Jeremy Laura: Prospect’s Tournament - live via Youtube

So, yzerman likes the defense and goaltending..
does he expect anyone to believe that?
He's got two pylons back there (Petry and Chiarot) who are bottom pair defenseman playing in his top 4. He also has a unproven rookie (edvinsson) in his top 4.

The only legit top 4 defense man the team has is Seider.

this team let in way too many goals last year and nothing has been done personnel wise to correct that.

SAME for the goaltending. Husson,Talbot, Lyon, etc.
None of them are difference makers. It seems Yzerman is playing everyone for a fool and waiting for hope to come along in Cossa/Augustine.

So, yzerman likes the defense and goaltending..
does he expect anyone to believe that?
He's got two pylons back there (Petry and Chiarot) who are bottom pair defenseman playing in his top 4. He also has a unproven rookie (edvinsson) in his top 4.

The only legit top 4 defense man the team has is Seider.

this team let in way too many goals last year and nothing has been done personnel wise to correct that.

SAME for the goaltending. Husson,Talbot, Lyon, etc.
None of them are difference makers. It seems Yzerman is playing everyone for a fool and waiting for hope to come along in Cossa/Augustine.
- wingz4life

I appreciate the drop in, we will go into depth on that, I’d like to focus on today’s tournament while it’s fresh with some observations. Two quick thoughts - we now know that Husso was never 100% until he was finally shelved and Lyon stepped up. Yzerman even addressed Husso’s health as a concern though he currently projects as being healthy. The decision to keep going back to him was not great. Talbot replaces Reimer. I think Lyon’s performance did alter the landscape in terms of how the goaltending is viewed and Husso’s perceived value has been reduced.

We also have a full season of Patrick Kane and Edvinsson. We don’t know if Edvinsson is or will be a top 4 Dman in the coming season or in the future. He certainly has better wheels than the aforementioned vets. While it wasn’t a makeover, I do feel incrementally better about how goaltending and defense will be deployed. Personal opinion.

Thanks for this post...started to watch and will be able to finish later.... nice to see the prospects although I will admit I'd prefer 1 or 2 making the roster .... Veleno doesn't necessarily disappoint me but at the same time I'm not certain his spot should be cemented.... Motte remains to be seen in the winged wheel and Fischer, while I love the team game and passion, is also potentially holding up a spot...... in regards to your response here, I think we agree...Talbot and Lyon I feel splitting time will shave some goals against... Lyon getting rest and being spelled sounds like a positive over last seasons workload... again, beating my own dead horse, Husso is simply a problem for the team.... I know Chiarot isn't an all star, I get that... however he had improved game last season from the prior and it's what we have... Petry should be the number 6 cycled in and out... appreciate his physical play but his mistakes are glaring...... hopefully Edvinsson improves and let's it be known he is here to stay.... again, thanks for the prospects tournament...cool stuff

So, yzerman likes the defense and goaltending..
does he expect anyone to believe that?
He's got two pylons back there (Petry and Chiarot) who are bottom pair defenseman playing in his top 4. He also has a unproven rookie (edvinsson) in his top 4.

The only legit top 4 defense man the team has is Seider.

this team let in way too many goals last year and nothing has been done personnel wise to correct that.

SAME for the goaltending. Husson,Talbot, Lyon, etc.
None of them are difference makers. It seems Yzerman is playing everyone for a fool and waiting for hope to come along in Cossa/Augustine.
- wingz4life

It’s July dude. Relax. Yzerman has consistently preached patience so I’m not sure how he’s playing everyone for a fool.

From what I saw, the kids looked ok. MBN had some sweet speed, looks like a quick shot, varying angles. ASP seems like he took a step forward, good positioning, quick feet....Overall, it was kids skating, shooting, and chat amongst themselves whilst being given pointers....No way to truly judge who could/should go to GR, or Europe, or Toledo. Was cool to see them, though. Therelooks to be some talent, but it's kinda like determining who's gonna jack taters outta the ball-park while watching a Little League game....

Excited to see them, happy about the future; some of these kids are gonna make folk's jaws drop when they hit the ice in the Pizza Palace.

Appreciate the updates & insights, Jeremy. Interesting & thought-provocative posts from several guys here.....some serious frustrations, which is underatandable. I honestly think we're gonna be ok, it's probably gonna take longer than we thought which is gonna grind the gears of many in HockeyTown. This team's gonna be ok.....

AP and MBN should look real good because they have already been playing against men and doing good.

It’s July dude. Relax. Yzerman has consistently preached patience so I’m not sure how he’s playing everyone for a fool.
- Feds91Stammer

He's not wrong about the defense. If Yzerman actually thinks this is a good defense, he is clueless as to what an actual good defense looks like. He played with enough good defensemen that you would think he would know. All these guys aside from Seider would be lucky to even be able to play on the bottom pairing of teams Yzerman captained. It's like having a defense full of Dandenault or Lebda's (maybe not playstyle but in terms of overall quality).

Veleno going to arbitration which could open a buyout window for the Wings. Only players over 4 mil can be bought out so no Holl buyout. Chiarot is the only other defenseman making over 4 mil and i don't think they buy him out. Husso would be an option but then again, unless the Rangers buyout Trouba and he signs with the Wings, what do they really need the cap space for.

Veleno going to arbitration which could open a buyout window for the Wings. Only players over 4 mil can be bought out so no Holl buyout. Chiarot is the only other defenseman making over 4 mil and i don't think they buy him out. Husso would be an option but then again, unless the Rangers buyout Trouba and he signs with the Wings, what do they really need the cap space for.
- dcz28

I don’t expect any buyouts. Wouldn’t be surprised if Holl got buried in GR or Husso goes to LTIR while Yzerman takes a chance on a Kylington or Boqvist

I don’t expect any buyouts. Wouldn’t be surprised if Holl got buried in GR or Husso goes to LTIR while Yzerman takes a chance on a Kylington or Boqvist
- Feds91Stammer

Wings don't need more bottom pairing guys like Kylington or Boqvist. They already have 5 or 6 of them on the roster. There is nothing on the UFA market that fits what they need...a proven top 4 RHD that can actually play D.

Wings don't need more bottom pairing guys like Kylington or Boqvist. They already have 5 or 6 of them on the roster. There is nothing on the UFA market that fits what they need...a proven top 4 RHD that can actually play D.
- dcz28

Yeah, someone needs to take away his "debit card" and a checkbook.

Wings don't need more bottom pairing guys like Kylington or Boqvist. They already have 5 or 6 of them on the roster. There is nothing on the UFA market that fits what they need...a proven top 4 RHD that can actually play D.
- dcz28

Were any of those available?

Yeah, someone needs to take away his "debit card" and a checkbook.
- StargateSG1

All these problems could have been avoided if Yzerman had not traded Hronek. Put Hronek back into the lineup and they only need 1 top 4 LD unless you want Chiarot playing with either Seider or Hronek and we both saw how that went. Holl wouldn't have been signed more than likely and Petry might not have been traded for.

I like ASP but he sure as hell better turn into a hell of a defenseman in the near future. If he turns out to be a bust Yzerman will look like a complete fool...especially with his inability to sign or trade for defensemen worth anything.

All these problems could have been avoided if Yzerman had not traded Hronek. Put Hronek back into the lineup and they only need 1 top 4 LD unless you want Chiarot playing with either Seider or Hronek and we both saw how that went. Holl wouldn't have been signed more than likely and Petry might not have been traded for.

I like ASP but he sure as hell better turn into a hell of a defenseman in the near future. If he turns out to be a bust Yzerman will look like a complete fool...especially with his inability to sign or trade for defensemen worth anything.
- dcz28

This I disagree with, Hronek is not an 8 million D

Were any of those available?
- Feds91Stammer

July 1st yes. Now no. I can't think of any defenseman being rumored for trade that would fit the bill with Trouba out of it now...unless he gets bought out or traded.

Maybe Rasmus Andersson from the Flames but i doubt they trade him now with their defense depleted at the last deadline.

Oilers might want to move Ceci but he's crap and we don't need another Holl.

Maybe a trade with the Habs for Mailloux but he's unproven and they would likely want a good young forward. Maybe if they took Berggren+ but i seriously doubt they would and the Wings would still need to clear out a defenseman or two.

This I disagree with, Hronek is not an 8 million D
- StargateSG1

No he's a 7.25 mil one. He likely might have gotten a bit less if he remained with the Wings not playing top pair with Hughes. Probably would have cost the Wings 6 something mil to sign.

No he's a 7.25 mil one. He likely might have gotten a bit less if he remained with the Wings not playing top pair with Hughes. Probably would have cost the Wings 6 something mil to sign.
- dcz28

Whatever, he had a good 1st half of the season and disappeared in 2nd half and the entire playoffs.

All these problems could have been avoided if Yzerman had not traded Hronek. Put Hronek back into the lineup and they only need 1 top 4 LD unless you want Chiarot playing with either Seider or Hronek and we both saw how that went. Holl wouldn't have been signed more than likely and Petry might not have been traded for.

I like ASP but he sure as hell better turn into a hell of a defenseman in the near future. If he turns out to be a bust Yzerman will look like a complete fool...especially with his inability to sign or trade for defensemen worth anything.
- dcz28

I’ll add one thought to this. Vancouver has had a couple of outlets look at Sandin Pellikka’s development in a bit of lament over that acquisition. His skating is already beyond Hronek’s IMO at 20. If you get to watch some of the single skate excercises along with his mobility it was impressive. In terms of age and where the club will be this seems to be a very good get with that draft pick. Genuinely enjoy watching him play

Hey all. I am going to be gone through tomorrow afternoon. Thank you all for stopping in today. I’ve been keeping this at arm’s length but I’m doing all the music for a memorial of an Uncle. We ended up getting close over the past 7 years, but exposure to chemicals during his military service in the 60’s and other issues led to COPD and nerve damage. This was a tough one. My plan for the summer is to mix any pertinent news along with topics that seem to interest each of you. If any of you want to DM me regarding a player you’d like to see more about or thoughts on things like tournaments etc please do. I want you to have some fun content for the summer. The other “stuff” is wrapping up and won’t have much to talk about.

Beyond that, I want to encourage you if you need to blow off steam, do it here. there are a lot of stresses in every day life and I hate the summer. This can be a good place to just try and escape into a sport you love and put life on a shelf for a couple minutes. I’ll be back either late Saturday or on Sunday. Until then, thanks to all who keep stopping in

Quick note - Veleno has filed for arbitration. Not a huge deal, and the club can always get a deal done before a decision is made. Just a heads up

Whatever, he had a good 1st half of the season and disappeared in 2nd half and the entire playoffs.
- StargateSG1

Over 40 points season and a plus 33...better than having Petry and Holl on the roster.

I’ll add one thought to this. Vancouver has had a couple of outlets look at Sandin Pellikka’s development in a bit of lament over that acquisition. His skating is already beyond Hronek’s IMO at 20. If you get to watch some of the single skate excercises along with his mobility it was impressive. In terms of age and where the club will be this seems to be a very good get with that draft pick. Genuinely enjoy watching him play
- Jeremy Laura

I'm not down on ASP. Heck before the draft i was hoping he would still be there with the pick they chose Danielson with and would have been happy if they picked him there. I've been around long enough to have plenty of promising prospects that were touted as the next big thing end up being busts and out of the NHL after a few years. I hope this doesn't happen with ASP and i have high hopes for him but at this point he is just a prospect and likely 2 years away from the NHL.

I remember when the Sens traded the 16th overall pick in the 2010 draft for defense prospect David Rundblad. Rundblad had 11 goals and 50 points in 55 games in the SHL the season after that trade to Ottawa and Sens fans thought he was the next Karlsson. Rundblad didn't last long in the NHL before the Sens traded him. He went back to Europe a few years later after bouncing around. Fun fact the pick St Louis got for Rundblad they used to draft Tarasenko.

July 1st yes. Now no. I can't think of any defenseman being rumored for trade that would fit the bill with Trouba out of it now...unless he gets bought out or traded.

Maybe Rasmus Andersson from the Flames but i doubt they trade him now with their defense depleted at the last deadline.

Oilers might want to move Ceci but he's crap and we don't need another Holl.

Maybe a trade with the Habs for Mailloux but he's unproven and they would likely want a good young forward. Maybe if they took Berggren+ but i seriously doubt they would and the Wings would still need to clear out a defenseman or two.
- dcz28

Who was a top 4 RD available at the start of free agency. And the revisionist history on Hronek is hysterical. He was a decent but very frustrating player with the wings.

Who was a top 4 RD available at the start of free agency. And the revisionist history on Hronek is hysterical. He was a decent but very frustrating player with the wings.
- Feds91Stammer

Hronek, imo, did what he did this year because he was on a solid team with solid schemes. I saw "...he was.....+33...", fair enough but he was with Hughes....Hell, I could play even with Hughes and the rest of that D. Simply put; I think you're spot-on w/Hronek. He got lucky. Not to say he's not good, but a holistic review of his situation and his history w/DRW would show he was good, not great, not eath-shattering, just a serviceable solid RD. But, he DID play under Blash, soooooo there is that🤷‍♂️