Prospect Info: Grand Rapids Griffins, 2024 - 2025 Season

[Gniwder]

Matt Rempe clone

Elmer: 8 pts in 21 NHL games
Rempe: 2 pts in 22 NHL games

Pointwise, Elmer outpaced Kasper in his rookie NHL season. The biggest issue he had in Detroit was that he would hot potato the puck in the defensive zone like he was scared to get hit. Now if his new attitude towards physicality fixes that problem, he's projecting to be a 3rd liner, and not the 12/13th man like Rempe.

Rempe looks, acts, and plays like he was born an asshole, Elmer was pretty soft until this season. We need to find out if this is a permanent shift in attitude or just a phase.

Also, Elmer's skating wasn't that much of an issue in his NHL stint, not sure why anyone is making a big deal out of it now. Takes a few strides to get up to speed, but he wasn't slow.

 

[Oddbob]

If Elmer can fight like that every time, he's got a place in the NHL even if he puts up just 20 points.
As for his GR production, look at his linemates. Maybe time to move him up to the first or second line.

That would be disappointing to me. He has skill to be more than a 20 pt guy if he just played more physically. I don't really want him to be just a new age goon.

how is he so old already? was he an overager?

No, Detroit just waits forever with everyone.

 

[Ulysses31]

Too soon? He will be 24 in Jully

sometimes, todd bertuzzi for example, bigger players can b late bloomers

 

[AlwaysSunnyInDetroit]

No, Detroit just waits forever with everyone.

i was replying to a post about lombardi, not soderblom

 

[LongTimeDRWF]

Elmer: 8 pts in 21 NHL games
Rempe: 2 pts in 22 NHL games

Pointwise, Elmer outpaced Kasper in his rookie NHL season. The biggest issue he had in Detroit was that he would hot potato the puck in the defensive zone like he was scared to get hit. Now if his new attitude towards physicality fixes that problem, he's projecting to be a 3rd liner, and not the 12/13th man like Rempe.

Rempe looks, acts, and plays like he was born an asshole, Elmer was pretty soft until this season. We need to find out if this is a permanent shift in attitude or just a phase.

Also, Elmer's skating wasn't that much of an issue in his NHL stint, not sure why anyone is making a big deal out of it now. Takes a few strides to get up to speed, but he wasn't slow.

After Elmer broke his foot, the few times I saw him since (streamed) he seemed a little off even earlier this year, if he is now past what ailed him, then yeah, his skating for a large due is fine.

The other issue he seemed to have the first year was defensive responsibility period, I think the smaller ice and less time gave him fits and often led to panic responses, but if he is outgrowing that (the game is slowing down for him), and he is a willing physical force at all (use his size) in all zones, he will find a roster spot.

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

I think Elmer is actually too big to play the game that everyone wants him to (or that he needs to). Playing super physical results in you stopping your feet a lot (lots of start and stop skating), which puts these super big guys at a massive disadvantage. He can play when he is moving, but he is very ineffective from a full stop. I think we see the exact same thing with Ras if I am being frank. I have come to realize that there are diminishing returns to being super, super big as a forward.

 

[OldnotDeadWings]

The relevant example for Elmer is not a goon like Rempe but Brazeau, who needed five years in the minors to improve skating and learn to keep his feet moving. Busy with hits but not a goon, has some skill and is effective as PP net front. That's the recipe for Elmer to make it, not whether he can be a circus act fighter.

 

[heyfolks]

Nope totally agreeing with you, was just expounding badly lol. He needs the physicality to make it as the 4th line guy to get to the NHL but if he can I could see him also being a really useful PP. On the PP his skating won't hamper him as much offensively as it does 5 on 5. (Much like Homer, but his skating is not that bad). I don't know if a Homer like skater/specialist probably could make todays NHL. I don't know if teams would have carried him on lower lines long enough for him to become the dominant net front guy he became.

Again, we agree. A big Homer fan but he is two strides behind Givani. Any team that did keep him long enough to prove himself net front, would get a huge pay off in today's game,

sometimes, todd bertuzzi for example, bigger players can b late bloomers

I want this to occur as much as the next fan. I don't see him getting called up any time soon, but he will have his shot next camp.

 

[HoweFan]

In the last dozen games or so Elmer is becoming a force. Just don’t trade him

 

[lilidk]

In the last dozen games or so Elmer is becoming a force. Just don’t trade him

It's all depends what we could get for him

 

[schuelma24]

Cossa not in lineup 2nd game in a row. Hopefully it's nothing.

 

[Our Lady Peace]

Cossa not in lineup 2nd game in a row. Hopefully it's nothing.

Kaser was speculating on the broadcast about his absence for the last couple games

Said Detroit is carrying a lot of goalies in the org, he's unsure if they're showcasing Husso for making a trade of some sorts

Whether a goalie be involved or not, I would expect Detroit's gonna make a move and clear out the smoke we've been hearing about lately

 

[raymond23]

Kaser was speculating on the broadcast about his absence for the last couple games

Said Detroit is carrying a lot of goalies in the org, he's unsure if they're showcasing Husso for making a trade of some sorts

Whether a goalie be involved or not, I would expect Detroit's gonna make a move and clear out the smoke we've been hearing about lately

If Kaiser doesn’t know, thank nobody knows

Hopefully it’s not anything serious. It’s a bit concerning

Griffins up big right now

 

[raymond23]

Oops wrong thread

 

[Our Lady Peace]

GR smoked em right from the get-go and Cleveland did nothing noteworthy all game

Danielson: B
• He started in the first period second guessing if he should be shooting more lol. Near the end of the period just flew up the right wing to enter the zone. I want to see more of that pace. Quiet offensively in terms of chance generation but there were some nice skill moments throughout the game. You can tell that he's experimenting. I hope soon we can see Portland Danielson fly out there. It's so exciting to watch when he's on like that

Soderblom: A-
• Another really solid game from him. Making nice passing plays and created a nice assist for the first Griffins goal. Using his body well shielding the puck and then making a play. Wasn't throwing the body around but I like that he did better to drive offense today instead

Buium: B+
• He's starting to look more confident jumping into the play and generating offense. I like Buium as a PP1 QB more than Wallinder currently. Good defense and not panicking under pressure

Wallinder: C+
• Sometimes looks confident, but mostly he's trying to reign in his own overall game. He doesn't have that killer instinct you wish that a prospect like him should have

Becher: B-
• Showed some offensive touch, committed defensive player. Few misplays. Needs to get faster feet. Appears to be beginning adjusting to the AHL pace

 

[lilidk]

GR smoked em right from the get-go and Cleveland did nothing noteworthy all game

Danielson: B
• He started in the first period second guessing if he should be shooting more lol. Near the end of the period just flew up the right wing to enter the zone. I want to see more of that pace. Quiet offensively in terms of chance generation but there were some nice skill moments throughout the game. You can tell that he's experimenting. I hope soon we can see Portland Danielson fly out there. It's so exciting to watch when he's on like that

Soderblom: A-
• Another really solid game from him. Making nice passing plays and created a nice assist for the first Griffins goal. Using his body well shielding the puck and then making a play. Wasn't throwing the body around but I like that he did better to drive offense today instead

Buium: B+
• He's starting to look more confident jumping into the play and generating offense. I like Buium as a PP1 QB more than Wallinder currently. Good defense and not panicking under pressure

Wallinder: C+
• Sometimes looks confident, but mostly he's trying to reign in his own overall game. He doesn't have that killer instinct you wish that a prospect like him should have

Becher: B-
• Showed some offensive touch, committed defensive player. Few misplays. Needs to get faster feet. Appears to be beginning adjusting to the AHL pace

Pretty sure Becher injury before beginning of the season effects his speed. Yzerman just signed him for 3 years, means he believes in him.
Can Elmer replace Rasmussen, Tuomisto or Buium replace Holl?

 

[Our Lady Peace]

Pretty sure Becher injury before beginning of the season effects his speed. Yzerman just signed him for 3 years, means he believes in him.
Can Elmer replace Rasmussen, Tuomisto or Buium replace Holl?

You're not wrong, but Becher was like this last season too. He's not the fleetest of foot. Not saying he's slow by any means, I just think he will need to add speed to make it with his set of tools he currently has

Elmer couldn't replace Rasmussen, he might replace Fischer as the 13F or maybe Motte

Tuomisto I don't think could replace Holl and Buium definitely not at this moment

 

[lilidk]

You're not wrong, but Becher was like this last season too. He's not the fleetest of foot. Not saying he's slow by any means, I just think he will need to add speed to make it with his set of tools he currently has

Elmer couldn't replace Rasmussen, he might replace Fischer as the 13F or maybe Motte

Tuomisto I don't think could replace Holl and Buium definitely not at this moment

Buchelnikov needs to get stronger, just like Danielson, just like Lombardi.

 

[Dempsey]

GR smoked em right from the get-go and Cleveland did nothing noteworthy all game

Danielson: B
• He started in the first period second guessing if he should be shooting more lol. Near the end of the period just flew up the right wing to enter the zone. I want to see more of that pace. Quiet offensively in terms of chance generation but there were some nice skill moments throughout the game. You can tell that he's experimenting. I hope soon we can see Portland Danielson fly out there. It's so exciting to watch when he's on like that

Soderblom: A-
• Another really solid game from him. Making nice passing plays and created a nice assist for the first Griffins goal. Using his body well shielding the puck and then making a play. Wasn't throwing the body around but I like that he did better to drive offense today instead

Buium: B+
• He's starting to look more confident jumping into the play and generating offense. I like Buium as a PP1 QB more than Wallinder currently. Good defense and not panicking under pressure

Wallinder: C+
• Sometimes looks confident, but mostly he's trying to reign in his own overall game. He doesn't have that killer instinct you wish that a prospect like him should have

Becher: B-
• Showed some offensive touch, committed defensive player. Few misplays. Needs to get faster feet. Appears to be beginning adjusting to the AHL pace

Really appreciate these player reports that you've been doing. Thank you!

 

[Our Lady Peace]

Really appreciate these player reports that you've been doing. Thank you!

Cheers mate I appreciate that! I have a lot of fun watching the AHL broadcasts too tbh. Way better than betting ads up the wazoo

Watching our prospects in GR is fun and this is even without Mazur and Lombardi currently. Even better times ahead when they're back

 

[LongTimeDRWF]

GR smoked em right from the get-go and Cleveland did nothing noteworthy all game

Danielson: B
• He started in the first period second guessing if he should be shooting more lol. Near the end of the period just flew up the right wing to enter the zone. I want to see more of that pace. Quiet offensively in terms of chance generation but there were some nice skill moments throughout the game. You can tell that he's experimenting. I hope soon we can see Portland Danielson fly out there. It's so exciting to watch when he's on like that

Soderblom: A-
• Another really solid game from him. Making nice passing plays and created a nice assist for the first Griffins goal. Using his body well shielding the puck and then making a play. Wasn't throwing the body around but I like that he did better to drive offense today instead

Buium: B+
• He's starting to look more confident jumping into the play and generating offense. I like Buium as a PP1 QB more than Wallinder currently. Good defense and not panicking under pressure

Wallinder: C+
• Sometimes looks confident, but mostly he's trying to reign in his own overall game. He doesn't have that killer instinct you wish that a prospect like him should have

Becher: B-
• Showed some offensive touch, committed defensive player. Few misplays. Needs to get faster feet. Appears to be beginning adjusting to the AHL pace

Thanks for the update, great to see the players likely getting direction from the coaching staff as to what to work on for development if they are adjusting their play game to game.

 

[HoweFan]

It’s even more impressive that Cleveland is a good team. Playoffs might be good to us if we get healthier.

 

[SantosHalper]

Since Kasper's TOI has been dropping, i think it's just matter of the time when gets back in GR. And Mazur and Lombardi returning in near future. GR is looking good already and will only improve more.

Maybe Ed should go play 1 game in GR, if/when Wings miss the playoffs, Ed can go help GR in the playoffs. Or can he go without playing any games before the playoffs? Skellefteå been playing like shit, should be short playoffs there and then make the jump and come help GR in playoffs. Savage and James possibly getting signed, maybe AnJo too. GR will have damn deep roster going in playoffs.

Snively - Kasper - Shine
Dries - Danielson - Watson
Mazur - Lombardi - MBN
Hanas - Becher - Söderblom
Rychlovsky - Gettinger - Doucet
Savage - Seger - Johannes
James, Bantle

Edvinsson - ASP
Lagesson - Tuomisto
Buium - Didier
Wallinder - Rafferty
Viro - AnJo
Dello

Cossa
Husso
Campbell

 

[lilidk]

Since Kasper's TOI has been dropping, i think it's just matter of the time when gets back in GR. And Mazur and Lombardi returning in near future. GR is looking good already and will only improve more.

Maybe Ed should go play 1 game in GR, if/when Wings miss the playoffs, Ed can go help GR in the playoffs. Or can he go without playing any games before the playoffs? Skellefteå been playing like shit, should be short playoffs there and then make the jump and come help GR in playoffs. Savage and James possibly getting signed, maybe AnJo too. GR will have damn deep roster going in playoffs.

Snively - Kasper - Shine
Dries - Danielson - Watson
Mazur - Lombardi - MBN
Hanas - Becher - Söderblom
Rychlovsky - Gettinger - Doucet
Savage - Seger - Johannes
James, Bantle

Edvinsson - ASP
Lagesson - Tuomisto
Buium - Didier
Wallinder - Rafferty
Viro - AnJo
Dello

Cossa
Husso
Campbell

Kasper should never play in AHL ever again, so does Edvinsson.

 

[ShanahanMan]

Kasper should never play in AHL ever again, so does Edvinsson.

Kasper is contributing nothing except being a 4th line plug with almost the fewest minutes on the team. He should be sent down if anything to get some confidence back.