From a development standpoint, even just to practice every day with the pros, I think would help his development. We're going to send him into Grand Rapids and he'll be there through the end of the regular season. Then we'll make a decision whether he remains there for the playoffs or does he then go back home. |
From a player's perspective, they're looking for the best deal they can get because you can't renegotiate under the terms of the new CBA. |
Getting him back is going to be big just because of his leadership on the ice, ... I think it's important that Steve gets playing to get his game where he wants it to be. |
Given our recent history with groin injuries, they tend to take a little longer than you think. We've had players come back, feel OK, and then re-injure themselves. |
Go find a house. You made the hockey team. |
He does everything you look for in a defenseman. He's a tremendous talent. |
He does so many different things for us, |
He has always had good game after good game while he has been there. But he's always been looked at as the No. 2 guy. He had never been given the opportunity to be the No. 1 guy. |
He has some ACL and MCL damage, ... He's going to be examined Friday, and we'll know more about his status after we get some more opinions. |
He has some damage. He's going to be examined Friday and we'll know more about his status after we get some more opinions. |
He put a lot of thought into this decision, and I'm glad he decided to return, |
He said, 'We have a deal. |
He still has the passion and the desire to play, and he's going to help this hockey team. |
He was a real tough coach back then, and my only question was, how would he handle the pros? |
He's going to be in Detroit this weekend. When he arrives we expect him to sign the standard player's contract. |