot first. Kindl is a kid whose contract goes 1-way next year anyway, so he's going to get his shot. Delmore signed a one year deal and has proved that he can play at this level. He has a great shot and looked pretty damn good in the pre-season.

Oh and the decision to waive Kyle Quincey is making more and more angry. He has 6 points in 6 games for the Avs this year....*sigh*.

Delmore Understands His Role

Dave Waddell of the Windsor Star talked to Andy Delmore, and it would appear that the veteran defenseman has come to grips with the role he is to play in this organ-i-zation.

"I look at the (lineup) sheet. I know the depth chart. I know how old I am. I know who they like, who is going to be a depth guy. It's not rocket science to me anymore. The chance of me being in Grand Rapids is pretty close to 100 per cent. I have to just go out there and show them I can still play in this league just in case something does happen during the season so they can call me up and I'll be reliable. That's pretty much my goals."

Delmore won the 2005-2006 Eddie Shore award for the AHL's Best Defenseman. He's no slouch, but he's going to have to battle hard to stay ahead of the young guns like Jakub Kindl as first call-up if something goes wrong. Though I could see Kenny using his ability and NHL experience in certain situations as a calming presence. Either way, the man, who's scored 43 goals and 101 points in 283 career NHL games, seems to have a good head on his shoulders. And we always dig that in Detroit.

Free Agents Looking Good

Thanks to Don Waddell of the Windsor Star for this more in depth synopsis of last night's game with quotes and quips from and about some of our new acquisitions...

"I was more relaxed than I thought I was going to be. I felt under control. The pace of the game was good, but I'm glad (the rookie camp in) Traverse City (Mich.) had some high intense scrimmages as well. It got me ready to get my feet wet tonight.''—Andy Delmore

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Delmore, who spent the last two seasons playing abroad in Germany, picked up an assist while finishing the game with at +/- rating of +1.

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The word is that the line of Draper, Abdelkader, and Eaves was looking good last night. Mike Babcock agrees: "They worked hard. Eaves can really shoot the puck and looks like he can skate.''

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Eaves is going to be playing his heart out for a chance to crack the big squad. I’m pretty sure that Grand Rapids was NOT on his mind when he signed the one-year deal with the Red Wings this off-season.

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Draper cashed Brian Rafalski's rebound at 9:36 and then Jamie Tardif made it 2-1 at 18:08 by converting Abdelkader's centering pass. After a lightweight bout between Tardif and Ian Laperriere early in the third period, the Wings made it 3-1 on a goal by former Leaf Jeremy Williams at 3:25.

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Tardif was busier than I thought. Throwing down with “Lappy”, a guy whom many Wings fans wanted at the ’09 Trade Deadline? Good for you, kid.

Another Underwhelming Signing

Stop the presses!

Found this Twitter via Babcock’s Death Stare.

The Wings sign ex-now-repatriated Andy Delmore. Who? Well I had to do a little research myself. Apparently he’s a 6’1 defenseman who weighs in the ball park of 200 lbs. He bounced around from Philadelphia, to Nashville, to Buffalo, to Columbus (and their minor affiliates) before heading off to Europe. He’s 33 years old and will probably spend most of his time in Grand Rapids.

His NHL totals are 283 games played, 43 goals and 58 assists for 101 points…not too shabby.

According to Wikipedia (for what it’s worth): “Delmore signed with the Detroit Red Wings prior to the commencement of the 2005–06 NHL season. However, he did not play a game for the club and was claimed by the Blue Jackets from waivers on October 4, 2005.”

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So our blockbuster moves this summer have been to acquire Kris Newbury, Jeremey Williams, and Andy Delmore.

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At least we re-signed Ville Leino, and who knows...maybe one of these guys is a sleeper.

In Kenny we trust.