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Yeah, I'd prefer to see... Namestnikov - Rasmussen - Svechnikov Helm - Glendening - Gagner It would be nice if it were always up to the player, but it's really not. We see younger players outperform older players all the time, and they still ride pine. We'll likely see a lot of Staal because of his "veteran presence" and "experience"... Cholowski should be in the lineup most nights, if for no other reason than his ability to quarterback a power-play. The only other defenseman on the roster that can even do a half decent job on the PP, is Hronek. Cholowski obviously isn't anywhere near Hronek, but he is our next best option.

I feel Cholowski is on his last shot. He needs to grab the bull by the horns and take his spot in the lineup. With his lack of defensive awareness, I don't see it happening. 3

I'm looking forward to it all. I miss hockey in general and for the first time in a few seasons, there are some reasons to be excited. I'm not sure if we will finish 30th or 31st again but it's certainly possible. As long as there is some growth and some competitive hockey, I will be happy. It would be nice to see some things go right for Blashill. As for the whole Pierre Luc Dubois discussion, he would be a great fit on any team. I wish we could land someone like him. Hopefully Raymond and some of other recent/upcoming picks hit their ceiling.

He is bound for STL. He signed a PTO with a full contract ready to be signed. The hold up is technicalities regarding maximazing St Louis cap space though players going on LTIR when the season starts.

That third line. Woof.

By the looks of this, the lines to start the season (assuming no injuries) could be... Bertuzzi - Larkin - Mantha Ryan - Fabbri - Zadina Namestnikov - Filppula - Gagner Helm - Glendening - Erne The defense pairings are less clear, but maybe something like... Nemeth - Hronek DeKeyser - Merrill Staal - Stecher

A team with Seider and Hronek in their top 4 D, and a prime Larkin, Mantha, Zadina, and Raymond in their top 6 F, would be a Cup contender. Obviously more parts would be needed to fill out the D and top 6. Parts that the Wings currently lack. But to argue that all of these players arent good enough to fill those roles, and must be pushed down the lineup to ice a Cup calibre team is Lucidi-cris.

I'm actually quite excited for the season to begin. It's been a few seasons since I've felt any sort of optimism. I'm not expecting playoffs but I am cautiously optimistic there will be some improvement and growth. We signed a solid goaltender. We lost a few of the horrible contracts finally (that Ericsson deal was the longest 6 years of my life), Steve has been making some shrewd moves, I liked our draft this year and I'm excited to see some of the kids work their way onto the roster. I really hope Zadina can start to make the leap this year. LGRWs!

I respectfully disagree...AA hasn't 'fit in' anywhere...And it's not because LA > Edmonton...It's because AA, and his agent screwed the pooch, and more or less are desperate for any deal to stay in the NHL...He'll be outta the league sooner than later.