Detroit Red Wings fans would not like to see William Lagesson in a Winged Wheel this season, except for maybe a preseason cameo. If Lagesson's with the big club, it means either the injury bug struck the Wings blue line, or play on the (presumably) bottom pairing has been so bad that the organization's looking for desperate means to salvage the situation with a patchwork unit.
But it doesn't mean Lagesson would have no role with the Wings even if he doesn't see action with the big club. Lagesson, heading into his age-29 season, is a veteran with 107 games of NHL experience, and that's golden to a prospect like Axel Sandin-Pellikka.
It's where the Wings can best leverage Lagesson in a perfect situation. And it complements for what players like Travis Hamonic would be to someone like Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson. This gives seasoned vets all over the organization, and those with plenty of experience in the big leagues, more value in mentoring the youngsters.
What if the Detroit Red Wings need William Lagesson?
Let's assume injuries and/or inept play hit the blue line so hard that the Wings tap into their AHL pool and grab Lagesson. Would his play hold the team back, or give them a steady, serviceable veteran presence?
We're working with a seven-game sample size, and one that saw Lagesson put up just under 102 minutes of total ice time. He averaged 14:34 per game, blocked seven shots, landed six body checks, and put up an assist.
For basic stats, Lagesson performed every bit as you'd've expected him to. Looking at his advanced stats when the Wings were at even strength, and Lagesson's Corsi For tanked to a mere 40.9. As for his on-ice shooting percentage, it sat at 7.9.
His Corsi For looks even worse when you realize just over 61 percent of his starts occurred in the offensive zone. While Lagesson's 90.7 on-ice save percentage was solid, it's clear he's not someone you want on the ice when you're trying to score. He'll give you adequate help defensively, and that's about it.
That said, Lagesson's ideal role's playing at the lower level and leading young, future NHLers. And it's an intangible that's more important than some fans think. Players like Lagesson as a respected member of an AHL locker room only help rookies and those finding their way in the professional ranks.
So, while we can and should write him off on getting NHL minutes, let's not look at Lagesson and assume he's only organizational depth. There's more to him and players like him than that.