The Free Press’s George Sipple reports that the Red Wings have met with NCAA unrestricted free agent Daniel Brickley, a 22-year-old defenseman who played for the University of Minnesota-Mankato this past season:
“We spent the day with him and his agent,” [Red Wings GM] Holland said, declining to give any other specifics about the visit.
Brickley scored 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 40 games as a junior at Minnesota State this season. Brickley ranks 10th nationally among defensemen in points per game (0.88).
Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill coached Brickley at the International Ice Hockey Federation 2017 Men’s World Championship last year in Copenhagen and Herning, Denmark.
“I’ve got no comment on him right now,” Blashill said Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena when asked about Brickely. “I know him, but I know he’s going through a process.
“I thought he played good at the Worlds, in the sense that he was able to learn things quickly, some different concepts that he hadn’t done and he learned some things differently. I think he’s an excellent person. I think he’s a big body with good hands. Didn’t play tons though. Again, I’d like to allow him to respect his process.”
Here’s more from the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan:
The Red Wings will probably find out this week if they’ll be able to sign undrafted college free agent Daniel Brickley, a defenseman from Minnesota State.
According to TSN analyst Bob McKenzie, the Red Wings, Los Angeles and San Jose are expected to visit with Brickley, 22, with two other teams also being considered.
Brickley (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) had 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 40 games this past season.
Considered to be an elite offensive defenseman, Brickley, 22, is projected to walk onto an NHL roster immediately, and could eventually become a top-four defenseman.
Process….the freaking process. Blash is an idiot.
First, JB said “I’ve got no comment on him right now.”
Then, he said: “I know him, but I know he’s going through a process. I thought he played good at the Worlds, in the sense that he was able to learn things quickly, some different concepts that he hadn’t done and he learned some things differently. I think he’s an excellent person. I think he’s a big body with good hands. Didn’t play tons though.”
That’s a lot said for a ‘no comment.’ JB strikes me as one of his own worst enemies the way he communicates!
I would read what my future coach just said about me….and decline quickly. Unless he wants to”Didn’t play tons though.” again. Sounds like promised purgatory….not top 4 minutes.
Nice telegraph coach.