As Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen notes, free agent try-out defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka survived the first round of training camp cuts, and at present, it appears that the Charlottetown Islanders defenseman is going to earn a “look” in an exhibition game or two. Allen took note of Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde’s comments regarding the 6’4,” 201-pound defenseman:
“He keeps earning looks,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said. “Every time we have a practice, a game, or a skate, we reevaluate our roster for the next day. A lot of it will come from the staff. Some of it will come from Steve (Yzerman) and his management group. They continually want to see him in situations. It’s a credit to him and something he’s earned throughout camp.”
Biakabutuka has played four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and has been passed over in the draft. But he is 6-foot-4 and he can skate.
“High compete,” Lalonde said. “He can skate north south. Driven kid, he wants to be coached. Looks you in the eye. Little habits like that, you appreciate as a coach. He’s made a good impression. Really good kid. We’ve liked having him around.”
The Red Wings currently have 20 defensemen officially on their training camp roster, although Jake Walman and Mark Pysyk are both out with long-term injuries. Robert Hagg was also injured in the Red and White game.
The Red Wings have signed prospects Donovan Sebrango, Jared McIsaac, Wyatt Newpower, Albert Johansson and Eemil Viro already projected to play in Grand Rapids this season. Veterans Brian Lashoff and Steven Kampfer are also headed for Grand Rapids. Simon Edvinsson could end up in either Detroit or Grand Rapids.
Depending upon injuries and Edvinsson, the Red Wings may have room for another defenseman in Grand Rapids.
