Duffer’s Dabbles: Ex-Red Wings Forward Tootoo Lobbying for Team Canada Role

NHLers won’t be going to the Beijing Olympics and a former Detroit Red Wings player wants to help by filling the void.

Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins is expressing his outrage at the NHL skipping a second straight Olympiad. Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin wasn’t hiding his dappointment over the decision.

Jordin Tootoo, on the other hand, is viewing this as his opportunity to return to the international stage.

Hey @HockeyCanada if you’re looking for a sandpaper type of player for the @Olympics I’m your guy !!! I was born at night , but not last night !!! Born ready !!!! #LFG @TeamCanada pic.twitter.com/fKgoZ0ukGo

— Jordin Tootoo (@Jtootoo22) December 22, 2021

“Hey Hockey Canada, if you’re looking for a sandpaper type of player for the Olympics, I’m your guy !!!” Tootoo tweeted. “I was born at night, but not last night !!! Born ready !!!!”

Tootoo rose to hockey acclaim with his spirited performance at the 2003 World Junior Championship. He helped Canada to win the silver medal.

Tootoo’s Red Wings Days

That was the launching pad to a 13-season NHL career for the undersized (5-foot-9) right-winger. Tootoo played 1175 NHL games between 2003-17. Tootoo’s total was including 51 games for the Red Wings from 2012-14, in which he was producing 3-6-9 numbers with 83 penalty. Tootoo also put up 6-12-18 numbers in 51 games for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.

At the age of 38, Tootoo hasn’t played professionally since finishing his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2016-17.

Hockey Canada does have a shadow Team Canada is assembly to go to Beijing. The current roster is including ex-Red Wings forward Landon Ferraro.

Rumor Of The Day

Will the Red Wings be sellers at the NHL trade deadline? If so, they’ll be dangling several pieces that will appear enticing to other teams.

Around The NHL

Detroit: With so much of his roster in a fluid situation, Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill admits that gameplanning is somewhat challenging.

Islanders: The New York Islanders, who were to be Detroit’s opponent on Wednesday until the game was postponed by the NHL, have seven players out, five of them in COVID-19 protocol.

Pittsburgh: If this doesn’t perfectly sum up the current state of the NHL. The Penguins recalled defenseman PO Joseph to fill in for players in COVID-19 protocol, and he tested positive for COVID-19 uppon arrival in Pittsubrgh.