Jesusberg

This. They've kind of just been in control of their own rotation, really. The last time they spent a decent chunk of time playing together was the 2007-08 season. That year Zetterberg took 1210 faceoffs and Datsyuk took 833, so it was somewhat balanced.

Bowman: "No, no Crystal Ball... we're not loaning you to anyone. It's a paid vacation man. Yeah, the Swiss are awesome... they've got cheese and chocolate. Yeah, OK man, I've gotta go. Marty just got here and we're playing Monopoly. Yeah, I'll try not to spend frivolously. Later bro."

I'm glad someone else thought this too. I don't feel as nerdy

Solid. Now two guys will have to be moved. Meech is pretty much a sure bet to be gone, then it's a toss-up between Miller and Ritola. Going to be an interesting year.

I don't think anyone here expects Modano to be "great". He's likely going to be able to put up 40-50 points, and maintain a solid all-around game. Modano give us, arguably, the deepest pool of forwards in the league.

I like Asham, for sure... he's a gritty player who busts his butt every night. That being said, I'm still glad we got Modano. He's got the wheels and talent to play Detroit's puck possession game, and he's not a slouch defensively. Detroit wins playing a finesse game... defense with the sticks instead of pounding the offense. Then when the playoffs hit, everyone picks up their physical play. There are times I wish Detroit was a more physical team, with grinders and enforcers, but I look at the success they've had and realize I'm happy with the way they've done things. Like I said, Asham would have been a good signing, but in the long run of the season I think Modano will work out just as well. Plus, for anyone dogging Holland for the Modano signing, I'm pretty sure Ilitch had a huge hand in bringing Mo here. He was happier than a kid in a candy store during the press conference. Either way, let's stop looking at what the Red Wings don't have, and check out what they do; probably the deepest 3 lines in the league. This is shaping up to be an awesome season

I don't think everyone should toss him under the bus just yet. He's got a lot of raw talent. If people here care to remember, Howard wasn't very good at the AHL level either. Let the guy play before you crucify him.

I'm going to miss the guy, but damn he shouldn't have been so greedy. Now Salei has his job and he's on the outs. Good luck Pain Train.

Cool stuff. I'm always interested in seeing younger players and how good they are.

Yeah, he's got terrible injury and illness issues, but at 500K you can't beat the price.

This is exactly what they'll do. I'm kind of hoping he ends up being one of those players that plays better when he has higher-end talent around him. He's very mobile, has strong passes and has a decent shot from the point when need be. There was a quote about him a few years ago: "He's better when he has less time with the puck because he does it on instinct — he just moves it quickly." He'll have to move the puck more on instinct at the NHL level, because his time and space will be taken away. If he can get some confidence back in him, he could play pretty well. Somewhere down the line, I'd like to see he and Ericsson play together effectively. Right now it would be a nightmare, but it was a solid projection a few years ago.

My ex hated hockey and hated how much I watched it, talked about it and loved it. It was a pretty big dividing point. This is why she is my ex.

I just watched ESPN's "The Season" yesterday which covered the 2002-03 for the Red Wings, and man did they seem to dog Cujo (no pun intended) throughout. They mentioned a few games where he'd given up like 3 goals on 12 shots, or something like that. I definitely wasn't a fan of the move at the time, but I think people really ragged on him too much. I just remember thinking his style of play didn't suit Detroit, but I never had much against the guy. His play wasn't as terrible as some people would lead you to believe.

Depends on how many of his passes D & Z wanna put in the back of the net.

All this does is hype me up even more. Dear season, please come quick.

This is only here until Abdelkader signs. So in the spirit of boredom and this threat... Crosby sucks.

The ones I'm using for NHL 10 are... PP Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Lidstrom-Rafalski Hudler-Filppula-Franzen Kronwall-Modano PK Helm-Abdelkader Salei-Stuart Datsyuk-Cleary Lidstrom-Ericsson

Reading the thread title I immediately thought: This. Is. MOTOWN!

Jesusberg is not pleased What kind of sick joke is this?

I don't see why some people are so vehemently protesting this signing. In the past seasons Salei has played a game very comparable to Brad Stuart's. The team got him at the 750K price tag because last season was so injury plagued. In 2008-09 his stats and Stuart's stats were as follows: Stuart: 67 Games Played, 20:13 ice time 2 Goals, 13 Assists for 15 Points 157 Hits, 98 Blocked Shots Salei: 70 Games Played, 21:06 ice time 4 Goals, 17 Assists for 21 Points 107 Hits, 143 Blocked Shots I'm aware of his two glaring issues: Health and discipline. I still feel like he's a good signing. I could project his stats over 82 games for last year, but his offensive totals would be a little blown up in my opinion (projected for 35 points) so I don't think it's a fair comparison to make. The point is, he plays a very solid game for 750K. If he can stay healthy, this will turn into a very good signing.

All I want is for him to clear the crease and play mean along the boards. That would make me more than happy.

This is ridiculous, lol. Not because of the decision, just because of how long and drawn out it has become.

I think he's gonna be effective, especially for that price tag. I just hope he can stay healthy. That's the biggest issue to me.

I think it would be nice if they put it out of circulation for a little while, if only to honor Probert. I wouldn't retire it, though.

Lukas Krajicek isn't overly physical, and he doesn't block a ton of shots. He's also got absolutely zero offensive upside. No thanks.