| 07 September 2010
From the Detroit News:
"Hopefully everything works out well. He played well and he deserves the chance. He's good with the puck. He sees the ice well. A good passer. He's a playmaker." --Valtteri Filppula, discussing the Red Wings signing older brother Ilari Filppula
The 28 year old Ilari was signed this off-season after winning Play-off MVP in the Finnish Elite League. His deal is worth $500,000 if he makes it to the NHL, and $105,000 if he spends the entire year in Grand Rapids.
Making the big squad this year seems highly unlikely for Val's older bro. Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby don't even have spots on this team. With a fourth line like Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, and Patrick Eaves - with Kris Draper, Drew Miller, and Matias Ritola already slated to start the season in the press box, Ilari would have to have one ridiculously good camp to jump all those guys and make the Red Wings roster. He may have arrived one season too late.
But regardless, if must be exciting to have both brothers signed to the same organ-i-zation...and even more exciting that it's with the Detroit Red Wings. Mama and Papa Filppula must be pleased as punch. Baby brother Val is going to enjoy it for as long as it lasts...
"It's going to be fun; we haven't had the chance to play together on the same team other than maybe one or two times. It'll be fun to be on the same ice again."
It's looking like Van Andel Arena will have seen it's fair share of Filppula before it's all said and done this season."
--Valtteri Filppula
