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A very nice rookie season, Detroit Red Wings Jonatan Berggren now must build consistency

Playing in 67 games Jonatan Berggren showed promise for the Detroit Red Wings. Playing a bottom six role, Berggren showed a nice two-way game that gives hope he is a long term solution for that group going forward. Berggren was able to be a capable defender as well as flash some real offensive upside. Now, as for many players heading into their second seasons Berggren must do something that tends to elude young players, avoid the dreaded sophomore slump by finding consistency in his game.

VANCOUVER, CANADA – FEBRUARY 13: Jonatan Berggren #52 of the Detroit Red Wings waits for a face-off during the second period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on February 13, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)

15G, 13A, 28P, -14+/-, 16PIM, 5PPG, 9PPP, 98S, S%15.3 that is Jonatan Berggren’s line from his rookie season. As with some players those numbers do not tell the whole story. Using his speed and being a very good skater allowed Berggren to rarely be out of position at both ends of the ice. Berggren plays with a  low center of gravity and was difficult to move off the puck. Primarily playing on Detroit’s third line, Berggren’s energy took that line to another level.

Drafted in the second round (33rd overall) of  the 2018 NHL Entry Level Draft, Berggren sign his ELC in 2021 and was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins. Playing in 70 games for the Griffins, Berggren put up respectable numbers; 70G, 21G, 43A, 64P, 16PMI, -14+/-. Berggren would appear in seven games in Grand Rapids to start the season and was called up to Detroit.

Now that the rest of the league has seen him, Berggren will need to make adjustments to his game to insure that he is not going to become stagnant. That is the crux that young players face in striving to take their game to the next level. Berggren feels like a player with more to give.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Joe Veleno #90 of the Detroit Red Wings and Jonatan Berggren #2 meet on the ice during the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on November 12, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/NHLI via Getty Images)

For the nearly rebuilt Detroit Red Wings, Jonatan Berggren is a pivotal player in that he is young and skilled and can be a difference maker for the Detroit third line. Grouped with C- Joe Veleno and RW-Matt Luff the trio combined for 26 goals. Berggren looks to be the scoring wing consistently which will help Detroit going forward.

For a player like Jonatan Berggren who has more to give, his second season will be big. If he elevates his game the Red Wings will be in good shape.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets coaching search is ongoing, 2 names have caused a stir

Sports and sports fans love a good redemption story, even if the story is uneasy at first. For the Columbus Blue Jackets who are searching for the organization’s next head coach the team has been tight lipped thus far on just who is on the list and who they have and have not spoken to. A few name have been released, associate coach Pascal Vincent who joined Columbus in 2021, former Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette, and former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock are said to have interviewed and/or talked to the Blue Jackets front office. One name not mentioned but perhaps should be is former Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 11: Head Coach of the Washington Capitals Peter Laviolette watches the play on the ice during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

Of the names mentioned, Pascal Vincent is the least likely to ruffle any feathers of emotion. Peter Laviolette is said to be a demanding coach along the lines of former Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella. Mike Babcock does not sit well for many as it has been well documented that Babcock has faced  accusations of mistreatment of players.

The real question mark is Joel Quenneville who would qualify as a redemption story but is at the mercy of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Quenneville, while coach of the Chicago Blackhawks was accused of a sexual abuse coverup. The allegations forced Quenneville to step down as coach of the Florida Panthers and he went before Bettman to discuss his involvement and must meet with the commissioner once again before he would be allowed to coach.

DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 15: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs watches the action from the bench against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on December 15, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Wings defeated the Leafs 3-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

While it is unclear exactly who the Blue Jackets have and are talking to it seems a bit of a stretch that the organization would hire either Babcock or Quenneville. Both would be hard sells for both players and fans. Both coaches have won big in the NHL but that alone can not be reason to hire them.

The Columbus Blue Jackets front office is taking the right approach. The organization must get the hire right. With young players such as Kent Johnson, Kirill Marchenko and others any new coach is going to need to have developmental skills as well as managing veterans. This is a bit tricky to get right but a balanced coach is important to the now and future of the Blue Jackets.

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The Detroit Red Wings could go one of two ways

The Detroit Red Wings were in the playoff hunt much of the season, the organization fell a little short and now are at a sort of crossroads. Ranked by many to have a top five prospect pool the Red Wings are in good shape regardless if GM Steve Yzerman decides to stock up for a playoff run or simply give prospects more AHL development time. The guess is Yzerman will add players.

DETROIT, MI – MARCH 20: Ville Husso #35 of the Detroit Red Wings follows the play against the Florida Panthers during the first period of an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 20, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. Florida defeated Detroit 5-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Red Wings need a few of key components in order to take a step towards being a playoff contending team. Scoring, goaltending, defense to be more specific a more reliable backup to starting goalie Ville Husso as the perceived goalie of the future, Sebastian Cossa is still developing. With some big names set to hit the free agent market, Yzerman will have little issue finding a backup goalie.

With some big names set to hit the open market, the Red Wings should have enough choices to improve scoring. At 240 GF and 279 GA for a -39 DIFF, the Red Wings need more scoring and better defense. Both D-William Wallinder and D-Albert Johansson are ranked #3 and #4 currently in the Red Wings prospect rankings. Yzerman could and perhaps should look at add a veteran or two in order to get better production out of the blueline.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JULY 07: Marco Kasper, #8 pick by the Detroit Red Wings, poses for a portrait during the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

It seems that the #2 ranked prospect C- Marco Kasper will get a longer look in training camp he is far from a lock to make the opening night roster. The Red Wings have a long history of wanting o give prospects plenty of development time. Kasper was called up at the end of the season but was limited due to a broken kneecap.

In the end the Detroit Red Wings are closer to the NHL Playoffs, there is still much work to be done. The guess is that Steve Yzerman will make upgrades this summer in order to give his team a push while giving prospects both a long look during training camp and more development time.

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After a frustrating season the Columbus Blue Jackets future remains bright

I am not going to rehash the 2022-’23 Columbus Blue Jackets season. That does no one any good. The organization is forward thinking and looking and fans should be as well. Depending who you read the Blue Jackets have a top five prospect pool and are set to add to that pool this summer at the 2023 NHL Draft. The fact is many publications have the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets as the top two in terms of prospects.

COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 11: General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen of the Columbus Blue Jackets poses for his official headshot for the 2013-2014 season on September 11, 2013 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

“We want to get back into the playoffs,” Blue Jackets GM, Jarmo Kekalainen said at his end of the season press conference. The reality is the organization is not that far away from playoff contention once again. No really. One thing I will mention about last season is the team and franchise record 563 man lost games due to injuries. Not one Blue Jackets player was able to play in all 82 games.

Kekalaien also stated he wants to bring in a veteran or two as well; as the Blue Jackets were once again one of the youngest teams in the NHL.  The team is sure to have a rookie or two on the roster next season. Top prospect D- David Jiricek had a monster first AHL season for the Cleveland Monsters. Jiricek is expected to compete and possibly earn a roster spot during training camp and will be given every opportunity to do so.

COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 25: Columbus Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger #34 takes the ice prior to the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Edmonton Oilers at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on February 25, 2023. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Yes the organization needs and has needed a top line center (1C) for some time. This week team president John Davidson said the team is going to get a center in the draft. The Blue Jackets select #3 overall and should have plenty of good centers to choose from. Also the expectation is that C- Cole Sillinger will get back on track and have a rebound season after a wicked sophomore slump which will help strengthen the centers.

While there is still work to do and young players are still developing the cupboard is far from empty. In other words, while it is unknow how the team will perform both on ice and in the standings this coming season a healthy roster armed with stronger center play will go a long way in getting the organization closer to where they want to be.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets will select third overall

No the NHL Draft Lottery is not rigged nor has the sky fallen in the world of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sure Connor Bedard would have been nice or Adam Fantilli at #2 overall. With the top five draft picks as good as this years there is honestly not a lot that separates the players. Bedard is indeed otherworldly, as for the rest it really depends on the need or needs of an organization.  For the Columbus Blue Jackets #3 is just fine.

Unless you live under a shoe, you know the Blue Jackets have needed a top line center for well, it’s been ongoing for years. With Bedard and Fantilli (both centers) expected to go one-two in this years draft that leaves the Blue Jackets to pick the organizations top line center at long last. But who?

Leo Carlsson, Carlsson has the tools to be an elite top line center. Widely viewed as the best skater in this years draft Carlsson’s great foot work allows him to show off a good blend of speed for his size (6′ 3″.) Carlsson is a true playmaker in the offensive zone. Carlsson is not a shoot first center he looks to set up teammates, although his shot is really good. The young Swedish Carlsson is just as good in the defensive end his transitional play is excellent he has taken a big step and is close to putting it all together. Carlsson would be a great pick if that is who the Blue Jackets want.

PLYMOUTH, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 16: Will Smith #20 of the United States skates up the ice during the first period of the 2023 BioSteel All-American hockey game at USA Hockey Arena on January 16, 2023 in Plymouth, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Will Smith, Compared to Leo Carlsson, Will Smith is a bit (just a bit) of a work in progress. Smith is a good skater without a burst in his stride to break away. In the offensive zone Smith shines. Phenomenal hands, above average vision and stick handling coupled with a deadly shot. Smith is not very good in the defensive zone and will need time to develop. He is a work in progress and in the right system, Smith can be a very good player in time.

ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – 2022/05/05: Matvei Michkov (No.39) of Russia U20 seen in action during the Liga Stavok St. Petersburg Cup, hockey tournament match between Russia and Russia U20 at Jubilee Arena in Saint Petersburg.
(Final score; Russia 4:2 Russia U20). (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Matvie Michkov, A very strong skater with alright speed.  Blessed with strong acceleration and superb edge works. One of the very best shots in this years draft Michkov’s accuracy, power and his quick release will be welcomed by who ever drafts him. Not strong in the defensive end, Michkov who is under contract for three more years in the KHL, will need to begin to apply himself in the defensive zone. If he does that, he has the makings of a very good player.

The Columbus Blue Jackets seem likely to draft a center this year. They need an impactful player and one that is close to being NHL ready as the teams window is soon to be open.

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The Future is bright for the Cincinnati Reds

For those of us who love to track MLB prospects and minor league system rankings two sites stand out above the rest, Baseball America (subscription needed) and MLB Pipeline. Honestly, you can not go wrong with either site. Both sites have the Cincinnati Reds minor league system ranked #5. The Reds future is indeed bright. So why should fans be excited? The talent is undeniable, while the Reds have stockpiled an bunch of middle infielders that will sort itself out. Here is a look at why now is the time to jump on the Reds bandwagon.

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA – MARCH 20, 2023: Noelvi Marte #68 of the Cincinnati Reds fields a fly ball during a minor league spring training game against the Cleveland Guardians at the Cleveland Guardians Player Development Complex on March 20, 2023 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

For starters the Reds who last season were ranked the #4 prospect pipeline had two pitchers ranked in the teams top 30 graduate to the big leagues, Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo and the pipeline only fell one spot. That should tell you something about the organization.

SS-Elly De La Cruz, oh my goodness, what a prospect! The 6′ 5″ switch hitting prospect 5-tool player is to drool over. Hitting is way above average, power is a plus tool, his speed is a plus-plus (you read that correctly.) Despite being 6’5″ and playing a critical position De La Cruz can pick it with the best of them in the field, his arm is elite, his arrival in the Queen City should not take long.

The Reds who are in a rebuild sped up the process a bit last season when they traded pitcher Luis Castillo and received three 30 prospects with No.2 prospect SS/3B- Noelvi Marte and No. 3 SS/2B- Edwin Arroyo being the gems of the trade. In trading pitcher, Tyler Mahle added to the Reds top 10 prospects when they received 3B- Spencer Steer.

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 21: Christian Encarnacion-Strand #94 of the Cincinnati Reds poses for a portrait during photo day at Goodyear Ballpark on February 21, 2023 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The Reds have nine players in the organizations top 30 prospects that have come via trade. That is how you rebuild smartly. The entire top five and eight of the top 10 are all infielders and nine of which list SS as their primary position some of those players are and have been shifted this season with their minor league teams to different positions, regardless it is a good problem to have.

The Cincinnati Reds future is very bright. Just a bit more seasoning is needed but the wait will be worth it.

 

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Breaking down the 2023 Detroit Lions Draft class

The Detroit Lions are a better football team at this moment. The team has been able to add both playmakers as well as depth and not only depth but quality depth. Finally able to draft “the best player available,” has added to the teams push to being a contending football team. Lions GM, Brad Holmes has done very well this draft. Let’s take a look at the 2023 Detroit Lions Draft class a little more closely.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 31: Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs (1) attempts to break a tackle by Kansas State Wildcats safety Josh Hayes (1) during the Sugar Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

RB,  Jahmyr Gibbs from the University of Alabama, Drafted #12 overall; the Lions got themselves a playmaker. On paper Gibbs is the first exciting player in Motown since Barry Sanders, Gibbs has excellent acceleration and top speed and a threat to score any and every time he touches the football. Elite burst, Very good change of direction and solid pass blocker.

Below average strength and is tackled upon first contact needs to get stronger up top. Gibbs footwork between the tackles is too choppy at times and hesitant which leads to a loss in  momentum. The Lions would be wise to allow Gibbs to get to the edge and let him turn up field.

LB, Jack Campbell from the University of Iowa, Drafted #18 overall; The Lions drafted a linebacker who is a ballhawk.  Very quick to diagnose zone versus gap runs, quick to fill his gap on the front side of gap runs,  Physical and strong at the point of attack and wraps the runner very well.

Campbell has been known to get caught out of position against motion, at times he blocks square and  is prone to stop his feet on contact, Subpar change of direction is an issue in man coverage.

TE, Sam  LaPorta from the University of Iowa, Drafted #34 overall; Fights for extra yards after the catch, Laporta is an excellent athlete, he is a smooth route runner who fights for yards.

Continuing to evolve as an in line option, not necessarily a ball-winner all the time he needs to clean that up an begin to fight for the ball more. Laporta is  undersized for TE at 6′ 3″, but that allows him to lineup outside at times which gives the offense a different dimension.

S, Brian Branch from the University of Alabama, Drafted #45 overall;  Branch is a hybrid defender, he has top notch recognition and trigger and reads the play well, uses good angles to the ball, very smooth backpedal.

Lacks the top speed for safety, poor timing at time at the catchpoint, marginal ball skills. Could be developed into a slot corner.

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 12: Hendon Hooker #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers looks to throw before the game against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)

QB, Hendon Hooker from the University of Tennessee, Drafted #68 overall; Good touch and timing on deep throws is his bread and butter also when throwing a in-breaking route, refined passer, not really turnover prone, can add to the running game when fully healthy.

Coming off season ending knee surgery due to a torn ACL, Hooker is an older prospect (25 years old), struggles to navigate pocket against pressure so he must be quicker to understand.

DL, Brodric Martin from the University of Western Kentucky, Drafted #96 overall; playing mostly nose tackle he is close to being immovable, gets full extension and sheds blocks, Martin has pass rush potential but lacks consistency he excels at knocking passes down.

Not very explosive or nimble, Martin tends to stand up a big when he wears down, still developing a pass rush plan. Martin needs to be conditioned and must become a threat on the pass rush.

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The Detroit Lions are having another solid draft

Brad Holmes does not care about Mock Drafts. If you live and die by the Mock then this news probably irritates you to some degree. Myself a well known loather of Mock Drafts found it refreshing when the Detroit Lions GM said, “There’s a lot of information that I don’t expect the people that are putting out the mock drafts to know, and it’s not their fault. They’re not in the medical meetings. I look at them, I respect them, but it’s not always going to be right. And then you’ve got to make the best pick that you can and be confident with it. Post-Draft and immediate Draft grades, when the pick didn’t line up with those mocks, you’ve got to be willing and comfortable to take the thrashing because they didn’t line up with the mock. It’s all good.”

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 1, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Brad Holmes only cares about one thing…….. getting the right fit for his football team. Positional Value be damned. There were very loud audible gasps and groans when RB, Jahmyr Gibbs from the University of Alabama was announced as the Detroit Lions first, first round draft pick at #12 due to a trade back. The Lions picked again at #18 and selected Iowa Hawkeyes LB, Jack Campbell.

NFL and draft experts were harsh on the picks. Yet, now that the smoke has cleared the picks make sense for what the Lions have built under Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. High energy, high character players who make impacts. That is what Gibbs and Campbell give Detroit right off the bat.

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 18: Brodric Martin #99 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers celebrates against the Appalachian State Mountaineers during the second half of the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Last night on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, Holmes really brough the Lions closer to being a serious playoff team this upcoming season. Drafting Iowa Hawkeyes TE, Sam Laporta, Alabama Crimson Tide S, Brian Branch, Tennessee Volunteers QB, Hendon Hooker and Western Kentucky DT, Brodric Martin.

Brad Holmes has done it again. No matter if you like positional value which most prefer, Holmes selected best players for his team. This is a spot the Detroit Lions have not been in, in well a very long time. The organization was able to select “the best player available.” Holmes did and then in meeting with the media stood his ground. The Detroit Lions are a better football team today for his work.

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A look at possible future Columbus Blue Jackets defensive pairings

The 2023 Columbus Blue Jackets defensive unit started off on shaky ground. Switching to a man-to-man scheme it was an adjustment to say the least. About three weeks into the season some players began to catch on, and then the injuries started. Losing perhaps the teams most important player Zach Werenski was a massive blow. Jake Bean who looked much better was also lost for the season. The Blue Jackets pipeline is chalked with solid defensemen who figure to be mainstays in Columbus once the “reset” is complete. So what could future pairings look like? Let’s take a look.

First and foremost go ahead and pen (or sharpie) Werenski on the top line. A very brief pairing (due to injury) with Adam Boqvist looked like it would be a solid pairing. The two should get another look to see if they can reclaim the chemistry they briefly showed.

Again being  future pairings based on ability and projection and players that could compliment each other, I have Corson Ceulemans and Blue Jackets top prospect, David Jiricek on the second line. Jiricek who projects by well, just about everyone as a top line defensemen would give excellent depth on the second line.

The third line pairing, could be Stanislav Svozil, who had two very solid games at the end of the season in Columbus (and a prospect I am very high on for whatever that’s worth) and Dento Mateychuck, two shutdown style defensive players who have some offensive upside.

While it seems that Jiricek is almost or next to a lock to make the Columbus roster out of training camp, it will be interesting to see where the likes of Mateychuck, Svozil and Ceulemans are placed. The Cleveland Monsters seems likely. Regardless, all of the Blue Jackets top defensive prospects should get a look in Columbus at some point next season.

I do have Jake Bean still on the roster as he really did take a big step forward in his shortened season. There is a reason to be excited for fans. It will take a little while but it will be worth the wait once the prospects are in Columbus full time. Again this is only a guess post “reset.”

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What lies ahead for the Columbus Blue Jackets offseason

Media and fans can speculate all they want, but hearing it from a GM actually puts weight behind it. For roughly a month before the Columbus Blue Jackets season ended it felt like the organization was in for a big offseason. At the end of the season exit interviews, Blue Jackets GM, Jarmo Kekalainen hinted that big changes are coming this summer. What could happen is any one’s guess, so here are my thoughts.

BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen attends round one of the 2016 NHL Draft on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

A change in goalie could be in play. Kekalinen spoke as though firing shots at starting  goalie Elvis Merzlikins, who had an awful season, to the tune of 74th in GAA, with 4.23 goals per game and 74th in save percentage at just .876. Kekalinen said he expected the starting goalie to be in the best shape of anyone on the roster as he is the quarterback of the team and because of the demands on the position.

The Blue Jackets dismissed goalie coach coach Many Legacy the same day the relieved head coach Brad Larsen of his duties. Perhaps a new goalie coach could get Merzlikins back on track. But the organization could go out and get a starting goalie.

The organization is in pretty good shape with roughly $16M in cap space and depending who stays and who goes they could have more. The team could very well go out and get a top line center and draft one as well. Let’s sort this out.

A player that had been linked to Columbus is Vancouver Canucks top center T. J. Miller who could come into play once again this offseason. The Blue Jackets have two-first round draft picks and could use the #19 overall pick and package say Emil Bemstrom or Liam Foudy for Miller. If they do and the organization lands a top 3 lottery pick they could draft, Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli or Leo Carlsson all project as top line centers. Adding Miller would buy the Blue Jackets time to develop any player they draft.

CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 14: Cleveland Monsters defenceman David Jiricek (55) on the ice during the first period of the American Hockey League game between Syracuse Crunch and Cleveland Monsters on October 14, 2022, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Defense wise the Blue Jackets future looks bright. David Jiricek, Denton Mateychuk, Corson Ceulemans and Stanislav Svozil are among the reasons the Blue Jackets pipeline ranks #3. Four solid defensive players, some of which will start next season in Cleveland with the Monsters and some will make the Blue Jackets opening night roster.

I am not saying the Blue Jackets offseason will look like this, however given his strong wording do not be surprised if when training camp rolls around the Blue Jackets roster looks sort of like this.