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RWC Archives - Sweeping change for Griffs
After dismal year, expect more scoring punch for Grand Rapids...
By Jason Kasiorek
www.griffinscentral.com
September 28, 2005
The Grand Rapids Griffins will have a new look this season.
A total of 11 players have moved on from last year's team, which scored just 2.5 goals per game and missed the playoffs. Among the departures include forwards Kip Miller and Blake Sloan and defensemen
Niklas Kronwall
and Mark Eaton.
The Griffins added more scoring punch this summer, and the coaches hope that a new attack-oriented system will increase the club's production.
The following is a look at the players who could round out the lineup:
FORWARDS
LOCKS
Eric Manlow
' A veteran forward with a nice touch around the net, Manlow provides leadership and offense. He is at his best on the power play, where his quick release makes him an effective weapon.
Eric Himelfarb
' A speedy, two-way center with good moves, Himelfarb should benefit from the obstruction crackdown. Thanks to his skills, Himelfarb is expected to take his game to the next level.
Donald MacLean
' A former AHL scoring champ, MacLean can play either center or wing. Skating is a weakness, but it's not much of an issue in the AHL. MacLean will add scoring punch to the lineup.
Kent McDonell
' McDonell brings a number of elements, playing physical while chipping in on the offense. He works hard and should give the Griffins a little bit of everything on one of their top three lines.
Nate DiCasmirro ' DiCasmirro is a speedy, checking winger who has shown the ability to put up good numbers at the pro level. He is on loan from the Edmonton Oilers, but should see regular minutes.
Darryl Bootland
' Back in Grand Rapids for a fourth season, Bootland has a lot to prove. He is a physical presence who can contribute offensively, but the Red Wings want to see more consistency from him.
Matt Ellis
' Last season's Mr. Everything could be one of the first call-ups to Detroit. Ellis plays a strong physical game and uses his size and strength to win battles and drive to the net.
Michael Hackert
' A noted goal-scorer in the German Elite League, Hackert is recovering from a broken leg and could be slow off the mark. But he has good skills and is expected to be an offensive contributor.
Tomas Kopecky
' A big winger with soft hands, Kopecky is getting a second chance with the Wings. He shows flashes of playing an offensive game with a hard edge, but now has to do it on a regular basis.
Jiri Hudler
' Red Wings coach Mike Babcock has called Hudler out regularly. The small center has the skill, but must compete on a nightly basis. If he does, expect a ton of points in the AHL or an NHL roster spot.
Valtteri Filppula
' The young Finn continues to turn heads with his strong skills. He will likely be given time to adjust to North America with Grand Rapids, and should center a scoring line on the farm.
IN THE MIX
Todd Jackson
, a speedy defensive winger;
Ryan Oulahen
, a shutdown center who does the little things well; Patrick Jarrett, a talented tryout center; Ryan Keller, a former 40-goal scorer in major junior; and Ryan Barnes, a former Red Wings draft pick who is trying out.
DEFENSEMEN
LOCKS
Bryan Helmer
' A strong two-way veteran defenseman, Helmer is usually paired with a youngster and is a great influence. His hard shot also makes him an effective threat on the power play. He should see plenty of ice.
Andy Delmore
' An offensive specialist, Delmore will light it up if he ends up in Grand Rapids. His skating and soft hands should be a major boost to the Griffins' power play. He should also see time in Detroit.
Brett Lebda
' Lebda is a good skater who can rush the puck, and he bulked up in the off-season. He hasn't produced much offense to date, but he can be an effective defenseman with continued development.
Derek Meech
' Meech has good ability at both ends of the ice, and he cracked the top-four in Grand Rapids last year. He should continue to be effective as he adds strength and gains experience.
Kyle Quincey
' A promising junior graduate with size, Quincey plays a solid defensive game with a physical end. He also has some ability with the puck, and scored a goal in his NHL preseason debut.
Travis Richards ' The Griffins' captain is in his 10th year with the organization, but a knee injury will delay his debut. He is a savvy, veteran stay-at-home defenseman who fearlessly blocks shots.
IN THE MIX
Greg Amadio, a hard-worker; Bryce Charpentier, a 6-foot-5 ECHL enforcer; and Jon Insana, a puck-moving blueliner.
GOALTENDERS
LOCKS
Joey MacDonald
' Off-season back surgery will delay MacDonald's debut this season. He is coming off an all-star season and is ready for NHL backup duty. He can easily carry the load in Grand Rapids if given the role.
Jimmy Howard
'The Red Wings' goalie of the future will likely start the season in Detroit after injuries to
Chris Osgood
and MacDonald. That said, he is earmarked for Grand Rapids and should get plenty of duty.
IN THE MIX
Drew MacIntyre
, who has battled serious injuries since turning pro; and
Logan Koopmans
, who appears to be the odd man out.
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