Detroit Red Wings Clips September 16, 2014redwings.nhl.com/v2/ext/DRW_Clips_PDF/DRWClips091614.pdf · Detroit Red Wings Clips September 16, 2014 Detroit Red Wings ... Brandon Robinson's

Detroit Red Wings Clips September 16, 2014

Detroit Red Wings PAGE 2 Danny DeKeyser 'anxious' about getting new deal from Detroit Red Wings PAGE 3 'Disappointing' setback has Daniel Alfredsson's future with Detroit Red

Wings in question PAGE 4 Joakim Andersson still seeking a firm role with Detroit Red Wings PAGE 5 Zetterbergs launch foundation charity gala PAGE 6 Detroit City Council to get first look at Red Wings arena PAGE 8 Daniel Alfredsson, 41, will miss part of Wings' camp with back injury PAGE 9 Red Wings prospects tournament: Brandon Robinson's injury

overshadows win PAGE 11 Red Wings prospects tournament: Best possible finish for defending

champ Detroit is third place PAGE 12 Red Wings coach Mike Babcock: Daniel Cleary can still contribute but

must earn spot in lineup PAGE 14 Red Wings in no hurry for decision from Daniel Alfredsson, who might

miss training camp; defenseman Aaron Rome PAGE 16 Red Wings prospects tournament: Anthony Mantha, Andreas Athanasiou

playing together PAGE 18 Red Wings prospects tournament: This week provides fresh start for

players like Martin Frk PAGE 20 Daniel Alfredsson's NHL future appears pretty bleak PAGE 22 NBCSports.com / Detroit bringing Rome to camp on PTO

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Danny DeKeyser 'anxious' about getting new deal from Detroit Red Wings

4:54 PM, September 15, 2014

By Helene St. James

Danny DeKeyser is scheduled to be part of a bus tour Wednesday that will see a group of Detroit Red Wings make various stops around Michigan before arriving in Traverse City for training camp.

The defenseman’s bags are ready. He's hoping he will be, too.

Days before the dawn physicals that kick off camp, DeKeyser remains without a contract. He and the Wings are at odds over the financial terms of a multiyear deal, creating the prospect that DeKeyser might not be with his teammates at week's end.

He skated with many of them today at Joe Louis Arena — informal practices aren't a team event, so there's no reason he can't participate. He conceded that he has a few butterflies in his stomach because of his tenuous status.

"I'm kind of anxious," DeKeyser said. "Hopefully, something gets done soon, because camp is only a few days away."

General manager Ken Holland told the Free Press: "I talked to his agent today. We'll talk again tomorrow. Either we'll find a solution before camp or we won't."

Long gone are the days when he'd languorously check in with his agent. Now DeKeyser is "checking in with him at least a couple of times a week. It's a lot more than it was earlier in the summer.

"I still think something will get done before camp."

DeKeyser said "all options are on the table," but Holland told the Free Press last week that DeKeyser's camp had ruled out a one-year deal. Except for superstars, restricted free agents tend to get deals in the two-to-three-year range, bridging the gap to unrestricted status.

DeKeyser is seeking a considerable raise over the $925,000 salary that was his entry-level contract, but both sides have stumbled over finding a marketplace from which to base discussions, as DeKeyser has played just 76 NHL games over two seasons and already has had two injuries lasting at least one month each.

■BRIEFLY: The Wings have invited well-traveled defenseman Aaron Rome to camp on a tryout. Rome, 30, most recently bought out by the Dallas Stars, has six goals and 22 assists in 226 career NHL games with Anaheim, Columbus, Vancouver, and Dallas. He's a long shot, to say the least — presuming a DeKeyser deal, the Wings already have seven regular defensemen at camp, along with a handful of prospects, and the team will only carry seven defensemen.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 09.16.2014

3

'Disappointing' setback has Daniel Alfredsson's future with Detroit Red Wings in question


By Helene St. James

The news on Daniel Alfredsson is not good: He hasn't skated in 10 days and, at this point, isn't expected to be at Detriot Red Wings training camp.

The Wings want the superbly smart and talented Swedish forward back and are prepared to give him the time he needs to listen to his body. But after four months of nursing his tender back, it is disappointing for both sides that Alfredsson hasn't been able to participate regularly in informal practices at Joe Louis Arena.

"The setback is a little bigger than Alfie thought," general manager Ken Holland told the Free Press today. "I know he still wants to give himself every opportunity to see if his body will allow him to play. We're going to be patient — give him the time to make his decision.

"At this point, I don't expect him to be coming to camp."

Alfredsson, 41, held off on signing a one-year contract, pending how his off-season went. He came to Detroit a year ago, after 17 seasons with Ottawa, because, in the twilight of his career, he badly wanted to add a Stanley Cup to his resume and saw the Wings as an avenue to do so. Unlike other aged, Cup-less NHLers, Alfredsson isn't a habitual team hopper — he and his family so enjoyed the Detroit area, they will live here through the coming school year regardless of whether Alfredsson joins the Wings.

The Wings are happy to give him the time he needs to make a decision — after all, he was tied for the team lead in scoring last season and provided immeasurable leadership while captain Henrik Zetterberg ailed. There's no downside to doing so, because it's not like the money Alfredsson will get would be going to someone else.

"I think I owe him the class and dignity to allow him to get to a point where we sit down and make a decision about his future," Holland said. "Whether we sign him to a contract or not will be based on feedback from his body. Before we even get there, we have to see if Alfie's body is going to allow him to play.

"This has been, from his perspective, disappointing that, on the eve of camp, he's not been able to skate every day. Right now, Alfie doesn't feel the way he knows he needs to feel."


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Joakim Andersson still seeking a firm role with Detroit Red Wings


By Helene St. James

Joakim Andersson arrived at Detroit Red Wings training camp last year eager to build on a very solid outing in the playoffs. Such, after all, is the crux of a young player extending his career — it's all about progress.

But Andersson had trouble even finding the same gear as the previous season. And then came a wave of young players filling in for injured Wings regulars, and those young players stayed in the lineup as Andersson faded when the regulars returned.

That was his 2013-14 season. Now his eyes are on the latter half of the 2014 calendar year, with Wings training camp days away. Andersson, 25, must fight for a job — the team will carry 14 forwards, and competition for minutes outside of the top six group will be intense.

To that point, he spent the off-season in his native Sweden, focusing on his biggest weakness: skating.

"I'm never going to be a good skater or a pretty skater," Andersson said after an informal practice today at Joe Louis Arena. "I know that. But I work on it every summer and I think I've been taking steps every year. Even last year, I think I did take a step. But then (the) second half, obviously, wasn't good."

Andersson was in and out of the lineup at the end, and, most egregiously, a healthy scratch for four of the five playoff games against the Boston Bruins. That was a tough awakening for a player who looked so good in the 2013 playoffs, providing the defensive play at third-line center that allowed wingers Damien Brunner and Gustav Nyquist to thrive offensively.

Nearly 18 months later, Andersson is looking to regain his footing.

"The biggest thing," he said, "is confidence. I just have to get the confidence back, then I will be a way better player overall. I hope I will have that back now."

Provided that the Wings play Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk together, and that Stephen Weiss shows some form, the competition at center includes Riley Sheahan and Luke Glendening. Darren Helm is, for now, penciled in to play winger. Glendening could make a suitable right winger, while Andersson really belongs in the middle. Andersson's assets are his smarts and his commitment to playing defense — he showed that in 2013, bringing energy and a sprinkling of offense to the team.

A fresh season beckons renewal.


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Zetterbergs launch foundation charity gala

Chuck Bennett

She’s a glamorous Swedish television star and recording artist. He’s a celebrated hockey sensation. On Friday, Emma Andersson Zetterberg (the all-star winner of Sweden’s version of “Survivor”) and husband Henrik Zetterberg (captain of the Detroit Red Wings) hosted the inaugural Zetterberg Foundation Charity Event.

About 200 guests shelled out $500 (VIP) and $250 (general admission) to support the foundation’s mission and to enjoy cocktails, a spectacular strolling dinner, an over-the-top live auction and first-rate entertainment. Held at the Tre Monti Ristorante in Troy, partygoers were treated to a variety of the restaurant’s specialties, including Wagyu beef tenderloin, frutti di mare alla griglia (char-grilled seafood), veal piccata and wild-caught, char-grilled Tasmanian salmon.

The entertainment that rocked the house — We Are, featuring Jenny Velvet — flew in specifically to perform at the event. One of the biggest highlights was the live auction, which raised over $100,000. Dave Santia’s speed-painted portrait of Henrik sold for $16,500; a dream trip to Barbados sold for $13,500; and an ultimate road trip with the Red Wings on the team plane also sold for $13,500.

“We are so excited and honored by the strong support shown to the Zetterberg Foundation this evening,” said Stephan Huber, the foundation’s managing director, who coordinated the party. “We raised $175,000, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the causes that Zetterberg Foundation supports.”

Several Red Wings and their wives attended, including Pavel Datsyuk, Gustov Nyquist, Johan and Cissi Franzen, Jimmy and Rachel Howard, and Niklas Kronwall.

The Zetterbergs — Emma in a stunning black-and-white embroidered Tadashi Shoji gown; Henrik totally dapper in head-to-toe Ralph Lauren Black Label — walked the room to personally spend time with each guest

The Zetterberg Foundation was established last year by the couple to give back to the city of Detroit and the charitable causes they believe in globally, involving children, education and health care.

Detroit News LOADED: 09.16.2014

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Detroit City Council to get first look at Red Wings arena

Louis Aguilar

Detroit — Architectural drawings of the $450 million new home ice for the Detroit Red Wings to be unveiled this week show plans for a huge state-of-the-art entertainment venue in a walkable neighborhood.

The new drawings will be revealed publicly at 5 p.m. Thursday to the Detroit City Council. Work is expected to begin on the new arena site Sept. 25. It is the linchpin of a planned $650 million, 45-block transformation of a mostly gritty, undeveloped area on the northern edge of downtown.

“This is the first of five distinct new neighborhoods announced by the Ilitch organization in July,” reads the information provided by Olympia Development of Michigan, ODM, to the city. Olympia Development is the real estate arm of Michael and Marian Ilitch. The husband and wife are co-founders of Detroit-based Little Caesars Pizza. Michael Ilitch is owner of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers. Marian Ilitch owns MotorCity Casino Hotel.

The 785,000-square-foot arena will be bounded by Woodward on the east, Henry on the south, Clifford on the west and Sproat to the north. Renderings show a glass-roofed concourse and a roof emblazoned with the Detroit Red Wings logo. Other drawings depict pedestrian-filled streets with restaurants and apartments where there are now acres of surface parking lots and empty buildings — many owned by Olympia Development of Michigan.

The architectural drawings released this week show how Olympia Development intends to use its “deconstructed bowl” design to lessen the visual impact of a huge venue. The bottom elevation of the bowl is about 40 feet below street level and top height of the arena is 75 feet above street level, which is the height of an eight-story building, according to Olympia Development.

There will be four- and five-story mixed use buildings surrounding the arena as well townhouses, which are intended to further reduce the presence of the arena.

Plans for the new arena and 45-block entertainment district have sparked both widespread accolades and criticism. Its many supporters call it a visionary plan that will fill in the gap between a surging Midtown and a booming downtown. Others decry the mix of public/private funding and its sheer scope.

In 2012, 30-year bonds were approved by the state Legislature to cover construction of the arena. In June 2013, Olympia Development and Detroit’s Downtown Development Authority agreed to a 58/42 split to pay off the construction debt.

Property and school taxes already captured by the DDA will pay $262 million. Olympia will pay $188 million. The DDA funds to be used for the arena can be used only for economic development within its district. The state reimburses the schools for the diverted money.

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Olympia keeps all revenue, including from concessions and parking, and any naming rights deal. In an earlier interview with The Detroit News, Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings Inc, defended the way the arena was paid.

“A public-private partnership is the only way any of these type of projects work in an urban environment,’” Ilitch said. He pointed out that while The Palace of Auburn Hills was paid for by private owners, the key difference is that it’s an isolated venue in the suburbs.

“The Palace gets all the revenues from parking, concessions, retail,” Ilitch said, pointing out that those sources of revenue are key to the financial success of a major venue.

Ilitch mentioned an urban venue — Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio — that was funded solely by private money and ended up needing a taxpayer bailout. The arena was named for its original majority owner, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. In 2012, the county, city and state governments had to step in with loans.

The arena was never profitable when it was under private ownership. The original owners pushed the local governments to buy the arena because they were running low on cash, and the venue is still struggling financially

Olympia must spend, or get others to invest, at least $200 million in development in the entertainment district. That spending must begin no later than five years after the arena’s 2017 opening, but Olympia has promised to spend $100 million while the arena is being built.


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Daniel Alfredsson, 41, will miss part of Wings' camp with back injury

Ted Kulfan

Detroit — The Red Wings will start training camp Wednesday, but Daniel Alfredsson likely won’t be there.

Alfredsson didn’t skate during Monday’s informal conditioning skate — he hasn’t participated in them since early last week — as he continues to be hindered by nerve issues in his lower back.

“Alfie is frustrated and disappointed, and so am I for Alfie,” general manager Ken Holland said. “I’ve got a call out to Alfie’s agent, and I’ll talk with Piet Van Zant (the Red Wings’ trainer) and I’ll know more after talking to them.

“I know Alfie is still committed (to attempt to play), he wants to give his body time to heal, and we’re going to give him time.”

Alfredsson, 41, is debating whether to retire or play one more season.

He skated during the opening days of the conditioning skates at Joe Louis Arena, but was derailed by his back last week. Alfredsson was troubled by lower back problems late last season and in the playoffs.

The Red Wings have physicals Thursday in Traverse City and are on the ice for the first time the next day at Centre Ice Arena.

Alfredsson had 18 goals and 31 assists in 68 games last season.

DeKuyser update

Holland said he talked with representatives for defenseman Danny DeKeyser today and plans to do so again Tuesday, as the Red Wings and DeKeyser attempt to work out a contract before training camp begins.

DeKeyser, a restricted free agent, is the lone Red Wings player still not unsigned.

“We’ll continue to talk,” Holland said. “You want to get a deal done.”


9

Red Wings prospects tournament: Brandon Robinson's injury overshadows win

Brendan Savage on September 15, 2014 at 9:21 PM, updated September 16, 2014 at 1:43 AM

TRAVERSE CITY – The Detroit Red Wings will play for third place in their annual prospects tournament after beating the Minnesota Wild 5-1 Monday night at Centre ICE Arena.

But much of the third period was played on a somber note after Red Wings forward Brandon Robinson went down hard behind the Minnesota net with 16:40 left.

Robinson, 18, lay on the ice for at least eight minutes while being attended to by trainers, doctors and an EMT. He was finally wheeled off the ice on a stretcher after being immobilized.

One of the doctors who attended to Robinson told MLive Robinson was moving before he was wheeled off the ice and was taken to Munson Medical Center, where he'll likely undergo X-rays and an MRI to check for a cervical spinal fracture.

The doctor said Robinson knew he went into the boards awkwardly and began experiencing neck pain immediately.

The 6-foot-3, 216-pound Robinson was a free-agent invitee for the tournament. He played for the OHL's Kitchner Rangers and North Bay Battalion last season, getting seven goals and nine assists in 40 games.

As for the game, the Red Wings never trailed in earning a matchup with Carolina in the third-place game at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

For the third straight game, the Red Wings opened the scoring early.

Tyler Bertuzzi connected on Detroit's first shot just 10 seconds after the opening faceoff, putting the puck high into the net after taking a pass from new linemate Anthony Mantha.

The Red Wings had scored on their second shot of the game in each of their two previous games.

They made it 2-0 midway through the second period, when free agent defenseman Joe Hicketts crashed the net from the left point and took a perfect pass across the slot from Marek Tvrdon. All Hickets had to do was redirect the puck into the open half of the net.

It was a carbon copy of his overtime goal in Friday's 6-5 victory over St. Louis except it took place on the other side of the ice.

Hicketts' goal gave the Red Wings a two-goal lead for the third straight game but it didn't last long.

The Wild ended Jared Coreau's shutout bit just 92 seconds later, when Matt Dumba sprung Pavel Jenys on a breakaway. Coreau had little chance on the shot high into the net.

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Jeff Blashill on Brandon Robinson injury The 18-year-old forward had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher in the third period

Coreau turned in the best game by a Red Wings goaltender in the tournament after he and Jake Paterson allowed five goals apiece in the first two games. He finished with 27 saves.

Coreau stopped Olivier Archambault on two good scoring chances. He made the save when Archaumbault broke in alone late in the first period and then stoned him again in the second, when Archaumbault was stationed all alone next to the right goal post.

Andreas Athanasiou, Mantha and Zach Nastasiuk scored third-period goals to put the game away for the Red Wings. It was Athanasiou's second goal of the tournament and Mantha's fourth. Nastasiuk scored into an empty net.

Michigan Live LOADED: 09.16.2014

11

Red Wings prospects tournament: Best possible finish for defending champ Detroit is third place

Brendan Savage on September 15, 2014 at 6:37 PM, updated September 15, 2014 at 6:39 PM

TRAVERSE CITY – The best the Detroit Red Wings can hope for in their annual prospects tournament is a third-place finish.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have locked up a spot in Tuesday's championship game against Dallas after sweeping their first three games to clinch the Gordie Howe Division with nine points.

Teams are awarded three points for a regulation victory, two for winning in overtime or a shootout, and one for losing in OT or a shootout.

With a victory at 7 tonight against Minnesota, the Red Wings will lock up second place in the Howe Division and play either the New York Rangers or Carolina Hurricanes at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The winner would finish third.

Here are the four tie-breakers:

• Most points earned in head-to-head play. If three teams are tied in points, the points earned in games involving those three teams in head-to-head play shall count.

• Best goals scored vs. goals against differential.

• Most goals scored in all team games. (Shootout goals do not count.)

• Coin toss.

Minnesota is 1-1 for two points entering tonight's game against the Red Wings. The Wild have been outscored 9-8. St. Louis is 0-3 but two losses came in overtime so the Blues have two points. St. Louis has been outscored 17-10.

The Red Wings have two points and have been outscored 10-9.

In the Lindsay Division, Dallas finished 3-0 after beating Buffalo 7-3 today. The loss gave the Sabres an 0-2-1 record.

The Rangers are 1-0-1 for three points and are 5-5 in total goals entering tonight's game vs. Carolina, which is 1-1 for two points and has outscored its opponents 8-5.

The championship game is at 7 p.m. Tuesday.


12

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock: Daniel Cleary can still contribute but must earn spot in lineup

Ansar Khan

on September 15, 2014 at 5:05 PM, updated September 15, 2014 at 5:13 PM

DETROIT – Daniel Cleary has had a long, hard summer of training and says this is the best his knee has felt in some time.

Will that translate into a bounce-back season?

The Detroit Red Wings took a chance in signing the veteran forward to a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million, a move that didn't sit well with the fan base. He will be on the roster, but coach Mike Babcock said Cleary must earn a spot in the lineup.

"We believe if he can get back to playing, he can help us. But if he can't get back to playing, then he can't help us," Babcock said. "I've been here a long time. We've made lots of wrong decisions. We've made way more right decisions. Dan Cleary's play is going to determine whether it's a right or wrong decision.

"The person he is gives him the upper hand; yet we think the player is still a pretty darn good player if he can skate. Now if he can't skate, he can't play."

Cleary struggled from start to finish last season. He had just four goals and eight points in 52 games before being scratched on Jan. 31. He missed the remainder of the season with knee issues.

Cleary, 35, said this season will be different because he is healthier after working with Mike Barwis of the Barwis Methods Training Center in Plymouth.

"When I first walked in there I could barely walk," Cleary said Monday, following an informal practice at Joe Louis Arena. "When I left I was jumping, running. Certainly changed the way I view training and he's really helped me on the ice.

"It's given me the ability to compete on the ice and move laterally and pivot. All the necessary things you need to play. It made the whole leg stronger. I just got to stay with it all year."

Babcock believes Cleary has done all he can do to prepare.

"We've had the testing done; we didn't just fall off a turnip truck," Babcock said. "We had all that done before we made any decisions and we think he can help our program."

Cleary is determined to prove he can contribute and that the club made the right decision.

"For me it's just getting healthy, staying healthy, playing well and earning your keep," he said.

"Obviously, we got a lot of talented players. You go into every training camp to earn your spot or earn your ice time. The way it's been around here is whoever is playing the best will play."

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Cleary could be competing with the likes of Joakim Andersson and Luke Glendening for a spot among the bottom-six forwards. If the Red Wings re-sign Daniel Alfredsson -- who's had a setback with his back, putting his future in question -- Tomas Jurco might start the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, if there are no injuries to forwards after the preseason.

"Dan Cleary helped us be very good for a long period of time," Babcock said. "Dan Cleary couldn't help us last year. What we try to do is not confuse the player and the person. We love the person, and the player last year couldn't help us."


14

Red Wings in no hurry for decision from Daniel Alfredsson, who might miss training camp; defenseman Aaron Rome gets tryout

Ansar Khan on September 15, 2014 at 2:01 PM, updated September 15, 2014 at 8:14 PM

DETROIT – Daniel Alfredsson hasn't skated in more than a week and is expected to miss training camp with the Detroit Red Wings due to his troublesome back.

That would be a significant blow to the 41-year-old forward who was hoping to play one more season.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said on Monday that the club is prepared to wait for a decision.

"His back isn't to the point where he wants it to be, where he feels like he can play and practice every day," Holland said. "We're going to give him as much time as possible. We're going to be patient. I have no time frame (on needing a decision)."

J.P. Barry, Alfredsson's agent, told tsn.ca: 'Daniel had a strong summer training and was feeling great while skating here but suffered a setback on his fifth day of high intensity on ice sessions. It's the same back issue he has been dealing with for a few years. He needs some time to let things settle and then determine whether his back is up to the rigors of another full season. He will be patient for now before making any decisions.''

Players will head to Traverse City on Wednesday, undergo physicals and off-ice testing on Thursday and hit the ice on Friday for the start of training camp.

If Alfredsson feels his back can withstand the rigors of an 18th NHL season, the Red Wings will sign him to a one-year contract, likely including a bonus clause based on games played. They would be happy if he could play 60-65 games.

"He was our leading scorer last year (tied with Niklas Kronwall with 49 points)," Holland said. "I'm going to give him every opportunity and be as patient as we can to let Alfie have the opportunity to make a decision.

"He has a lot of respect for the team, a lot of respect for the game. He wants to do what's right for himself but also what's right for the Red Wings. I'm hoping we wait and get good news that Alfie feels great after a period time goes by."

Progress with DeKeyser

Holland said he believes he is closer to a deal with defenseman Danny DeKeyser. He'll talk to his agent again on Tuesday in hopes of signing him before he's scheduled to leave for training camp on Wednesday.

DeKeyser, who has been skating with teammates for several weeks, remains confident he'll have a new contract before the Red Wings hit the ice in Traverse City on Friday.

"I'm kind of anxious," DeKeyser said Monday. "Hopefully something gets done here soon with camp a few days away."

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DeKeyser, a restricted free agent, said he can't go to camp if he doesn't have a contract.

Holland said last week that neither side was receptive to a one-year deal, but he and DeKeyser haven't ruled out anything.

"I think pretty much all options are open," DeKeyser said.

Defenseman Aaron Rome gets tryout

The Red Wings have invited defenseman Aaron Rome to camp on a tryout.

The 30-year-old, left-handed shooter played in 25 games for the Dallas Stars last season (no goals, one assist, minus-6 rating).

Rome (6-1, 218) has played in parts of eight NHL seasons with Anaheim, Columbus, Vancouver and Dallas).

Helm being cautious

Darren Helm skated briefly today, after staying off the ice for a few days due to a sore groin.

"He had a bit of a tender groin last week and at this time of the year we encourage guys to not push it," Holland said. "We expect everything is good going forward."


16

Red Wings prospects tournament: Anthony Mantha, Andreas Athanasiou playing together

Brendan Savage on September 15, 2014 at 12:59 PM, updated September 15, 2014 at 4:07 PM

TRAVERSE CITY – Jeff Blashill is bringing out the firepower tonight for the Detroit Red Wings' final game before the position round in their annual prospects tournament.

Blashill, coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins who is also behind the bench for the prospects team, said he'll pair high-scoring forwards Anthony Mantha and Andreas Athanasiou on the Red Wings top line along with gritty Tyler Bertuzzi when Detroit meet the Minnesota Wild at Centre ICE Arena.

Mantha is the Red Wings' No. 1 prospect after being their first-round pick (20th overall) in last year's draft. He scored 107 goals in his final two junior seasons and Athanasiou, their fourth-round pick (110th overall) in 2012, capped his junior career last season with 49 goals.

"It should be fun to watch," Blashill said. "If you think in terms of that line, Bert should be a guy that's going to get pucks. Athanasiou brings big speed and skill element and Mantha is a total package. It should be fun to watch."

In the first two games of the tournament – a 6-5 overtime victory against St. Louis and a 5-3 loss to Columbus – Mantha played on the top line with Martin Frk and Tomas Nosek.

They clicked well as Mantha scored three goals, Frk bagged four assists to go with a plus-5 rating and Nosek scored once.

"Nosek and Mantha and Frk have been a good line but Double A was really going the other night, too, and we want to see if his speed can help the combination of Mantha and Bertuzzi."

Frk, who played for Blashill in Grand Rapids last season, will play alongside Nosek and Colin Campbell to start tonight's game.

Athanasiou, who is rated No. 8 among Red Wings' prospects and is one of the speediest players in the Red Wings' entire organization, is looking forward to skating alongside the highly touted Mantha.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," said Athanasiou. "He's a good player. He has that offensive skill and I think I'll open up a lot of ice for him with my speed so it should be a good line. I think we have three good aspects.

"We've got some speed, we've got some grit and we've got some scoring so we should be good. lt's going to be a fun."

Mantha was the QMJHL's MVP last season after scoring 57 goals among 120 points. He helped his Val d'Ors Foreurs team reached the Memorial Cup and was named the CHL Player of the Year.

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"It will be different with two new players" tonight, Mantha said. "He's probably trying things out, new chemistry. Bertuzzi is a great power forward. He'll go in the corner. He's a hard worker. I can wait to play with that guy and Double A is a fast skater.

"I think it's going to be a great three-way line right there."

While Mantha and Athanasiou will likely end up as teammates in Grand Rapids – providing Mantha doesn't surprise everyone by making the Red Wings' roster – Bertuzzi is headed back to junior hockey in Guelph for one more season.

Bertuzzi, the club's second-round pick (58th overall) in last year's draft, knows his role will be to do the dirty work for Mantha and Athanasiou.

"They got have lots of speed and scoring," Bertuzzi said. "So I just want to try and get them the puck off the wall ... just try to create space for them. When they get the puck, they're going to put it in the net so I just want to give them that opportunity.

"We need a win tonight to see where we can go into tomorrow. We just have to play 60 minutes. We had a good first period those two games and we kind of dove down in the second. We have to play a good 60 minutes of hockey."

The Red Wings, who won the tournament a year ago, will play for third place Tuesday with a victory over Minnesota.

Blashill said Jared Coreau, who split last season between Grand Rapids and Toledo of the ECHL, will start in goal tonight with Jake Paterson scheduled to go in Tuesday's finale.

"Both can be better," Blashill said. "But I think we've made some mistakes. I thought Columbus the other night did a good job of getting to our net and making it real hard on Jake.

"They won us the tournament to a large degree last year. Not that our team didn't but they were huge factors in it. I look for Jared to have a real good game tonight."


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Red Wings prospects tournament: This week provides fresh start for players like Martin Frk

Brendan Savage on September 15, 2014 at 10:33 AM, updated September 15, 2014 at 1:22 PM

TRAVERSE CITY – The Detroit Red Wings prospects tournament is about more than just allowing each team to get a look at its up-and-coming players who are turning pro or heading back to junior hockey.

Each team is allowed to carry at least four players who were first-year pros last season and some are playing to get a fresh start after a rough rookie season while others on hand to provide some leadership and get a jump start heading into NHL training camp.

The Red Wings four pros are defensemen Ryan Sproul and Richard Nedomlel, forward Martin Frk and goaltender Jared Coreau.

Frk, 20, didn't have the type of rookie pro season the Red Wings envisioned when they made him the 49th player taken in the 2012 draft. He split last season between Grand Rapids and Toledo, getting eight goals and 17 assists.

The prospects tournament is like a fresh start for Frk, who has four assists and a plus-5 rating after the first two games.

"He spent a lot of time in Toledo," Holland said. "He came out Quebec Junior League with a lot of hopes and expectations that weren't really fulfilled in the first year. But I think adversity is a good thing if you can learn to deal with adversity.

"This is an opportunity for a guy like Martin Frk to hopefully get off to a good start, play well here and get into the main camp."

In Sproul's case, the tournament is an opportunity to assume a leadership role.

Sproul spent last season in Grand Rapids of the AHL and also played one game with the Red Wings. He'll be counted on heavily again in Grand Rapids this season and will likely see some time in Detroit if the Red Wings need to call up a defenseman.

"We think this is an opportunity for a young guy like Ryan Sproul to be a leader," said general manager Ken Holland. "Be a role model for some of those 18-year-old kids. He played a year of pro. He's been under Jeff Blashill (Grand Rapids' coach who is coaching the prospects) He played in an NHL game."

Sproul is serving as one of the team's alternate captains – there is no team captain – along with Frk and Zach Nastasiuk.

When the tournament ends Tuesday, many of the Red Wings draft choices like Tyler Bertuzzi, Marc McNulty and Dominic Turgeon will go back to their junior teams.

Players like Sproul, Frk, Andreas Athanasiou, Tomas Nosek and No. 1 prospect Anthony Mantha will stay in Traverse City for the main training camp beginning Friday at Centre ICE Arena.

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Holland and Red Wings coach Mike Babcock, who has also been at the first two prospects games, will be watching to see how they progress from playing against fellow youngsters to skating with established NHL players.

"It's chance for us to evaluate where they're at," Holland said. "It's pretty hard to evaluate 18- and 19-year old kids against (Henrik) Zetterberg and (Pavel) Datsyuk. They never have the puck. They're chasing after the puck the whole time. They're not playing against their peer group.

"Every week, the play goes up. This week is the rookie tournament. Next week the vets show up. Then there's scrimmages. Then we go into a Red-White (game). Now all of a sudden it's basically the pros. Then you go into eight preseason games and you're playing against half NHL teams, half American League teams.

"At the end of the preseason, you're putting 16 or 17 of your players together and we have to make decisions. You watch to see how they progress each week as the competition goes up. Can they go up with it or at some point in time do they just get left behind because they're not fast enough, they're not strong enough or for whatever reason?"

Holland said the Red Wings will talk to the players heading back to juniors in about 10 days and tell them how they performed in the prospects tournament as well as what is expected of them this season.

He said players like Sproul and Mantha will see lots of action during the preseason games to determine how NHL ready they are.

"This is an opportunity for them to get comfortable and feel good about themselves heading into the training camp," Holland said.

The tournament continues with four games today – the Red Wings play the Minnesota Wild at 7 p.m. before it concludes with Tuesday's crossover games, when teams are matched based on their finish in each of the two divisions.


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Daniel Alfredsson's NHL future appears pretty bleak

By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily

Posted: 09/15/14, 5:43 PM EDT |

DETROIT >> Daniel Alfredsson’s future in the NHL appears pretty bleak.

With the Wings scheduled to hit the ice Friday in Traverse City to opening training camp, Alfredsson has not taken part in any informal on-ice workouts at Joe Louis Arena in more than a week.

“I’m not sure he’s going to be at camp,” Wings general manager Ken Holland said in a phone interview Monday. “His back isn’t to where he feels like he can play and practice every day.”

Alfredsson still has an issue with a nerve in his back that occurred late last season.

“We’re going to give him all the time he needs to make his decision,” Holland said. “We’re going to be patient. He wants to do what’s right for himself but also what’s right for the Red Wings.”

Holland expects to hear from Alfredsson’s agent soon on whether he’ll be at camp or not.

“I’m hoping in time we get good news that Alfie feels great,” Holland said.

The Wings would like to sign Alfredsson, 41, to a one-year deal if he’s healthy, even if it’s just to play between 60-65 games.

“I would love to play, there’s no question, but at the same time you have to listen to your body,” Alfredsson said a few weeks ago. “I’m hoping that I’ll know within the next week or two weeks.”

Alfredsson was tied for the team lead with 49 points (18 goals, 31 assists) in 68 regular season games last season. He didn’t record a point in the playoffs.

Holland said he has spoken with restricted free agent defensemen Danny DeKeyser’s agent Monday and plans to do so again Tuesday in order to try and get a deal done.

“I think so,” Holland said when asked if he feels their getting closer to a deal. “Whether you’re close or far you’re still not close enough if you haven’t got a deal done.”

DeKeyser continues to take part in on-ice workouts and is scheduled to go on Wednesday on a bus tour prior to arriving in Traverse City.

“I’m kind of anxious, hopefully something gets done here soon with camp a few days away,” DeKeyser said. “We’re talking at least a couple times a week, a lot more than earlier in summer.”

When DeKeyser was asked whether he felt confident a deal could get done he replied, “I hope so.”

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Darren Helm is being cautious with a bit of tenderness in his groin which has sidelined him the last couple of days.

“At this time of the year we encourage guys to not push it,” Holland said. “Why push it? We certainly expect everything is good going forward.

Veteran defenseman Aaron Rome, 30, has been invited to training camp for a tryout.

“He’s a vet who’s played pro hockey for a number of years,” Holland said.

Rome, who’s a left-handed shot, played 25 games last season with Dallas, registering just one assist and finishing a minus-6. In 226 games he’s totaled six goals, 22 assists, a minus-17 and has 185 penalty minutes.

Macomb Daily LOADED: 09.16.2014

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NBCSports.com / Detroit bringing Rome to camp on PTO

Mike Halford

Sep 15, 2014, 1:37 PM EDT

The Detroit Red Wings will have veteran defenseman Aaron Rome in training camp on a professional try out, GM Ken Holland confirmed on Monday.

Rome, 30, was bought out his contract by Dallas this summer after spending the last two seasons with the Stars. His time with the club was marked by upper- and lower-body injuries — all told, he played in just 52 games (and another eight with AHL Texas).

A physical, stay-at-home defenseman, Rome’s best years came with Vancouver from 2010-12, though he’ll be forever tied to this infamous hit on Nathan Horton during the ’11 Stanley Cup Final:

That hit netted Rome a four-game suspension — the longest in Cup Final history — though he did return the following year to score a career-high four goals and 10 points in 43 games for the Canucks.

It’s unclear how good a shot Rome has of cracking the Detroit roster. He could be training camp insurance if the Wings can’t get a deal done with RFA blueliner Danny DeKeyser, and wasn’t the club’s first option for a PTO — last week, Swiss defenseman Raphael Diaz turned down Detroit’s invite to attend Flames camp.

Rome is also a lefty, and Mike Babcock has repeatedly stressed his desire to bring in a right-handed shot on defense.

NBCSports.com / LOADED: 09.16.2014

Documents

Detroit Red Wings Clips September 16, 2014redwings.nhl.com/v2/ext/DRW_Clips_PDF/DRWClips091614.pdf · Detroit Red Wings Clips September 16, 2014 Detroit Red Wings ... Brandon Robinson's