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Would you stop muttering these words

Not sure I agree that 1D is typically defined as a defenseman that does it all exceptionally well. I'd say it's closer to "Guy who puts up a lot of points and generally powers his team's offense, all while playing hard minutes against top talent every night." Something to that effect. I like the idea that everyone has this whole defense thing wrong, that all you really need is three or four good top-four defensemen who can give you excellence-by-committee. But, whether it's true or not, I'd still want that legit 1D. I think the problem with excellence-by-committee defense is that, by definition, you lack a gamebreaker on the back end. That's the kind of player you'd expect to neutralize or outmatch the opposition's gamebreaking talent in a tight best-of-seven series. Take that player away and your not-quite-a-1D-but-we-call-him-our-1D is probably going to have to step up, which probably means the other defensemen are going to have to step up, which probably means everyone's playing above their pay grade, which probably means you end up really wishing you had That Guy. So, even if Hronek and Cholowski and Lindstrom and Saarijarvi all miraculously become very good top-four NHL defensemen (and it would be a miracle), I'd still want That Guy. I believe 1) team depth wins Cups, and 2) your team is only as deep as your top talent allows it to be.

Ok. "I don't think Rasmussen has close to the level of skill as Mantha" gives a somewhat different impression, but ok. Yeah, I meant the similarity comment in reference to the description of their offensive skills. I see now I forgot to add something in my last post. The two quoted scouting profiles were intended to be a "which is which" question. One is describing Mantha, one Rasmussen, yet close enough that the author might be accused of plagiarism.

"I'm Luke Witkowski, and this is my river. I fish here with my old man and my beard, Big Hoss. Every fish in here has a story and an appetite. One thing I've learned after 28 years - you never WHAT is gonna come outta that water."

Fair enough. But when I read this... ...and I see that you believe Hronek, Saarijarvi, Cholowski, and maybe Lindstrom will be 35-50-point defensemen in the NHL... ...I think we're coming from different places re: how important a legit 1D is and what exactly constitutes a "modernized" defense group. I agree that the Wings are consciously trying to build a decidedly "modern" defense group and that this is a good thing. However, I have a very hard time seeing all of Hronek, Saarijarvi, Cholowski becoming 35-50-point players. With a legit 1D, it's unlikely but possible. Without a legit 1D...I'm not seeing it. Now, sure, one of those guys could be a future legit 1D. But I'm not counting on it. I think guys like Hronek and Cholowski are good but probably not good enough to excel as a designated top pairing against top talent. Realistically, if they become high-scoring NHL defensemen, it'll be because they're insulated by an elite defenseman who allows everyone to be slotted appropriately. So: I think the best shot they have at becoming 35-50-point players is as #2/3/4 defensemen slotted behind an elite, foundational defenseman who really owns that #1 spot and drives the bus.

Totally beat me to it. Was totally gonna go Eddie Money.

If Zetterberg starts on LTIR, I wouldn't mind seeing Veleno get at least a short audition beyond training camp. However, even without Z, I'm not sure there's room for him in the top nine, and if he's playing on the fourth line then it'd probably be best for him to just go straight to junior anyway. Exhibition action should give him a big enough taste of pro hockey for now. I expect him to challenge for a roster spot next season.

Yes please...at least for pre-season. ...and if #40 doesn't answer the bell, I'd like to get a look at Veleno. I suspect Joey V isn't that far away from NHL ready...at least if he's allowed to play wing to acclimate to the reduced time and space.

+1. Mantha is a sharpshooter with a career s% to go with it. He's got great eye hand, but ideally he'd be freed up to channel Brendan Shanahan like power forward/sniper behavior and less demolition man like behavior. Rasmussen should take over the net front office space and use his big body to blot out the opposing goalies view of the world.

One does get that feeling given how quiet management is of late and the way they handled Stone and Ceci's contract negotiations before finally giving them each one year deals. I bet they'd love to move Ryan's boat anchor of a contract...with it's modified NTC...for what it's worth. Likely Ryan waves that thing to go anywhere at all given the mess the Sens are in. They're only at even now...behind on picks if you take quality into consideration. Their own 2019 1st and 3rd belong to Colorado due to the misguided Duchene trade and they've picked up Pitt's 3rd and Calgary's 7th. Probably safe to say Dorion will be a very busy GM between now and the trade deadline.

Some people like their team win or lose. This place has become unbearable with the needless whining about irrelevant stuff just for the sake of complaining. Not everything that enters your brain needs to be shared. I've had to avoid this site altogether because their is absolutely no insightful conversation. Complaining about a cap hit we (likely won't) be stuck with for two years after Holland got great value for 6+ years (with a Stanley cup and Conn Smythe) is just another example of talking for no real reason

Along with Jamie Benn’s apology.