Observations:

July 2014- As expected, Adam Almquist is spurning the Red Wings for the KHL. Unlikely to land one-way contract with Detroit and not interested in spending another season in the AHL, Almquist opted for greener pastures oversea's with Severestal Cherepovets of the Kontinental Hockey League. Detroit did extend him a qualifying offer and will retain his rights if he were ever to decide to come back and give the NHL another go. The Wings have impressive depth on the backend in their system with studs like Xavier Ouellet and Ryan Sproul rated ahead of the young Swede so this move shouldn't have much effect on the future of the franchise. The knock on Adam was his small stature and Red Wing's brass were unsure whether he would be able to hold up over a gruelling 82 game schedule and therefore pushed him away to give himself a better opportunity. Travis Watson

June 2014 – After a very productive AHL season in which he emerged as a very good power-play quarterback (53 points), Almqvist's pro contract has expired and he is hinting at returning to Sweden to play if he doesn't get a one-way deal from Detroit. He is certainly close to being NHL ready so there is a good chance he gets that contract and sticks with the big club. Dobber

November 2013- Almquist was recalled earlier this month due to the rash of injuries the Wings currently have on their blueline. It didn’t take long for Almquist to get comfortable with Wings as he scored his first career NHL goal in just his second game when he pinched in and one-timed home a slick feed from fellow country man Henrik Zetterberg. Almquist has recently been sent back to Grand Rapids where he will continue to round out his game in preparation for more recalls in the future. Travis Watson

October 2013- Adam Almquist was one of the last eight defensemen left as training camp came to a close after impressing Red Wings brass in the first couple preseason games. Unfortunately when it came to submit final rosters he was sent down to Grand Rapids but that is nothing to be disappointed about. Click here to see what Mike Babcock had to say about Almquist's impressive training camp. Almqvust will look to build off his solid debut campaign last year which resulted in a Calder Cup Championship and has already started his season off with a bang assisting on three goals in the Griffins season opening 8-1 win over the Americans. Travis Watson

April 2013- Adam Almquist, who was the last pick of the 2009 draft selected 210^th overall has turned out to be another one of Detroits late round steals that we have come to accept from them. He posted 10G-21A-31PTS and a plus 13 rating skating in 68 games for the Red Wing affiliates his first full season in North America. His 31 points were 4 less then he had recorded in his 3 previous seasons with HK 71 of the Swedish Elite League. Despite being a smaller build for a defensemen Almquist has still managed to be a successful plus player in every season to date. He is able to get away with his smallish frame due to his high hockey IQ and calm demeanor with the puck on his stick. As mentioned previously due to his stature he needs to add some size to his frame to help ensure success at the NHL level.

December 2012 – Almquist has adjusted rather strongly to North America and is proving to be strong project defenseman. He is seeing time on the power play and is not afraid to put shots on the net. Size and strength will be needed, as will more seasoning. Jason Banks

April 2012 – Almquist is a slick, visionary defenseman whose greatest asset is his hockey IQ. He is very poised with the puck on his stick and makes great offensive decisions. He isn’t a large body and needs to improve on his skating and strength, but will have opportunity to now showcase his talents in North America. Almquist recently left Swedish Elite to join the Grand Rapid Griffins (AHL) on 3/27/2012. Russ Bitely

Fantasy Outlook: C-

Almqvist performed above expectations (offensively) in North America, but his return to Europe looks permanent.

Footage:

Almquist on the receiving end of this crushing blow.

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Adam Almqvist playing in the Swedish Elite League on 2/22/2011.

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