SwedeLundin77

Why couldn't we get rid of Holland and promote Nill when we had the chance... Sigh.

They said they were out on him earlier.

Yeah it seems like Sproul will step in soon and excel.. He seems to be the best candidate. Ouellet sounds like he'd be a PK specialist. Marchenko seems like he could be a solid defensive defensemen. Sounds like Backman is another DeKeyser with slightly better offensive ability. In the end though, from what I read on redwingscentral.com is that Sproul is the real deal and will really excel at the NHL level. Can't wait!

Yeah, I don't mind Boyle as much as others, but I think I might like the idea of Niskanen and Stralman better... but that would end up screwing our youth just a tad unless we move someone in the near future...

Wow, from Art Regner and posted at 12:23 AM EST.... That is very interesting. I wonder if the term with Ehroff is making them realize they need to push hard for Niskanen because they really want to upgrade the D and don't want to lose out. I was hoping this would be the case as it seems the problem with the Wings the past few seasons and not getting certain guys was their lack of wanting to compete to get a guy. Unfortunately, the NHL right now is a land of financial competition and if you aren't going to pay a little more for a guy, he'll go to another competitor. I feel like current players on the team would understand it's the market and it's a business.

Yeah I completely agree with you. I'd love to see them get Iginla or Vrbata (a couple of guys who are proven and wouldn't cost as much as some of the others out there). I hope they can stay relatively more healthy this year, and adding a solid d-man will certainly help as they'll control the play better and not have our guys running around quite as much. Please let this not be a big fat disappointment.

Yeah well from what Holland is saying, it sounds like they'll stick with what they have an hope that the youngsters will grow more this year and put up more points. I would love it if Mantha can come in and be rookie of the year... pipe dream probably.

I know people hate Boyle because he's older, but if we can get him and a younger guy like the scenario listed here... you gotta be okay with that, as pointed out already. We should be getting more offense out of Smith, too. So you have Kronwall, Smith, and Boyle who are more offensive, and then Ericsson, DeKeyser, and Stralman who are more defensively sound. I know, Kronwall is pretty well balanced. Then you can filter in Sproul as Boyle departs...

Oh God, why?!?!? Please just be PR spin... even if we can't get anyone big, at least just go out and get Gilbert or someone.

I hate to break it those who are thinking it, but the Wings are not getting Spezza.

You're speaking as if it's an absolute.... Lidstrom was an iron man until the end, missing very few games - that's just one example that comes to mind. Jagr played 82 games last season.... You're statement while sometimes true, is not always true. You brushed right over my point that Boyle has not played less than 75 games in a season since before 08/09.

The only aging vet on that list is Boyle, and he's been surprisingly resilient (hasn't played less than 75 games since before the 08/09 season. They have kids that are ready for spot duty here and there, so they could supplement toward the end of the season to give the vets a break (in this scenario - Boyle). I wouldn't say it's a certainty, he has a good chance to beat out someone, especially with how good he is. I'm happy with Jurco, but he needs to get the minutes necessary and he is the last one in that lineup that can be sent down.

I did hear a rumor of Franzen being the player touted... they may like his decent contract and term (isn't super expensive for his output and is locked up). Who knows, it's probably all smoke, but I have read that it is confirmed that Holland is talking to Buf about Myers since the draft, so maybe it's an option if the UFA's don't pan out.

Okay instead of just being negative in response, why not offer up what you think they should do? Boyle isn't mediocre, even at 38. He had an off-year last year and still posted 36 points. He is a known commodity. Niskanen is not (not saying I wouldn't like Niskanen), but I can see the inherent risk in bringing him in for 7 years at 6 per. Whereas bringing in Boyle for 2 around 5 million is much less of a risk. Ehroff is another strong candidate but who knows what he'll ask for and what kind of term he'll want. They are also gunning for a righty, so that makes things a little tougher to sort out. Basically gives you Niskanen, Boyle, and Gilbert as the top right handed candidates. I'm not so sure that Gilbert fits the top 4 d-man mold, but I could be wrong, I'm not super familiar with his style of play. In the end, your assessment of Boyle is far off base, and like any veteran, he can teach the younger guys (like ANY veteran can) if they feel so inclined. It's not a discredit to Kronwall, just an additional guy to play off of and get experience from. You're entitled to your opinion, but when the facts say otherwise, it's hard to see things the same way. We'll see.

Honestly, the TSN guys are saying that Holland has had serious discussions with Buffalo re Tyler Myers. 24 years old, right handed shot, 6'8". I think he'd fit in well here.

What about Del Zotto? Again, not too familiar with him. I think I remember some on here talking about how he's not the best defensively, but can't remember for sure.

Depends on your viewpoint on the whole thing. I can see where getting a right handed, proven veteran for 2 years as a stop gap to the kids coming in is a smart move. You don't tie up cap long-term and you give yourself flexibility for the next 2-3 UFA periods (what D may come available in the coming off-seasons?). Also Boyle would do wonders as a mentor to Smith, etc. I'm not saying this is my preference, but I can see the value in adding Boyle first and then going after a second d-man. I would be happy if they got Boyle and Gilbert and add 2 right handed shots without breaking the bank. Then they have money to add Iginla possibly (assuming the move out Kindl). McBain could be a decent backup plan... I'm not too familiar with his style of play though. Had a couple decent seasons with Carolina. (30 and 27 pts).

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=456006 The guy just can't stay healthy anymore.... probably should hang 'em up.

Yeah this seems like a baseless rumor.... Looking at the link, other rumors in the past never came true, so this is definitely a long shot.

Yeah, he did that on a crap team, with little to no offensive help. I don't think anyone is saying he'll be our #1 or #2 defensemen, but a top 4 at least, and definitely an upgrade over Quincey. We are in definite need of a right hander, so this seems like a backup move to Niskanen. I still am holding out hope that they can bring in One of these two guys and someone like Boyle or Gilbert.... but I doubt they get more than 1 d-man. Plus that'd leave room for a top six forward.

July 1st.

http://www.thedetroitsportssite.com/2014/06/27/report-detroit-red-wings-interested-in-tyler-myers/43517 http://www.lockerpulse.com/News/Red-Wings-may-be-in-on-Keith-Yandle-trade-more-interested-in-Buffalos-Tyler-Myers-S10757175/ Darren Dreger has come out and said that the Wings have serious interest in Tyler Myers as well as (each year) having interest in Keith Yandle. Makes it sound like if they can't land Myers, Holland will then concentrate his efforts more on Yandle. Looking for that right handed shot. I personally would love either guy. Myers is 24, and had an okay season on a terrible team. I blame his decline from the rookie season on coaching, and management.

Be careful what you say about my hometown, Detroit... you're skating on thin ice my friend. Your assessment of the city is not even remotely close to reality. Alfie lived in Ottawa his entire playing career and moved his family to Detroit, and whether or not he plays for the Wings next season, he said they are staying put. What does that tell you, I'm sure someone with that type of money would stay in a "gang infested neighborhood."

We are pretty stacked with defensemen, so I can see why they may wait or not even pick any this year. Ouellet, Sproul, Marchenko, Backman, Jensen

And for the 166th pick (6th Round) in the 2014 NHL Draft, the Red Wings select Julius Vahatalo. Looks nice, a LW with size as well.... good selection too, had a good season last year. http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=72612