Abdelkader Taking it in Stride

Freep.com reported this yesterday about Abbadabbadoo being ping ponged from Detroit to Grand Rapids and back within 48 hours...

"I went home Thursday afternoon and got home Thursday night and relaxed. Unpacked all my stuff, and then Friday morning we left Grand Rapids for Toronto and had practice there, and I found out halfway through practice I was coming back up. Then got a flight to Windsor and a cab from Windsor back here."--Justin Abdelkader

Better get used to the travel, kid. On the team or not, you're going to be putting some mileage in with the trips out to the West Coast and back. Hopefully, Mr. Abdelkader is still happy to just be a part of this organ-i-zation and realize how blessed he is just to be so.

Babcock had this to say:

"The bottom line, if I'm Abby, I say to myself, 'I had an opportunity to be here. That opportunity was taken away, whether as a player I thought it was right or not. What am I going to do to make sure I don't ride that bus 6 more hours or 106 more hours or whatever it is in a year. He's got lots of ability. He's got good size. We think he's a big part of our future. Right now, he's getting force-fed, more than he would have if he had gone back to Grand Rapids and played 20 minutes a night."

Um...classic Babcock cryptic musings. Make sure you read that with that thick Saskatchewan accent in your head as well, it makes it even more funny.

Abdelkader on Last Night

Found this via George Sipple on freep.com:

After Johnny "Big Rig" Ericsson squashed some bug from Philly, the puck came to Abdelkader, who fed Jamie Tardif for the put-away. Abdelkader spoke about the play in particular.

“I didn’t know who it was, at first. It was towards the end of my shift, and he made a good play on the body and the puck squirted loose and Tardif was wide-open out front there.”

Abdelkader, Ericsson, and Tardif had all been teammates at one point in Grand Rapids last season. And it was some good hockey, believe you me.

Abdelkader drew a couple Philadelphia penalties, had three hits, won seven of 12 face-offs and was plus-1 in 13:52 of ice time, including a 2:17 on the penalty kill, which was 4-for-4.

Yes sir, Abadabbadoo was a busy little boy last night....wait, did that just say the PK was 4-for-4??? Oh thank god. That is wonderful news, seeing as our PK was the biggest concern for NOHS readers. What do you think about killing penalties, Abby?

“I do it a lot in Grand Rapids and am just grateful for the opportunity. Just want to go out there and prove I can do it here."

We're anxious to see if you can have a shift like this. But we'll take what we can get, my good man. What do you think about your face-off performance?

“I only lost one or two that were clean. The rest were just ones I lost on wingers battling it out.”

Let's not place blame, kid. It takes 5 guys doing their job to win face-offs. Sorry about the links to my own site in this post, VooX over at A2Y would kill me if he found out. But I think everyone needs to watch that shift by Helm at least once a day...even if it's depressing now that he's hurt.

Helm for Abdelkader is a pretty good trade off, though.

Video Clip of Helm's Crash

Here's the only footage we have of Helm's injury, courtesy of WOODTV. Thanks to cmthe4th for the pointer...

I can't get the embedded video to work, so here's the link... http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/sports/nhl/Abdelkader_could_start_for_Red_Wings

Why you always have to skate so hard, Helmer?

Looks like Abadabbadoo is going to get his shot. I'm not upset about Justin getting ice time. I'm upset because I was really looking forward to see Helmer in Sweden.

Abdelkader Charity Skater

From freep.com; Abdelkader participated in the "Skate With the Pros," charity event. A part of Michigan State hockey's ongoing "Shoot for a Cure" initiative.

Fans paid $10 to skate with Abdelkader and other former Spartans playing in the NHL, like Anaheim's Drew Miller, and there was an autograph session after the skate. Proceeds went to the Brandon's Defense Foundation, a charity started in honor of Brandon Gordon of DeWitt, a youth hockey player. Gordon died in February after a two-year bout with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer.

Ok, so I guess they had to mention Drew "Hey, isn't that Ryan's brother?" Miller's name. Drew was on the '08 Cup champ Ducks squad, but c'mon...people went to see Abbadabbadoo.

Oh and Abdelkader continues to impress me with the way he handles himself in regards to the meda:

"It's definitely an adjustment, coming from college to the pro ranks. It's a lot different playing 80 games and all the travel that comes with it. The road trips are obviously tough. It's an adjustment, but it's a fun adjustment because you're playing a sport as your job and career. I've been really fortunate to be able to do that."

Keep that attitude, son. Especially when Ken comes to you this year about signing before you become a restricted free-agent next year. Take a Leino-ish contract; take it and run.

So while Cabbie Slapper Pat Kane in Chicago is out running around commiting misdemeanor crimes, Helm and Abdelkader have been raising money for charity...hmmmm.

Round 2: Justin Abdelkader

Justin Abdelkader: Selected in the 2nd Round,42nd overall in 2005.

Born: 2/25/87 6’1, 215 lbs.

Abadabbadoo scored the game winning goal to boost MSU past Boston College in the 2007 NCAA Hockey Finals and was named the Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player that year. Oh and apparently he scored a couple of goals in this year’s Stanley Cup Finals before being sidelined with an illness. Quickly becoming a fan favorite, this hometown boy hails from Muskegon, MI…where he actually played high school hockey, a rarity for talent of this caliber. Abdelkader’s future for this season is somewhat cloudy in terms of where is to start the season. He was second on the Griffins last year with 52 points in 76 games and racked up 102 PIM’s. Whether he plays in Grand Rapids or with the big club in Detroit this season, the future is looking pretty bright for #8.

Yeah, that's in the net. Get used to it.

Abdelkader Gets It.

Found this little ditty by Greg Krupa of the Detroit News…

"I hear a lot of people talking. Hopefully I can be someone they can look up to, someone from Michigan who played in the state of Michigan pretty much my whole career, and someone who is a kind of blue-collar player who is going to finish checks and do all of the little things. But, you know what? I look at it this way: If I am in Grand Rapids or Detroit, I trust Detroit and what they are going to do. You know? I'm just not going to worry about where I am going to be. And if they put me in Grand Rapids I am going to try hard and fight and try to make it in Detroit. But I know if they put me in Grand Rapids, it's for the best interest for me, and getting better."

Does that sound like someone who understands what it takes to win? Does that sound like someone who buys right into the system that has brought Detroit 4 Cups in a dozen years? Abdelkader’s stock in my book just keeps gaining value.

What’s he doing with at least part of his summer? This:

"I promised my mom when I left school early that I would finish my degree, at some point -- hopefully, in a few years," he said.

So, there he was, at 9:05 a.m., one day last week, hopping off his Yamaha Sports Scooter and wearing a cap, T-shirt, blue jeans and sandals as he walked into Bessey Hall for Econ 310, "The Economics of Developing Countries." He hopes to preserve his 3.4 grade-point average.

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Not too shabby. Especially in a time where some pro athletes don’t even attend college. I remember hearing an interview with retired goon turned lawyer Stu Grimson talking about how important finishing his education was for his life after hockey.

Don’t think that Abadabbadoo is just hitting the classroom. He and Jakub Kindl have been working out on Michigan State’s campus: concentrating primarily on preventing those “lower-body” injuries.

The rest of the article really talks about what he did this summer, so feel free to browse.
I’m liking this kid more and more…still want him playing in G.R. this year, though.

Our "Prospect Preview"

Part two of three breaking down NHL.com's "30 Teams in 30 Days" focusing on some top prospects in the Red Wings organ-i-zation...

Jonathan Ericsson and Darren Helm don't have Calder Trophy eligibility, so you can't exactly call them prospects anymore. Heck, they each have Stanley Cup rings and Helm has played in more playoff games (41) than regular-season games (23).

That means two of the Wings' prized prospects have graduated to the big time, opening the door for two more big-time prospects to jump into the top five.

Here is a look at the Red Wings' five best prospects entering the 2009-10 season:

Or you could call it, 5 more reasons to be excited about the Red Wings’ future. NOTE: None of these players are high first rounders because unlike the “model franchise” in Pittsburgh or our little red-headed step-brothers in Chicago, we don’t tank and draft high, we draft smart:

Justin Abdelkader -- Like Helm, Abdelkader has played in more Stanley Cup Playoff games (10) than regular-season games (four). He appeared in two games last season and two games in 2007-08. A solid two-way forward, Abdelkader will be given every chance to make the Wings' roster out of training camp. They think he can be a future leader.

It really just occurred to me how much this kid reminds me of a young Dallas Drake. I really think that Drake was the kick in the pants that kept the 2007-2008 Detroit Red Wings in line. Sure, there was the whole “let’s win this for Drake” theory, but I’ll speculate that he picked up the slack in the badass department, where our captainship may have fallen short. But this isn’t about Drake, it’s about Abadabbadoo, who like Drake, is big, strong (and getting stronger) North American-style grinder who has decent hands a good shot. Not too familiar with his leadership capabilities, but I’ll bet he’ll play more of that role with his time spent in G.R. this year. I’ll get out there to see him play as much as the woman will allow.

Jimmy Howard -- Is this finally the season the American-born goalie, now 25, becomes an NHL regular? It would appear so, as Howard has been anointed Chris Osgood's backup. He has been biding his time in Grand Rapids since 2005 and has appeared in only nine NHL games spread across three seasons. Howard will have to impress early for the Wings not to look outside the organization for a backup as the stretch run nears.

I disagree with the last part of this. We have Larsson and McCollum waiting in the Wings, along with Jordan Pearce to step in if Howard falters. Larsson was an AHL All-Star last year and McCollum has played well in the OHL (despite a questionable performance at the World Junior Championships for USA Hockey). I doubt the Wings will look elsewhere for a backup goalie with such a logjam of talent in the farm systems. Jimmy is in a contract year and has the perfect opportunity to prove that he belongs here. Inconsistent play in the AHL and limited time in the NHL has many Wings fans nervous. Whether you think he’s the guy or not, he deserves his chance to stay with the club all year.

Brendan Smith -- The Wings' first-round pick in 2007 is entering his third and most important season at the University of Wisconsin. He has been plagued by injuries in his collegiate career, so the key is for him to stay healthy and play a full season. If he's able to do that, the smooth-skating, puck-moving defender likely will get a pro contract next summer.

Pro contract to play in the AHL. This guy is a ways away from ever sniffing regular time in a Winged Wheel jersey. There’s too much depth at defense right now to think that a college kid has a shot at cracking the lineup after his junior year at school. Haven’t heard much about him in the college ranks, so stay tuned.

Jakub Kindl -- The Czech-born defenseman was an all-star in the American Hockey League last season with Grand Rapids and could be used by the Wings on a call-up basis this season. After struggling in 2007-08, Kindl was much better last season and Nill said he's right on pace with his development. He recently signed a three-year extension.

That three-year extension is a one way ticket, by the way. Meaning when he gets called up after this year, he’s staying. The limited exposure I’ve had watching Kindl in Grand Rapids has been impressive. He’s an extremely smooth operator and seems to be wonderfully smart with the puck in his own end. Let’s see if he can duplicate his All-Star results from last season. Consistency is something that needs to be developed with the Griffs before Kenny boy will even consider bringing you up (unless you’re Jimmy Howard and your contract is forcing a “put up or shut-up” situation).

Thomas McCollum -- The Wings' 2008 first-round pick (No. 30) fought adversity to have a fine season. McCollum struggled, as did most of the American team, at the 2009 World Junior Championship. However, he was able to bounce back and lead the Brampton Battalion deep in the OHL playoffs. He's turning pro and will be given a chance to be the No. 1 goalie in Grand Rapids.

I think this guy forgot all about Daniel Larsson. McCollum will have chance to fight for the number one spot in Grand Rapids, but Larsson is a 2008-2009 AHL All-Star despite splitting time with Jimmy Howard. McCollum, much as Larsson did as the “new kid in town” will be given a fair opportunity to compete in G.R. Depending on how Jimmy does as Ozzie’s safety net, we could have a three-way battle for the back-up in Detroit. I say give it to whoever plays consistently. If Ozzie’s regular season is anything like last year **shudders at the thought**, we’re going to need someone to be the calming force that Conklin was (at times).

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Not mentioned by NHL.com...Daniel Larsson, Ville Leino, Patrick Eaves. Leino and Eaves are both over 24 years old, but they're new to the system and will both play significant roles on the big club this season. With the youth and talent ripening in Grand Rapids, the Joe will see its fair share of quality players for years to come.

The Results are in...

We have concluded the very first N.O.H.S. sidebar survey. The votes are tallied. The results are in.

The Question was should Abdelkader spend 1 more season in Grand Rapids?

Here are the final results.

No - We need him now	19 (22%)
Yes - No need to rush	17 (20%)
Partial - Let him get some time with both	49 (57%)
Abadabba-who? (shame on you)	0 (0%)

Votes so far: 85
Poll closed

So more than half of you think that Abbadabbadoo should split time between clubs. Fair enough. I could see this happening, depending on what moves Kenny decides to make between now and September.

I'm actually a little surprised to see there were more people that think he should play with the Wings all season than those who thought he needs at least another season with the Griffs to mature.

And not one smart-ass who voted for the "who?".

Possible Line Combinations

I can’t help but think about what our line combinations are going to look like for the 2009-2010 season (to start with anyway). With 4 players leaving and one in a real sticky situation (I have to assume that Hudler won’t be back), Ken Holland is going to have to fill a couple of holes. This is how I see it shaking out as of now…

Line 1: ZETTERBERG-DATSYUK-HOLMSTROM
Line 2: FRANZEN-FILPPULA-CLEARY
Line 3: LEINO-HELM-???
Line 4: MALTBY-DRAPER-???

Def 1: LIDSTROM-RAFALKSI

Def 2: KRONWALL-STUART
Def 3: ERICSSON-LEBDA
Starter: OSGOOD
Backup: HOWARD

Now, since I don’t want to see either Draper or Maltby on line 3, that leaves us looking for a 3rd and 4th line winger.

Our blip on the addition side of Free-Agency has been Kris Newbury, a left-handed center by trade, right-winger Jeremy Williams, and journeyman defenseman Doug Janik.

To be honest, I’m a little puzzled as to why we signed Janik, a 29 year old who has played on four teams in seven NHL seasons (Buffalo, Tampa, Dallas, Montreal), when we already have a lion’s share of defensemen with the likes Derek Meech and Jakub Kindl waiting in the wings. Unless Janik really brings it in training camp, I see him starting the season in Grand Rapids.

Other than Newbury and Williams (you can follow the link for their stories), my leading candidates for filling out the two remaining roster spots (should Hudler not return) are the following:

Justin Abdelkader: MSU graduate who stepped into the limelight scoring a pair of goals in the Stanley Cup Finals before being sidelined with an illness. He had 52 points in 76 games with the Griffins last year while racking up 102 PIM’s. Personally, I’d like to see him play one more year in Grand Rapids.

Francis Pare: If you haven’t been to many Griffins games, you probably don’t know who he is, but he had 48 Points (24 Goals) in 62 Regular season games with the Griffs last year. He is a rare right-handed shot, very similar to Darren Helm in stature. He could possibly be a sleeper for that 4th line wing if he impresses the staff at camp.

Mattias Ritola: He’s a Swede, so he’s got that going for him (which is nice). He also has an awesome name. I proclaim him to be “My Griffin”, but you could make a case for him aside from personal reasons. 42 points (15 goals) in 66 games with Grand Rapids last year who may turn out to be a better player with the big club than he is with the Griffs. Smooth skater and a great playmaker could possibly see a little more time in Detroit this year. Look for him to go up and down throughout the year.

Evan McGrath: 6’0, 190 lbs center whose point totals have climbed for three consecutive years with the Griffins. He finished the Regular Season fourth on the team with 47 points (17 Goals). Solid frame could see some time with veterans Maltby and Draper on the fourth line.

You know what puzzles me? Darren Haydar signed with the wings at this time last year. He was the leading scorer in the 2008 Calder Play-offs on the Chicago Wolves and his head coach (John Anderson) got the head coach job with the Atlanta Thrashers. Instead of staying within the Atlanta organization and be a sure call-up to the big club, he jumped ship and came to Detroit where he basically had zero chance of making the big club. After running away with the point total lead in Grand Rapids, having a real legitimate shot at making the big squad this year, he leaves and signs with Colorado. Um..what’s with this guy? Who cares? He’s a Dive now. Say ‘Hi’ to Quincy for me.

Of course, all of these guys could spend the ENTIRE year in Grand Rapids if Ken Holland gets Hudler signed and/or goes out and finds some cheap free-agents later this summer. You just never know when Holland is going to find the next Dan Cleary or Mikael Samuelsson…and that, my friends, is a very comforting thought.