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There is one team in the Eastern Conference that is unequivocally better than the Red Wings. That team is the Bruins. Otherwise, it's wide open; the Wings, if healthy and humming, can go toe-to-toe with any EC team in a playoff series. If you disagree, you are wrong.

The Detroit Red Wings have long had the philosophy that prospects need to be "ripe" before they make the jump to the National Hockey League. That means after getting drafted, our prospects spend around 3-5 years between junior or overseas and the AHL before finally getting their shot in the NHL. This has proven to be successful for many years now and I don't see them drastically changing that system any time soon. I don't see there being much of a chance that Mantha makes the big club this season, despite how highly fans, media and management regard him, nor do I think Jurco will start the season in the NHL. I'm actually a fan of the Red Wing way, of over ripening players, and I like the idea of having a farm oozing with talent. Depth is probably the biggest key to a teams success in the league today, and because of our drafting, development and ripening methods, we are definitely stacked with depth in the minors. There is a reason players like Nyquist and Tatar were able to jump into the NHL with little to no growing pains, while highly regarded players drafted by other teams get thrown in the fire too early and flame out due to not being ready, and having their confidence destroyed. I'm just as excited for all these kids as anyone but I think it would be a huge mistake to throw them in the best league in the world before they're fully ready, both physically and mentally. In my opinion, on the back end, Marchenko could be ready for full time duty in the NHL, other than that I think Backman, Ouellet, Sproul and Jensen can all use more seasoning in the AHL. Up front, Jurco is the closest to being ready, but could still use another season down in the minors, along with Pulkkinen, Mantha, Athanasiou, etc. Anyway, point being, I don't think there is any harm in resigning a future hall-of-famer, veteran like Alfredsson, allowing all of our forward prospects another season in Grand Rapids to round out there game. Having these guys getting top line minutes and loads of PP time down in Grand Rapids, to me is a lot more beneficial than getting 3rd line minutes and no PP time up in Detroit. As for our RFA's that are not waiver exempt, I don't think there is any chance whatsoever that any team picks up Nestrasil, with a slim chance a team takes a chance on Ferraro, although that may be even less likely now with uncle Tony now as the assistant coach. My only fear is that we lose Callahan. The kid is coming off a career year with the Griffins, is an absolute warrior and would be a great addition to any teams 4th line. I hope Holland doesn't give any team the chance to claim him. No he's not going to put up a lot of points but I think he would be a huge loss...

GMR.....I need to go welcome you there then...Hillbillypantherfan is my name there.......hahahahahahhahahah

You're always disregarding other people's "opinions" and talking about your "FACTS" but it's clear you don't understand either concept....

We're so bad, that people would rather go to North Korea than work with the Wings. I've already registered with letsgopanthers.com

Didn't you know? The Redwings org has lost its shine. no one wants to be here anymore. It's only a matter of time before the fans start leaving.

I don't understand why Callahan doesn't just become the new Holmstrom? He's clearly tough as hell, has a scoring touch around the crease, and isn't afraid to stand in front of slap shots. Plus, he's actually good defensively and on special teams. In another dimension (one where the Wings don't have Andersson or Cleary or Glendening on the opening night roster) I'd pencil this kid in as my fourth line winger, penalty killer, and net front on my 2nd PP unit.

With the exception of Detroit, Tampa Bay and possibly Columbus, every other Eastern team who made the playoffs has taken a serious step back or are in cap hell. Washington looks good on paper but they have always looked pretty good on paper. (aside from their goaltending) Carolina did nothing to improve. Islander's defence is a joke and who knows with the Leafs. Personally, I like our chances....

I agree. But in addition to the whole dad dying thing, he also was a real good sport about starting the season on the bench after he had clearly played his way onto the team, as well as being a good sport about spending probably a year longer in the AHL than he needed to. Tatar, despite what some folks think, has had a really good attitude the entire time he's been in Detroit. I think fans just get worried because he'd the kind of guy who says he's disappointed when he is, or pissed off, or whatever. So they always think he's got an attitude. He doesn't. He's just up front about how he's feeling, which is unique for a Red Wing.

Blue jackets I would say are pretty comparable. I've always thought the Habs were overrated and they rode a hot streak to the conference finals. The bolts always seem to follow up a good year with a sub-par year. I think most of those teams are close enough to us skill-wise that either team could get the upper hand. I wouldn't call any team "clearly better than us" except boston

If he tops out as either Vlasic or Girardi that would be fantastic just wait till he bulks up and his hits will arrive.

I agree. And doesn't he just seem like a guy that Babcock would like? He's gritty, hardworking, defensively responsible AND can score goals now and again? I imagine Babs says those words to himself over and over in the mirror when trying to get aroused.

I like this. I think I mentioned a while back in another thread that we don't have any players that are consistently fighting for the tough areas in front of the net. Cleary used to be good at it, Abdelkader kinda, but his role on the team is constantly shifting. Jurco and Sheahan maybe as they continue to develop. Franzen? Lol. There's a niche waiting to be occupied, and as you mentioned, Callahan has thrived in the AHL with all the necessary tools.

I'm in Kales. Great area to live. Great restaurants and events. Wonderful biking city. My buddies and I walk next door and scalp Tigers tickets for cheap halfway through games. Sure, there are a bunch of empty buildings around, and that is by no means a great thing, but I feel the people here embrace it as the city's aesthetic and character. It's part of the whole package. I think the plans for construction will really attract further life down here once people realize how convenient and fun the area around the statiums is.

I'm sorry but I think it's completely ridiculous that you're grouping us in with those teams.

Whoa, don't say that name. Its like beetle juice, three times and he appears

I mostly just took that position because I wanted to call someone "soft in the head". I wouldn't care if the took a flier on Mueller if it was a two way.

I totally understand why he's gotten frustrated in relation to starting on the bench and spending a while in the AHL. In fact I think that's a positive thing. It shows he has drive and wants to prove himself and keep getting better. That's not what rubs me the wrong way.... It's the fact that he vents his frustrations to the press. If you don't like the way you're being handled as an hockey player/employee/human being then express that to your agent/boss/GM, not The Detroit news and various Czech newspapers. How many other Red Wings do you see doing that? So to clarify... I think he has the right attitude. He's just immature in how he deals with it.

The big thing, at least from where I stand, is the conference. I asked this recently and I'll ask it again: How many teams in the East would be a really bad matchup for the Wings in a best-of-seven? If you point to our "five year drought," look at how it's actually gone for us. Two very good Sharks teams. A decent Preds team. A very good Ducks team, which we beat. The eventual Cup champs in the Blackhawks, who we came so soul-crushingly close to defeating. And, finally, the Boston frickin' Bruins, who we had to face without Ericsson, mostly without Zetterberg, with a hurting Datsyuk, with a banged up Alfredsson, with a bunch of rookies, and with the ghost of Jimmy Howard. (Penguins) Sharks Sharks Predators Blackhawks Bruins The East appears to be wide open. The Bruins, Penguins, Rangers, Canadiens, and Lightning are considered the teams to beat, and, of those teams, there's only one I'd pray the Wings avoid in the postseason. If our core can stay healthy and our youth is for real, I think the Cup Finals are in reach, as crazy as that sounds.

Regarding Tatar... Source

I've noticed it's the people in the suburbs who are usually pessimistic about downtown. I've been living here the past two years and it has been a blast. No one here is "waiting for a revival." It's already pretty awesome. I have no doubt these plans will make it better. Here is the view from my apartment and you can see the lots along Woodward where the stadium will stand. You can see the FOX theater sign for a point of reference. I'll post more pictures once they start construction.

Karate Chop Ken Holland in the face and ask him what the f*** his problem is

All I know is let's get this season started...