Jesusberg

Yeah, I really doubt there's any truth to it. Cogliano's point totals have progressively declined the past three seasons, and there's really no one we'd use him to replace. He's got tons of speed and could actually fair well on a better team, but I don't think that team will be Detroit.

I'm a huge advocate of Mursak, but this bothered me too. He just seemed to stop skating. He's also taken a few questionable penalties, but I assume he'll work the kinks out eventually.

For some reason this isn't on my sports pack for Coegeco digital cable. Makes me wonder what I'm paying $35 a month for...

But he's not a hell of a lot better than Miller, Ritola or even Draper being here, which is the point.

CORE! CORE! CORE!

I think this one's going to hurt. That said, if the Wings somehow pull this one off I'm not letting my Leaf friend fans live it down.

Mursak is making me look good. I like it.

Mr. Bean had a daughter

Kinda sucks, but what can ya do? I'm not overly pro or anti-enforcer, but I like Downey's attitude and philosophy. Hopefully a guy like Mitchell Callahan can continue to develop and put on some muscle too. I think the new type of enforcer that we might see is going to have to be a 20-30 point scorer, while still dropping the gloves. Who knows, but a lot of the pure enforcers are being weeded out, it would seem.

My problem with Ericsson is that while he wants to be an offensive defenseman, he doesn't even utilize his assets properly. The guy has a 100mph shot, and I've yet to see him consistently use it. I guess it's hard without time on the PP, but it'd be nice to see him do some actual damage. I think he needs some kind of fire lit under him. Maybe with Kindl pushing him along this season, he'll develop a mean streak. The guy is too big to not be using his size to knock people out of the crease. He impressed me with some of his board play last season, but I still wanna see him get tougher overall. I hate to say it, but I can see Kindl taking over his spot in maybe 2-3 months. The issue is, we could really use Ericsson on the PK. Without him in the line-up guys like Lidstrom and Kronwall will have to pick up some PK duty. Also, with Modano manning the 2nd PP right point, would Kindl even get any PP time along side Kronner? While the line-up is pretty much set, there are still some big questions.

No. Drake never had any problems with practice...

Ken Daniels' San Jose comment = money.

Jobbed for two goals... yep, it's hockey season in Detroit again.

And just when I praise Kindl... boom

I have to think that if Kindl and Ericsson keep playing at the levels they have this preseason, Kindl will take over the #6 spot.

Filppula! Do that all the time!

#1: I totally called Mursak scoring. #2: I loved seeing Ericsson knock Campbell on his butt.

I like the line-up. Ritola's got a good chance here to shut me up. I think that fourth line could make some noise too, especially with Emmerton and Owens having good camps. My boy Jan Mursak's getting a goal. Oh yes, he's getting a goal.

Too soon? lol

These two things make me VERY happy. I've been waiting for Bert to let go again, and I just wish I could have seen it on TV or in person. I think he and Franzen are going to play better than we think they will. I've had my doubts, but from several pre-season accounts they have looked good together. As far as Salei goes, I had a feeling he would do well. It's only one exhibition game, but like I've said before he's capable of playing steady hockey for 20+ minutes. Hopefully he can calm down Ericsson and Kindl as the season goes on.

Wow, so now we get to listen to Crosby whine off the ice too. Good thing I don't have HBO

"Big Papa Pump" Alternatively, I would go with Holmstrom. As someone stated above, he's a real unsung hero on this team. He's not the most skilled guy, but he's a pest and he draws the opposing team's attention very well.

I'd actually be totally fine seeing Draper and Downey as the 13th & 14th forwards. I like the idea of having an "enforcer" type player handy, as they can be inserted into the line-up when the need arises. If we could get a pick for a trade of Miller and Ritola I'd be all for it. However, I'm almost positive that at least one of those two will be retained, and that Downey will spend most of his time in the AHL. Miller has shown himself to be a capable bottom six forward, and Ritola has some untapped potential, though I still think he's a dime a dozen player. That's just my opinion on him.

If this man replaces McCrimmon... tears of joy will be spilled. Not so much because I don't like Brad, but I mean Hitch is a defensive specialist. This would be an awesome move if it happens. Please happen.

I like this idea quite a bit. Might be a little bit for Sheahan to catch up with these two guys, but we'll see. I could see maybe Mursak playing on a right wing with them until Sheahan develops. Tatar-Nyquist-Sheahan/Mursak I'm happy to hear that Babcock is high on Andersson. I've liked him for quite some time, and I think he could turn into a pretty effective third line center if he can boost his offensive production a bit. Glad to hear he's high on Smith too.