Tuesday, October 11, 2005

David Guralnick / The Detroit News Mikael Samuelsson says signing with Detroit was an easy choice.

Red Wings: Notebook

Samuelsson on a roll

By Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

David Guralnick / The Detroit News The Canucks' Ryan Kesler, a Livonia native, played against his hometown team, the Wings. Online extras Red Wings schedule Red Wings roster Red Wings depth chart Player stats Team stats NHL free agents Wings Talk forum Sports Challenge: Pick the NHL winners weekly, win prizes Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery

Have the Red Wings unearthed another gem that no one around the NHL appreciated or knew about?

Mikael Samuelsson has bounced around the league but never found a home.

In his last stop before the lockout, Samuelsson had three goals in 37 games with the Florida Panthers.

Samuelsson scored his fourth goal in four games this season Monday for the Wings.

"I can't remember ever doing that before," Samuelsson said.

The Red Wings showed the most interest in Samuelsson before the start of the exhibition season, and he said it wasn't a difficult decision to sign with them.

"It's an awesome organization, and it has to be when you consider all the world championships they've won and making the playoffs year after year," Samuelsson said.

Media magnet

Vancouver forward Todd Bertuzzi will be a magnet for attention everywhere he plays this season.

Bertuzzi was suspended near the end of the 2003-04 season for an attack on Colorado's Steve Moore that left Moore with potentially career-ending injuries. Bertuzzi was reinstated but has been tight-lipped about the incident.

"I'm looking forward to tonight's game," Bertuzzi said, deflecting a question about the past. "I haven't played the Red Wings in a while, and they're a fun team to play against."

Kronwall update

Defenseman Niklas Kronwall

had successful surgery on his left knee to repair the torn ACL and MCL he suffered during the exhibition season.

Kronwall is expected to miss four to six months.

Kesler comes home

Livonia native Ryan Kesler played his first NHL game at Joe Louis Arena on Monday night.

Kesler, a first-round pick by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2003 entry draft, was to have approximately 100 family and friends in attendance.

Kesler said he is soaking up the thrills of playing in the NHL.

"It's been unbelievable," Kesler said. "... I grew up watching the Red Wings, and playing here, and I have a lot of memories. As a little kid you imagine skating out here and playing against them. It'll be a special night for me."