RedFX

Well obviously if Abby does go back to G.R. then he's first on deck. Depending on what style player is getting replaced, I think Ritola and Tardif would be next in line. On defense, I think Kindl would be #1. Also, wasn't Ryno coming back to G.R.? I'd like to see him get a shot

And people we skeptical that Datsyuk and Zetterberg could replace Hull, Yzerman, and Shanahan...... Let's give the guy a chance before we raise the White flag shall we?

We could have all the cap space in the world and I still wouldn't want him

I think a big part of how the lines shake out depend on the health and skill of Holmstrom. If he's healthy, and he goes into camp and still does his role effectively, I can see him on the top line with either Datsyuk-Zetterberg or Datsyuk-Franzen. If he's gimped or his play declines dramatically, then I see him maybe on the 3rd or 4th line. Babs has used ALOT of different line combos, and probably will toy with the lines alot going into next season. The beauty of this team is that our players are so versatile that you can really put almost anyone in any role or any line combo and still create enough chemistry to be effective. I'd like to see something like this to start the year: Holmstrom-Datsyuk-Zetterberg Franzen-Filpulla-Hudler Cleary-Helm-Leino Abdelkader-Draper-Maltby (Oulahan) Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Stuart Ericsson-Lilja/Lebda (Meech) Osgood Howard

So Stuart underperforms and you want to replace him with Derek Meech?

He's Holland's successor /thread

It's looking like that. Still not sure about the deadline deal, but at least to start the season I think we have a solid team in place

+1 Another thing alot of people forget about is health. Drake really didn't have any nagging injuries that followed him throughout the twilight of his career. Since the lockout, Bertuzzi hasn't gone through an entire season without missing significant time. Not to mention Drake was a world-class leader who's presence was felt on and off the ice.

As a male, I feel that shouldn't apply to me TPBM has been to a baseball game (of any team/league/level) this season

Ribs, ribs, and more ribs Dancing in the rain or singing in the shower?

I don't think that guy is going to be in charge of anything for quite a while.

Well that's a relief. Now I don't have to watch the season because I know how it'll end. Thanks bud! .......... Seriously, what's wrong with some of you people?? Chicago signs one player and all of a sudden everyone thinks the season's over. I'm not trying to sound cliched, but Jesus Tapdancing Christ! Have some faith in your freaking team!!!!!! Now as far as the line combos, there's alot of different combos Babs can use, and has used in the past. I think the health/skill of Holmstrom can really determine how the lines shake out. If he still looks solid, you can have him out front with Dats and Z. If his play drops significantly, I can see him drop all the way to the 4th line and see him as a PP specialist. I'd love to see an Abdelkader-Helm-Leino line (assuming Leino indeed signs and Abby is up), as they worked really well together early in the finals. It'll also be interesting to see how Oulahan plays into these combos as well. He'll start as the extra forward (assuming he's not waived or traded) but he might be able to play his way into the lineup at some point this season.

I think over the past 4 years, Sammy's been one of the team's most underrated players. His play wasn't flashy or breathtaking. But every year he consistently put up solid numbers, and he did have a knack for stepping up his play when it came down to crunch time. I'll always remember his two spectacular goals in Game 1 last year in the Finals.

I wouldn't mind Grier. Especially since he could go for the hometown discount.

If that's true, It would be a 100% ****** move to sign any of those guys...............and I think It would be FREAKING HILARIOUS!!!

They were using that the first 2 SCF games and it worked great. You get those guys together all season long...let them develop as a group...you have a good combo there

I think Chicago would match any offer made for either of these guys. And would probably sacrifice anyone they could to make it work.

Originally found this Sun Times Article via the Freep. Basically echoed alot of the uncertainty and skepticism of the Hossa deal. Chicago Sends Ben Gordon to Detroit for Marian Hossa HOWEVER. The Article referenced a very vague and critical Twitter post from one Martin Havlat.... Twitter Link Hmmm...............

Good deal. Leino will be given alot more chances this year and I think Wings fans will finally see just how good he is. Interesting to see how this affects the Hudler deal.

I'd love Clowe. But you'd have to think San Jose would be able to match any offer we'd be able to make in our cap situation

Because losing the Stanley Cup Final in Game 7 on a last second diving save is an indicator that your team sucks and needs to rebuild

How many Stanley Cups have you won as a GM?

Eh...we've seen teams do it before. But quite frankly, I'm not a big fan of the whole 'wait and see' approach. I'd rather address or holes now, and get a core of players we can work with all season long.

Unbelievable. FROM DAY ONE everybody expected it to be a one-year deal because of the Cap situation. And yet, as soon as he signs elsewhere, everyone acts like this was a blindside deal. So basically, NO we shouldn't boo him. And quite frankly I'd be ashamed if some idiot out there does boo him.

Fudge, not even a question. Hot Rod or Minivan?