heyfolks

I agree JoesuffP. Another update. Bert still on a cane....... BUT... Helm is skating. The Wings will return as follows: 1) Colo (don't kid yourself, he is back already but the team is stringing him along until they figure out what to do with White and Huskins, plus get closer to the deadline to pump up the value. Holland is baiting the hooks now. When Colo hits GR for a conditioning stint, a minor deal will happen. My prediction White is gone.) 2) Fil 3) Sammie 4)Helm 5)Bert (we have all seen Bert return with a bad back, it isn't pretty and it won't last long.)

1) Why would anyone expect any different from Holland or any GM?! I can see it now, " We suck at forward, I will tangle Kindl, Nyquist and Ferraro out there, plus any off the scrap pile (Cola, White, Miller, Eaves, Gator, Tootoo,Cleary) and maybe a pick for the right winger. Why? Our current group sucks. Sure I signed them all, but things change. You need a commercial size coffee brewer, with unlimited refills, waiting on that statement. 2) Richdg said it best. Holland's first job is to lock up the UFAs.Both Howard and Brunner make arguments of being the Red Wings BEST players. After that, lock down this yound RFA D. < The BIG worry is not this offseason, but the one after that. E will be a UFA and he will want big bucks. and get them here or elsewhere. As for "deadline deals" I think it depends on the mindset. If one believes this team can compete for the Cup, sure you may give up some parts to make the run. I can't get there from here. The team will not win their division, so you need Dramamine to follow them in the standings. 4th to 10th and back again like white caps on a bad sailing day. I let this team roll as is until the deadline, take Holland at his word and, if a team calls ... listen. Why? I believe this is a rebuilding year. I threw away this hokie season (yes a play on words.. sorry) before it began. 48 games, back to back to backs, 6 games in 9 nights , etc. Everyting will have an asterick by it. This could be the most painless rebuild in sport history! < glass half full approach. I like this team and I really like the transition. They need some young blood with size up front and they are ready to spring back to the elite level. Many teams will need to jettison talent this summer (lowered cap). I believe that is Holland's plan. Reload AND rebuild. BRILLIANT!

I do not agree with the swap outs but in order of importance I would say the #1 need of this team is find someone to play with Pavel. Beacuse of this; 1)Bertuzzi - Trouble here is, I think he is toast, not just for the season but for a career. Those skates will be on a nail soon. See below) So I take Bert off the list. 1) Fil - He can play the Wing and take the pressure off of Pavel to cover every aspect of play on D and, on those rare occasions when Fil goes to the net, he can pot the puck. 2) Helm - He can spark a 3rd line of Tatar and Andersonn. 3) Sammie - More parts for Pavel and his return provides depth for the bottom 6 (bumping players down a notch). 4) Colo - He is a #7 on this team, and should remain a #7. The 6 out there need to be given time to jell. I like this group. Big, skilled and cap friendly. Basically, (other than RFAs) locked up through next season. AS said by another Colo is a fragile man in a physical game, but he is a good fill in the event of injury (irony) player. The bigger question is, will the Wings trade UFA to be Howard and let a REAL netminder take his place, you know Gus or maybe pick-up Luongo!!!!. Howard is just average. {just for you Axe. hehehehehe} Bertuzzi Injury updateSince injuring his back Feb. 7, forward Todd Bertuzzi hasn't been on the ice and continues to walk gingerly. There is no timetable for his return. "(Bertuzzi is) like all the guys we've got injured, nobody is on the horizon anytime soon," Babcock said. From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130306/SPORTS0103/303060366#ixzz2MmFYhs9C

I saw WHO in LA. Great show.

This is nowhere near an open debate or discussion of facts. I presented stats, salaries and asked related questions. Axe ignores them and simply parrot the same lines over and over again. Don't feed the hate! {click}

Well you may need to double up on your BP meds or pray for Bert, Fil or Sammie to come back earlier than projected. Why? http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2013/03/as_long_as_their_defensive_pla.html I don't get it either, but I accept the reality of the situation.

Dan DeKeyser - Will not go from WMU to the NHL on the Red Wings or any team that makes the post season this year. His goal may be to sign a 1-way deal, hit the AHL and gain mentoring at a higher rate of pay. Some team may be willing to do that. The Red Wings singing a college kid and put in at #6... Sure that will happen. Just ask Howard, Smith, Sheahan or NyQuist. Al of these players accomplished more in college hockey.

Ahhhhh, have you missed the games laterly?! Tatar is on the 3rd line because of injuries. When Bert gets back, Abby drops. When Fil bets back, Clearly drops. When Helm gets back Tatar likely drops. In short, what you call moronic is how Babcock has been playing the team. If you want to drop drop Cleary to the 4th line and move Tart up, it is fine by me, hell I won't even argue, but you may have to call Coach Moron eeerrrr Babcock, Coach Babcoack. Kindl is not a #7 now.... darn forever was shorter than I thought.

This teams needs skilled forwards not d'men, and especially not retread d'men. They have 3 now (Huskins, Cola. and White).

I understand your opinion. I also see you going from "average" to "good", which is a concession he is better on page 20 then he was, in your opinion, when you started the thread. The Red Wings rarely over pay, and I don't see that happening here. Howard will be given a top 10-15 (you know anywhere form "good" to "average") netminder contract for 3-4 years. It may be for 5, to lower the over-all cap number, as the Wings did with Mule, Hank and Pav). http://www.sportscity.com/nhl-salaries-2012-13-top-20-salaries-for-goalies/2012/11/17/ Some of the salaries are surely annomalies (DiPeitro stands out), but Howie will come in anywhere from $3.5M (average) to $5.0M(Good). What salary do you believe is fair for Howard? Here are his stats: http://redwings.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470657&view=stats

If Babcock did that, he would be fired the very next day. He and Holland get along, so this is not intentional. Babcock must not see any other options. He wants a large body on every line, so Mule is with Hank and Brunner. He wants Pavel to have some muscle and skill. With Bert and Fil out, Babcock feels the muscle is Abby and tyhe skill is Cleary. Evident this is not working but he has limited options. I expect to see Abby moved down and Mule mover into the spot. If not Mule than Andersonn. I do like Tatar more but it appears Babcock feels he cannot handle playing against top 6 talent. The end game here is Bert with Pavel and Fil. The 3rd line is then Sammie, Helm and Cleary, with Andersonn Abby and Eaves, Miller, Tatar or Andersonn rounding out the 4th line. I agree on the D. The Kindl bashers are like the Howard bashers, they just need something to complain about. Kindl played over 20 minutes of hockey, was solid in all ends, with noted control on the PP and if not the best hit of the net, #2 with the pasting in OT. He needs a solid stay-at-home big man to complitment his style of play. He and Lash are very well suited for each other. Keep them as the bottom pairing and let these 6 roll, with Cola at #7. < The team now has a top 6 of homegrown D that can stay together for the next 5 years or so. I say 5 giving Kronner until age 37. The other 5 are all under 30, 6'2" or more and 200 lbs plus (OK Smith needs a big meal, but this is the best size the Wings have had in some time. The skill set is there. Jonathan Ericsson 6' 4" 221 Mar 2, 1984 29 Jakub Kindl 6' 3" 216 Feb 10, 1987 26 Niklas Kronwall "A" 6' 0" 190 Jan 12, 1981 32 Brian Lashoff 6' 3" 212 Jul 16, 1990 22 Kyle Quincey 6' 2" 207 Aug 12, 1985 27 Brendan Smith 6' 2" 198 Feb 8, 1989 24 The succession plan is also promising. RWC #05 Ryan Sproul (+1) D 6.03 186 20 Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) RWC #07 Xavier Ouellet (–) D 6.00 187 19 B.-Boisbriand (QMJHL) RWC #08 Mattias Backman (+6) D 6.02 169 20 Linkoping (SEL) I like this D and I like it a lot. I understand they wanted Suter or Weber, as did every other team out there. This result may be, over-all, better. A deeper group, without a ton of money dumped into a single player. This D is locked up, contractually through 13-14 (noting Kindl and Smith are RFAs). http://www.capgeek.com/redwings The challenge for this team today is at forward.

Good Howard - Stood on his head. The guy, with rest, is a top end netminder just coming into his prime. Tatar - This kid is fast, offensively skilled and plays the entire surface. He, AGAIN, wins a race to the back boards and sets-up a key goal (just like the Shark game where he beat Stuart). Andersson - Nice pass and he competed well. Hank - He was in shutdown mode. Brunner - The guy is beginning to skate the entire length, with speed and skill. Holland bashers must be scouring over Parise stats to prove Holland screwed up. More and more I focus on this guy whenever he is on the ice. Lashoff - I am not as worked up over the guy as others, but he plays a safe, solid, game. Smith - He has all the tools, just needs to settle more into the team system. Top 4 now, top 2 later, #1 at 30. Kindl - Moving him would be a mistake. He can skate, pass and has offensive PP point play this team sorely needs. He went out there with Smith and he made all the right plays. If he didn't have the biggest hit in the game (OT) it was #2). This talk of White, Huskins or Cola taking his place is nonsense. White and Huskins don't compare and Cola is as fragile as a cheap Hummel figurine. Bad Miller - He put the D on their heels fat too many times. He lost it before center ice, gained center ice and did not get it deep, missed stretch passes that cause icing. Someone commented on the 4th line being out against the Hawks first, look no further. After every idiotic icing by the 4th line, the Hawks put their top line on the ice. Tootoo - He missed a pass causing an icing. He didn't clear, and he was ineffective throughout. Mule - Working your way back into shape is one thing, not hustling and making bonehead plays is another. Hell even NBC was pointing out his mistakes. Cleary - If Gator is proving the hustle and muscle Cleary needs to provide some level of complimentary skill to Pavel. He doesn't. Ugly Stripes - Has Smith pissed office the League office, first Penner now Carcillio and no call. Tootoo was CLEARLY high sticked, no call. DOG (Delay Of Game) - I really like how Kronner and E are developing into a top pairing, but those two plays were boneheaded and cost the team the game (Kindl would be traded or sat until next season). Not the kind of play you expect form these two, especially Kronner on the 2nd one. It was a WTF moment, that drained the teams momentum. Babcock - I heard this joke about Jordon. Who was the only person who could keep Jordan under 20 points? Reply Dean Smith. In the NHL, the question is, who is the only person who can make Datsyuk ineffective. That line is HORRIBLE. I get wanting to have some hustle and muscle with Abby but that only works if Pavel has a complimentary linemate, and Cleary is NOT that player. Tatar, Andersonn, or Mule would be a better fit. (I never thought I would say this, but he really needs Bertuzzi back. < I do think Bert-Pasha-Abby might work). This is the MUST fix part of this team.

I understand we all have egos but the internal conflict of being a Red Wing "fan" and supporting a position that calls for the Red Wings to fail must have The Axe buying rolaids in 50 lb tubs. Howard is, and shall remain, the Red Wings #1 netminder. This shall become evident when they announce his re-signing (He is a UFA this offseason).

Kronwall Ericsson Smith Quincey Kindl Lashoff As said, all drafted, or signed as an undrafted player by the Wings. Q went through the system but did not clear waivers after being sent down with a bad back (Kings claimed him). Only 1 player is over 30 and that same player is the only one under 6'2". If you throw a few rocsk in Smith's pocket, he is also the only one under 200 lbs. Kindl - He was caught up in a bit of a transitional trap, with players in front of him, no roster spots and going through the GR system when it was in a transition. Babcock wanted a different style game from him and it sucked the confidence out of his play. As said, he has been solid the past two games, but the hot and cold must end. This group could be a really good, really deep 6. I certainly wouldn't move him for Cola or huskins to keep a spot. White - self centered and soft. Jettison the guy. Huskins - slow and unimpressive. He is #7 fodder. Cola - Potential is why you buy IPO stock for a dime, not keep a fragile player in the toughest collision sport on Earth.

The NHL has 30 teams. If you cannot name 14 goalies that are better than Howard, the statement is incorrect. IMO - The guy is far above average. A workhorse who has taken to the job as the team has gone through a transition. He had a 40 year-old Nick, a bad back rafalski, home sick Stuart and a cap era balance of roster. I believe Howard is easily in the top 10 and working his way to the top 5.

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2013/02/red_wings_damien_brunner_makes.html

The Gulls - They are no more, other than B junior team. A good number of the Condor players are SoCal AAA types.

F. Michael - 100% agree. I used to be pretty close with the Kings during Avery's years. The stories of this guy go much deeper. This, his sloppy seconds statement, the guy has issues.

Yep.. plus if you want help on the kill, ..... http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2013/02/red_wings_todd_bertuzzi_back_o_1.html Yep.. plus if you want help on the kill, ..... http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2013/02/red_wings_todd_bertuzzi_back_o_1.html

Had some talent but was a cancer in every room he entered. The guy "rounded out" his reputation in LA. It is widely known he teased Brown about his lisp and slight stutter. He also would put down his then girl firend of not being a hot enough hockey trophy wife. The guy is a supreme a-hole and egomaniac. That is why he is out of the league. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1197608/2/index.htm It is funny that Carman brings up Chelios and the lockout. He kicked Avery out of his house after 3 weeks. http://www.realclearsports.com/lists/damaging_egos/sean_avery_ego.html He will never see the NHL again. Good riddance.

Ran into a hot netminder, it happens. No reason to panic, they get Kindl, E and Bert back Friday. That is when REAL panic should set in.

PREFACE - The mostl likely scenario is that the current roster, with several small changes will be on the ice next season. Likely changes: Lebda gone and Kindl is in. Meech gone and Ritola is in. The only way that may change is if Kindl has a shaky camp and Wing brass do not believe Janik or Kosolov can come up and help. (Signing Janik tells me Meech is gone.) However, that is no fun, so I put together a line-up where Hudler is moved. I like Happy but I think the Wings need a more complete player. He is a PP and 3rd line specialist. He does not perform well playing top 2 lines and would be against much better players when playing D. I used Frolov (Pave has made glowing comments about this kid) but a 2-way banging, doesn't need the puck forward also worrks. Gave Eaves, Miller and Gator a small raise, dumped Bertuzzi and traded Hudler. I signed Frolov for a stepped down contract with a 3M hit and came in just under budget. I am a bit surprised Nick did not come in at 5.5M, so that threw a wrench in my plans to try and keep Bertuzzi. Would have liked a Cleary - Gator- Bert 3rd line. I considered moving 2 of Helm, Eaves and Miller but could not fill out the line-up. I understand change for change sakes is not a good idea but this team does not need Hudler nor Bertuzzi. I wish they could move others, like Cleary and Draper. Draper to Tampa... that would be SWEET! They get an aging hustle guy that can help them change the locker room and this team keeps Bertuzzi and adds Frolov or some other forward and we get a Bert-Gator-Cleary 3rd line. < IT may not be pretty, but the Wings would have a more physical presence on the ice.

The Wings will dominate regular season play and finish in the top spot in the West. They will struggle some in the WCF and win the Cup in 5 games. Contenders Top 3 West Vancouver Kings (This team is coming on. I really like their young guns and the role Dustin Brown is growing into.) Quacks ( I know they missed the post season, but they have a great top 3 in Ryan, Perry, and Getzlaf and a all-star goalie in hiller. Top 3 East Pens - they were just tired this season. Caps - They may not be able to win the post season, but they will in the reg. season. This does conflict with not putting up the Sharks, but, if they find a goalie and a d'man they will be OK. The Sharks have a tougher chore, finding heart. Habs

Look at it this way. The talk around the League is how tired the Pens are from a long post season run (I guess Bettman told them they had to win it w/o him this year). The wings have had 2 of those in a row. Franzen is getting a long greak, Clearly, Hank, Kronner, Ericsson, and Filp all are gettinga decent break. Now Homer gets his chance to catch his breath. Ozzie is also getting a break. Next will be Pav and Nik, then Rafa and Stuart. This is setting up perfectly. I mean who cares about post season position. No matter what Bettman will move the schedule up a week,especially if he knows your best player just had surgey on his nuts. Holland is a genius!

I added a cap calculator to the board. you can try and build a roster signing Hossa. I tried and just could not effectively do it. The wings simply lose too manyplayers. Sammie, Hudler, and Filp, Clears, Rafalski, homer, or ???? I am not expect on RFA signings, but I know a team can only offer a contract if theyhave THEIR own picks to give as compensation. That limits the teams to sign Jiri under the 2.65. Any team that wouldelect to sign him forover the 2.65 would not see the Wings match. That said, Happy will file for arbitration (ala Filp). Given his production, that alone may price him off the roster. Teams know this and may just wait until after the hearing to go after him.