From MLIVE:

Two words usually work their way into any conversation about Valtteri Filppula's future in pro hockey: Can't miss.

He might have to wait another season for a full-time spot in the Detroit Red Wings' lineup, but the center is among new talent as the team transitions from the group that won three Stanley Cups.

"My goal certainly is to play in Detroit this year, but we'll see what happens," said Filppula, 22, a native of Vantaa, Finland. "If I go back to Grand Rapids, I'll have to work hard, too. I just want to play."

The kid looked good to me in the few games he played for the Wings last season. A good two-way player. A little Zetterberg-ish. But with all of the young guys who need to either make the roster this season, or go to waivers, I'd bet he's back in Grand Rapids.

If not, he'll have to have a heck of a training camp to make to make the big club. But he is one of the few young guns that can be sent to Grand Rapids this year, so I'd be suprised if the team didn't take advantage of that.

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