schtimpy27

Every post in this thread could be taken out and replaced with this one. This is so 100% on. Total no brainer. More money to play at home on the Stanley Cup defending champs vs. less money in a town he has no personal connection to and has always been kind of the second, third, or fourth fiddle among fans. I'm not happy about this move from a personal standpoint, but if he hadn't taken it, I would question his sanity. Someone dumb enough to pass this up wouldn't be smart enough to actually want on your team. P.S. Anaheim isn't quiet close enough to Manhattan Beach to commute from, so I'm assuming a move might be in the books. Plus, I'm not sure he lived on the ocean exactly; It would take more than $5 million a year to own beachfront in CA.

Grass is greener syndrome. Seriously, though, I don't get the Souray in Detroit thing. He would be like BBQ sauce for Detroit's ice-cream sundae. He's good in his own right, but not the right ingredient for Detroit's mix.

Stick with the defensive crew in hand, and use the cash saved to strengthen some other area. It is the only realistic option. The price of D this year just went nuts, and no one in the NHL or the minors right now can replace Mathieu for less money than Mathieu will be in line to get. The Wings already have one D making huge money and there is just simply no cap room to bring in another and still fix the problems that exist in other areas.

He is replaceable.... by someone who will command $6 million. Several teams in the past have thought they had enough "kids" in the system that could step up, making Schneider "replaceable." And several teams have also realized that they were wrong. Will the Wings tank when/if Schneider leaves? No. But will they thrive because he leaves and a better or equal kid comes in? That would be a more resounding no. First, I will note your emphasis on may, which is appropriate. Second, being a franchise-long Sharks fan, and a fan of Stuart, I can say he is no Schneider. He's not even a Schneider-lite. I can see him in Detroit's lineup like I see myself in a Victoria's Secret string bikini. Sure, it would fit decently and wouldn't be an embarrassment, but it just isn't right.

I know y'all will, but just in case: Keep it classy my fellow fin lovers. With my split allegiances, this series is going to give me an ulcer!