Update (1:53 PM): Khan has comments from Babcock on why they have May in Detroit: the Blues pushed them around too much and they’d like to prevent that going forward. Makes sense, obviously, but other players’ll have to be more assertive regardless of whether or not May’s in the lineup. – Matt
Update (12:46 PM): Meg touched on this in the comments, but I want to say something here as well: there is little to no chance this means anything for Helm’s status as an NHLer. I just can’t see them sending him back to the AHL at this point.
If anything, May’s presence in Detroit effects Patrick Eaves, who now has even more competition for a roster spot. May’s skill set is limited, but it is specialized, and isn’t something Eaves can offer. Patrick will have to make himself valuable in other ways or his bid to jumpstart his career will falter. - Matt
Suddenly Dater’s reaction to the May signing isn’t so hilarious: Helene St. James reports that Brad May is now with the Wings, while Justin Abdelkader has been sent back to Grand Rapids.
Wow. This changes my thinking on the May deal altogether. Not because Abdelkader’s being sent down; that was coming anyway (though this is a little early). It’s because I don’t see how May fits in the organization as anything other than as protection in the AHL. They’re really going to give him an NHL roster spot, for any length of time, in the regular season while everyone but Helm (in theory, covered by Eaves if not Abdelkader) is healthy? Wow.
My newfound acceptance of May doesn’t extend this far. He should be in Grand Rapids.