Amadeus Lombardi, like his fellow Red Wings prospects in their first pro season, is still picking up the finer nuances of pro hockey.

Nutrition, though, he already has a handle on.

“Usually, the day before a game I always have kind of the same meal,” Lombardi said in a recent interview. “I’ll do either a crispy roast potato or mashed potatoes, some sort of veggie and then I always do a ribeye steak in the cast-iron pan and baste it with rosemary and garlic.”

The post Lombardi Works on Recipe for Pro Success (+) appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The 2023-24 seas0n is nearly two months along, and beginning this week we’ll be keeping tabs on Red Wings prospects in the minors, or juniors, or in college in what we’re calling the Prospect Watch.

It’s not a ranking or assessment of talent, (For now, we’ll leave that to the guys Chris Ilitch is paying to do that) but it will be a snapshot of how prospects fared in the previous week. So the fact that players move up and down on this list is purely our perception, not where we think they rank in the organization.

Sandin Pellikka Off to Fast Start

Axel Sandin Pellikka is off to a blazing start in Sweden, recording his seventh goal in 18 games this season. That’s good for a forward. It’s amazing f0r a defenseman. Sandin Pellikka. the 17th overall pick last summer,  is off to the best start for a teenage defenseman in Sweden in 40 years. Ulf Samuelsson, who was very briefly a Red Wing at the end of his NHL career, had nine goals in 33 games in 1982-83.

Axel Sandin Pellikka (#LGRW) had the first three-point game of his SHL career on Nov 16th.

It was also a transition masterclass, showcasing why he's quickly becoming one of the best defensive prospects in the sport.

Highlights: pic.twitter.com/jdOI84wFsn

— Lassi Alanen (@lassialanen) November 18, 2023

Trey Augustine had a big weekend for the red-hot Michigan State hockey team. He was in net for both games as the Spartans (10-3-1) swept top-ranked Wisconsin. Augustine has a GAA of 2.99, a save percentage of . 913 and is 9-3-1 with a shutout while playing in 13 of MSU’s 14 games this season.

Simon Edvinsson has had a solid start even as the Grand Rapids Griffins stumble. The Griffins were swept by the Texas Stars last weekend. Edvinsson had a pair of assists in a 7-4 loss on Saturday. He has three goals in 13 games this season, well ahead of last year’s pace.

Mazur Hot After Return From Injury

Carter Mazur, who missed training camp with an injury suffered in Traverse City two months ago, has five points in seven games so far this season. He has two goals and three assists. That’s the same as Cross Hanas and Amadeus Lombardi, who have played in 13 and 12 games, respectively.

Red Savage is off to a good start at Michigan State after transferring from Miami (Ohio). He has four goals and 14 points in as many games for the Spartans.

Nate Danielson makes scoring goals look soooooo easy!@bdnwheatkings | @DetroitRedWings pic.twitter.com/M9Rc4vq6DA

— The WHL (@TheWHL) November 18, 2023

Nate Danielson and Emmitt Finnie represented the Western Hockey League at each end of last summer’s draft. Danielson, the No. 9 overall selection, was impressive in training camp before beginning the season with Brandon. He has five goals and 13 points. Finnie, taken in the seventh round at No. 201, has four goals and 13 points for Kamloops.

Red Wings 2023 draftee Jack Phelan (137th overall) was among the 22 players named to the 2023 U.S. Junior Select Team that will compete at the 2023 World Junior A Challenge from December 10-17 in Truro, Nova Scotia. The 19-year-old defenseman is showing 1-4-5 totals with the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede.

The post Red Wings Prospect Watch: Trey Augustine Posts Big Wins appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

It was a Detroit Red Wings goalie prospect of the past facing the Red Wings goalie prospect of the future on Friday as the Toronto Marlies played the Grand Rapids Griffins. And the past got the better of the future.

Keith Petruzzelli stopped 21 of 24 shots as the Marlins whipped the Griffins 7-3 in their AHL game at Van Andel Arena. Taking the loss for the Griffins was 2021 Detroit first-round draft pick Sebastian Cossa. Cossa was beaten six times on 28 shots.

Keith Petruzzelli with a huge save on the #Marlies PK. pic.twitter.com/WUNFlZTsDv

— Nick Barden (@nickbarden) November 11, 2023

Detroit’s 88th overall selection in the 2017 NHL entry draft, Petruzzelli and the Red Wings were never able to come to an agreement on an entry-level contract. After finishing his college career at Quinnipiac, he would end up signing an AHL deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Like Cossa, Petruzzelli split his rookie pro season of 2022-23 between the ECHL and AHL.

With his win Friday, Petruzzelli was improving to 3-1-1 on the season. However, it is noteworthy that both his goals-against average (3.42) and save percentage (.877) are far from spectacular.

Cossa dropped to 1-2-2 for the 2023-24 AHL campaign. He’s showing an .899 save percentage and 3.22 GAA.

Red Wings Prospect Lombardi Gets On Board

There were some bright spots on what was an overall disappointing night for the Griffins. Red Wings prospect Amadeus Lombardi was tallying his first goal as a professional during the third period of the game. Lombardi cleaned up a rebound and slid the puck past Petruzzelli to put Grand Rapids within striking distance, narrowing Toronto’s lead to 5-3.

Amadeus Lombardi scores off a Keith Petruzzelli rebound. #Marlies up 5-3 over Grand Rapids with 7:45 left in the third period. pic.twitter.com/Mbq52yOcgE

— Nick Barden (@nickbarden) November 11, 2023

Both Elmer Soderblom (1-2–3) and Lombardi (1-2–3) extended their point streaks to three games. Veteran pro Zach Aston-Reese scored his first of the season for Grand Rapids. Dominic Shine drew an assist on that goal. He was moving into sole possession of third place on the Griffins’ all-time games played list with 366.

Griffins rookie forward Carter Mazur might be finding himself in some hot water with AHL disciplinarians for his part on a late-game line brawl. Just back in action from a lower-body injury he was suffering in the Red Wings rookie camp, Mazur was issued a misconduct for abuse of officials at 19:10 of the third period.

The post Goalie Detroit Didn’t Want Beats Red Wings Goalie of the Future appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

TRAVERSE CITY- As of Friday afternoon, Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson didn’t yet have an injury update on Carter Mazur at the NHL Prospect Tournament.

“I wish I had one,” said Watson, coaching the Detroit squad. “He went last night, around the third period, to get it checked out. Haven’t heard anything this morning. He wasn’t here in the arena. He didn’t practice. Still awaiting official word.”

The Red Wings prospects will play the Columbus Blue Jackets’ youngsters Saturday at 3:30.

Mazur (drafted 70th overall in 2021) left Thursday’s loss to the Dallas Stars with an undisclosed injury suffered in the first period. The Jackson, Mich. native is a feisty competitor with offensive skill.  Early in the game, he was playing with prize Detroit center prospect Marco Kasper.

The news on Amadeus Lombardi (drafted 113th overall in 2022) is more definitive. Lombardi wasn’t at practice Friday morning, but should play Saturday in the 3:30 game at the Centre Ice Arena. He put up 102 points for the Flint Firebirds last season in the Ontario Hockey League

“Personal issue,” Watson said. “He should be here tomorrow to play in the game.”

The Red Wings lost 4-2 to the Dallas Stars Thursday, while the Columbus Blue Jackets were downing the Toronto Maple Leafs, 7-3. Former University of Michigan standout Adam Fantilli, picked No. 3 overall, had two assists for the Blue Jackets. Robert Mastrosimone, a Red Wings’ second round pick (54th overall) in 2019, had an assist for Toronto. Mastrosimone signed an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies.

Detroit’s final game of the tournament will be Sunday afternoon against the Maple Leafs.

The post Red Wings’ TC Update: Mazur Status Unknown, Lombardi Will Play appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Any Detroit Red Wings fan who wants to see what the team will look like when the rebuild is completed only needs to make the 157-mile drive to watch the Grand Rapids Griffins play this season.

Depending on who makes the Red Wings roster this season, it’s possible, on some nights, 55 percent (11 players) of the Griffins’ lineup could be Steve Yzerman draft picks.  That doesn’t include Yzerman undrafted prospect free agent signings, such as Wyatt Newpower, Alexandre Doucet and John Lethemon. It also doesn’t include prospect Jared McIsaac, 23, who was a Ken Holland draftee.

Since taking over as GM in 2019, Yzerman has participated in five drafts and selected seven first round picks. Two of the first round picks (Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond) are in Detroit, and three (Sebastian Cossa, Simon Edvinsson and Marco Kasper) could start in Grand Rapids. The 2023 first rounders (Nate Danielson and Axel Sandin Pellikka) will return to their teams from last season.

Dan Watson, the highly successful Toledo Walleye coach from last season, is the Griffins’ new coach this season. This is the Yzerman draft picks he might have this season:

First-Rounders

They start with goalie Sebastian Cossa, considered by many to be the Red Wings’ goalie of the near future. The team’s top draft pick in 2021 had a strong season Toledo.

Defenseman Simon Edvinsson (No. 5 in 2021) is recovering from surgery and it’s hard to say with certainty whether he will be ready for the start of the season. He could start in Detroit or Grand Rapids.

Forward Marco Kasper, taken in the first round in 2022, played in one game for the Red Wings last year. In theory, he could win a Detroit roster spot in training camp.

Second-Rounders

Defenseman Antti Tuomisto is a 2019 pick who played in Finland after two years at the University of Denver.  Defenseman Albert Johansson, the third of the three second-round picks that year, spent last season in Grand Rapids.

Another defenseman, William Wallinder, a 2020 second-rounder  who played in a single game at Grand Rapids last year, spent most of last winter playing in Sweden.

Forward Cross Hanas, the third of three second-round picks in 2020, returns to Grand Rapids after scoring nine goals in 30 games last season.

Third-Rounders

Defenseman Eemil Viro spent most of his first pro season with Grand Rapids last winter.  He was taken in the third round in 2020. Forward Carter Mazur, a third-round pick in 2021, played in six games with the Griffins last year after leaving the University of Denver, scoring three goals.

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Other notables

Amadeus Lombardi, a fourth-round pick in 2022, is highly touted in his first full pro season after scoring 45 goals for the Flint Firebirds of the OHL last season.

Elmer Soderblom, a sixth-round pick in 2019, played in 21 games for Detroit and 20 for Grand Rapids, recording the same scoring line (5-3—8) at both levels. There’s certainly a chance he will start the season in Detroit.

The post The Griffins Will Mostly Be Yzerman Players in 2023-24 appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

DETROIT — Center prospect Amadeus Lombardi makes more than his fair share of memorable plays. But it was Lombardi’s pregame preparation for the Detroit Red Wings 3 V 3 tournament that caught the attention of Dan Cleary, the team’s director of player development.

“Amadeus is drinking Red Bull before the first game at 8:30,” Cleary said. “He’s competitive, he likes to do well. You could see as the games went along, he got his legs, got more confidence. He’s super-pumped up for a good summer of training.”

Lombardi left the Red Wings’ Development Camp with some bragging rights after his Team Osaer won the 3-on-3 event. Lombardi and Co. downed Team Bain 2-1 on an overtime goal by free agent invitee Liam McLinskey of Holy Cross. He had both goals for the champion in the final. Detroit first-round pick Nate Danielson played for Team Bain. He’s a smooth competitor. He always seems to be where the puck pops out.

Sandin-Pellikka in Command

It is easy to see why the Red Wings claimed Axel Sandin Pellikka. The slick defenseman can control the game even in 3 v 3.

“Smart kid. Really composed,” Cleary said. “That translates to his on-ice game as well. When he’s under pressure, under siege, he’s got the ability to calm it down and make a play instead of rushing it. That’s his demeanor. He’s already in really good shape. He tested well. He’ll have a good season in Skelleftea. The SHL is a strong league.”

His biggest need, as it is with most prospects, is more strength. He will need time in the weight room.

The post Red Wings Notebook: Lombardi Team Wins 3 V 3 Tournament appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The Detroit Red Wings’ fascination with Flint Firebirds center Amadeus Lombardi goes well beyond his rockin’ first name.

“Amadeus Lombardi had an awesome year in Flint,” Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said Friday. “He’s really a good little player. He’s very creative.”

The Aurora, Ontario native made his pro debut Friday night with the Grand Rapids Griffins and picked up his his first point with a slick pass on a Taro Hirose goal. The Griffins lost 2-1 to the Rockford IceHogs.

“All things considered, I thought he played very well tonight,” Griffins coach Ben Simon said.

AMADEUS LOMBARDI!

First professional point in his first professional game, a pretty set up to Taro Hirose! #LGRW #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/Jpw6VjpWl9

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) April 14, 2023

“I am just trying to play my game and see what happens,” Lombardi said.

Adjusting to Pro Game

He said he noticed immediately that speed and strength of the AHL will require him to step up his game. He didn’t sound concerned about it.

“It’s going to be a little bit of an adjustment, but I am very excited for it,” Lombardi said. “I am trying to get my feet wet, play as well as I can, and just gather experience, but I think I can bring some positive energy, and on the ice, some speed, playmaking ability,  just trying to play my game and see what happens.”

Amadeus Lombardi (drafted 113th overall in 2022) is fast, spunky and skilled. Ontario Hockey League coaches voted him the smartest player in his division. Coaches also voted him second in stickhandling and playmaking. He was third in the OHL scoring race with 102 points.

Doesn’t Play Small

“He’s 5-9. 5-10, 170 pounds,” Yzerman said. “That doesn’t matter. He’s real competitive. Is he in there running guys over, knocking guys out? No. But he drives to the net, he somehow gets to the corners first, he makes plays, he’s very creative. He’s a very entertaining player.”

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Lombardi seems driven to succeed. His Firebirds lost their first round playoff series to the Saginaw Spirit, but not because of Lombardi. He posted five goals in seven games.

“Can he take that to the American League or the NHL one day? I hope so,” Yzerman said. “He certainly has the ability to do that. He’s going to have to adjust to playing against bigger, stronger, faster guys but had a really good year and is a fun player to watch. We really hold out optimism for him to be one of those guys that’s on the smaller side who just has it to be an NHL player. Time will tell but I’m kind of excited by the potential that he has.”

Analysis: The Red Wings are intrigued about Lombardi’s potential as an offensive catalyst. This will be an important summer for him to add some muscle in the weight room.

Forecast:  Likely to spend next season with the Griffins, and maybe get a call-up for games at the end of the season.

The post Tomorrow’s Red Wings: Yzerman Singing Amadeus’ Praises appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The only positive of Amadeus Lombardi’s Flint Firebirds being knocked out of the Ontario Hockey League playoffs is he starts his professional career earlier than expected.

Lombardi is already signed by the Red Wings and they have reassigned him Wednesday to the Grand Rapids Griffins. The Griffins have two games remaining — a home game against the Rockford IceHogs on Friday and a Saturday road game against the Chicago Wolves.

The Red Wings also announced that Danny O’Regan and Taro Hirose have been reassigned to the Griffins. That means Detroit captain Dylan Larkin is healthy  enough to play the Red Wings’ final game on Thursday at Tampa Bay. O’Regan and Hirose were with the Red Wings on emergency call-ups. Larkin didn’t play Tuesday at Carolina.

The Auroa, Ontario native finished third in the OHL scoring race this season with 45 goals 102 points. He had another five goals and seven points in seven playoff games against the Saginaw Spirit.  Lombardi was drafted in the fourth round (113th overall) in the 2022 draft, and the Red Wings liked the potential he showed at last season’s training camp.

Lombardi Can Fly

OHL coaches recently voted him as the smartest player in the league’s Western Conference. He was judged to be No. 2 in stickhandling and playmaking. Lombardi is slick with the puck. He is also a dynamic skater, with a knack for finding seams in the defense.

He also has a memorable first name. Lombardi told Detroit Hockey Now that his dad, a musician, came up with the idea of naming a child “Amadeus” when he was young.

“It’s from the Latin words for love and God,” the young Lombardi said.

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Lombardi is third Red Wings prospect to be assigned to the Griffin after their seasons were over. Forward Carter Mazur (70th overall in 2021) and defenseman William Wallinder (drafted 32nd overall in 2020) were the others. Mazur, a Michigan native, boasts three goals and six points in his first six games with the Griffins. Wallinder has only played one game with the Griffins. The Griffins don’t say whether a player is injured or not.

The post Red Wings Assign Lombardi to Griffins; Larkin Ready to Play? appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Detroit Red Wings prospect Amadeus Lombardi made a strong effort to keep his Flint Firebirds team alive in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs. But his two goals were not enough to prevent the Firebirds from losing 6-3 to the Saginaw Spirit in Game 7 of their first-round series.

Lombardi scored his fifth goal of the series at 6:43 of the third period to tie the game 3-3.  Saginaw’s Matyas Sapovaliv netted the game-winner with 3:48 to play. Saginaw added two empty-netters.

The question now: What’s next for Lombardi? The Red Wings have already signed the 102-point OHL scorer. Will they send him to Grand Rapids for the team’s final two games? Or, will they wait until next season? Lombardi turns 20 in June.

The three stars for tonight's final game of the season are sponsored by Ascension Genesys health Club!! pic.twitter.com/6DRGRfgjj9

— Flint Firebirds (@FlintFirebirds) April 11, 2023

Biakabatuka Makes Pro Debut

Defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka, nephew of Michigan football great Tim Biakabutuka, made his professional debut with the Grand Rapids Griffins in their 2-1 shootout loss to the Cleveland Monsters.

Biakabutuka, 21, had no points, but two shots on goal. The right-shot defender is playing with the Griffins on an amateur tryout offer. He scored 17 goals this season playing for Charlottetown in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Carter Mazur, a top Red Wings’ prospect, assisted on the Griffins’ lone goal. He now has six points (3-3–6) in his five games with the Griffins. Mazur has a shot to play with the Red Wings’ next season.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Red Wings desperately want to avoid ending the season on a losing note.
• Nate Brown writes his Red Wings Stock Index about how Detroit’s youth movement is starting to bear fruit.
• What’s going on with Ville Husso? He seems to have lost his way in the final stages of this season.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Red Wings (35-35-10) will be at Carolina tonight to face the struggling Hurricanes. Carolina has lost three in a row, and six of its last nine. Detroit has also lost three in a row and have given up 18 goals in those losses.  With two games to play, the Red Wings are 10th in the Connor Bedard lottery. Staying in 10th would give the team a 3.5% chance of picking No. 1 overall a 3.8% shot of drafting in the No. 2 slot. The No. 2 pick will be University of Michigan big forward Adam Fantilli who recently won the Hobey Baker as college hockey’s top player.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Joe Haggerty writes about the surreal-like nature of the Bruins season. Boston Bruins.

Calgary: It’s over. A shootout loss to Nashville eliminates the Flames. The Predators now have a slim hope. Calgary Flames heartbreak.

Colorado: Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts looked at the Avalanche injury situation. Colorado Avalanche.

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Florida: Despite OT loss to Maple Leafs, Panthers still control their playoff destiny.  Florida Panthers.

Montreal: Several Canadiens should be playing for their country at the World Championships in May. Montreal Canadiens.

Philadelphia defenseman Nick Seeler has gone from out of hockey to being a Masterton Trophy nominee.

Pittsburgh: With the Islanders losing Monday, the Penguins now control their playoff fate. If they win their final two games, they are in. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Sharks coach David Quinn says defenseman Erik Karlsson is the best player he has ever coached. He became the NHL’s first 100-point defenseman in 31 years on Monday. San Jose Sharks. 

The post The Daily: Biakabutuka Has GR Debut; What’s Up For Lombardi? appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Evidently, Ontario Hockey League coaches find the composure of Detroit Red Wings prospect Amadeus Lombardi to be quite impressive. When it comes to the ways in which Amadeus conducts himself on the ice, they are equally enamored with the tune he’s been playing.

The results of the annual OHL Coaches Poll are out and Lombardi, Detroit’s 113th overall selection in the 2022 NHL entry draft, was faring well in a number of categories.The Flint Firebirds center was the runaway winner in balloting for the smartest player in the league’s Western Conference. Lombardi garnered 39 points, easily outdistancing second-place finisher Shane Wright (12 points) of the Windsor Spitfires.

Amadeus Lombardi is ON ANOTHER LEVEL

The @DetroitRedWings prospect breaks the 0-0 tie once again, this time scoring a highlight-reel goal to give the @FlintFirebirds their first lead in Game 7.#OHLPlayoffs | #SAGvsFLNT pic.twitter.com/o2kRhvdmmh

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) April 10, 2023

Wright was the fourth overall selection in the 2022 draft by the Seattle Kraken. He’s already been playing in the NHL, with eight games under his belt. During that yime, Wright was collecting a goal and an assist.

The Coaches Poll is tabulated when each team submits one nominee per category, and coaches then vote for the top three players for each category within their conference. Players receive five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote, and one point for a third place vote. Clubs are not permitted to vote for players from their own team, allowing for a maximum of 45 possible points for each winner.

Lombardi Puck Skills Lauded

Lombardi was the second-place finisher in two other categories. He came in No. 2 as both the best playmaker and best stickhandler. Lombardi wound up third in OHL scoring during the regular season with 102 points from 45 goals and 57 assists. He was one of five players in the league to finish with over 40 goals and in excess of 50 assists.

MAMA, THERE GOES THAT MAN… AGAIN!

Shortly after Coulson Pitre made it 3-2, who else but Amadeus Lombardi, as the @DetroitRedWings prospect ties it up at three for the @FlintFirebirds.#OHLPlayoffs | #SAGvsFLNT pic.twitter.com/6FiblKld7t

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) April 11, 2023

“My speed and my hockey sense help me,” Lombardi said. “I am a pass-first player but I can chip in with goals. I think I have pretty good hands.”

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Lombardi was one of only two OHL players getting his name on the list in three separate categories. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds defenseman and Vancouver Canucks draftee Kirill Kudryavtsev finished in the top-three of three separate categories including best shot blocker, best defensive defenseman and most underrated player.

On Monday, Lombardi and the Firebirds saw their season come to a conclusion. Despite two goals from the Detroit pick, Flint dropped a 6-3 verdict to the Saginaw Spirit in Game 7 of their opening-round playoff series.

The post Red Wings Prospect Lombardi Recognized by OHL Coaches appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.