Update (11:08 PM): I saw Griffins GM Bob McNamara tonight before their game vs Manitoba (which the Griffins won 5-4 in a shootout!) and he said that Norton “has some issues to work out” but he expects him to report to GR in five or six days. -Sarah
Brad Norton has returned from the IR only to be sent down to make room for the young Valtteri Filppula. He was assigned to Grand Rapids by the Red Wings and cleared waivers at noon today. He may not be willing to report, however, he said after today’s morning skate. Ansar Khan notes he would have the option of playing in Europe, should he so choose. Norton said he would have to talk things over with his wife before making a decision.
The Wings appreciated Norton’s physical game, something they are usually criticized for lacking, but they were too impressed by Filppula’s all-around abilities to let him go. In the end, Norton was the victim of the Wing’s limited roster spaces and their need for offensive talent.
If the Wings are looking for a way to jump-start their offense (particularly on the power play), perhaps they should start digging through their old newspapers. I think they had the right idea over the summer. Mike Babcock seems to be fond of putting his former pet (I think he’s recently been edged out by Valterri Filppula in that regard), Jason Williams, on the point during the power play. This is much like deciding to place no one on the point, as Williams rarely manages to keep the puck in the zone. This isn’t a new problem - it happened last season as well. I had thought I wouldn’t have to worry about it this year, however, thanks to Helene St. James of The Freep. In a July article about filling the offensive void (a popular topic this season), she writes:
Williams also could help fill the gap, because with Kronwall healthy, he will take over playing the point, leaving Williams free to roam down low.
Notice she doesn’t say Kronwall might take over the point, she says he will, so that leads me to believe that this is information obtained from the coaching staff rather than mere speculation. So why is Willy still on the point? Not only do they have Kronwall back, but they also signed Danny Markov, who is known for his ability to quarterback a powerplay. What is going on? Who knows, maybe letting Williams play down low would help improve his numbers - as the article seems to imply. In the least, it seems like an easy way to change up a stale power play…
