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Because the Blues would have matched. I agree that the Hawks probably won't move either of their top 2 D.

frank, your description of Strome also fits Larkin to a t... He's big, 6'1", nearly 200lbs, as an 18 year old, has an unbelievable two-way game, has a great work ethic... From the very little I've seen of Strome in the OHL last season and from articles I've read, I don't believe he is "great" on the defensive side of the puck. I'm not saying Larkin will be as awesome as Toews, but I do believe he will be compared to such players for his defensive acumen. He absolutely does have all the tools to be a Toews lite or a Kesler or better in a few years. I'm saying he will be a top two center, 60-70 point guy and a defensive stalwart. Does that mean he will captain the Red Wings next year and bring home 3 Cups in less than a decade? No. It means as an individual player, he can and I think likely will be a Toews / Kesler like player... Also, as I've stated before, I firmly do believe that if Larkin were to be drafted this year, he would absolutely go in the top 5. We're lucky to have gotten him where we did last year. I do agree with you 100% with the development process and that we shouldn't rush him. Let's bring him along slowly and hopefully he hits his ceiling. If he does we will have one hell of a player.

Chicago is not going to trade Seabrook because that guy is a huge reason why Keith can do what he does all the time, jump in on the offense and score. When I'm thinking of Keith, Seabrook I'm thinking of a marginal lesser top pairing than what Weber/Suter were a few years ago. Hawks will move a lot of players before Seabrook I think after Toews, Kane and Keith he is by far their most valuable player. A few years ago the Wings had the chance to offer-sheet Pietrangelo with a Weberlike contract (before the new CBA) but didn't something I still can't understand till today. Sure Franson will cash in and I can see teams like Dallas, Calgary lining up with trucks of money for his services, maybe even Boychuck like

That really means nothing Frank. In 2006 Claude Giroux was chosen 22nd, in 2007 Sam Gagner was drafted #6 and Tomas Hickey #4. Being drafted #4 just means that at that exact moment in time, you are projected to be the 4th best prospect in the world (or the highest probability of what a team thinks it needs). Larkin could very easily be a better player then Strome. If Larkin was eligible this year for the draft, I believe he would be a top 5 pick, or close to it. Do you really think that Larkin has no chance to become a player like those you named? Or are you doing your "don't want to get your hopes up" thing so you can be positively surprised? Dont get me wrong, I agree those are high expectations, but the sky's the limit for someone that age. I do agree with your assessment on Toews, I hate how he gets all the credit for Chicago's success when Keith, Hossa, Sharp , Seabrook Kane etc. have been there every step of the way. Nothing against him as a player, but he didn't do it alone like some people make it sound like.

Bickel makes 4 million per year for the next 4 years and was a healthy scratch..good fourth liner with third line upside but there are much better options available for the fourth line and especially cheaper ones

I'm a huge fan of both Datsyuk and Zetterberg, I think they're both world class players and were two of the best in the business in their prime. In saying that, I'm not sure if either should have their numbers retired. If they do, awesome, if they don't, it's definitely not a knock on either's career. I however agree 100% with what kliq has been saying in this entire debate. kickazz, you seem to repeating the same stance over and over again, most of which I disagree with. I'm not saying either opinion is correct but I do agree with kliq's arguments. We shall see how it all plays out... Anyway, I'm drunk. Can't wait for the draft / training camp... I miss hockey... Go Wings!

If goose's sophomore slump was a 27 goal 54 point season I'll be ok with that

Exactly. If everyone's "overpaying", then no one really is, relatively speaking. It's not like Franson's going to sign for 4M/per while Green goes for 6M/per. If you want to improve a team, especially the D, you have to the big money for guys like Niskanen, Stralman, Green, etc.

Nyquist's production declined because there was no way in hell he could sustain what he did during that 2 month run over a full season. He's good, but he's not a superstar.

I would love to add Seabrook, but I just dont see that happening. I cant see Chicago getting rid of Toews, Kane, Seabrook, or Keith until there run is over, or unless one of them all of a sudden demands a trade (ie. Martin St. Louis).

How is the only period in this between nhl and caliber lol. When you are re-building a team, you have to be very careful when it comes to UFA signings. UFA's are typically average players who are paid like very good players. I would rather grow and develop our own talent, or make a trade for a guy who has a contract that wont bite us in the ass (ie. Weiss). I am not completely against signing a UFA, but it has to be the right one. Alot of people are talking about Green, this is a guy I do not want (injury prone & declining), however Franson is a guy I would not mind if he comes at a reasonable price, which unfortunately I don't think he will.

It's impossible to overpay for the right guys, or they wouldn't be "the right guys". For example, how can anyone say that the Hawks overpaid for Vermette? He was "the right guy" for them. You don't overpay for those guys. You just pay. You only overpay for the wrong guys. See: Detroit Red Wings and Stephen Weiss.

The secret is only overpaying for the right guys. Nobody on the market now is worth overpaying.

People not wanting us to overpay for free agents is dumb. The way the market it is, you will never be able to sign a guy below market value. So the Wings either overpay for someone they think fits or they will never sign a big name free agent again.

Strome is pretty good defensively himself.

Team needs to become stronger on the back end for our forwards to be forwards and focus on offense, the last few yrs focus has been defense for everyone, we need more offense from defense and better transition

Older guy end of his career no, younger impact player immediate, yes

Regardless, We're rebuilding - you don't trade young talent and a first rounder for a player at the end of their career in that situation. I'll really hoping for Franson. Yandle would be great if it didn't take too much - otherwise wait for him to be a UFA next year.

Did you read my previous responses to your initial response? I don't even believe that what I typed in my initial response. Also, do you really think that I want a top four guy that fights? I'm in favor of signing Green for chrissakes. I do not disagree with your assessment of Franson AT ALL. I would take Franson in a heartbeat. The guy is totally the physical presence we need. I understand. ...have you not noticed that I'm a complete smartass around here? Veiled shots at Frank, dude. Not you.

Don't think Nyquist is an emerging star Good player yes, emerging star, no

Hawks want a 1st + a top prospect + a top six forward on an entry level contract. If any GM gifts them this I will make it my personal mission to hunt them down and kick them in the Ballz. No NHL club should be doing the Hawks any favours at all.

I'm pretty sure you need your legs to play hockey ? As bad as the jaw injury was you need your legs more to play hockey than your jaw ...I'm no doctor but I'm sure a leg injury could effect his your play on the ice , with a broken jaw after sometime off you put your protection and your good to goAnd again don't forget mantha didn't have training camp and exhibition games so when he came back he was already not in playing shape And he finished with a goal behind athanasiou ... Not like athanasiou blew him out of the water (nothing against athanasiou, like the kid ) Before it was mantha was just good cause he played against 17-18 yr olds and now it's he steamrolled through weaker competition in the juniors ... Well he was named one of the best players at the world junior championships against the best of the juniors , what's the excuse now? Mantha played in the league he was in ... It was out of his control , ahl is a tougher league and he learned from it and will get better .... Why you already writing him off after a injury ridden first season? As far as I know without checking drouin didn't light it up and he was 3rd overall and couldnt even get in the lineup during the playoffs .... What a bust To date mantha's played 60 games ... Far to soon to be judging him ... Don't forget Tatar was in Grand Rapids for 4 years

And your point is taken ... Get a broken leg , miss training camp and a bunch of games and don't score a goal a game in a new league that's not his age group and let's all jump on the kid and say he's not that good And nobody said mantha was gonna be a playmaker and drive offense ... Is pulkkinen gonna drive some offenses? Give me a 30+goal Give the guy a full season to prove himself ... He's already hard at the gym training trying to bulk up not tanning and drinking beer , doesn't seem lazy to me