Shaman

Hoping for: Lids-E Stuart-?? Kronwall-Kindl Commy

Those numbers are very optimistic, Ericsson getting 30 pts is very high, Kronwall playing a complete season is unlikely (though i really hope he does). I see the number closer to 160 to be honest, +/- 10 pts. The key for the wings is 0 injuries this season, there is no room for error.

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2011/07/red_wings_expect_more_out_of_j.html Just reading that makes me feel abit better.

Are you high or just really unrealistic?

Screw tough, screw physical, the two question Holland HAS to answer are: Has he done anything to replace Rafalski's lost production? Not even close. Has this team gotten any better defensively and are now able to reduce the GA in proportion to the points lost by not addressing the concerns of the first question? Not even close. If what Holland has said in interviews today is true and this is the team hes taking into next season, you have to realistically ask yourself do you see this team competing against any of the other top 7 teams in the west. If your answer is anything but no, than you really are kidding yourself.

If they don't pick up anyone its 50 pts that hasn't been replaced.

Turns out the Red Wings lost 50 points.

The first option is the path to a lottery pick.

I hate this signing because hes cheap and was a healthy scratch on a Columbus team that was horrible defensively last year. Also it doesn't address any of Detroit biggest needs, like a consistent RW/LW, or the 50 points the Wings lost with Rafi.

Of course he can be humble and send love letters to Holland, he went from Columbus to Detroit, and is making more to do it (buyout+contract).

Because hes a drunk, piss poor defensively, got bought out by a bottom feeder team, has had attitude problems in the past, and to top it all off hes a day walking ginger. Seriously though, this is Jason Williams 2.0, like it or not, and unless Holland makes a big move before training camp, the team as it stands today has 0 chance at the cup. Besides, if Detroit signs a #2-3 defenseman or trades for one that leaves Detroit with 7 dmen, not including Smith or Janik who both deserved a shot making the line up this year.

Wait change those words from Commodore to Williams and defense to offense and you have the Wings 2 seasons ago. The wings lost one of the best puck moving D men, if you aren't aware what has made Detroit so good at puck possession in the past was their Defenses' ability to make the first past out of the zone.

Its not like the Wings lost 50 points on the back end... oh wait...

http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=69926&navid=mod-rr-headlines&cmpid=nhl-rxl-fb Even the NHL doesn't consider this guy a defenseman. If this is Holland's big move on defense Illitch better be making a big move for a new GM.

Im thinking more like Cory Cross.

Jovo has booked his ICU suite with the Florida Panthers. 4 years 4.125 a year looks like, and 35+. This is the stupidest signing yet.

I called it.

First rumors say 3 million a year.

Ville Leino was never doubted as a point producer or a solid winger, it was always the contention that he just didn't fit into the wings system. Seriously, there was a lot less risk. How can you compared to an underachieving Leino at 800,000 to Ericsson at 3.25m?

Ville Leino scored more than Flip and Hudler this year.

Sure, but if there is a NTC or a NMC or he doesn't get better this thread will be a huge 'I told you so'. My issue is that with everyone bitching about possibly overpaying a defenseman on the open market, Holland goes and does it with Ericsson. Ericsson isn't Lebda, and he can turn into a top 4 guy, but again the question is "Is Holland paying for what he might become" if so, there is a chance he will get burned. I just hope that Holland comes out of this looking good.

Its knee jerk, but, you can't say you love the signing.

Who would want him if he doesn't get better for 3.25m?

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Mark-Spizzirri/Red-Wings-re-sign-Jonathan-Ericsson-panic-set-in-for-Holland/77/36794 Good article.

Unless this is a sign and trade, I don't see how his value increases for a trade. If he gets better no way hes traded, if he sucks, no one will want him. This is purely a gamble on Holland's end because if he take the next step you're right, hes a great pick up at that price, if he stays where hes at or regresses, he will replace Hudler in everyone's dog house.