Detroit - A Winged Wheel Dynasty

[Sonny]

Oh damn, they didn't even spit on it first

At least the sim hooked you up with some solid victories

sim is helping me stay competitive as I figure things out. I felt good before then Boston hit. That was a new level.

[Sonny]

Griffins Prospects Heating Up as Red Wings Development Shows Promise




Detroit, MI - Halfway through November, the Grand Rapids Griffins are off to a strong start in the AHL, sitting near the top of the Central Division and giving fans plenty of reasons to keep an eye on what’s happening down the road from Detroit. Some people dismiss the importance of winning at the AHL level, arguing that development is the only thing that matters. But within the Detroit Red Wings organization, the philosophy is clear: learning how to win starts long before players reach the NHL.

“Develop a habit of winning in Grand Rapids, then you bring that attitude to Detroit,” said Dan Cleary, the Red Wings’ Director of Player Development. “That’s how we want to build a winning culture and a winning attitude from top to bottom in the organization.”

“Some fans might not even realize how close the talent we have in Grand Rapids are to reaching the Red Wings,” Cleary said. “Guys like Amadeus Lombardi, Dominik Shine, and John Leonard will likely see time in the NHL at some point this season.”

With the Griffins 11 games into their season, it’s a good time to take a closer look at the players making the strongest case for that call-up.

Forwards
Amadeus Lombardi — LW, 20 years old
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, Lombardi is beginning to show the playmaking ability that intrigued Detroit’s scouts two years ago. Through 11 games he leads the Griffins offense with six goals and four assists, using his speed and creativity to generate scoring chances almost every night. Lombardi has been particularly dangerous in transition, and if Detroit needs an offensive spark during the season, he may very well be the first forward they turn to.

John Leonard — RW, 25 years old
Leonard arrived in the organization on a two-way contract and has quickly become one of the Griffins’ most reliable offensive players. Originally a sixth-round pick by the San Jose Sharks in 2018, Leonard has already spent time at the NHL level and understands what it takes to compete there. He currently sits just behind Lombardi with four goals and six assists.

Elmer Söderblom — LW, 22 years old
One of the most recognizable prospects in the system, Söderblom continues to develop into a unique weapon. The towering Swedish forward stands 6-foot-8 and brings a combination of size and shooting power that few players possess. Drafted in 2019, Söderblom already has three goals and four assists this season while using his frame to create space in front of the net. His heavy slap shot and physical presence make him difficult for defenders to handle, and it’s easy to see why Detroit remains high on his long-term potential.

Defenders
Ian Mitchell — RD, 24 years old
Mitchell brings NHL experience and offensive instincts to the Griffins blue line. Though his plus-minus sits at -4, he has still managed to contribute offensively with several assists while logging key minutes. His puck-moving ability makes him a potential call-up option if Detroit needs help transitioning the puck out of its defensive third.

Jacob Bernard-Docker — RD, 23 years old
Bernard-Docker has been one of Grand Rapids’ steadiest defensemen early in the season, posting a strong +5 rating while contributing four assists. His reliable defensive positioning and ability to move the puck efficiently have made him an important piece of the Griffins’ success so far.

Dominik Shine — LD, 32 years old
A longtime Griffins veteran, Shine continues to be an important leader in the locker room while maintaining solid on-ice play. His +2 rating reflects steady defensive work, and while he may not carry the same prospect label as younger players, his experience and versatility make him a dependable option if Detroit ever needs depth during the grind of an NHL season.

With Detroit’s roster featuring young stars like Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and captain Dylan Larkin, the Red Wings are showing depth in the development league that is ready to step up when called.

[Captain Canada]

Really thought Bernard-Docker's career was going to takeoff in Ottawa and he just never took that next step. Hoping he finds his wheels with you and makes an impact.

[Sonny]

Really thought Bernard-Docker's career was going to takeoff in Ottawa and he just never took that next step. Hoping he finds his wheels with you and makes an impact.

He is only 23, what is the age in hockey where people reach their prime years? If he is 21/22 and not a regular for the NHL, is that considered bad?

[Sonny]

Red Wings drop four straight, fall to 10-9-0 as November comes to a close
Detroit's defense woes continue, allowing 6+ goals in three straight



November 24, 2023 | By Ted Kulfan | The Detroit News


Detroit, MI - A promising start to the month has suddenly turned to chaos as Detroit fell from 10-5-0 to 10-9-0 in eight days during the four-game losing stretch. Starting in Ottawa, the Senators played a physical game with Detroit, turning the hockey game into a fist fight more times than there were goals.

"We lost our focus at times. I saw players getting too caught up in being physical and playing hard instead of playing our game and moving the puck around. I still think we had chances to score, but Ullmark was unbeatable tonight." Coach Mathew Boro said after the 2-0 defeat.

The key moments for the Red Wings were Patrick Kane's and Alex DeBrincat's huge chances missed and a scramble of chances at the end of the second period, where Detroit took five shots in the final minute but could not get past the goalie.

That physical game might have taken a toll on the Red Wings; in the following three games, the defense failed to show up. Allowing five first-period goals to Toronto in a 7-3 defeat, then three third-period goals to New Jersey, and finally the worst game of all, shipping five goals in the third period to Boston to fall 6-2.

"We will be looking at the defensive lines and shifts. I see changes that have to be made and some guys that need time on the bench until they get some confidence back. The season is still early, just reaching 20 games. The panic is not there yet, but the time to make changes has come." Boro said after the road trip to Boston.

Detroit will face Minnesota at home, then travel back east to the Rangers, before a home game with Chicago, and then up to Montreal to start December.

[Sonny]

[Captain Canada]

That is a horrific string game of games. Four losses - three of which were to division foes? Ouch.

[Sonny]

That is a horrific string game of games. Four losses - three of which were to division foes? Ouch.

I need to hit NHL hard over the weekend and improve my skills, that will really help.

Boston is no joke though. So far Boston or Pitt are the teams I’m worried to play.

[Sonny]

[Agent]

Bruins tore you a whole new one