RW Teemu Pulkkinen (2010, 111th overall, Detroit) II

[tfong]

So he is doing 1,33 points per game currently (and 0.73 GPG). Haven't really been watching AHL that closely. When's the last time someone dominated the league that way? Those numbers are just insane. Can't imagine many other NHL teams aside from Wings that would keep a player down who absolutely dominates AHL. The next year will be his last with the current contract. After that it's either give him a one way deal or ship him out (can imagine there'd be a lot of takers). Btw, the wings' upbringing model does hurt a player's financial status when they are pretty much kept down until they are 110% NHL ready. The players do lose a few years of earnings and I can't see someone getting a great deal after playing maybe one season (max) in the league before getting to the 2nd contract. In this case I don't see how AHL benefits Pulkkinen at all. He has nothing left to prove down there.

It doesn't work for everyone, but there is an inherent benefit to being develop in the Red Wings system. For prospects eyeing long term success (Nyqvist/Tatar), they go through it and get paid out later both in terms of development and pay later whether it be with the Red wings or some other team (Hudler a great example)

For those that can't stand it, they take off early and more often than not find they hurt themselves in the process. Just look at Jarnkrok as a recent example. Looks like he wanted out of the system (threatened to leave for EU) but it seems that he is struggling in the NHL anyways and the extra year in the AHL would have been good for him.

You lose out on possible earnings but the Red Wings system is designed to polish your skills and give you the greatest chance to hold onto an NHL job.

Pulk probably understands this like many others coming before him and it has worked out. Pulk has vastly improved since his draft year and his dominance now in the AHL is proving that the system is helping him reach his potential. If they become better players down the road, they make it up in future contracts anyhow.

 

[JJTT]

Pulkkinen has said many times that he doesn't mind playing in the AHL. I don't see how extra few months down there can harm his development in any way.

 

[tfong]

Pulkkinen has said many times that he doesn't mind playing in the AHL. I don't see how extra few months down there can harm his development in any way.

It just speaks for his commitment to the organization and his coach ability. He has come a long ways from being that one dimensional guy that lived off his shot alone. He is much more versatile now.

 

[Debrincat93]

So he is doing 1,33 points per game currently (and 0.73 GPG). Haven't really been watching AHL that closely. When's the last time someone dominated the league that way? Those numbers are just insane. Can't imagine many other NHL teams aside from Wings that would keep a player down who absolutely dominates AHL. The next year will be his last with the current contract. After that it's either give him a one way deal or ship him out (can imagine there'd be a lot of takers). Btw, the wings' upbringing model does hurt a player's financial status when they are pretty much kept down until they are 110% NHL ready. The players do lose a few years of earnings and I can't see someone getting a great deal after playing maybe one season (max) in the league before getting to the 2nd contract. In this case I don't see how AHL benefits Pulkkinen at all. He has nothing left to prove down there.

As Ray Ferraro once said, (I don't quote it since its not 100% verbatim, but he said there's no negativity of a kid staying down, becoming over-ripe and beating the snot out of opponents as long as he doesn't get hurt.

The kid can work on other aspects of his game, outside of the one god given talent he has (and is obviously still refining to perfection). He needed to work on skating, two-way game, ect.. it doesn't hurt for him to stay, become a leader, a go-to guy and plug in for a long AHL run, hopefully.

Next year, he will clearly be in Detroit and that's when the fun begins (if not sooner).

 

[The Zermanator]

Ideal situation for him at this point is playing a key role in a long playoff run in Grand Rapids, culminating in a Calder Cup, then coming to Detroit next fall with a set spot in the top 9.

 

[DanZ]

It's possible they make up the lost earnings by becoming better players at the next level than they would've otherwise.

You might also say that they are the most loyal organization in the league, paying players money beyond their usefulness (e.g. Cleary, Bertuzzi, Chelios, Malbty, etc., etc.) and often provide jobs for those that would like to continue working in hockey after their playing careers are finished. The Wings take care of their players like no other team, I doubt that it is an issue.

Edit: Obviously it has been an issue for some players. Those aren't the type of players that the Wings want in their system anyways though.

 

[Eple]

You might also say that they are the most loyal organization in the league, paying players money beyond their usefulness (e.g. Cleary, Bertuzzi, Chelios, Malbty, etc., etc.) and often provide jobs for those that would like to continue working in hockey after their playing careers are finished. The Wings take care of their players like no other team, I doubt that it is an issue.

Oilers and the old boys' club disagrees

 

[Jussi]

It just speaks for his commitment to the organization and his coach ability. He has come a long ways from being that one dimensional guy that lived off his shot alone. He is much more versatile now.

He has never been that. He's always had the offensive vision and passing. Look up his stats starting from his junior days. His goal-to-assists ratio has been pretty even.

 

[Anchor Town*]

He has never been that. He's always had the offensive vision and passing. Look up his stats starting from his junior days. His goal-to-assists ratio has been pretty even.

Hell didn't he break Teemu Selanne's assist record in the finnish league?

 

[Jussi]

Hell didn't he break Teemu Selanne's assist record in the finnish league?

For rookies, yes.

 

[Backami]

how old is he? 23 or 24? next year will be decisive for him.

 

[Claypool]

how old is he? 23 or 24? next year will be decisive for him.

Just turned 23.

 

[Nicko999]

So he is doing 1,33 points per game currently (and 0.73 GPG). Haven't really been watching AHL that closely. When's the last time someone dominated the league that way? Those numbers are just insane. Can't imagine many other NHL teams aside from Wings that would keep a player down who absolutely dominates AHL. The next year will be his last with the current contract. After that it's either give him a one way deal or ship him out (can imagine there'd be a lot of takers). Btw, the wings' upbringing model does hurt a player's financial status when they are pretty much kept down until they are 110% NHL ready. The players do lose a few years of earnings and I can't see someone getting a great deal after playing maybe one season (max) in the league before getting to the 2nd contract. In this case I don't see how AHL benefits Pulkkinen at all. He has nothing left to prove down there.

Travis Morin last season had 88 pts in 66 games (1.33 PPG).

Desharnais had a 1.3 PPG season with Hamilton a few years ago.

 

[drw02]

Travis Morin last season had 88 pts in 66 games (1.33 PPG).

Desharnais had a 1.3 PPG season with Hamilton a few years ago.

Prolly meant just prospects...Morin was like 29 years old, grizzled AHL vet in his prime...not uncommon for those guys to light up AHL.

 

[agent082]

Prolly meant just prospects...Morin was like 29 years old, grizzled AHL vet in his prime...not uncommon for those guys to light up AHL.

Pulkkinen isn't a prospect either. He played a full season last year.

 

[Jussi]

Pulkkinen isn't a prospect either. He played a full season last year.

AHL season doesn't count. He's still a prospect. A full NHL season would mean that he's no longer a prospect.

 

[GoBoltz56]

Pulkkinen isn't a prospect either. He played a full season last year.

I think you are confusing the term prospect and the term rookie. A 22 year old on his entry level contract is a prospect. A 29 year old AHL vet who is long past an entry level deal is not a prospect.

 

[agent082]

I think you are confusing the term prospect and the term rookie.

Yes, I was. Thanks for clarification.

 

[DanZ]

Travis Morin last season had 88 pts in 66 games (1.33 PPG).

Desharnais had a 1.3 PPG season with Hamilton a few years ago.

It's the 0.73 goals per game that's the impressive part

 

[Shaman464]

Bumping for a goal, an assist and first star tonight with the big club.

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

Bumping for a goal, an assist and first star tonight with the big club.

The goal was a nice shot. I'm happy for Pulkkinen, a few seasons ago I doubted if he could even be a professional hockey player.

 

[kelsier]

Pulkkinen has overexceeded propably the most craziest expectations I ever had for him since departing FEL. In the light of recent numbers in AHL and being effective in NHL given the small sample size you really have to wonder what his ultimate ceiling is. Could he become that goal scorer Finland has been missing since the prime Selänne? Of course there will be plenty of guys he will have to rival due to the country actually starting to produce the much belonged elite talent. I'm enjoying what I'm seeing.

 

[Anchor Town*]

The goal was a nice shot. I'm happy for Pulkkinen, a few seasons ago I doubted if he could even be a professional hockey player.

He was playing professional hockey a few seasons ago...

 

[FinProspects]

Pulkkinen has overexceeded propably the most craziest expectations I ever had for him since departing FEL. In the light of recent numbers in AHL and being effective in NHL given the small sample size you really have to wonder what his ultimate ceiling is. Could he become that goal scorer Finland has been missing since the prime Selänne? Of course there will be plenty of guys he will have to rival due to the country actually starting to produce the much belonged elite talent. I'm enjoying what I'm seeing.

I've always been pretty certain, that wherever he plays, Teemu will score a ton of points. It's just his thing, examples:
C-juniors 22 games 90 points. (as a 14-15y old)
B-juniors 32 games 60 points (as a 15-16 y old).
All time second best scorer in U-18 WJC, after Ovie, 12 games 28 points.
Sm-liiga rookie of the year: 55 games 54 points (18-19y old)
Now AHL scoring leader 46 games 61 points.

And he is only 23y old.

I definately see a 30+30 potential in NHL.

 

[flamebird]

I've always been pretty certain, that wherever he plays, Teemu will score a ton of points. It's just his thing, examples:
C-juniors 22 games 90 points. (as a 14-15y old)
B-juniors 32 games 60 points (as a 15-16 y old).
All time second best scorer in U-18 WJC, after Ovie, 12 games 28 points.
Sm-liiga rookie of the year: 55 games 54 points (18-19y old)
Now AHL scoring leader 46 games 61 points.

And he is only 23y old.

I definately see a 30+30 potential in NHL.

Truthfully, one of the main reasons I've never ever given up on Pulk. I remember at draft he dropped to the 4th round after being a pre-season top 10 pick, then the injury concerns, one-dimensional playing style, etc...., all doubts people had about him.

But there was one thing, he ALWAYS produced no matter where he played, & players like that are special. He has that ability to adapt to his surrounds evidenced by his AHL #s (going from euro ice to NA ice) while some people may want that to translate immediately to NHL producing, just be patient and success will follow!

Bold Prediction:

When its all said & done, we'll be comparing Teemu's one-timer velocity/accuracy with the Ovechkin/Stamkos/Kovalchuck group of players