T.Low

You know a lot more about NHL history than I do. The only thing I would change would be to add Garth Butcher on to Vancouver's. Mainly because he is an acquaintance of mine. Ha ha

I didn't read it as a funny comment. I read it as a serious valid point and a real consideration, as well as a poignant commentary on the state of the infrastructure over there, including significant aspects such as emergency medical preparedness at rinks, player medical coverage in general, etc. Especially coming from F Michael; dude is usually spot on with his insights.

Nice job on the post. Some nice information there to back up the basis for your question. That's all I got, though. I don't know anything about this kid.

If you want to protect your multi-million-dollar asset, start by using a $500 helmet, not a $50 helmet.

I don't know anything about this. Please elaborate.

Vancouver guy = Cody Hodgson

+1 What do people think, that Holland has a buddy who says "Hey, I know this guy who's uncle has a buddy that says there is a 2nd line center somewhere down in Florida looking to play on a better team. You should call him, and tell him I sent ya".

Yep. Holland and Babcock want some one in Holmer's office. Abby and Cleary are the best we have, Bert is good, Franzen is good as long as no one touches him too much; he gets squimish.

Prime Cleary was getting 20 and 20 for a couple years in a row. Cleary has better hands, worse knees, knew his way around Holmer's office real well. I can see Abdelkrasher getting similar numbers, maybe more assists.

Brunner has the most deadly shot on the team. It seemed like 50% of his goals last year were terrific snipes that were placed just right, places other shooters would have been less likely to hit in the heat of battle. And close in around the net, others just jamb away but he lifts it up and through holes. His defense is underrated. He is good with his stick, can thief from behind, poke and agitate well, and the smaller ice is much easier for him to cut off passing lanes than it was in Europe. Too often people mistake skating slowly through shooting lanes for floating. He is not the guy you want mucking for pucks in the corner. He is the guy that finds open shooting angles so the corner mucker can get the puck out to him for a one timer. Even when he has struggled and been ineffective and shut down all game long, he can find that open part of the ice in the chaos of the game's last minute of play, and bury the puck in the back of the net better than anyone else on the team. While Nyquist, Tatar, and Brunner are very similar players, they are not carbon copy's of each other. They each have unique strengths and all add value to this team. But noboby has a deadly and confident shot like Damian Brunner, and at the end of the game, it's all about getting goals in the net. We need a guy who's primary obsession in life is to score goals, and he is it, and at a pretty good price.

Your post is a good illustration of the fact thatWith this roster, the line combos are virtually endless. Babcock is going to have fun matching up against other teams and keeping chemistry fresh.

I hear yeah. I just had to re post it for more fun.

Pierre McGuire today team 1040 Vancouver said Helm is skating with the youngsters in Grand Rapids. FWIW

At this point in time, how does Alf's foot speed and pace compare to Iginla's? Be objective gawl ding it! I haven't seen too much of Alf lately, But Iginla looked slow in the playoffs.

He should quit while he is ahead. .

I'm listening to Botchford's Team 1040 in Vancouver right now. No word of a Cleary deal. Canucks have no money. They say Luongo is sitting in Florida not wanting to go back to Vancouver.

Dan Cleary had an awesome time in Detroit. Resurrected a non career,;knocked Phanuef all the way back to Ontario; stood up to Chris Prongber; was key in a Cup victory; heart and soul player that gave it his all, exactly what you want players to do in the playoffs. I will always remember the awesome Dan Cleary. Make lots of $ and enjoy Dallas. Edit; I type slow on this thing.

Exactly my point. Holland is what you are left with. He's not going anywhere, so maybe there are teams out there with GM's you'd rather cheer for

And then, according to these same people, Holland would extend older and slower Vinny for 3 more at $5.25m per.

You know, maybe, just maybe, the cap era Red Wings aren't the team for you.

No doubt. I live near Vancouver; let me tell you about a long list of bad GM's. It is a super difficult job,for sure, and performed in a super dynamic set of circumstances.

Ken Holland and Jim Nill didn't think so.

"Competitive monopoly" is a rather unique situation that appears in sports more so than other areas of the marketplace. I haven't seen anyone post about it yet, but it's really a big reason on why UFA prices can be so ridiculous. For example; While there may be five 2C's that are capable of 25 goals 35 assists per year, there is only one Vinny Lecavalier. If you want a Vinny Lecavalier on your team, the local Sporting goods store does not have five Vinny Lecavaliers on the shelf. There is only one in all of the world. You could buy a Weiss or a Filp instead, but its not the same as a Vinny. Vinny Lecavalier has a monopoly on Vinny Lecavalier's. If you want one, you are going to have to bid against everyone else that wants one too. When you have a monopoly on something,you are a price maker, not a price taker. The salary cap was meant to level the playing field in regards to acquisition powers. It has proven to be kryptonite to Illitches checkbook and has taken the Mickey out of Hollands off-season. He has chosen not to overpay during UFA season. And I can't blame him. There is only so much pie to slice up for your team.