SwedeLundin77

To KrazyGangsta: He's a college kid, big Effing deal, it's not like it's a testament to his character. That s*** happens much more than you think, to a lot of people. I have friends who were just like me and weren't crazy drinkers or anything but just so happened to get caught. Do you actually live in the 21st century?

Just read another analysis of Riley: "NHL Potential: 2nd line Two-way Center" and "NHL Player(s) Comparison: A left shooting Ryan Kesler."

I was just looking through some of our less-known prospects in the system and there are some possible gems. Check these guys out: SEBASTIEN PICHE (D) SCOUT COMMENTS "He's an offensive defenseman. He moves the puck very well, very good on the power play, good shot, creative, good hockey sense, good stick skills. He fits our mold as a puck-moving defenseman ... He's not one dimensional at all ... He's not a cruncher, not a stay-at-home physical type, but he does do the job. He finishes his checks and defends the net well. He doesn't often lay someone out with a huge hit, but he's very sufficient on the back end." — Red Wings scout Mark Leach (April 2009). STRENGTHS Offensive defenseman ... Active and involved ... Smart and creative on power play ... Heavy shot ... Makes a great first pass or can join in on the rush ... Gets in the way and finishes checks ... Doesn't neglect defensive duties and has enough backward mobility to not get beaten ... A winner who bounced from contender to contender in the QMJHL. WEAKNESSES Knock-kneed skater who gets the job done, but could use improvement ... Not a defensive liability in junior, but needs to focus on that aspect of his game to excel at the next level ... Still adjusting to the lack of time and space in the pros, something he had plenty of in the QMJHL. PROJECTION The Red Wings had their eye on Piche for a long time, but when the undrafted blue-liner busted out for a 23-goal, 72-point QMJHL campaign with the Rimouski Oceanic in 2008-09, they locked him up. Piche acquitted himself well as a pro rookie in the ECHL with Toledo in 2009-10 and will look to break in as an AHL regular with Grand Rapids in 2010-11. He provides solid depth. BRYAN RUFENACH (D) SCOUT COMMENTS "Our scouts just kind of liked his potential — he's raw, he's a good skater, he moves the puck well and he competes hard. Skating and moving the puck are his best assets. Like everybody, he's got to get stronger." — Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill (June 2007) ... "He's got very good hockey sense and vision and he’s real smart with the puck. He's going to school for four years and you're hoping you'll end up with another Dan Boyle down the road." — Nill (July 2007) ... "He can move the puck and shoot the puck and jumps into holes and he creates scoring chances. Those things just come naturally to him (but) we feel he needs to really improve his defensive game and play more controlled on the back end." — Red Wings scout Mark Leach (February 2009). STRENGTHS Lists Paul Coffey as his favorite player and loves rushing the puck ... Likes to go end-to-end ... Excellent skater ... A smart power-play quarterback ... Good vision with the man advantage and capable of making good plays ... Above-average slap shot with a good release ... A hard worker with competitive fire. WEAKNESSES Still raw and needs to show he can continue to produce offense at a higher level ... Prone to defensive lapses and poor reads as far as knowing when to pinch ... Needs to get stronger ... Has below average size for a defenseman, although it's not the issue it once was. PROJECTION Rufenach has good potential as an offensive defenseman and the Red Wings are monitoring him closely as he develops at Clarkson. If he can reach the point-per-game plateau as a senior and continue to improve his defensive game, he might be considered for an NHL contract. JULIEN CAYER (LW) SCOUT COMMENTS "He plays very hard and he’s very aggressive. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and he’s not afraid to mix it up. He skates well, he can make plays, and he’s pretty solid at both ends of the ice.” — Red Wings amateur scout Mark Leach (June 2008) ... "He's played a big, strong game, he's physical and he uses his body. He creates chances offensively, he crashes the net, and he causes some havoc down low, and that's kind of his game. He uses his body really effectively." — Leach (February 2009). STRENGTHS Uses his size to make hard hits and relishes physical contact ... Hard, powerful skater ... Good shot ... Long reach and good moves help him in 1-on-1 situations ... Has the height and frame to be a force, if he bulks up ... Makes an impact when he is playing physical ... Doesn't neglect defensive end ... Good hockey sense and feel for the game ... Versatile and capable of playing center or wing. WEAKNESSES Has grown a lot in recent years and is still adjusting to his frame ... Offensive game and puck skills still have a long way to come ... Still needs to add muscle. PROJECTION The Red Wings drafted Cayer to be a physical third-liner, but with just six goals in two seasons, he's going to have to make more of an offensive impact in the NCAA if he wants to have a chance. He'll need to bounce back in his junior year at Clarkson in 2010-11. WILLIE COETZEE (RW) SCOUT COMMENTS "Detroit loves skilled players who can think the game and he's one of those guys. He's very quick, he's got great hands, he's got a very good release, a great shot and he's just a highly-skilled player that Detroit's always looking for." — Red Deer Rebels head coach Jesse Wallin (October 2009). STRENGTHS Point-producing forward who will be a top-six forward or bust ... Soft hands for passing and a great finishing touch to boot ... Good speed and quickness ... Hard shot with a quick release ... Hard worker who plays with passion ... Focused and driven to succeed. WEAKNESSES Lack of size could result in him getting knocked off the puck easily as a pro ... Needs to step up his defensive game to fit the Red Wings' system ... Consistency can be an issue. PROJECTION Coetzee was relatively unknown when the Red Wings signed him prior to the 2009-10 season. He's since become one of the top scorers in the Western Hockey League and is eligible to play in the American Hockey League in 2010-11. Expect him to return to the WHL as an over-ager, however, and expect him to dominate offensively. Coetzee has upside as a top-six forward.

It's called give it a chance. Even Nill said that after the first 15 go, it's tough to find top-end talent, so we do the best we can. Tired of all the bickering and people AUTOMATICALLY assuming that this is just another Abdelkader without even seeing the kid play or giving him one chance.

You just got decent size with that pick, he's 18 and 6'2" 200lbs right now. As far as offensive minded players in our system - do a little research: Tatar, Nyquist, Ferraro, Emmerton (has the ability, just needs to take it up a level), Nestrasil, and Pare (has the ability). All these players have the ability to be top 6 forwards and also be sound defensively. Sure we don't have any 6'4" behemoths in our system right now, but skimming our prospects, we have plenty of guys who are 6' to 6'3" who will make an impact. Stop trying to be experts because next to Holland and co. you don't know s***.

Because some random dude says he'll project that way, you just jump on the bandwagon? Seriously, do some research and think for yourself.

Let's leave the "expert" work up to Nill, Hakan, and Holland people... They obviously know what they're doing and you're all bickering like a bunch of 12 year old boys who just got grounded for looking at porn. I'd much rather have a forward who can play both sides of the puck and has good size. He's still a kid and has the skills and talent, so now he just works on strength and let the coaches do the rest. Don't be too quick to judge just because you think some other guy "might" project big. We have more picks and we are notorious for late round gems. We have a solid group of guys both up and down and this just adds to that.

He's in college, there's a pretty good chance he's getting drunk. Sometimes you just get bad luck in getting caught, but I'd say that's a gamble most kids take these days. Get over it.

I think the year in question was when he had the eye injury, only missed like the first 10 or so games, but had to wear a screen for a while cause his eye was still bugging him. I remember they were talking about how that inhibited him in playing the way he plays best, hard on the boards, head down, mucking it up. That's his game, he grinds, but he couldn't see down in his feet as well so that slowed him down, and he just had a tough time getting into a groove. Cleary could have played better, but it would be nonsense to dismiss the injuries he has had the past few years have been unfortunate. To omit that from the argument is ignorant.

The league he plays in is one of the closest resembling the NHL... smaller rinks and more physical play. I can pretty much count several players who have shown talent past 28 years of age... Tim Thomas would be a prime candidate for that argument. I'm not saying he'll definitely play up this year, but I think he has a chance to compete for a 12th or 13th spot....

If Babcock's quotes about next year are to ring true, Flip will not be on the third line. Bertuzzi will more than likely be a 3rd line winger playing on the second PP. Hence the lines will probably look more like this: Hudler - Datsyuk - Holmstrom Filppula - Zetterberg - Franzen Cleary - Helm - Bertuzzi Miller - Abdelkader - Eaves ---Draper/Ritola/I. Filppula You might even see these pairings, Babs mentioned this as well at some point Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Holmstrom Hudler - Filppula - Franzen Cleary - Helm - Bertuzzi Miller - Abdelkader - Eaves ----Draper/Ritola/I. Filppula I think either way would be fine, if the second pairing of Huds, Flip, and Franzen get it done, and surely they're capable of doing so, why not put the super first line back up there and let the Euro-twins work their magic like a few years back. I think that would be the best. Cleary and Bertuzzi could play up too in case someone isn't pulling their weight at even strength - talking about Holmer.... I almost wish they'd trade Draper, but it would be nice to have that veteran savvy on the back side of the offense. I am really pulling for I. Filppula, but I just think it would be cool to have brothers on the team. He looks like he could pan out, but I know i'm probably just dreaming. Who knows, maybe Eaves walks for more money, you never know. Ritola may be traded since we already have Draper as a reserve and he's not longer able to be freely waived down to GR.

Sorry, but fail. You need to do a little more research when trying to make your point. Jussi Jokinen had a breakout season under his current contract. He never scored more than 17 goals in the NHL before this past season, and that was in 2005/2006. Whenever his contract is up, he'll be seeking a boost to around 3 mil at least. He'll be making 1.9 mil this upcoming season and then he's a UFA. Maybe we'll sign him next year instead of bringing Cleary back. Holmstrom on this team is a WIN. There is no doubt about that. You need to have specialists, that's one way you build championship teams. Holmstrom is THE best at what he does. Enough said.

I'd say, if we can pull it off, go out and get either Lombardi or Armstrong, either one would be fantastic on this team and could play either 3rd or 4th line. I also personally believe keeping Eaves would be a better option than Miller, although I do like Miller quite a bit. Eaves has more offensive potential and has been and is a defensive shutdown forward. If we can get him for under a million on a multi-year contract, I'd say pull that trigger.

I don't understand why it is so hard to believe that Lidstrom "may" take 2 million for a 1 year contract being this close to retirement. Yzerman did the same thing, if memory serves right, I believe Yzerman only made 1 million in his final season. And we would have payed him 5 million to stay I'm sure. Hell, I think he only made around 2 million the year before his last season. If Lidstrom taking less money means the team will be more competitive, he will.

If the kid can get 56 points playing no more than 13 minutes a night... then how is it so impossible to think that with 16-19 minutes a night he can get 14 more points? This thread is pure speculation on the negative side of things. Smile, 14 points is achievable.

Yes, I think Lids will return for one, maybe two more seasons. But I'm a little confused as to where you're getting this 1.66 cap hit? If he signs for 5 mil the first season and say 1 mil the second season, the cap hit would be 3 million, correct? Beyond the cap questions, the reason I believe he'll return is because he still has a daughter in high school here in Michigan.. I think she's 16 or something like that. She would have a year or two left in high school and I can't imagine Nic pulling his kid out of a school that she's so close to graduating and pulling her away from all her friends. Ultimately family is going to be a big decision point, and this seems like a pretty logical argument for staying. Besides, the guy wants to go out on top, and still has plenty of fuel in the tank. Bring him back for a 1year contract at 3 million. Possibly invest a couple million you're saving there on a TOUGH d-man who will knock some bodies around. This d-man would serve as a replacement for Lilja, if it makes sense to do so. Then you have said d-man and Ericsson/Kindl.

Yzerman, like Lidstrom, was a pimp still in his final days. Put up decent numbers, nowhere near as good as before, and was a playoff contributor. He also took quite a salary reduction in his last season here to help the team. Lidstrom is born from the same cloth, as in he'll put his team first and do what's best to make sure he can play with some of the best players. The guys is filthy rich, and will always have a job waiting in the NHL after he retires. I'm not say we would start out offering this, but I could honestly see Lids taking as low as 2 million for a 1 year contract. Boom. Roasted. Does anyone else like the idea of us possibly picking up a Lombardi from the UFA market? I think he'd be just what we need on our 3rd line. Energy!

I am on the fence about Ericsson... Part of me wants to see him go after his lackluster performance this season. At the same time, I also think that maybe he just had a sophomore slump and he'll be back on game next season. It's tough, but I trust the coaching staff and front office to get it right with the kid. We just need to be careful if we're going to have Ericsson and Kindl up next season.

Just saw this thread was still fresh for some reason... the original poster is a tard. Enough said.

Okay, so there are a bunch of real assholes on this site, because 1200+ have viewed this topic and only 200+ have replied. Kudos to those who have replied and shown some sort of support for our boys, you are the true fans! Through thick and thin, I will stick with this team. I have been a Red Wing fan since I can remember, and I will be one until I die. Sure there will be days like yesterday when I was frustrated beyond belief because they didn't show up when they needed to, but that's why it's a 7 game series, it's not over. Typically speaking, this is the type of team where when they get their asses kicked or embarrassed, especially come playoff time, they respond in a big way. I have to believe that is what will happen in Game 7. This team IS the better team. They need to put together a 60 minute effort and be strong and own their own defensive zone, first and foremost. When they do that, they can't be stopped. I believe it will happen, and I have faith that we will be seeing San Jose or Chicago in the next round, later in the week. Shame on all of you fans who passed up this support page. How long does it take you to just type, "Go Wings?" Let's Go Red Wings!!!! One more win and then we'll get ready for the next matchup.

That was an utterly ugly suck fest by ALL Wings... the whole team looked like garbage and they had better hope they get their s*** together by Tuesday...

Uhh..... Lilja is 34 (not retiring). Holmstrom is 37, but has already stated he'd like to return and more than likely will, he's had another strong season. Bertuzzi is 35 (again, not retiring). If Bert will take 1.5 mil again, I wouldn't be suprised if we re-sign him. he's a strong player who can play 2nd line or 3rd line and that's just smart depth, plus his defensive play has picked up and he hasn't taken as many boneheaded penalties so he's become a stronger player with this team. This is the way I envision it, with minimal changes to the roster from this past season: Franzen - Datsyuk - Holmstrom (13 mil) Filppula - Zetterberg - Hudler (11.9 mil) Cleary - Helm - Eaves (4.8 mil) Miller - Abdelkader - Draper (3.1 mil) 13th forward swapping out with Draper: Barch, Nichol, Mair (Basically someone who is versatile and possibly physical - ala Brad May) (.600) Lidstrom - Rafalski (10 mil) Stuart - Kronwall (6.8 mil) Lilja - Ericsson (2.2 mil) Meech or Kindl (I can see us possibly trading Kindl since he hasn't exactly lived up to expectations in GR) (.600) Howard Osgood (My thoughts is we'll let his contract run out, but he has been a positive influence on Howard and mentoring him very well, so I say keep him around at least until after next season) (2.2 mil) Grand Total: $55.2 Million Dollars I'm sure I'm way off, but this would be a solid (healthy) roster and we would be in the race again next season. There are a few variables, I figured Lidstrom would resign for $4 mil just like Yzerman took less his last couple of years in order to help the team out. These figures don't include Bertuzzi, however I feel they'll try and fit him in somehow, just not sure if that means they'll let Miller or Eaves go... but I hope not. I could see Miller being expendable, but his PK has been outstanding, could be solid since Maltby is gone now and Draper is next up. Still wish we could add an outright scoring machine much like Hossa or Kovalchuk, but not likely to ever happen. As much as I like Kaberle, he is not known to be very strong on the defensive side of the game... Not who i'd like to see replace Lidstrom's role. Although that's going to be a very big pair of skates to fill.

Oh I so disagree here. Lilja will be back and will be a constant on the 3rd pairing. Any wise person who has seen what our PK has done without him and then with him back would agree with me here. He'll take the same salary he did last season. You need to hold onto Lilja because Lidstrom has 1 more year in the tank more than likely, and when he leaves, it'll be Rafalski, Kronwall, Stuart, Lilja, Ericsson, and Kindl... let Lilja walk and we're putting too much pressure on the kids and we don't do that as an organization. We won't have 3 vets and 3 young guys for our D after next season. Lilja is a mainstay in Detroit until he retires. They guy has proven to be consistent and hard to play against in his own zone.

The Ref staring right at the puck emphatically said "NO GOAL." Toronto said, "NO GOAL - Inconclusive Evidence to turn it over." The linesman and other Ref, apparently, made the call. Thus the other Ref and linesman screwed the Wings out of a possible extra point.

BULLs*** LOSS. FROM THE GAME TYING GOAL WHICH WAS AT LEAST A NO GOAL DUE TO INTERFERENCE, IF NOT A GOALTENDING INTERFERENCE PENALTY, TO THE NO CALL ON OTT DROPPING HIS GLOVES ON BERTUZZI, TO THE THREE NON CALLS ON THE BLATANT HIGH STICKS, NOT INCLUDING THE HIGH STICK IN OT WHICH THE REF SAID THE PLAYER'S STICK SLID UP LEBDA'S STICK, WHICH IT DID NOT, TO LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE KNOB JOB GOAL TURNOVER CALL THAT HAS NO SUPPORTING VIDEO EVIDENCE AND FROM EVERY ANGLE WE SAW - IT WAS NOT OVER THE LINE. I DON'T KNOW WHY I COMPLAIN AT THIS POINT, BUT IT'S REALLY FRUSTRATING WHEN REFEREES' HAVE IT WITHIN THEIR POWER TO DECIDE THE OUTCOME OF GAMES. I HATE TO SAY IT, BUT THE VANCOUVER INCIDENT WITH AUGER AND BURROWS IS THE PRIMARY EXAMPLE OF THE EXTREME WITH WHICH REF'S GET AWAY WITH AND THE NHL - HELLBENT ON RUINING THE GAME I LOVE, DOES NOTHING ABOUT TO TRY AND PROTECT THEIR IMAGE WHEN THEY ARE JUST MUDDYING THE WATER FURTHER. AS IT STANDS NOW, THIS GAME IS HARD TO TURN NEW FANS ONTO, "WHY WAS THIS CALLED A PENALTY, BUT THIS WASN'T?, OR WHY WAS THIS A GOAL, BUT THIS WASN'T?" TRY EXPLAINING THESE TYPES OF ISSUES WITH SOMEONE WHO IS NEW TO THE GAME AND TELL ME YOU COME OUT MAKING SENSE. EPIC FAIL.