Michigan roundup: Maples Leafs to play in Red Wings' prospects tournament
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in and the Carolina Hurricanes are out.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are in and the Carolina Hurricanes are out.
That was the announcement on Tuesday from Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland, who said Toronto will take Carolina’s spot next September in the eight-team NHL Prospects Tournament, which the club hosts in Traverse City, Mich.
The tournament breaks the eight teams into two divisions, who play a round-robin format in the division and crossover on the final day.
Toronto is the fourth Original Six club in the tournament along with the Red Wings, New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks. The Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild will also compete in the event.
Next year’s September event will mark the 21st tournament, which has seen nearly 600 prospects move on to play at least one game in the NHL.
Kennard healing
Detroit Pistons shooting guard Luke Kennard is progressing from a shoulder injury, but it appears he is still at least another two weeks away from playing.
“Luke Kennard was recently re-examined by team doctors from Henry Ford Health System,” Pistons medical director Bernard Condevaux said in a Tuesday release. “Our medical staff is pleased with how his shoulder has responded to the prescribed treatment regimen.
“Luke’s rehabilitation process will continue for an additional two weeks with a gradual intensification towards basketball activity. We will provide additional updates as appropriate.”
The six-foot-six, 206-pound Kennard, who was Detroit’s first-round pick in 2017, suffered an AC joint sprain in an Oct. 25th game against Cleveland.
Top rookie
Niko Goodrum was named the Detroit Tigers’ rookie of the year on Tuesday in a vote by the Detroit Sports Media.
The 26-year-old Goodrum, who played six different positions for the team last season, joined the Tigers on a minor-league deal last year and made the team out of spring training. He hit .245 in 131 games with 16 home runs while driving in 53 runs and stealing 12 bases. He was second among American League rookies with 48 extra-base hits and 42 walks.
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