Jesusberg

If I'm not mistaken, the Red Wings have used their post-TDL recalls.

I didn't think he was terrible, either. It was one game. Liles rocking him was my only issue with Ferraro - he has to be more aware of his surroundings.I thought he used his speed well and was strong on the forecheck. That said, I'd much rather have Callahan on this team. A lot hinges on Mule's health and what happens with Cole, but I hope they end up having a spot for Mitch. I could definitely live with letting Andersson walk, despite his improved play as of late. It's pretty obvious that we've seen his ceiling, IMO.

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Abdelkader Tatar-Sheahan-Cole Nyquist-Weiss-Pulkkinen/Jurco Miller-Helm-Glendening Doubt we'll see it, but I'd give it a shot. I might even swap Weiss and Sheahan, but considering how likely that one is...

I've seen this on here more times than I'd care to admit. Why in the world would you make this move? Even if Mrazek is ready, who's going to back him up? Mrazek goes down next year and we see Jared Coreau for 35+ games? Sign me up.

I have this mental image of people spazzing out like that kid who got his WoW account cancelled. I'd post the video, but I'm not sure it's entirely appropriate.

I had this sentence half-written, but then I considered Zidlicky. Sure, he's dropped off now. His production wasn't sustainable, but I thought he looked fantastic off the bat. If anything, I find it weird how well he fit in right off the bat - he looked "on" right away. I think he's fallen off as time's gone on - shown his knack for bad penalties, lack of foot speed, getting too fancy in the offensive zone. I think Cole plays a simpler game that's going to translate well in the post-season. I'm optimistic that's he's got a couple "big goals" in him.

No. We really don't. Part of me likes that the team has struggled - it's weeded out some of the fair-weather fans, at least in my group of friends. I always want this team to succeed, but I don't think a change would hurt. Things have to go south for changes to occur. Kind of a double-edged sword.

Ahh, yes... the old, "Should Brendan Smith have known his hand would get infected, and thus not punched Nick Foligno in the mouth?" conundrum. For the record, I've liked Cole in his time here. Something does seem "off" about how he's looked, but it's tough to argue with his contributions. I think he brings a different element to the team, and it's going to show more in the post-season.

In other news, shinguard sales have plummeted in the last 24 hours. Logos says they feel safer than ever. In all seriousness, I like the fortitude he showed. He didn't take s*** from anyone. The issue with Sammy was that Kenny signed him for two years too many, and he was taking up a roster spot. Appreciate everything he did for Detroit.

It's looking like Pavel could be back against the Sharks tomorrow. That said, I'd still rather see Weiss in the line-up over Andersson. Babcock must really hate the man. George Sipple ‏@GeorgeSipple 2m2 minutes ago Ken Holland also said F Pavel Datsyuk (lower body injury) is close to returning. May play tomorrow vs. Sharks.

Seriously. All this does is make it even more embarrassing if the Wings drop the ball here. I'm really hoping the take them down with much of an issue. Would be great to see Nyquist and Tatar get back on track, too.

Pretty much this. I would be absolutely shocked if they found someone to take Weiss' contract at this point. No one's going to touch Mule, IMO - he's either done and stuck on LTIR or he'll play for Detroit. Honestly, I think that Cleary and Gustavasson are the only surefire bets to leave. I'm really hoping they find a suitor for Kindl, and I'd like them to part ways with Andersson and give Callahan a crack at that 4th line RW spot.

It's getting to the point where I'm getting irrationally upset with Luke Glendening. I know it's Babs calling the shots, but... come on. I just don't understand what the plan with Weiss is at this point. Are they buying him out in the offseason? They can't be thinking of shopping him, because the market for 4.9 million dollar healthy scratches just isn't what it used to be...

So, I was having a discussion with a friend of mine regarding Detroit's restricted free agents (ones who could make the team next year) - how much each would cost and the term they would receive. We disagreed over Gus' RFA status. My interpretation is that Nyquist would still be RFA if he signed a one-year deal, but not two years. He's 25-years-old and his birthday is September 1st, which means he would be a RFA in 2016-17, but not 2017-18. So they could sign him for one year, and he'd be still be RFA next offseason, but not the following one. This seems simple to me, but I could be wrong? In the 2017 offseason, he would be 27... thus qualifying for UFA status, right? "Any Player who either has seven (7) Accrued Seasons or is 27 years of age or older as of June 30 of the end of a League Year, shall, if his most recent SPC has expired, with such expiry occurring either as of June 30 of such League Year or June 30 of any prior League Year, become an Unrestricted Free Agent." Edit: Can a mod fix the title? Sorry.

1. I get that, but I think his value will be similar one year from now. At the very least, they should get a full year in with Petr before even considering doing anything with Howard. I'm not sure Edmonton does an Eberle for Howard swap, straight up. One or more of our forwards would have to be included, in order to create room up front. 2. I've suggested that the Wings should grad a vet goaltender to protect Howard and Mrazek in the past. Not sure I'd trust many of the UFA goalies behind Mrazek. Niemi could work as a 1A, 1B if he leaves San Jose. Don't really trust Enroth or Lindback, and they're two of the better options out there. Conceivably, we could protect both goalies, if they were willing to play a role on the Griffins: Both guys are 32-years-old and might be willing to take on a lesser role. They also meet the experience requirements, even if they play in the AHL next year. 3. I agree. Petr helps the break-out in ways that Howard can't. He's head and shoulders above Jimmy in that regard.

This is where you completely lose me. Why would you move your starting goaltender because you think your 23-year-old back-up goalie, with 33 games of NHL experience might be ready to start? I can understand thinking Mrazek deserves to start more often, but why in the world would you move Howard now? That's just not smart asset management, in my opinion. Mrazek struggles and who do they turn to? Tom McCollum?

They don't get made about a six-year veteran because there's not as much at stake for him. You know what you're getting out of Jimmy - Mrazek's still progressing. I think you're mixing up hatred with people wanting Mrazek to be the best possible version of himself. That said, I do think he's more than ready for back-up duty. Monster simply can't stay healthy - I want as much depth as possible on this team, but Gustavsson isn't providing that anymore. If Petr is going to push Howard in the post-season, then power to him. A lot of what was discussed in those Howard vs. Mrazek posts was about Howie being traded, because some people think Mrazek needs to be the starter right now. I doubt you'll find many people around here saying Mrazek isn't ready to work behind Howie in the NHL.

Honestly, the only difference I think they could/should have made earlier in the year is Callahan or Ferraro in for Andersson. I think Miller's a great fourth-line player, and Glendening's done well most of the year. Andy doesn't bring much, IMO. I think Callahan (when healthy) or Ferraro would provide more speed, a better forecheck and chip in more on offense.

I really like those lines. Good balance of playmaking, shooting and net-front on each line. Hopefully it works out and they click right off the bat.

A bridge deal like Tatar's isn't going to work here. That would actually put the team in a bad position. Nyquist might want 2-3 years, but no way management does. As DD mentioned, Gus wants to get to UFA status as soon as possible. He's an unrestricted free agent after this deal, anyway. Might as well try to get him to sign for 4-5 years at a reasonable cap hit - anywhere from 4-4.5 million (good chance he'll try for 5). There's no chance in hell he signs for 2.75 million. I'll eat my socks if Gus signs for less than 4 million.

No. That's boring.

I agree with this. I've been watching more Griffins games as of late, and I think Mantha's starting to come around. In particular, I liked his goal against Rockford the other night. He's a big body and I'd much rather see him in front of the net than playing perimeter hockey. I think he's really starting to adapt to the physicality. I think AA is as "safe" of a prospect as Detroit has in its system right now. I'm looking forward to seeing what Mantha-AA can do together from here on out.

The regular season is one thing, but in the playoffs there's no player I'd rather see kill a 5-on-3 than Henrik Zetterberg. If they want to put Mule in over Andersson, I'd be for it. I think this team should have ten "locks" for spots in the playoffs: Helm-Datsyuk-Tatar Abby-Z-Cole Nyquist-Sheahan-? Miller-Glendening-? You can fill in those spots with two of: Mule, Weiss, Andersson, Jurco and/or Pulkkinen. I've never seen much in Andersson - he has the odd game where he skates well. I think Jurco's got potential, but I almost think this season is a write-off for him - he's got no confidence. That leaves the other three guys. If Pulkkinen is clicking on that third line, I'd give him a look in the post-season. The point is, I think giving Franzen a shot is worth it, if all it means is replacing Andersson in the line-up. Either way, you can still run the main PK unit of Miller-Glendening, then have Helm-Abby on rare occasions use Z and/or Datsyuk in there. There are plenty of two-way forwards in the line-up. Sheahan could work on the PK, too.

I hope he's back vs. Philly... if only to end the Glendening experiment a day earlier. I love Mike Babcock, but it's pretty messed up that I'm hoping that Darren Helm returns to take up his role on a scoring line over LUKE GLENDENING.

I like the idea of signing a veteran goalie, if only to insulate the situation in Grand Rapids. I'm thinking they will let McCollum walk, bring back Coreau, and Paterson will be turning pro. Maybe they keep McCollum, because of his RFA status, but I'd like to see him move on. Perhaps keep his rights and let him play overseas? Either way, if the league winds up having another expansion draft, it might be smart to have a goaltender who meets the experience requirements. Not sure if they'll change, but in 2000 it was 10 games in the previous season, or 25 games in the previous two seasons. Not too many pending UFA's would qualify, though. Taking a quick look, I see Fasth and McElhinney as two goaltenders who would work. At the very least, I think it would be smart to add a guy with some experience.