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I would say that losing Zetterberg and Datsyuk definitely contributed to f***ing this team as well. Lidstrom was a bigger loss, not because he was a number one defenseman, but because he was one of the best defenseman the league has ever seen. This is debatable. A lot of teams build around and win Cups with that elite number one center as well. Some would also debate whether or not Seider will be that true number one defenseman. He definitely has that potential, but maybe he tops out as a solid number 2 or 3. Then, what is more valuable? The number 2/3 defenseman, or the elite top 5 sniper in the league? Again, I wouldn't pull the trigger on that trade either, but it is definitely interesting to think about... I agree. There's no way Yzerman is trading Seider.

They shouldn't... Absolutely not. But, any time you lose an elite player to free agency, regardless of position, you're not going to be as good. Would St. Louis be as good if they lost O'Reilly? No. Or Perron? No. Edmonton and Toronto lack defense for sure, but they have many other holes in their roster as well. I'm not arguing that you shouldn't build a team around an elite defensive core, I'm arguing that you can build at team around an elite offensive core. But ideally you build a team with a bit of everything. Think about Tampa, with an elite center (Point), winger (Kucherov), defenseman (Hedman), and goalie (Vasilevskiy)...

I don't see Seider moving. Everything I see on Seider makes me believe he will be a stud #1 D for many years.

Yeah, I think Seider will eventually become the bigger impact player, but that's no guarantee, and I know a lot of people would doubt that he ever gets to that level. Which is why I think it would cost Seider, plus to get Laine, and that I definitely wouldn't do. This is an old cliche that doesn't always hold true. We've seen purely offensive teams that lack defense, win the Cup. We've seen top defensive teams get bounced in the first round. You need a bit of everything, a well balanced team, to go the distance and have a chance to win it all. Having a big, mobile, number one defenseman definitely helps, but so does a solid two-way, point per game, number one center, or a half a goal per game, top line winger.

How so?

My Liege

I agree with the general sentiment that theres a lot to feel good about looking forward. Yzerman is playing this right and theres lots of praise for him in the video but I think Holland should be mentioned also. It was clearly his plan for contracts to start dropping off right now as younger guys are coming in. Lord knows what he would have done with the capspace but he should get some credit.

I will rule fair and wise when I get crowned a mod.

"The kid plays" "Yes godfather"