St. James discusses the Jussi Jokinen try-out

The Free Press’s Helene St. James attempted to make sense of the Red Wings’ decision to offer well-traveled veteran Jussi Jokinen a professional try-out:

General manager Ken Holland said Tuesday that Jussi Jokinen, a 35-year-old veteran of nine NHL teams, will be at training camp when it begins Friday.

“He played for Dan Bylsma, asked for a tryout,” Holland said. “He understands the situation, but we will play him in some preseason games. Over the next month, we want to see where the young players are, and then we’ll assess our team.”

…

It seems unlikely Jokinen will be a fit, barring a slew of injuries. Michael Rasmussen, the Wings’ first-round pick from 2017, is a front-runner to grab an opening, and Filip Zadina, drafted at sixth overall this past June, will also get significant looks during the eight-game exhibition schedule. Both have the skill set to help boost the offense.

The Athletic’s Pronman weighs in on Wings prospects

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman has attended the Red Wings’ prospect tournament, and he weighed in regarding several Wings prospects as part of an article discussing stand-out players in Traverse City:

Joseph Veleno, C: Veleno was good during the tournament and looked like the player who I felt was a mid-first rounder. He’s not a high-end skill guy, but he skates very well, has above-average playmaking ability and plays well at both ends, and I thought he showed all those attributes.

Filip Zadina, RW: Zadina was Zadina-esque outside of displaying his great shot. He’s got that “it” factor that makes a player with star potential. He’s got great skills, thinks the game well, plays with pace, competes well and looks unique on the ice. He wasn’t dominant, but he was quite good and showed why he’s been so highly thought of for years. NHL camp is a whole other animal, but I’d be quite surprised if he doesn’t make the team.

Continued (paywall)…

 

Toledo Walleye sign defenseman Matt Register

From the Toledo Walleye:

Walleye ring up big signing with Matt Register

(Toledo, OH) – Three time Kelly Cup Champion and three time ECHL Defenseman of the Year Matt Register has agreed to terms for the 2018-19 season with the Toledo Walleye.

Register, a Calgary, Alberta native, has raised the Kelly Cup in three straight seasons including the past two years in Colorado. Last season Register posted 65 points, featuring 17 goals and a career-high 48 assists while appearing in all 72 contests for the Eagles. The ECHL Defenseman of the Year followed up that performance with another 20 points (3G, 17A) in 24 playoff contests, helping the Eagles to their second straight Kelly Cup. His first championship came with Allen in the 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs.

“This is an outstanding add for the Walleye and the fans of Toledo hockey,” said Head Coach Dan Watson. “The proof is in the championship pedigree and skill set that Matt will bring to the blue line for Toledo. It is through hard work, talent and dedication that a player gets honored with being the best at his position.”

Continue reading Toledo Walleye sign defenseman Matt Register

Red Wings post Ken Kal’s interview with Kris Draper

Red Wings special assistant to the GM Kris Draper spoke with Ken Kal during the second intermission of last night’s prospect tournament game, and here’s a video of the interview from the Red Wings’ YouTube channel:

 

Taking part in the Traverse City Record-Eagle’s ‘The Get Around’ podcast

I took part in a podcast with the Traverse City Record-Eagle’s James Cook and Jake Atnip yesterday, discussing the Wings’ prospects, the present-day team and what I do here at the Malik Report:

It’s TC Patriot Week, and Episode 48 of The Get Around delivers in anticipation of Friday’s big game between Traverse City Central and Traverse City West at Thirlby Field! Hear sound bites from coaches and players as preparation began Monday, and hear predictions from Brett, James and Jake.

Detroit blogger George Malik stops by to talk Red Wings, who are in Traverse City for the Prospects Tournament and training camp. Glen Lake’s Reece Hazelton, TC Central’s Maggie McCrary and Manton’s Trever Salani are up for The Get Around Hall of Fame.

Listen or download the episode from record-eagle.com/sports/local_sports, soundcloud.com/TheGetAround or on iTunes.

Here’s the audio clip:

On Jared McIsaac’s upward trajectory

Jared McIsaac has impressed at the Red Wings’ prospect tournament because he’s making simple, subtle plays at the age of 18, and the Traverse City Record-Eagle’s Jake Atnip penned a profile of the Halifax Mooseheads defenseman:

“I think Jared put himself into a group with Friday’s game where he was noticeable, he stood out,” Red Wings assistant general manager Ryan Smith said. “For an 18-year-old to do that is really difficult. We’re excited about him in terms of a prospect, he has two more years of junior eligibility left if he doesn’t make Detroit.”

Although an opening night roster spot might be out of reach for the Canadian product, he continued to perform at Centre Ice Arena on Monday with an assist to Axel Holmstrom.

McIsaac understands that his youth plays a role in his spot in the Red Wings organization and is looking towards more experienced prospects to help smooth his transition into the NHL.

He noted that he has been watching and emulating players like Dennis Cholowski, who is expected to get at shot in Detroit at some time this season.

“I’m trying to take whatever I can from the guys that have been here before,” McIsaac said. “I’ve been watching Cholowski quite a bit. He has a pretty good shot a making the team this year so watching what he does and doing what (Shawn) Horcoff and (Dan) Cleary have been telling me.”

Continued

Wings donate $1,000 to Special Olympians at Monday’s prospect tournament game

According to UpNorthLive, the Red Wings made a significant charitable gesture prior to Monday night’s game at Centre ICE Arena:

The NHL prospects tournament had some important guests on hand at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City.

Several dozen Special Olympic athletes from Michigan were invited to watch some of the action from Monday’s games.

Some big name guests from the Detroit Red Wings organization stopped by for a visit as well.

General Manager Ken Holland welcome them to the rink and awarded the program with a check for $1,000 to go toward future funding of their Special Olympics competitions.

“It’s an incredible two weeks of organization to start the season and this is an opportunity in a small way to give back to the City of Traverse City and the people, like these young athletes, that have a tremendous passion for our sport,” said Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland.

Update: Also in action on Monday…

Impressions from the Red Wings’ win over the New York Rangers at the prospect tournament ’18

The Detroit Red Wings’ prospects defeated the New York Rangers 5-0 on Monday, advancing to Tuesday’s prospect tournament championship game against the Columbus Blue Jackets (7 PM EDT on Fox Sports Detroit GO and DetroitRedWings.com).

The Wings’ prospects played tremendous hockey from the goal on out, and their commitment to defense afforded Patrik Rybar a 14-save shutout; at the other end of the ice, Joe Veleno scored 2 goals, and Axel Holmstrom, Zach Gallant and Michael Rasmussen also scored.

Givani Smith got in a scrap, and the Wings avoided several others by keeping their discipline when tested; defenseman Jared McIsaac left in the 3rd period after a failed check against a Rangers player yielded a shoulder surgery, but I can at least say that McIsaac appeared to be OK after the game.

Continue reading Impressions from the Red Wings’ win over the New York Rangers at the prospect tournament ’18