For fans of JvR who might be wondering how his time with DRW has been going ... in large part due to the birth of twins, one of whom needed some extra time in the hospital, he has only started to practice with the team late last week, and missed the team's entire eight game preseason slate. In a post-game interview this weekend, head coach Todd McLellan indicated JvR was not likely to be playing in any regular season games for the next 2-3 weeks at least, and may not get into game action until November. In the meantime, several of the Wings' vaunted group of developing younger players have stepped up during training camp, and there are still 2-3 would-be rookie forwards in the mix to make the Opening Night roster, while JvR labors to get himself into game shape.
More than a few fans have raised the question as to why Yzerman bothered to sign JvR in the first place, and even wondering if he'll ever end up playing for the Winged Wheel. For a team that is increasingly committed to pulling through some of their best young talents to move out placeholder types who were signed to cover the rebuilding transition from down to the studs to waiting for permanent occupants, JvR is looking very much like the wrong guy at the wrong time. Stay tuned ...