Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff penned a subscriber-only article which discusses whether Joe Veleno, Bobby Ryan, Lucas Raymond, Givani Smith or Carter Rowney should make the Red Wings’ roster:
Lucas Raymond
Keep Him: Raymond has delivered offense, displayed an ability to play with and without the puck and a hockey IQ wise beyond his 19 years. “He’s done a good job of offensively having some deception but also taking what’s given, and I think defensively he’s done a good job of making reads in a lot of different situations,” Blashill said.
Ship Him: As a teenager, Raymond still has much to learn. Will there be time for teaching moments during an NHL season compacted by an Olympic break? Blashill started the preason citing the need for Raymond to be a presence in every game. His start was great but Raymond’s last two games were nothing to write home about.
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Givani Smith
Keep Him: At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Smith brings size and physical presence, two qualities the Red Wings are desperately needing. “He’s a big body,” Blashill said. “He’s tough, he’s physical. We don’t have lots of that.” As well, Smith must be risked on waivers to go to GR. He’s the type of player who just might get claimed.
Waive Him: Smith isn’t delivering his advertised goods. “Some of the physical toughness hasn’t shown yet,” Blashill said. “Can he be a little bit better? Yeah.”
Continued (paywall)
I read the part about Givani a few times. Many things bother me about the way Blashill seems to describe Givanis (required) skill set.
He may have to “create ” a fight which could be detrimental to the team (instigator penalty), having to fight during “team on ice events” and exhibition games, etc. is wrong! He has to make the team as player, FIRST, if his rough play draws a fight, so be it, teammates may get roughed/hurt then he can step in later in the game if he is not on the ice, etc,etc.
I would think Givani doesn’t want to sit on the bench waiting for his leash to be taken off. At least he should play 4th line mins or ride shotgun on the 3rd line.
I would bet he wants to play hockey. These are men he will be playing against and he is going to lose more than he has at lower levels.
There are times when his teammates will/have to, stand up for themselves.
This isn’t worded well by me. Givani should be an NHL player first and Blashill is wrong to put the emphasis on being a goon first.
I have to go shopping and if someone looks at me the wrong way, bumps my shopping cart, etc. I will drop my mask and make him/her pay (doubtful but sounds good).
If Givani gets cut he will be picked up by another team and probably not used as a goon. I am assuming he can play hockey, right?
I see your point regarding Smith and fighting…and I agree. I don’t think that Givani needs to drop the gloves to be an impact player. My concerns with him are all about instigating penalties and not responding to the kind of crap that he’s got to learn to not respond to–and playing well when his gloves are on and his hands are wrapped around his stick!