This has been one of the best seasons in the last decade for the Detroit Red Wings. Consequently, their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, are experiencing a Renaissance of their own. Their season has been nothing short of exceptional. The team sports a 43-9-3 record, first in the entire league. This success is due in part to the fusion of veterans and prospects, both of whom are making significant impacts on this roster.
One name in particular has made an extremely strong case for himself at the NHL level. Center Amadeus Lombardi, despite a brief injury, has had nothing short of a breakout season at the AHL level. In 34 points with the Griffins, Lombardi has 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points. To score at a point-per-game in the AHL at just 22 years of age suggests that Lombardi is more than ready for NHL ice time.
How Lombardi can help the Red Wings
Lombardi is fifth in Griffins scoring behind three long-time veterans and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, who just earned a call-up a few days prior. He's shown this season that he's more than a late-round draft pick. Lombardi can (and has been) a difference-maker on every roster he's played for in his professional career.
Where he slots in (and who slots out) of this roster, however, is anyone's guess. There's a chance general manager Steve Yzerman waits until next season to call him up. Having said that, should injuries or inconsistencies occur, it wouldn't be a shock to see Lombardi earn at least a brief cup of coffee at the pro level.
The best strategy - especially when it comes to contract negotiations - is to wait until a fresh season starts. Still, Lombardi is a pending restricted free agent this season. If he's due for an extension, wouldn't it be prudent to see what he can do for a few games? While it's a small sample size, it's best to know your commodities before determining their fate.
Lombardi's NHL-ready talent can benefit elsewhere
Then again, if Yzerman likes the way this roster is built, there's another (albeit less popular) option. Lombardi, by all accounts, is NHL ready. But that NHL readiness doesn't necessarily have to be with the Red Wings. Two teams - the New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues - stood pat on their centers at the NHL trade deadline this year. If the Red Wings decide to reopen negotiations, Lombardi could be a tantalizing option on the prospect front for these teams.
Lombardi is young and fast and comes with plenty of term. Packaging him alongside a few picks or additional prospects could land Detroit a key difference-maker. This isn't the first time Yzerman would elect to trade a prospect, either. At this step in the rebuild, it's on Yzerman to strengthen the team he has while putting picks and prospects to good use. Not every prospect is going to make the roster, after all. It might be best to strike while the iron is hot.