The Detroit Red Wings held a conference call in which GM Steve Yzerman spoke with the Wings’ media corps regarding the team’s free agent signings. Valtteri Filppula joined the call as well.
Here are some highlights of the conference call, per the Red Wings’ media members:
#RedWings Filppula says he has a good relationship with Yzerman.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Filppula said he has talked to Blashill, plan is play center but can play wing as well.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Filppula: I’m real excited. I loved the team, loved the city. That way, it was an easy decision.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
“I’m really excited. I had a great time there (Detroit) the first time. Love the team, love the city. It was an easy decision to make to come back.” – Valtteri Filppula— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Filppula had a couple of other options, including returning to #NYI. “I’m definitely happy about this decision.”— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Filppula: I haven’t talked to (Kronwall) yet, hope to talk to him in the next few days.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
Filppula said his choice came down to the #Islanders or #RedWings and he’s very happy with the decision he made.— Dave Hogg ? (@davehogg) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Yzerman said they were looking at short-term deals coming into FA.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Yzerman: Shorter term deals made the most sense for us at this point.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Yzerman: We had a hole in the middle, we felt. Larkin, Nielsen, Glendening, de la Rose can play there, Helm can play there, even Abdelkader. This allows the coach to put Athanasiou back on the wing.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
Steve Yzerman says signing Valtteri Filppula allows Red Wings coaching staff to put Andreas Athanasiou back on the wing, “his natural position.” Center depth = Dylan Larkin, Frans Nielsen, Filppula.— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Yzerman: Nemeth is a big, strong, solid defenseman. Whether playing with Green or Hronek, good for that type of player.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Yzerman: I’m curious to see how Carolina will respond (to Montreal’s offer sheet to Aho).— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Pickard is two-years, one-way contract, Yzerman said. We wanted a goaltender with experience to partner with Larsson in GR. Also, has NHL experience and can play in NHL if needed. Really liked his character and attitude.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
Yzerman says Red Wings were interested in 1, 2 and 3 year deals — nothing long term. Not in on any long-term contracts.— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) July 1, 2019
Yzerman said this about allowing Athanasiou to go back to wing, called it his “natural position.” https://t.co/R34L6SgHTl— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
Yzerman says he would mull over a couple other things out there though, specifically at RW. Doesn’t want to fill it just to fill it because there’s room for young players, but would consider adding there. Also wouldn’t totally rule out another D if it’s the right player/contract— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Yzerman still considering adding a wing, perhaps another defenseman.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
Yzerman says he is expecting Green to be healthy and ready to go in September— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) July 1, 2019
HMMM:
#RedWings Yzerman said he did not have any front office moves to announce.— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) July 1, 2019
Steve Yzerman said he’d “mull over” a couple other FA signings. Said there’s a spot on right wing. Said prospects will have opportunity to show readiness, but will consider adding both another forward and defenseman.— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 1, 2019
Off Yzerman’s teleconference: #RedWings just wanted short-term deals, weren’t in on anything big; Filppula will play center, AA is looking more like a wing; would consider other moves, for a RW and another D, if right fit materializes.— Ted Kulfan (@tkulfan) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Steve Yzerman, on conference call, said Filppula will play center, joining Larkin, Nielsen, Glendening. Athanasiou goes back to the wing. Said Nemeth could be paired with Green or Hronek. Still no decision from Kronwall about next season. Everyone is healthy.— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) July 1, 2019
Yzerman also said: “Filip Larsson is projected to be in Grand Rapids with Calvin (Pickard) to start the season, and we wanted to put a goaltender with some experience to partner with him.”— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) July 1, 2019
#RedWings Yzerman also indicated he has a spot open at right wing for a potential free agent that he might fill but doesn’t want to sign someone just for the sake of signing them.— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) July 1, 2019
After the first day of FA the Wings lines are shaping up to look something like this, I think…
Bertuzi, Larkin, Mantha
AA, Filpula, Zadina
Hirosi, Nielsen, Rasmussen/Veleno
Abby, Glendenning, Helm
DLR, Ehn
If Zadina and/Or Veleno start in GR then I can see why Yzerman expressed the need for another RW…
You can scratch Veleno off your list. He won’t make this roster. Maybe a call-up after the deadline. Also don’t think Rasmussen will be there. You can use Kuffner or Puempel instead, or sign another free agent. I also wouldn’t have Zadina to start. All of these guys could use more time to develop in the AHL. I’m sure glad Yzerman didn’t take the week off as some suggested…