WorkingOvertime

Doesn't that imply a forward(s) being traded? The Wings youth is on forward, but the Wings have enough forwards signed. IMO Smith is the only dman ready to make the jump.

I think it's because Flip and Franzen have the most value of the tradeable forwards. Also, Flip only has one year left on his contract, so his value is low in a trade. However, Flip is likely to re-sign at a decent price. Mule's cap hit is low, but he is signed for a long time. Semin would be more expensive, but could replace Mule. However, there is no replacement for Flip if/when Z or Dats are injured. Therefore, Mule can be traded for a decent return without hurting the team when most other forwards cannot.

JBow should be cheaper, which would be nice, but he is not preferable. It would depend on the difference in price between them, but JBow is a capable top-4 defender. IMO if the Wings make a trade, it should be for a defender. Lids and Stuart left a big hole, while the offense hasn't changed as much and was good enough last season. Further, IMO Semin would be an upgrade over Franzen, if he is signed to a short contract. I wonder if Exelby or Janik will be signed as a 7th D next season.

3 years younger and less-injury prone thus far. IMO signing Semin for 1-3 years at 5m, and trading for Yandle, Enstrom, or J. Bow is the best step for the Wings. Mule+ top prospect+Kindl/Quincey+2 1sts should be enough for one of them.

Flip is a long-term solution as a second line center. Look at Chicago's season this year for how important center depth is in the NHL. If Mule+Jurco/Pulk+Kindl/Cleary/Quincy+2 1st's+McDonald isn't enough, then IMO the price it too high. The Wings aren't looking great for next season, but I would rather hold assests likely to help in the next 5+ years than gamble for success next season. OT- Is the spell-check not working for anyone else? I'm using Firefox with spell check on.

Who is the second line center is Z/Dats are injured? Helm cannot play that position. Further, Flip is younger than Dats/Z and can help make the transition when Dats/Z retire/age.

Flip has one year left on his contract and is likely to re-sign (at a good number) with Detroit. Therefore, Flip has more worth to the Wings than he does to any other team.

IMO Flip is essential to the Wings. Young(ish) second line centers are rare in the NHL (many teams are currently looking for one), and Dats/Z aren't getting any younger. Flip gives the Wings options if Z or Dats are hurt, and he plays a great two-way game. Further, I don't see Flip re-signing for more than 5.5m with the Wings- after the free agent signings this summer, that is a steal for a second line two-way center.

Nashville has the opportunity to match any RFA and they reportedly have the money to match the proposed contract here. Therefore, if Weber wants to leave Nashville, he may not accept a long term contract since he could end up signed to Nashville for the proposed contract.

I wouldn't make any changes assuming Doan, or any other FA will sign with Detroit. Further, Doan's play might not be top-6 center material in two years.

Flip gives the Wings security at center. If Z or Dats are injured, he is the only player on the Wings roster that can fill in as a top-6 center. As the Hawks showed this year, depth at center is very important.

Flip is a free agent next year, so I'm not sure if his value is particularly high.

Franzen might be more sought after than Flip because Flip will be a free agent next season.

The Sammy thread?

I thought Nyquist was going to replace Huds. Further, Tatar could have replaced him. This signing confuses me because Sammy seems redundant.

It's looking like the Wings need to make a trade, and that line would be amazing.

Abby and Tootoo will be great on the same line.

Only a few more days. IMO it would hurt the Pens long-term to pursue both players,

If Gaustad is going for 3+ million a year, then Abby at under 2 million a year is a fair price. I'm hoping for 1.5 million a year for three years. It's not like Abby is holding up negotiations, Holland and his agent were supposed to talk this weekend.

I'm excited for this pick too. I think he will need a few years at Western to get better positionally, but he seems to have all the tools to be a force in the NHL. From what I've read, he has great foot speed and a good shot, but his defensive game needs work. He switched to D recentely, and hopefully he can improve his defensive game. I'm hoping he can be a better version of Carkner.

Abby had more points last season, more short handed time per game, and more hits per minute than Prust. Further, Prust is rumored to want over 2 million per year (he turned down an offer of less from the Rangers), while Abby should get 2 million maximum. Also, some have mentioned Abby's penatles. Per 60 minutes, he draws 1.5 penalites while commiting .9. When it comes to penalties, he helps the team more than he hurts the team. Prust takes more penalties per penalties drawn than Abby. I would like both, but adding Prust over Abby will only result in more fights. What the Wings need is both players. One tough player on the fourth line isn't going to make the Wings tough. Having Abby and Prust, Tootoo, etc will make the Wings fourth line tough to play against. While I would like Gaustad, his asking price of 3+ million is too much. For that price, the Wings would be better trading for Ott. Trading for Ott would also allow the Wings to trade Emmerton, who would be redundent if a fourth line center is acquired.

Abby is one of the few physical forwards the Wings have. The team without him would be incredibly soft. I believe Khan said the Wings would talk to both at the draft. Therefore, I think it's too early to speculate on either player.

Detroit picks Frk.

Day 2 is available on nhl.com under press room videos.

Would you trade Mule? That's likely where the deal would start (I would for Forsberg).