from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,
An area the Wings need to improve next season, Compher said, is being a more consistent team. It's a trait many Wings players talked about, as well as general manager Steve Yzerman and coach Derek Lalonde. The highs and lows, from month to month, were staggering and likely cost the Wings ultimately some valuable points.
"Every team that battles that question, of how do we become more consistent," Compher said. "We learned the hard way that every point matters. It's so cliche, but every point matters. It's a hard way to learn that lesson, but when it's in the middle of February this could be the point that pushes us ahead."
Compher, 29, signed a five-year contract on July 1 with the Wings, worth $25.5 million ($5.1 million annual average value). The move was made to fill the second-line spot, and add the versatility and experience that Compher can provide to a lineup.
Compher had 48 points (19 goals, 29 assists) in 77 games with a minus-five plus-minus rating. Compher had 17 goals and 52 points his final season in Colorado (in 82 games). Though the offensive numbers dipped, Lalonde was thrilled with what Compher brought to the roster.
"Winning those shifts, the growth in his game, he's a very valuable player for us," Lalonde said "He's someone that can play in every situation. He can take faceoffs on both sides (of the ice). He has a lot of pride in penalty kill. He gets mad at me if after an extended shift I don't put him out first on the penalty kill.
"There's some games he’s getting 22, 23 (minutes). I don’t know if that's healthy or productive for him over time, but I just can’t help it. I'm trying to get through a matchup or end of a period and he's on all the special teams.
"He's a really good player for us."
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from Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now,
from Joe Smith and Shayna Goldman of The Athleic,
Stamkos, who took a below-market salary on his now-expiring eight-year, $8.5 million average-annual-value deal, would likely have to take a hometown discount to stay. But he wont, nor should he, be a bargain. He is still a 41-goal scorer and top power-play weapon, not to mention the most vocal leader on the team.
As former teammate Alex Killorn put it, as a prideful player, you want to feel respected. You want to feel wanted.
So what could a potential Stamkos contract with the Lightning look like? Could we see something similar to the legacy-type deal given to Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar last year; a two-year, $7 million AAV contract? Would Stamkos be open to a three-year, $5.5 million deal?
Lets break down Stamkos value and possible contract comparables....
The biggest reason Stamkos might sign a team-friendly deal is because he wants to stay. His family loves it in Tampa. It would mean a lot for him to play his entire career for one franchise, like childhood idols Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic.
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I think the Red Wings can get Kane for cheaper. Just give him 4 years. If he cannot play, then put him on LTIR. All good stuff...
I see no reason to sign Stamkos (esp for what he'd command), and no reason he'd want to play in Detroit, specifically.
THIS.
Love it. This guy's IQ and skating is world class. Can't wait to see him spend a few games up with the big club and finding out he's so much more that they can't bring him down.
Wait a minute...this is the Red Wings Hockey Club. They like over-ripening.
Fingers crossed, though.
from Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now,
The Red Wings wont be rushing Sandin Pellikka to North America. Detroit GM Steve Yzerman is already on the record stating that the young Swedish prospect will be given another year of seasoning in the SHL.
He just needs time like all younger D, Yzerman said. He moves the puck well, he skates well, hes got good skills. Hes a fun player to watch and he just needs time like all young players, get a little stronger, get more mature and I think hes going to be a good player for us.
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Hey Paul
Any insight on the Larkin injury?
Thank you
Haven't heard a word but with him first deciding to go to the WC and then pulling out, he probably thought rest was more important than playing.
What I read somewhere was he was injured during practice. Hopefully it is only to what you said, he wants the R&R.
https://www.freep.com/story/sp...
Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now reports Seider will not play in the WC, insurance issues.
I'm more interested in where Kasper and Danielson play next year than I am in free agents (that are not goalies anyway). They could be difference makers......
DRW have 9 forwards and 8 defensemen (including Edvinsson) 23 and under signed who are not on the big club. That's a lot of D-men! I wonder what's up with McIsaac, who has been loaned to the Swiss league for a couple of games and now to another AHL team (a Bruin's team) who's in the playoffs.
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