Jesusberg

If this happens, we NEED to offer sheet Guy Boucher.

Someone he's always reminded me of is Kurtis Foster on the Oilers (aside from the big point total he put up with Tampa last year). Bomb of a shot, not as physical as he could be for his size, etc. If E does come back to Detroit, I'd like to see him used on the PP to utilize his shot. Sometimes I wonder if the Red Wings are just trying to push him into a mold he doesn't belong in, but then again they could just be trying to shore up his defensive game so that he can be more complete going forward. Still think he should get to try out some solid PP time.

Per Darren Dreger's Twitter: "In an hour or so, the Detroit Red Wings will announce veteran asst coach Brad McCrimmon won't be back for a 4th year on the Wings bench."

Why is this still going on? It's in full troll mode now

Not to nitpick, but the title is a bit misleading. In an article on NHL.com Holland insists that it's more of a "see what happens" kind of thing, and that he's going to have to fill some roles with FA's. NHL Article

An overpayment on the Red Wings' part, to be sure. But really, I don't what else they can really do to get a quality player without doing that. If we're consistently good, we'll still be picking late. The team's gotten some nice surprises out of late rounds in the past, but scouting has improved and it's hard to rely on that anymore. I'm not advocating selling the farm, but I also thing we've got very solid forward depth, and questionable depth on defense. If we have to move some offensive assets for something on the back end, I wouldn't be opposed to it.

The thing about a message board is everyone is going to want something different, and people are going to think each other's suggestions are insane. At the end of the day I'd WANT to see Holland add some kind of young, blue chip defender to the system. While that's almost certainly not going to occur, I'm also not going to settle for signing an old, worn-out defender who might help us for the next 1-2 years. At least, not until it actually happens. I'll have a small semblance of hope for an impact move that I'd prefer until it doesn't happen, and then when it doesn't I'll make the best out of what Holland actually snatches up. I have a ton of faith in Holland, but I also feel that this is a critical time for the Red Wings' future. With Rafalski and Lidstrom (potentially) out and Kronwall and Stuart being 30+ years old, I'd think a young defender would be of the utmost concern. Guys like Kindl and Smith could develop (some might think Almqvist and Marshall too), but I'm not entirely sold on them. Either way, I hope that whatever he does can help the team fill the offensive void left by Raffi's departure.

Nothing. As I said in a post right after: Just because I don't think it'll happen doesn't mean I wouldn't want it to.

Wasn't started here. It originated from the Windsor Star's Bob Duff. Got it from his Twitter. Obviously, it didn't pan out, but it had a bit more truth to it than just being an LGW rumor.

Agreed that the move up would likely take too much, but I like the prospect of adding a future piece to the puzzle. Along with it, I'd add someone else, obviously, to lessen the blow now. He's physically mature enough to play at a high level, so I'm not sure about the need for seasoning. Knowing the Red Wings' philosophy though, he'd have to anyway. It would be nice to fix more than the "immediate" needs in my opinion, as outside of Smith I have a hard time seeing any of the defensive prospects as real pieces of the future. Maybe someone like Almqvist or Marshall will surprise me, but we'll see. Either way, I don't anticipate this is a move we would ever see, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't love for it to happen Edit: Clarity.

Draft. Draft. Draft. Trade up for Adam Larsson Please do it Kenny.

From the official Red Wings page on Facebook: "The Red Wings have scheduled a press conference for 11:00 AM on Wednesday with Ken Holland and Brian Rafalski expected to attend. Fans will be able to watch the proceedings LIVE on DetroitRedWings.com."

Unlucky, sure... but he's still had the issues. If I had to take one of Ehrhoff or Markov I'd go with Ehrhoff.

Agreed. 6 million in cap space is good and all, but the FA market is kind of dry and he's not going to be as easily replaced as some people think.

Wow. "In a surprise if not shocking move sources tell Sportsnet the #RedWings will announce retirement of D Brian Rafalski as early as this week." Per Nick Kypreos Edit: Mack had his first.

Kukla's Korner "Boughner, good friends w Detroit coach Mike Babcock, told The Dispatch on Wednesday he has no interest in another assistant’s job." So looks like maybe no Boughner after all, as he only wants a head coaching job now. In the same article they mention Jenny's point that Chelly says he's happy with his job now. They also cite Hitchcock as being a "dark horse".

From Windsor Star: “Bob Boughner is a young coach that would likely have to be a candidate,” Wings GM Ken Holland said. “Obviously, he’s accomplished a lot as a junior coach. I think he’d have to be a name on our list." Read more: http://www.canada.com/Caps+owner+major+changes+needed/4812499/story.html#ixzz1MqYWJdM8

Was that your reply on Dreger's Twitter? I saw that and broke out laughing.

He TURNED DOWN a contract? lol... I was a big Ericsson supporter for awhile, but I think it's just too hard to defend him anymore. Bring in someone to pair with Kindl, and let him go. Also, I think Modano & Draper will be replaced by Emmerton and Mursak. Not sure they'll be looking to outside talent at forward.

I actually do say congrats to the Sharks, but with slight hesitation. I think most of their players conducted themselves very well, but I'll never be able to stand Setoguchi, Heatley or Thornton. And I still have an irrational dislike for Kyle Wellwood All things considered, plenty of their players just came out and competed. They're a good team and it just sucks that their captain sets a poor example for the rest of the team. Guys like Couture, Pavelski and Boyle impress me on a continual basis. The Red Wings will regroup, figure out their contracts and come back again strong next season. That's the best part of being a Detroit fan... we have something else to look forward to.

So he's going to go from healthy scratch to top line forward? Impressive. Let me know when he exhibits that top-end scoring ability. I've been dying to see it. As long as Hudler plays soft and slow, none of his "ability" is going to matter.

I have a friend who is a Canucks' fan, and he's just been absolutely driven insane by Bieksa. Says he takes a lot of bad penalties. That being said, he's really chippy and I think a PK tandem of Stuart-Bieksa would be awesome to watch.

For some reason I can just picture Pavel saying, "We here mess you up. Big win."

This feels like one of those moments in the WWF/E where the guy extends his hand... and the face (good guy) waits and turns to the crowd to see if he should or not... Just kidding. But seriously, Wings in 3.

You lost me at "Wings Getting No Help"...