Meet the newest Filppula

by Ryan Weiss on Jun 16, 2010 6:18 PM CDT in News

The Detroit Red Wings announced the signing today of Valtteri Filppula's older brother, Ilari, to a two-way, one-year contract.

The deal is worth $500,00 at the NHL level and $105,000 if he stays in Grand Rapids next season. According to the Free Press, Filppula will get a crack at a roster spot in training camp. Here's more from the Free Press article:

Ilari Filppula is a 5-foot-11, 191-pound forward who played the previous two seasons for TPS Turku of the Finnish Elite League. In 2009-10, Filppula finished ninth in the league in scoring with 49 points (12-37) in 58 games. He won the Jari Kurri Award as the Finnish Elite League’s playoff MVP, scoring two goals and adding 12 assists in 15 postseason games, helping TPS Turku capture its first SM-liiga title since 2000-01.

Filppula, 28, is expected to fill out the Grand Rapids roster, so don't expect him up with the big boys right away. Unless he really impresses in training camp, chances are we won't be seeing a Filppula-to-Filppula connection anytime soon.

Here's his n umbers from the FEL, via hockeydb.com

Poll

Are you pleased with the signing of Ilari Filppula?

Yes, very excited

218 votes

No, waste of money

15 votes

Who's Ilari Filppula?

152 votes

385 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Like a nerd, I went on to NHL 10 and moved him from the Finnish league to the Griffins

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jun 17, 2010 8:00 AM CDT reply actions

SM-liiga is considered the 2nd best league in Europe, so the fact that Ilari was chosen as the MVP of the playoffs is pretty exciting. Plus, he has better stats than Valtteri had in his last year in SM-liiga. Too bad he’s not a winger.

by snailderby on Jun 17, 2010 12:04 PM CDT reply actions

In Holland We Trust....

Nobody knew who Johan Franzen was when the Wings brought him over. How’s that worked out for them?

Detroit has the finest European scouting in the NHL and always seems to be able to spot players that reach NHL potential regardless of what stage of their career they happen to be.

Given their track record I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

by Graywolf on Jun 17, 2010 3:18 PM CDT reply actions

No lose

He’s on a minimum two-way contract. This is a no-lose. If he dazzles in camp, he’s a Red Wing. If he struggles, he’s a Griffin and a possible mid-season call up for injury.

This can’t possibly hurt the Red Wings.

by Big Z in Orlando on Jun 17, 2010 4:18 PM CDT reply actions