Detroit Red Wings Clips August 11, 2015 Detroit Red Wings PAGE 2 Red Wings' Sheahan happy to have Blashill, newcomers PAGE 3 Ex-Wings, Leafs defenseman Gus Mortson dies at 90 PAGE 4 Red Wings' Sheahan sees smooth transition to Blashill PAGE 5 Red Wings' Riley Sheahan ready to step up in Pavel Datsyuk's absence or move to wing if needed PAGE 7 Detroit Red Wings prospect Vili Saarijarvi arrives in Flint as Firebirds await decision PAGE 9 Red Wings outlook: Pavel Datsyuk not as durable but remains an elite two-way player and team catalyst PAGE 11 Wings centre Riley Sheahan likes what Jeff Blashill brings
Red Wings' Sheahan happy to have Blashill, newcomers Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 1:22 p.m. EDT August 10, 2015 As transitions go, this one should be about as effortless as possible. Detroit Red Wings forward Riley Sheahan spent a chunk of his Monday helping out at a hockey camp at Joe Louis Arena, taking time afterward to talk changes. First, there's the fact the Wings have a new head coach for the first time in a decade, as Jeff Blashill takes over for Mike Babcock. To the advantage of Blashill and many Wings players, Sheahan included, Blashill knows half the players from their time in Grand Rapids. "We're all really happy," Sheahan said. "You can see the job he's done in Grand Rapids, and so many of us have played there, especially the Calder Cup team. He's had so much success everywhere he's gone, so I think all the guys are pretty happy with him coming in." The other big change is to the lineup, where the free agent market saw the Wings add forward Brad Richards and defenseman Mike Green. Green should add a welcome boost of offense from the back end, while Richards brings offense and the experience of being a two-time Stanley Cup champion, most recently this past spring with the Chicago Blackhawks. "They're both amazing players, and Richards playing on the Stanley Cup team knows what it takes to get there," Sheahan said. "Green is a great defenseman. I don't them personally, but obviously they are great guys and bring some veteran experience to our team." It's too early to do much speculation, but it's possible there will also be some change next season for Sheahan. He has played almost exclusively as a center since turning pro, but the addition of Richards may see Sheahan switch to being a wing, as his size makes him ideal for the possibility. The Wings will begin the 2015-16 season with Pavel Datsyuk (ankle surgery) on the sidelines, but that most likely means Henrik Zetterberg will move from wing to center, with Richards serving as the no. 2 center. "Whatever I've got to do, whatever position I'm put in, I'll be comfortable with," Sheahan said. "We're comfortable with decisions he'll make." Detroit Free Press LOADED: 08.11.2015 2
Ex-Wings, Leafs defenseman Gus Mortson dies at 90 Associated Press 9:47 a.m. EDT August 10, 2015 TIMMINS, Ontario Angus "Gus" Mortson, the eight-time NHL All-Star defenseman who helped the Toronto Maple Leafs win four Stanley Cup titles, died Saturday. He was 90. Mortson's family announced the death through the Miron-Wilson Funeral Home in Timmins. Morton had 46 goals, 152 assists and 1,380 penalty minutes in 796 regular-season games in 13 seasons with Toronto, the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings (1958-59). He had five goals and eight assists in 54 playoff games. Mortson played on Toronto's championship clubs in 1947, 1948, 1949, and 1951. He led the NHL in penalties four times and fought Detroit great Gordie Howe in the 1948 All- Star game. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 08.11.2015 3
Red Wings' Sheahan sees smooth transition to Blashill Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 5:21 p.m. EDT August 10, 2015 Detroit There s a lot of familiarity with new Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill. And in the eyes of forward Riley Sheahan, that s a good thing. It helps, Sheahan said of the familiarity, with more than half of the anticipated roster having played for Blashill in Grand Rapids or with the Red Wings when Blashill was Mike Babcock s assistant. The guys who ve played for him before know how he reacts in different situations and know what he expects. Guys will be a little more confident, which helps, and that s a good thing. Sheahan, a guest instructor at a Red Wings youth clinic Monday at Joe Louis Arena, also realizes there are similiarites between Blashill and Babcock, who left for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The system is pretty similar, Sheahan said. There are a few tweaks here and there. They both love winning and they ve done a great job doing that. They do bring a lot of intensity, just in different ways. One thing that might not be the same is Sheahan s role this season. Blashill suggested Sheahan, normally a center, could see time on the wing. And after a season in which Sheahan had 36 points (13 goals), the Red Wings envision him gradually increasing his offense. Sheahan said Blashill hasn t spoken to him yet about the possible change, but Sheahan is willing to do whatever the coach believes helps the Red Wings. The loss of center Pavel Datsyuk (ankle surgery) for the start of the season likely will force Blashill to make some changes. Whatever position I m put in, I ll be comfortable with, Sheahan said. Ice chips Sheahan, on playing with forward Brad Richards and defenseman Mike Green, unrestricted free agent who signed with the Wings July 1: They re both amazing. Richards playing on the Stanley Cup (winning) team, knows what it takes to get there. Green is a great defenseman.... Danny DeKeyser is expected to be on the ice for today s youth clinic, with Luke Glendening taking his turn Wednesday. Detroit News LOADED: 08.11.2015 4
Red Wings' Riley Sheahan ready to step up in Pavel Datsyuk's absence or move to wing if needed Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com on August 10, 2015 at 4:02 PM, updated August 10, 2015 at 6:29 PM DETROIT The Detroit Red Wings will enter the season with some uncertainty at the center position. How much time will Pavel Datsyuk miss following off-season ankle surgery? Can newcomer Brad Richards adequately fill the void on the top line until Datsyuk returns? Will Henrik Zetterberg need to return to center? Can top prospect Dylan Larkin earn a roster spot out of training camp? Add this question: Will Riley Sheahan move to the wing? New coach Jeff Blashill said last month that he has the flexibility to use Sheahan on the wing. Sheahan, a center throughout his career at Notre Dame, with the Grand Rapids Griffins and in two seasons with the Red Wings, said he's prepared for the move if need be. He said he's played on the wing "here and there" and "dabbled with it a bit" in juniors and at Notre Dame. "I've kind of stayed familiar with it," Sheahan, 23, said. "It takes a little bit of time to adjust, but it's not a big deal. "I think going from center to wing is easier than going from wing to center. You just have a little less responsibility; you've got to know your position a little more, know your side of the ice and go from there." Sheahan, working Monday at the Red Wings youth camp at Joe Louis Arena, added, "Whatever I have to do, whatever position I'm put in I think I'll be comfortable with. I think we're confident in the decisions that (Blashill) will make and if that's one of them it's OK with me." Sheahan among many players familiar with new coach. Datsyuk is expected to be out until at least late October after surgery on June 26 for ruptured tendons. Blashill indicated Richards would fill the void. That would leave the second-line center spot for either the 6-foot-3, 222-pound Sheahan or the highly skilled Larkin, who some believe can make the difficult transition to the NHL at age 19. Luke Glendening might center the third line (with Darren Helm as one of the wingers) and Joakim Andersson the fourth line. But all of this will be sorted out in camp and the preseason. 5
"Obviously, we want Pav back as quick as we can," Sheahan said. "You don't like seeing guys get injured, but if someone's going to have to step up, hopefully that can be me. It's huge shoes to fill, but I think he'll be back soon." Sheahan impressed as a rookie in 2013-14, displaying an offensive aptitude former coach Mike Babcock didn't think he possessed (nine goals, 24 points in 42 games). He was told to improve his skating and shoot more and produced 13 goals and 36 points in 79 games last season. "It was a little inconsistent," Sheahan said. "I think this year I really want to focus on playing every game a little bit better. Maybe achieving more, getting more points, and just being an every-day player and contributing a little more on the score sheet. I think that's the biggest thing for me, and offensively I think I have to keep taking steps forward." He believes he has some untapped offensive ability. "I think confidence is a big thing for me," Sheahan said. "As soon as I can figure out how to play every game and maybe create a few more scoring opportunities, take the puck to the net a little, I think that will help me. I feel like when I know I'm playing well then I can continue to do so, but as soon as I maybe get in a little rut, it takes a little time to get out of it. So as soon as I can figure that out I think I'll be good." Michigan Live LOADED: 08.11.2015 6
Detroit Red Wings prospect Vili Saarijarvi arrives in Flint as Firebirds await decision Aaron McMann amcmann@mlive.com By Aaron McMann amcmann@mlive.com on August 10, 2015 at 11:01 AM, updated August 10, 2015 at 11:41 AM The Flint Firebirds are still waiting on final word from all parties involved, but it's looking more and more like Detroit Red Wings prospect Vili Saarijarvi will skate with them this season. Saarijarvi, property of the Red Wings and selected by the Firebirds in this year's Canadian Hockey League Import Draft, landed in Flint on Sunday ahead of scheduled meetings with Firebirds officials, the club touted on social media. A photo of the 18-year-old defenseman with Firebirds general manager Terry Christensen, scout Keith Kurland and Dominic Hennig, the team's radio broadcaster and director of communications, was posted to Twitter and Facebook on Sunday night. While it doesn't mean anything is official at this point, Saarijarvi, signed with a top junior team in his native Finland, has said publicly he wants to play in Flint. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Detroit on July 3 and the Red Wings' director of player development, Jiri Fischer, said discussions were leaning toward Saarijarvi playing in Flint. But this is also where it gets muddy: the Red Wings, although their property, have said the decision is up to Saarijarvi. The Firebirds believe it's up to the Red Wings. "He's property of the Red Wings now, so they're the ones that basically control where he's signed to or where he plays," Christensen, the Firebirds general manager, told MLive last week. "If they want him to play at the junior level, I think our chances are excellent because we drafted him." Saarijarvi played for Finland's Under-20 national team last week in Lake Placid, N.Y., and is expected to compete in the Red Wings' annual prospects tournament Sept. 11-15 at Centre I.C.E. Arena in Traverse City. He all ready has a year of North American hockey under his belt, scoring six goals and tallying 17 assists in 57 games last season for the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League. Christiansen considers Saarijarvi an offensive defenseman and watched him play in the U-18 World Hockey Championships in Switzerland in April, where he was named most valuable defenseman. "The fact that he is signed now, the fact that he can play in Flint, that avenue is open now. He can do it," Christensen said. "He's a great player and we think the OHL is a great league to give him time to develop and give him time to adjust to the North American game. We're very optimistic and very hopeful." 7
The Firebirds, relocated from Plymouth, begin their inaugural season Sept. 24 in Saginaw. Michigan Live LOADED: 08.11.2015 8
Red Wings outlook: Pavel Datsyuk not as durable but remains an elite two-way player and team catalyst Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com on August 10, 2015 at 6:01 AM, updated August 10, 2015 at 6:08 AM (First in a series of player profiles prior to training camp Sept. 18-22.) Pavel Datsyuk Position: Center Age: 37 Height/Weight: 5-11/194 2014-15 stats: 63 games, 26 goals, 39 assists, 65 points, plus-12 rating, eight penalty minutes; (playoffs) seven games, three goals, two assists, five points, minus-1 rating, two penalty minutes. Career stats: 887 games, 298 goals, 571 assists, 869 points, plus-242 rating, 214 penalty minutes; (playoffs) 152 games, 42 goals, 71 assists, 113 points, plus-32 rating, 51 penalty minutes. Contract status: Two years remaining at a salary-cap hit of $7.5 million. 2014-15 in review: Topped 20 goals for the first time since 2010-11 and the eighth time in his career.... Tied for second on the team in points, power-play points (24), gamewinning goals (five) and shooting percentage (15.8).... One of eight NHL players to average at least one point per game (among players with at least 50 games).... Led team in plus-minus rating.... Led team with five points in first-round playoff series loss to Tampa Bay.... Missed the first five games of the season with a separated shoulder suffered in the preseason opener at Pittsburgh on a hit from Rob Scuderi.... Missed six out of eight games from Nov. 7-24 (groin).... Missed seven out of nine games from March 19 to April 2 (ankle).... He has missed 56 games in the past two seasons combined.... Despite health issues during the regular season he's appeared in 56 consecutive playoff games since 2009. He has missed only 10 of the team's 162 postseason games in his 13 seasons.... Average ice time (19:03) ranked second among the team's forwards (to Henrik Zetterberg's 19:06), but was his lowest since 2005-06 (17:53).... Led team in takeaways (59) and faceoff percentage (53.3).... He takes faceoffs at the start of shorthanded situations but no longer kills penalties, saving some wear and tear.... Converted only 3-of-11 shootout attempts (27.3 percent), well below his career average of 43.8 percent (35-of-80) coming into the season.... Finished second to former teammate Jiri Hudler (Calgary) in voting for the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship).... Finished fifth in voting for the Selke Trophy (top defensive forward). 2015-16 outlook: Datsyuk will miss the start of the season following surgery on June 26 for ruptured tendons in his right ankle. The team originally stated he would be reevaluated in late September and possibly ready for the season opener on Oct. 9, but 9
Datsyuk, during a TV interview in Russia, said doctors told him the time frame is 4-5 months, which would idle him until at least late October. He was bothered by the issue late in the season but he and club hoped rest would do the trick until he returned from a five-week vacation in Russia complaining of pain. Datsyuk continues to be one of the most electrifying players in the league with his fast hands and assortment of stick-handling moves. He's one of a handful of NHL players capable of producing at a point-per-game clip and remains one of the top defensive forwards in the game. The main problem is keeping him healthy. He's endured a variety of injuries the past two seasons. Datsyuk likely will spend most of his time centering a line with Zetterberg and Justin Abdelkader. Key question: How quickly can Datsyuk regain form after returning from ankle surgery? Michigan Live LOADED: 08.11.2015 10
Wings centre Riley Sheahan likes what Jeff Blashill brings By Bob Duff / Windsor Star One of several Detroit Red Wings with first-hand knowledge of Jeff Blashill s work as a head coach, Detroit centre Riley Sheahan believes the team has hit a home run with their replacement for longtime head coach Mike Babcock. The Wings hired Blashill in June, shortly after Babcock left to take the head-coaching position with the Toronto Maple Leafs. I think we re all really happy, I mean, you can see the job that he s done in Grand Rapids and so many of us have played there and played with him, especially the Calder Cup (winning) team (in 2013), Sheahan said of Blashill s work in the AHL. He s had so much success everywhere that he s gone, so I think all of the guys are pretty happy about him coming in. Sheahan, at Joe Louis Arena Monday to work as an instructor during the Wings annual youth hockey camp, sees many parallels between Blashill and Babcock. I actually thought they were really similar, just playing for Blash in Grand Rapids, Sheahan said. The system is pretty similar. There are a few tweaks here and there. They both love winning and they both have done a great job at doing that. They do bring a lot of intensity, just in different ways. The familiarity that so many players have with Blashill s work should make the transition within the dressing room go more smoothly and happen much quicker than if the Wings were welcoming a new coach from outside the organization. I think it helps, Sheahan said. Obviously the guys that played with him before know how he reacts to different situations and know what he expects. I think in that way some guys will be a little bit more confident, which always helps. It s definitely a good thing. You have to have confidence in the locker room and it s got to be a good environment. I think Blash brings that, so we re happy about it. I think obviously Babs leaving, that s tough to deal (with). He s such a good coach, but Blash coming in I think there s a lot of positivity and a lot of happiness with the guys. We re happy for him to come in, and at the same time we want to wish Babs the best of luck. 11