Abdelkader assigned to Grand Rapids
by Casey Richey on Jan 29, 2010 11:36 AM CST
in News
14 comments
Normally, I don't question the brain trust of the front office because time after time they prove me wrong.
But to the announcement of Abdelkader going to the Griffins, I ask, "Why?"
Abdelkader wasn't providing the most points out there but he hits everything that moves and does more on the ice than than Brad May. It was going to happen eventually (prior to the Wings/Pens game) but why not give Gator the extra game and send May down?
We want to hear your thoughts on this too.
Other news:
- Jason Williams is a definite for the return to the line-up. Williams will join Kronwall on the powerplay (as expected) and Bertuzzi and Filppula on the second line
- Brad Stuart will start after having issues with a sore shoulder.
- Brad May or Ville Leino will be a gametime scratch, as will Brett Lebda or Derek Meech
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May has to clear waivers
Make no mistake, he WOULD clear waivers (shocking that there isn’t much of a market for an over-the-hill refusing-to-fight “fighter” that doesn’t stick up for his teammates).
I bet it has something to do with Grand Rapids schedule, giving Gator enough time to get re-acquainted.
by Michael Petrella on Jan 29, 2010 11:40 AM CST reply actions
to me, I could care less if Brad May does or doesn’t clear waivers.
But Gator is actually supposed to play tonight against Chelios and the Chicago Wolves
by Casey Richey on Jan 29, 2010 11:42 AM CST up reply actions
The right move
Maybe I’m in the minority here, but this is absolutely the right move, and here’s why:
- He wasn’t even supposed to be up here this year
- Instead of 7 minutes a night on the 4th line, he’s now going to get probably 20 a night
- He could probably use a jumpstart in his scoring game, which he isn’t going to get playing with Maltby and May
- The Wings don’t run the risk of losing a player like May (which wouldnt be a BAD thing) since Abdelkader doesn’t have to go through waivers. In an injury filled season, all bodies are good to have around, even if they wont fight.
Find me on twitter @chollis
I agree with him getting more minutes. Also the scoring thing.
And he’s not a moron, so it isn’t as though his confidence will take a hit because he’s being sent down – he knows that he is being sent down because they need to clear a spot, and the team won’t lose him.
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
the minutes thing is true but playing 7 minutes a night against NHL is probably a lot more learning experience than 20 against AHL.
Definitely agree with you on the scoring thing though, when was the last time anyone on that line got a point?
by Casey Richey on Jan 29, 2010 11:49 AM CST up reply actions
I looked it up...
and May’s last (and only point): an assist against Columbus, Nov 11
Maltby’s last point: a goal against Calgary, Oct. 31
Abdelkader: an assist against Phoenix, Dec 14
by Casey Richey on Jan 29, 2010 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
concur completely witcha mowtownchollis!
Abbie has 2nd line potential with the Wings, but not yet. as mentioned, in a perfect world, he would’ve spent most of the year down in GR playing 20 min/night on the 1st line and PP unit. instead, due to injuries, he stuck with the big club, but on the 4th line (3rd at best) and minimal minutes. while I’m sure he’s gained valuable ice and locker room experience, he’s best served continuing to develop and hone his skills in the AHL. perhaps a late season call-up is in order, similar to last year, but we shouldn’t expect 2nd line potential until next year at the earliest.
remember, Helmer didn’t initially stick with the club – now he’s a staple (hopefully) on the 3rd line for the next decade! and Little Jiri spent several years in GR before he finally stuck.
Once JWill and Franzen are back, there isn’t room for Abbie anyways, unless the Wings push May or Miller out. May still has a role as the resident tough guy (occasional as it may be), and Miller has earned a spot as a valuable role player.
"If I could start my life over again I would be a pro football player and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler!" Jack Lambert Hall of Induction speech 1990
by Throw it Ben! on Jan 29, 2010 4:35 PM CST up reply actions
Actually I'm happy
Because one of my friends is taking his son to a Griffins game tomorrow night for his 7th birthday, and he will be excited to see Abdelkader play in person. :)
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
This showed up on my Facebook feed, the Griffins “welcoming back” Abdelkader, I was wondering when it would show up here. I’m disappointed to see him going back down, he’s played harder than a lot of the other guys staying up have, but like Baroque said, he’s not a moron, he knows that his perfomance isn’t what’s sending him back down. Undoubtedly he’ll get to come back up come playoff time (we hope), maybe he’ll have his scoring touch back and can be a boost.
It sucks,
I think he deserved another game, he works hard, him and helm are def the go getters… but i would have liked to see better numbers. he’ll be back eventually.
woo
another guy back tonight…now can we start playing like the Detroit Red Wings again?
TULO = 2010 MVP!
LETS GO WINGS!
It’s the best option they had. When everyone is healthy, he would get sent back anyways. Word is that Holmstrom will be back probably in the next week or so anyways, so then there would be no May or Leino in the lineup anyways… nor would there be room for Abdelkader in the lineup. Either way, May and Leino’s days are numbered. There is no way you can get rid of Drew Miller. Even if he is the 13th forward. I still would not doubt it if Babcock would choose Miller over Maltby for regular action. So anyway you look at it, Abdelkader was destined for GR with a healthy Detroit lineup.
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