Jesusberg

Not an overpayment by any means. It's right on par with comparable contracts, plus there's the (very likely, IMO) chance that he will grow into, and play above the contract. Very pleased with the signing.

This was my first thought. I'm still hoping see Helm sign for somewhere around 1.8-2.0M

I thought Stevie said he wasn't interested in Bobby Lou? I can see him going to Toronto, though. The article's a bit older, so maybe something's changed. "I think everybody’s trying to find somebody that’s that elite guy... My philosophy, I’m trying to find that Hall of Famer goaltender. Good luck trying to do that. It takes time. We’ll find that through the draft, through unrestricted free agency. That guy isn’t there at this time." http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/globe-on-hockey/yzerman-hints-tampa-not-in-hunt-for-luongo/article4204557/

I'm in my mid twenties and I disapprove. I guess every one chooses to conduct themselves in a certain manner. If I was making 6 million dollars a year and in the eye of the public, I would probably control myself a bit better. I guess it's easy to say since I'm not in that position, but I just think people have different natures, and money/alcohol bring them out. The issue with Kane is that while other guys are rumored to be jerks, Kane makes it very public. He could definitely be a little more subtle.

For guys coming out of the CHL, they must be 20 years of age, or have played 4 years of junior hockey in order to make the jump full time (although, they can sign those ATO contracts and finish the year in the AHL). You're right about Jurco and Almqvist making the jump, though. I'm very interested to see how Jurco does next season.

Or a lot of NHL 12.

Couldn't agree more. He's always been far more effective on the wing, imo.

This is dead on. They had the 2nd worst goals for per game in the league heading into the post-season, and it was pretty much Quick carrying them most of the year. Their offensive blew up at the right time, and they've had some guys play above their regular season performances (Penner, King, etc.). Not taking any credit away from their play now, but they were underperforming during the regular season, and I believe they're overperforming right now. They're playing a solid team game right now and are on fire. Do the Red Wings have to get better? Absolutely, but I'm not sure if any other team is a "model". They've done the right things for so many years, but now they need some youth and talent injected into the line-up.

Smith is far more scrappy than Yandle. He throws plenty of hits, and has an edge to his game that is absent from Yandle's. The Kronwall comparison is pretty bang on. They're comparisons. I don't think that anyone is saying Nyquist is going to be the next Datsyuk. As mentioned, a lot of these comparisons were made by Red Wings management and staff, so I suppose they're ridiculous too. What do they know about hockey?

The issue with Pulkkinen is he'll likely be limited to a pure offensive force. He's got a great shot and solid offensive instincts, but he lacks speed and defensive awareness. I think he could wind up as a solid top 6 guy, but I'm not sure about the "great forward" tag that Rich mentioned. You could toss him on a line that covers up his lack of speed/defense... a good complimentary player, I think. Could throw guys like Tatar and Tvrdon into the conversation too, but I have more faith in Nyquist, Jarnkrok and Jurco. Sure there is, which is why I'm skeptical about Jurco. Nyquist has shown he can excel at the AHL level, and looked right in place on a line with Datsyuk. Jarnkrok's playing in the SEL, which is right on par or higher with the AHL. At times during the currenty IIHF tournament, he's looked like the best player on Sweden. I agree that you can never fully predict how good a player will be, but Nyquist and Jarnkrok have looked right in place with NHL caliber players.

Honestly, I feel like that "pair" is going to stem out of Nyquist, Jarnkrok and/or Jurco. Some people doubt their upside, but I firmly believe that the first two are for sure, solid two-way players. I'd still like to see what happens with Jurco, but I think he's got a lot of upside.

Honestly, if Semin is willing to come to Detroit for 4-5 million, I think that in itself is a reflection of his attitude and desire to win. If he wants money and/or to coast, he only needs to head to the KHL or a bottom feeder team for another 6.7 million dollar contract. Admittedly, it's a risk and Parise should be priority number one, but I also don't agree that Semin is as bad as people assume he is. He's got a load of offensive talent, and one of the best, pure shots in the league. Perhaps he wants to mature as a player, and that's part of why he's "moving on". It was said (in the Khan article, I think) that he was playing with Backstrom and Ovie, so why would Zetterberg and Datsyuk be much different? Well... maturity, age, leadership and steady team that isn't a revolving door of coaches? A system and team who KNOWS who they are, but perhaps didn't have the talent and speed to push this season? As I said, Parise's the first priority, but after that I don't think Semin is a terrible option. The guy has a lot of question marks surrounding him, so I'd hope the team wouldn't sign him to a high hit and term, but something not too out of control wouldn't bother me at all. If the team's mission to upgrade Hudler's position means adding Semin, I actually see that as a positive move.

No offense Richdg, but I second this... I'm not sure if you've watched Parise play, but he's a very solid two-way player. He'd fit in Detroit's system very well (at least on paper) and will bring some serious offensive help, if they can manage to sign him. I'm in agreement with everyone saying that the team needs offense more at this juncture, but I can't help but want Suter too. Getting both guys would bring the whole "Christmas in July" thing to life for me.

Fixed. Lawls.

Honestly, his interviews have been irking me for awhile now. It's like the guy has no accountability whatsoever, and may be smoking a ton of grass. He's pretty easy going for a guy who's on a team that was eliminated in the first round. More fun? How about more consistent effort? Winning is fun.

I thought about this earlier. The exit really is a blessing in disguise. There are clearly problems with this team, and hopefully they'll be addressed now.

I legit lol'd. I look like such a weirdo laughing at a laptop screen by myself.

Hey guys, Here's the latest edition of the Top 20. I'm not going to call the Fall edition a "disaster", but let's just say I think this list is much improved over that one. Comments, criticisms and discussions are always welcome. I have a feeling the points of disagreement on this list may be Tvrdon, Jensen and Marshall. Also, Emmerton and Mursak remain on the list as prospects... so while many of you might think they're no longer prospects, they're still included per HF guidelines. http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/13896/detroit_red_wings_maintain_deep_diverse_top20/

Nyquist was actually pretty close to snagging Smith's #1 spot, and I agree that Brendan has looked great with the Red Wings so far. Very promising.

I was valedictorian of my eighth grade class.

If he wins it, it would be fine with me. Pure offensive guys in the past (Green) were in the mix, but lost out to other, complete defenders. In this case, Karlsson is like 20 points ahead of the next highest scoring d-man.

I love Nick, but too many other players having great seasons. I think it'll come down to Karlsson, Weber and Chara.

I picked up on that too

I think Kindl looked pretty solid on that PP. Mind you, he wasn't putting the puck through hard enough at times, but he controlled the puck very well.

Mama said knock you out.