Author: George Malik

It’s August, and Joe Veleno remains an unsigned restricted free agent. In my opinion, it’s just not something to worry about–Veleno was issued a qualifying offer, so the Red Wings have already chosen to not walk away from him, and he didn’t have arbitration rights, so…

These things tend to take time. Veleno may very well be in a prove-you’re-worth-it-or-lose-your-job scenario at 23 years of age, but I’m just assuming that his representatives and the Red Wings will hammer out a contract closer to training camp.

Daily Faceoff’s Colton Davies seems to think a little differently while offering a list of 10 important unsigned restricted free agents:

Joe Veleno, C, 23 (Detroit Red Wings)

2022-23 salary cap hit: $894,167

Joe Veleno has become a regular in the Red Wings’ lineup over the past two campaigns. During the 2022-23 season, Veleno tallied nine goals and 11 assists for a career-high 20 points in 81 games. Consistency has been an issue – Veleno went pointless for a 20-game stretch this past season from mid-February to the end of March. There is also the whole ‘stomping incident’ that unfolded at the World Championship. GM Steve Yzerman already inked J.T. Compher, Daniel Sprong, Klim Kostin, and Christian Fischer to deals while also acquiring Alex DeBrincat from the Senators. With spots dwindling down, it seems like Veleno will once again be situated in the bottom six, assuming the Red Wings keep him around.

Davies continues…

1. The “Stomping Incident” shouldn’t affect the Red Wings’ perspective as to Veleno’s worth as a player or human being, because the dang kid apologized. There’s a stigma against him for sure, but he’s got to make sure that it’s not the biggest moment of his career;
2. There’s very little doubt that Veleno will be a 3rd or 4th line forward this upcoming season, but I don’t see the Red Wings trying to waive him to send him to Grand Rapids, at least not yet.

This strikes me as “much ado about nothing,” and while there are many questions as to Veleno’s future place in the larger scheme of things, I expect him to find himself in a Filip Zadina-style “prove it or lose your job” campaign, not a, “You’re going to Grand Rapids and you’re going to like the career reset” situation. The leash is certainly short for Veleno, but it isn’t out of slack just yet.

The Red Wings revamped their goaltending coaches when Derek Lalonde was hired, bringing in long-time Hershey Bears goaltending coach Alex Westlund at the NHL level, and hiring Karpat Oulu’s Roope Koistinen at the AHL level last month.

The other constant over the course of the Lalonde regime has been goaltending development coach Phil Osaer. The Red Wings’ goaltending prospects speak glowingly about the tip of the Red Wings’ developmental spear.

This morning, Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff posted a profile of Osaer, who’s given Sebastian Cossa a leg up on learning the professional ropes:

Grading and developing puckstoppers is not an exact science. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman willingly acknowledges this is an area of the game that remains in flux for his team. This is both in terms of the direction they’ll be taking and investment they’ll be making in goaltender development.

“The majority of the league is kind of creating these department of goaltending, so to speak, and Phil is our department of goaltending,” Yzerman said. “It’s debatable. We’re all trying to figure out how many guys we need on the staff. Phil works hard. He does a lot of scouting for us. He’s really dialed into the goalie world, the goalie fraternity, I guess. He does a lot of scouting for us.”

In the past year, Osaer has held a big say in a couple of major aspects of Detroit’s goalie future. He’s taken a very hands-on approach with 2021 first-round pick Sebastian Cossa, supervising his training and development while Cossa was playing last season with the ECHL Toledo Walleye.

“Particularly him living in the Detroit area and Toledo just down the road, he was able to spend a lot of time in Toledo with Sebastian, working on his development, working on his technique,” Yzerman said. “Kind of being his de facto goaltender coach. He’s had a really positive impact on it. I know Phil really enjoys that part of the job as well. It was a very beneficial year for our organization and for Sebastian and we’re very fortunate to have Phil here. It was a positive year both for Phil and the organization and for Sebastian most importantly.”

Continued;

I know that the Red Wings were pretty happy with previous goaltending coach Jeff Salajko and Grand Rapids’ Brian Mahoney-Wilson, but Salajko commuted to Detroit, Grand Rapids and Toledo from his home in Columbus, Ohio, and that complicated things.

Red Wings forwards Andrew Copp, Robby Fabbri, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, defenseman Jake Walman and prospect Andrew Gibson all took part in the “All in 4 ALS” game on Saturday at Windsor’s WFCU Centre.

The "All in 4 ALS" game warm-ups. pic.twitter.com/iPheiXEQz0

— George Malik (@georgemalik) August 12, 2023

The Spitfires pulled out the stops for player introductions, the anthems, and the presentation of several cheques to the Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and causes which will further the care of Bob Jones, an assistant coach with the Ottawa Senators and Windsor Spitfires alumnus who’s battling ALS.

Player introductions. pic.twitter.com/AYx8tMTlos

— George Malik (@georgemalik) August 12, 2023

Larkin scored two goals en route to a 10-6 Team Tkachuk win (with Larkin and DeBrincat playing on Brady Tkachuk’s line, ironically enough).

Todays Rosters for ALL IN 4 ALS! pic.twitter.com/VBAFkT67BD

— Windsor Spitfires (@SpitsHockey) August 12, 2023

Over 40 current and former Ontario Hockey League alums, a gaggle of current and former Windsor Spitfires, Ottawa Senators coach D.J. Smith, Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde, assistant coaches Bob Boughner, Jay Varady and Alex Westlund and many more folks rallied around coach Jones on Saturday, and the WFCU Centre was at least 3/4ths full for a charity hockey game in August, which was pretty damn impressive.

I was one of the only official media members in attendance–there were certainly lots of folks following along from the Spitfires, Senators and TSN, but their videos might be coming out over the next couple of days and weeks as opposed to tonight, because, well…

When you bring that many hockey types together to celebrate the life of someone who is battling a fatal disease, it’s one big party. I was able to speak with Red Wings coach Lalonde after the game, but only because Dylan Larkin (who got married last weekend) was heading to a wedding out-of-state, and was unable to stop for a chat.

Given the back-up at the Ambassador Bridge on the way home, I understood.

I took the heavy hint from the atmosphere that the event wasn’t really meant to be buzzed by the heavy-hitting media corps of one, so I asked coach Lalonde whether he could make any sort of assessments out of a summer hockey exhibition game, to which he replied that he’s getting to know DeBrincat’s personality;

Coach Lalonde was in awe of the way that the community was rallying around “Jonesy,” but he told me that people who’ve been around hockey for as long as, well, I have shouldn’t be surprised that the hockey community takes care of its own (and I am not, honestly, having been doing the blogging thing since 2006);

And coach Lalonde said that he’s getting his family settled in Metro Detroit after having to spend a year as a bachelor while his kids were in school in Tampa Bay, which had been very good. With that, I let him get back to the party:

I spoke with coach Lalonde after the "All in 4 ALS" game. He said it's a good opportunity to get to know guys like DeBrincat personally and that he's amazed at the community within the Spitfires' family. He was really impressed with the support for Coach Jones and how well he's…

— George Malik (@georgemalik) August 12, 2023

What did I see on the ice, myself?

The usual. Dylan Larkin may never eclipse 80 points, but my goodness, even in a summertime exhibition game, where players are double-dekeing and dipsy-doodling, Larkin drives play, drives play, and drives play;

Alex DeBrincat is going to take some time to adjust to being a Red Wing in my estimation, but that’s not a bad thing. He was almost at a disadvantage because he was trying to tuck home passes from puck hogs, and he tended to defer to Larkin, the puck-carrier, and Tkachuk, who hammed it up more than hammering it home;

Robby Fabbri looks like he’s getting back to health and full speed;

Michael Rasmussen, to his credit, lurks around dead areas near the net and loves going to the top of the crease or the periphery of the net to sniff out pucks, and he can’t seem to help but work hard;

Andrew Copp’s work ethic is always there, as is his attention to detail, even if there are times that he can’t seem to land a puck anywhere near the net (ha);

Jake Walman has speed to burn at times, but he’s at his best when he’s reading off his defensive partner (today, that was Anaheim’s Cam Fowler) and doing his best to keep his game simple;

And Wings prospect and Soo Greyhounds defenseman Andrew Gibson is steady, strong and simple in the best sense of the term. I sensed an edge that we weren’t seeing during summertime shinny, too.

More than anything, I was impressed by coach Jones and the very clear hockey family that’s going to be there for him when the road gets harder–because, sadly, it’s going to get harder from here on out.

It’s not particularly easy to get to the WFCU Centre if you’re not familiar with the twists and turns of Lauzon Avenue and Lauzon Road, but the facility is excellent, and I’ll definitely try to take in a couple of games if I’m at all able this upcoming season. Some of you told me on Twitter that Windsor’s a pizza town, and I’ll have to explore that as well.

On Saturday, which was a mercilessly humid summer day, I got in, I went to Harvey’s for a hamburger, and I got out of Canada and went home to check in on the aunt, who wanted Chinese food for dinner. That’s why this little entry is so late, but the day as a whole was a success.

I got to visit my favourite country that’s not my own, I watched a community of athletes, coaches and alums come together to form a family around someone who needs it, and I, “Yes sir, no sir, yes sir, yes sir’ed” my way through customs on the way home. All in all, a good adventure goes in the books.

The Windsor Spitfires are hosting the “All in 4 ALS” game to raise funds for Ottawa Senators assistant coach Bob Jones today at the WFCU Centre, and the Canadian Hockey League’s website’s Josh Sweetland reports that over 40 OHL Alumni are taking part in the event:

Over 40 OHL Alumni are in Windsor this weekend, lacing up the skates in support of a good friend and contributor to the Ontario Hockey League for more than 25 years.

Ottawa Senators assistant coach Bob Jones shared news of his ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) diagnosis back in January, an ailment also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. A star-studded lineup hits the ice at the WFCU Centre in Windsor on Saturday afternoon at 2:00pm in support of a man whose well-travelled journey through the game has touched the lives of so many.

Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Jones played parts of five seasons on the Greyhounds blueline from 1985-90 and returned to the club following his professional career, serving as an assistant coach from 1995-99. Since then, Jones enjoyed coaching stints in Brampton, Sudbury and Windsor, taking the reins as Spitfires head coach in 2010-11. He was also the head coach of the Oshawa Generals from 2015-18 and has been in the professional ranks since, recently completing his fourth season with the Ottawa Senators.

Senators captain Brady Tkachuk headlines a list of current NHL players competing, one that also features more than 40 past and present OHL players and coaches.

The Windsor Spitfires organization, led by owners John Savage, Stephen Savage and Brian Schwab, has done a great deal of work to make the event possible, and a big crowd is expected on hand with proceeds being directed to ALS research initiatives.

For more on the game and to hear from some of Bob Jones’ closest friends, check out Bruce Garrioch’s coverage in the Ottawa Sun.

For more information on the event, visit allin4als.ca.

Continued

Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen takes this quiet Saturday in August to ponder several training camp-related “thoughts“:

Moritz Seider is Still Only 22 Years Old: It’s hard to remember how young Moritz Seider is because he plays like a veteran. It’s probably too early for him to be a Norris Trophy candidate, but it’s not unthinkable. He’s listed on the betting odds, although certainly not as one of the favorites.

Just the fact that it’s acceptable to discuss Seider’s future Norris potential speaks to how valuable he is to the franchise. When the Red Wings are a Stanley Cup contender again, Seider likely will be among the league’s top five all-around defenseman and playing 26+ minutes per game.

This season, the Red Wings will be hoping just for his continued steady improvement. No player in this league, regardless of his skill level, intimidates Seider in a one-on-one defensive situations.

Berggren and Veleno Need to be Better in 2023-24: Jonatan Berggren scored 15 goals last season, but only four goals in his last 28 games.  Joe Veleno only had nine goals and only two in his last 30 games. They are both 23 and need a breakthrough season.

Those two players served a mixed salad with their NHL performances in 2022-23.

“Some positives for sure,” Coach Derek Lalonde said after the season. “They took some steps but they need more growth. I have no problem saying they took a dip in their game towards the end of the year. Understandable for young players. We asked a lot of those guys. Even after the deadline their role increased more and there was an obvious dip in their production, and some of their five-on-five play. I think it’s natural for young players. I think it’s valuable to get those types of minutes in games. Now it’s on them…You would hope there’s a natural growth and progression in their game and they’ll be better for it once camp starts next year.”

Continued

DobberProspects’ Evan Sabourin examines the Red Wings’ prospect pool this morning, discussing 8 players:

Risers

Elmer Soderblom: The 6-8 behemoth was an early season surprise earning a roster spot with the team right out of  training camp and even scored in his first game against Montreal. He played 21 games total in Detroit registering five goals and three assists, but injuries and trouble adjusting to the North American ice would leave him in the press box and he was ultimately sent to Grand Rapids to finish out the season in early January. Skating could be an issue for Soderblom at the NHL level and he will have to work at it to keep up in the NHL. The 2019 sixth round pick has the potential to be a force at that height. His hands are one of his key assets and really stand out for someone with that kind of size. He could also become the net front presence that the Wings have lacked since Tomas Holmstrom retired. He is a very intriguing prospect and also worth a late round stash in most leagues.

Carter Mazur: There was no one in the organization whose stock rose more this past season than Mazur’s. The former University of Denver prospect registered 22 goals and 15 assists in 40 games at the NCAA level. He signed his entry level contract with Detroit in March and was assigned to Grand Rapids where he netted three goals and three assists in six games. After impressing in the AHL, he represented the United States in the World Championship where he recorded four points in ten games, and left quite an impression with Detroit head coach Derek Lalonde who was an assistant on the team. The 2021 third round pick plays with an edge while also possessing  some scoring ability. It remains to be seen how that will translate to the NHL level, but he looks like a player you could slot in for a top six role. It may be difficult for him to make the opening  night roster, but do not be surprised if you see his name called up at some point this season. The Jackson, Michigan native could be a fantasy surprise in the next few years and is definitely worth an add in most dynasty league formats.

Continued

The CHL’s website’s Matt Tidcombe posted a summary of the six Red Wings prospects who plied their trades in the Canadian Hockey League last season–a.k.a. the QMJHL, OHL and WHL:

Nate Danielson (F) — Brandon Wheat Kings
Acquired: 2023 NHL Draft (9th overall)
CHL career stats: 145GP | 59G | 91A | 150PTS

The second CHL player selected at the 2023 NHL Draft, Brandon’s co-captain had a career best 33 goals and 78 points last season. Danielson, whose 667 faceoff wins last year were the 10th most in the WHL, was named to the East Division Second All-Star Team.

Alexandre Doucet (F) — Halifax Mooseheads
Acquired: Free agent
CHL career stats: 240GP | 108G | 139A | 247PTS

During his fantastic 2022-23 season, Doucet penned a free agent deal with Detroit in March. Over the course of 70 games with Val-d’Or and Halifax, Doucet led the QMJHL in goals with 58 while his 115 points ranked third. With Halifax, he scored 31 goals in 36 games and then was tied first in postseason scoring across the CHL with 31 points.

The Sherbrooke, QC., native was selected to the CHL Third All-Star Team and QMJHL Second All-Star Team.

Emmitt Finnie (F) — Kamloops Blazers
Acquired: 2023 NHL Draft (201st overall)
CHL career stats: 112GP | 9G | 32A | 41PTS

Finnie’s second WHL season saw him record nine goals and 35 points in 64 games with Kamloops while in the postseason he had four goals in 14 games. Finnie also suited up four times at the 2023 Memorial Cup presented by Kia.

Continued; Andrew Gibson (Soo Greyhounds), Amadeus Lombardi (Flint Firebirds) and Tnias Mathurin (North Bay Battalion) also played in the CHL this past season.

The “All in 4 ALS” game takes place at Windsor’s WFCU Centre today at 2 PM EDT, and the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch penned an article discussing what the game is about:

Bob Jones was always willing to lend a hand as he climbed the hockey ladder and moved into his current role as an assistant coach with the Ottawa Senators.

Now, the club’s kindly coach is trying to help those facing the difficult battle with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The Senators announced in January that the club’s 53-year-old Jones has been diagnosed with ALS and he opted to share the news publicly to help raise awareness for the ailment, which is widely referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

A literal who’s-who of the hockey world will gather to honour Jones and help raise money for a good cause at the the “All in 4 ALS” fund-raiser in support of the Sunnybrook Hospital foundation on Saturday afternoon with a charity NHL all-star game at the WFCU centre Arena in Windsor.

Among the participants will be Senators captain Brady Tkachuk along with centre Josh Norris and former Ottawa winger Alex DeBrincat. Detroit’s Dylan Larkin, Boston’s Taylor Hall, Anaheim’s Adam Henrique, Philly’s Scott Laughton and Arizona’s Clayton Keller will be part of an impressive roster.

“The response has been outstanding and the amount of sponsorship we’ve been able to get has been unbelievable,” Smith said in a telephone interview from his Windsor home Thursday.

Continued

The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed a profile of Red Wings free agent signing Shayne Gostisbehere on Friday:

“When you sign a one-year deal, you’re betting on yourself,” Gostisbehere said. “You’re trusting that organization and that opportunity that’s given to you. I need to have the right opportunity to show what I can do, and I thought it was a great fit.”

Gostisbehere pointed to defenseman Olli Maatta, who was in a similar situation the previous summer and signed a one-year contract with the Wings. Maatta played so well, the Wings extended Maatta for two more years (at a $3 million annual average value), showing one-year deals can work out for both sides.

“Olli was in the same situation as me,” Gostisbehere said. “Fell out of favor somewhere, go somewhere else and resurrects his career and springboards that into a contract extension. That’s the dream of every NHL guy when he gets an opportunity somewhere.”

For Gostisbehere, playing in Arizona the last two seasons was a chance for him to re-establish himself on the NHL radar.

After three seasons of subpar performance in Philadelphia, the Flyers traded Gostisbehere to Arizona in July 2021. Gostisbehere regained his confidence and scored 82 points (24 goals, 58 assists) in 134 games with the Coyotes, before being dealt to Carolina at last season’s trade deadline. In Arizona, Gostisbehere earned significant ice time and sparked the Coyotes’ power play and offensive attack.

“I had a few good years in Philly and then injuries really caught up with me,” Gostisbehere said. “It’s just a blend of falling out of favor there. Thankfully, I got a great opportunity in Arizona and I got to showcase that I could still play in this league and resurrect my career, and a chance in showing people that I’m still a good player. I’ll be forever thankful to the Coyotes organization.”

Continued

Per TSN, former Red Wings center Pius Suter signed a 2-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks on Friday afternoon:

Free agent forward Pius Suter has signed a two-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks, the club announced Friday.

The contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $1.6 million.

Suter, a 27-year-old Swiss centre, arrives in Vancouver after spending the last two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

He contributed 29 goals and 31 assists in 161 games with the Wings.

Suter broke into the NHL as an undrafted rookie with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2020-21 season, recording 14 goals and 13 assists in 55 games.

“Bringing in Pius for the next couple of years really helps us strengthen our centre ice position,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in release. “Adding a player who has scored 43 goals the past three seasons will be a boost for us up front and he will also add to our penalty killing unit as well.”