Broken 16

And how is this lineup less balance than last years? Not being argumentative, I'm just curious... Bertuzzi, Eaves and (to a lesser extent) Williams are grit type players. Helm all season long is gonna be a big difference. Ericsson all season adds substantial grit. On paper, this team looks MUCH more ready for the playoffs, imo. At least in the grit department. Experience could be an issue for guys like Helm and Leino... but not likely given the leadership present.

I think a lot of you guys are seriously underestimating the power of the one year deal. These guys on one year contracts are virtually playing for their career. If they suck, they are screwed as a UFA next season. If Williams wants a good future in the NHL, he almost has no choice but to give 110% next season.

Not only that... he's the corn, the nuts and the unexplainable bean sprout IN the s***...

We'll see how long it is before your firmly planted on Berts beanbag. I'll say after the 20th goal, you'll forget what a villian Bert can be. The guy made a bad call based on the direction of his coach, Mark Crawford (who else did that guy coach that made an awful decision... oh yea, Claude Lemieux. Coincidence? I think not.) He paid his dues, made a heartfelt apology (f***in cried on national TV for God's sake!), visited the guy in the hospital, has had to carry around this stigma for years. You're probably part of the same crowd that complained that there was nobody to protect players like Datsyuk. Now he's here (thank God) and all you can do is dwell on the past. That was a different time, a different team and, more importantly, a different coach. Let it go. How many mistakes have you made in your life? None I assume, based on what you are saying in your post. Long story short... you're a moron. Go watch curling.

Franzen/Flip/Bert has some scary potential...

Classic...

Questioning the validity of Hockeytown is like questioning the validity of bringing back the beard... Besides, I never considered Detroit as being THEE Hockeytown. It's just one of a few hockey towns in the United States.

Hehe... Empty. Lets see... we have Pavel Datsyuk to watch all year. Henrik Zetterberg... Lidstrom... Kronwall... Ericsson... Leino in the full rotation. The Mule. Brad Stuart. Darren Helm for a full season. Not to mention a (hopefully) healthy Holmstrom. Flip getting big minutes. We get to see what Howard does with a full time spot. We get to see how Williams fits in. And we get to see how Eaves will contribute. Not to mention some new additions to the Black Aces that will see time. Some of you people are so spoiled it actually disgusts me.

Ya... sucks for the NHL. But could potentially be just what us fans have been hoping for. The more players that go over there the better, imo. It will force the hand of the NHL, hopefully and force them to compete. The NHL NOT having a monopoly on pro hockey could potentially be a great, great thing for the fans. That's what I'm hanging on to anyway.

It's the off season. People don't really have anything active to bash. Other posters seem to fit that bill quite well. That's why I steer clear of this place for the most part in the off season. It is a great place to check for 'up-to-the-minute-updates' on the team though. I find it best to just get the information and get out of dodge while I'm still in one piece.

I don't know which is worse... people who complain about Crosby or the people that complain about people complaining about Crosby. Same mold if you ask me...

Assuming Moen was willing to sign a one year deal... which is doubtful. Williams didn't even want to sign a one year deal but had no choice.

Williams is fine. One year deal. Should be fired up to play for his contract for the following season. Knows the system. Cheaper than Sammy. A one season stop dead measure for the 3rd or 4th line... barely worth discussing.

People take this "Hockeytown" thing WAAAAY too seriously.

Chicago is a town that has a hockey team. It's a hockey town. Not to mention an original 6 hockey town. This thread is dumb.

Lighten up... There is definately something kooky going on with Hossa and Kopecky. Not saying they are in love... but there is some strangeness, imo.

Unfortunately for you, Chris Pronger left and took any possibility of a rivalry with him.

None of them. They are all replaceable with the exception of Hossa, maybe.

As a Hudler supporter it feels kinda weird to say that I'm glad he's gone. I wasn't thrilled with what I saw from him in the playoffs. Especially after the Brown hit. I just don't think Hudler addresses enough of the teams needs to warrant a long term deal. Bu-bye.

That might be an issue concerning IQ. I don't find it difficult to navigate this board. This is a discussion forum... discussions occur. I know. Crazy. Maybe ignore the topics you aren't interested in? Insane notion, but it works for me. Last thing this board needs is yet another poster who feels like they should dictate what is and what isn't thread worthy. I'm sure Moen will go play for Burke if given the opportunity. The Wings don't need to do anything hasty. Let the Leafs have him. It won't make or break us either way.

Hudler managed to win me over during the season but I really couldn't care less if he goes and plays for the Dynamo. As far as I can tell, he was done after the Brown hit. Give him credit for coming back and playing, but it affected him negatively the rest of the way. Not really sad to see a player like that go. See ya...

Oh man... sucks to be Sidney Crosby. LMAO!!!

Thanks for posting this stuff. I like to know about every Wing prospect but I don't really follow GR as much as I should.

Awesome interview. Thanks. I like his point of view that without the crutch (Hossa), this team will have no choice but to get back to the great defensive hockey we know they can play. Not to mention that a season of solid defensive play would seem to lessen overall wear and tear. Sounds like a plan.

Haha... looks like some Eastern Conference teams are gonna be s***ting their pants next season. Gonna be interesting to see a Western Conference team play in the Eastern Conference all season (I still consider Toronto a Western Conference team). Not to mention that Pronger has a whole new conference full off opposing fans to 'win over'... the East is gonna be fun to watch this season. I predict we will see a lot of pouting from some Eastern Conference teams this season.