Detroit Red Wings: Who Will Benefit Most From Jeff Blashill?
By John Curran
Mar 8, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Teemu Pulkkinen (56) during the third period of the Boston Bruins 5-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Teemu Pulkkinen
Jeff Blashill and Teemu Pulkkinen are no strangers to each other. Pulkkinen has already played in 159 regular and post-season games for Jeff Blashill during his time spent in Grand Rapids. Teemu is currently out of options this upcoming season to return to the AHL without first clearing waivers, so if he ever wanted to make a name for himself while impressing his former coach, now would be the perfect time.
Jeff Blashill is 100% aware of what he and the Red Wings have in a player like Teemu Pulkkinen. I’m sure that Blashill is also 100% aware of how many teams would love to steal the former AHL scoring champion if he were forced to clear waivers. I fully expect coach Blash to utilize his previous knowledge and experience of Teemu to put the talented young Fin into a role where he will be able to succeed. Perhaps Pulkkinen could have a break-out season with the Red Wings and score 15, 20, or possibly even more goals. Having a consistent and reliable goal scorer somewhere in the bottom-six would be potentially huge for the Red Wings.
If Teemu can hone in and sight his big slap-shot just a little bit more accurately, I see no reason for him to be forced to clear waivers. With his former coach keeping an eye on him while continuing to mentor him into an NHL player, I expect some possible exciting things to come from the young Pulkkinen.
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