mmamolo

Personally, I would think that there was interest in Nabokov but other teams were worried about the exact same thing you're worried about - signing him to a deal, having to expose him to waivers since he started the season playing outside of North America, and then losing him to a waiver claim. So maybe other teams who had interest felt it was more plausible to get him on their roster by waiting for someone else to sign him and then trying to submit a waiver claim.

There's no question that even if he can regain some of his form he may be one of the best value goalies in the league on this contract. People can talk about his playoff performances all they want but they shouldnt conviently forget to mention the disappearing acts of Thornton, Marleau and co. during those performances. Not to mention that when you couple Nabokov's contract with a potential goaltending partner like Howard you've got maybe the strongest (for cap hit) tandem in the league. Miller would/could only be the odd man out once everyone else is healthy because Draper isn't going anywhere and as everyone has noted before Eaves and Miller provide the same things except Eaves provides more speed and offense (plus has more potential to grow).

I know what you're saying but I don't think it's entirely fair to say 'no one wanted him at the beginning of the season.' I think no one wanted him at the price tag he wanted. Not to mention the term he may have been asking for. That's probably why he signed in the KHL. Had he signed a 1 year deal for $570k I guarentee interest across the league would have been far greater during last summer.

Waiver Wire Madness If NJD were to claim him and then try to trade him they would have to first re-expose him to waivers. Every team that put a claim in for him in his first go about through waivers (today) who have a crack at him again + Detroit. During his second go about through waivers the order of waiver precedence would be based on the standings as of that date. At least that's my understanding.

Well, I think we have to look at it in one of two ways. Let's assume the recent articles, that state Osgood is on track for a mid to late March return, are accurate and truthful. How much prep time does that give him? Would he be in game shape come playoffs if we needed to call upon him? Plus, what level of performance would he be capable of? On the Filppula (flip) side of the coin maybe Osgood wont be ready. Think of the set backs Draper had. Either way Nabokov would provide the insurance at the position. The only roster issue this could create would be having to dump a forward if Osgood was healthy enough to return and we'd have to carry 3 goalies. As I said, if Osgood, Howard and Nabokov were carried at some point it would be Miller put on waivers (cause we woudlnt be able to trade him - no one to take that trade because they'd know our hands were tied). This of course is assuming we didnt have any more injuries. Of course the Brad Stuart injury (or another) could afford us the chance to keep Miller at that time.

You dont have to like him. People can love him, hate him, or be indifferent - so long as we're objective when talking about his performance. It's like people on here having such blind hate for Crosby that they say he sucks. Don't get me wrong, I don't like the guy cause he's a whiney ****** but there's no denying how good he is. Now, I'm not comparing Hudler to Crosby but what I'm saying is you can hate someone but still admit that his (Hudler) play has greatly improved over the last 12 odd games or so. For the record, I think you did so in your last post

If that ended up being the case the Wings would have to move someone else off of their roster to meet the 23 man limit. It would most likely have to be a forward. When the time came and the Wings did in fact carry 3 goalies this would most likely spell the end of Drew Miller's time on the Wings' roster. Check the link for a sweet take on Nabokov: WAIVER WIRE MADNESS

That is definitely true. Hudler has passed up a whole bunch of shot opportunities in favor of passing the puck. There's no question that although Hudler's game has improved as of late there still is a great deal of room for improvement. The guy has a good shot and should use it more often, that's for sure.

No one is saying that Hudler has played to his contract value this year. But LGW has biased haters against Hudler who because they have completely lost their patience just refuse to give credit where credit is due when Hudler does something of value. Any truly objective fan will tell you that over the last 10-12 (or so) games Hudler has been forechecking hard, creating chances, moving the puck well, backchecking hard, and had a much improved impact on the game than he did the first 30 games of the season. Everyone wants to lump posters on this forum in groups 'Hudler Slappies' and 'Hudler Haters'. I can maybe think of 2 or 3 posters who are legitimately able to view things with an objective eye. Things aren't always black and white, there is a grey area.

I sincerely doubt it. I don't know how much money he ended up walking away with from his KHL deal but no matter how much he got I still doubt he'd sign for cheap. Honestly, I don't really understand how the Wings could bring anyone in. Osgood seems as though he'd be coming back mid-March. Even if the Wings for the LTIR route, once he comes back they'd have to re-adjust the cap and roster spots to fit ppl back in.

This is exactly what I am talking about. Hudler has become this year's whipping boy so people have blinders on when looking at his game. If people would for one second look at thing objectively you might gain some perspective. Hudler was never the most defensively skilled forward so to expect him to suddenly make a vast improvement to that area of his game is being unrealistic. Maybe you should take note of the turnover he created, in Saturday's game against Columbus, at our blueline that lead to Filppula's goal. Not the greatest defensive play in the world but it was a solid defensive play none the less that sent the Wings moving the other way and turned the momentum in the Wings favour. Secondly, you want to quote strength. The guy is small and always has been. Again, you can point out the negatives to the guy's game that have been there since the day the Wing's drafted him all you want. If you want you can also point out that Lidstrom isn't a physical defenseman that is a real bummer because the 2010-11 Wings team, according to so many on this forum, lack team grit but it doesnt mean that Lidstrom doesn't have other redeemable qualities. Pointing out someone's flaws (Hudler's lack of defensive competence and strength) doesnt diminish his positives. It's just a weak attempt to hide his redeemable qualities. No one is going to say that this year has been a good, or even decent, year so far for Hudler. But whipping boy or not, people need to learn how to look at things objectively. With the bad comes the good at times and people should give respect where respect is due. Over the course of the last 10 games Hudler play has improved (and yes there is still room to grow). He has stepped up and done a part in the depth scoring that the Wings have needed while the injuries have piled up. For the record, I'm not even a Hudler slappy

The quietest 8 pts in 10 games Ive seen in some time I might add. Honestly, whether people like Hudler or hate Hudler you've got to look at this objectively. His play has improved dramatically. Obviously there still is room to improve (like taking shot opportunities when they are right in front of him) but lately he has become a far more dangerous offensive player. He is engaging way more and helping to create chances while playing with Filppula and Bertuzzi.

Despite the comments Larsson made about the Wings organization (whether they translate from in tone and harshness accurately or not) I've always been a big Larsson supporter and was glad the Wings retained his NA rights for the next 3 years. I've always felt he had the skills to potentially become a solid goaltender. THat doesn't mean he'd pan out but I always liked his game. That being said, I just don't see how this whole scenario would come to fruition. I think what would be more likely to happen (if anything) would be for Larsson to get a training camp invite next season and compete for the back up role since his SEL season has been so strong (assuming Osgood retires this year). Daniel Larsson - Detroit Red Wings

Honestly, I live in Toronto so I see way more Leaf games than I'd like to admit (thankfully I have centre ice so I get to see all the Wings games too) and Phaneuf is disgustingly bad at times. His confidence must be shot because when the puck is on his stick he struggles to make a decision. He doesnt hit like he used to. He doesnt move the puck like he used to. Honestly, right now the guy is a shell of what he once was. Im not saying he couldnt turn it around one day but man that is a gamble (especially for the money) ha cooler heads have to prevail

Do you watch Leaf games? Im not trying to be insulting but seriously, Phaneuf is far from the player he was when he first burst into the NHL. He constantly gets beat to the net in his defensive zone, he struggles to move the puck up the ice at times, he can't hit the net to save his life, and he struggles to make decisisions with and without the puck throughout the game. Plus, at $6.5M/yr for another 3 seasons after this season he is grossly overpaid. Take a look at his stat line this season: 2010-2011 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL GP 25 G 1 A 6 P 7 PMS 38

Although it's definitely true that the Red Wings may have asked the NHL to not include Zetterberg in the ASG (and as Dregger noted the Flyers may have done the same with some of their players) but what I find very strange is that there isn't any official word from the NHL or even the Detroit Red Wings themselves to settle the fans. Zetterberg is tied for 6th in the league in scoring, and 4th in assists. He is a clear cut all-star. I've noted in other threads that I'd just assume he rest but he clearly deserves the honour. At the moment it just looks like the NHL passed him over. If the NHL were smart they'd release a statement noting that he was left off the roster as a courtesy to the Wings and not because he was passed over. Right now we have a bunch of media and jackasses like Eklund speculating as to why he wasnt included. Then you have a bunch of fans who are pissed off. THen there are some of us who are happy he gets to rest and some of us who feel he should have gotten the respect of being named and then he could have happily declined.

To me, so much time has been invested in Kindl that you dont give up on him yet. He's been fine and they're easing him into NHL life. He has good offensice upside and has shown decent defensive play at the NHL level. Although we're all pumped to see Smith at the NHL level he isn't out of minor league options so Holland's hands arent tied. If Lidstrom returns next year the Wings could choose to go with the same d-corps as this season or replace Salei (if they cant agree on a new contract) with a different veteran on a similar type contract. Ericsson has shown a massive improvement from last year and he's only going to get better. He has his career back on track so to me, he's a no brainer to re-sign. Mursak is showing he's ready to play at the NHL level. It'd be rough to see Miller go in some ways but I think Mursak brings what Miller does and then some. His speed is an obvious upgrade so I think we'd see Mursak replace Miller next summer as Miller just hasnt taken another step forward this year. Eaves is an obvious re-sign and for a longer term. Obviously $ comes into play here. But I think you gotta look at 3 years for sure. Howard has shown the calibre of goaltender he can be and he's still growing. After the time they've invested in him there's no way they don't keep him unless he has an absolute monumental break down in the playoffs. Even if that were to happen I bet they'd keep him on a very short deal and look to solidify the back up role (assuming Osgood retired). I see Howard playing well down the stretch and getting a 3ish year deal hopefully for $2.5M but prob more like $3M. Tatar obvioulsy stays in the AHL next year and gets bigger and hopefully blows up his offensice numbers. Draper is proving he can still go this season but a lot will depend on how he does down the stretch. The roster is so jammed up that he may end up in a similar spot as Maltby did last summer. That last forward roster spot could be between him and Miller actually now that I think about it. So Draper could be back - if he is, Miller is gone. Or Draper retires, Miller is back or we get a FA. Either way, I see Mursak as one of the 13/14 forwards. Osgood's groin problems could actually pose serious issues for him going through to next year. We'll see how he responds. No way is McCollum ready to come up. I'd like to think they'd ask Daniel Larsson to camp but maybe that's just wishful thinking as I always liked him. They'd most likey sign a veteran FA to back up Howard while McCollum grows in GR (all assuming Osgood is done). If Osgood comes back and even plays as he has most of this season I think he'd be back on a cheap contract. I could even see him signing at 750k or something.

Im not opposed to our players getting extra rest but for the life of me I cant understand how Zetterberg doesnt get named to the roster. That's a joke. Elias gets named with a stat line of GP 41 G 9 A 21 P 30 +/- -11 and Zetterberg gets passed over with GP 43G 16A 33 P 49+/- 9. Each team isnt represented either I dont think. I didnt notice a Coyote until you get to the rookies (Ekman-Larsson) Jonas Hiller is the only WC goaltender. That's just weird Also, WC represents 1 of possible 6 goalies, 5 of possible 12 defensemen, and 15 of possible 26 forwards. Total of 21 out of a possible 42 players. Right on 50%

That's definitely a good point as well. Also, it's gotta be a tough pill to swallow for the Coyotes to see such a poor season from Wolski (6g 10a through 36gp) after his performance when he got there last season. They just gave him a really nice contract.

I think most people in here aren't against guys who can play a regular shift, contribute offensively and defensively and fight. I think the problem comes into the discussion when people start throwing around names of possible players. One of the posts in this thread said they'd want Carkner on this team and for the life of me I can't understand why. Yes, he's big and can fight. But he's also slow, a poor passer, and to me doesn't fit this team. The guy does do some things well (blocks shots etc) but I dont personally see him as an upgrade over someone like Salei at the moment. Im sure there are some on LGW that disagree and that's cool. But the point is when it's the off-season and we have roster spots to fill (say a 4th line grinder role) I don't think there is anyone in here who would argue with a signing of a player that can do everything on par with a Drew Miller but can also fight (assuming Miller couldn't be re-signed). Sure, you'll always have a couple people emotionally attached to a player and wouldnt take an upgrade but those ppl are few (hopefully). Check out this hilarious article ripping Brett Lebda....Terrible Stat of the Day

I think there area number of reasons this trade was made from both teams perspectives: 1. Jovo and Yandle's contracts are up at the end of this season. There is no guarentee both will re-sign. Not that Roszival is the same type of defenseman but he does add another dimension to PHO's blueline. 2. New York has sustained a number of injuries up front - most recently losing Frolov for the rest of the season. The needed a forward to replace him and Wolski was their man. 3. Roszival, although he has a cap hit of $5M per year for two more years, is making $4M for the rest of this year and then $3M next season. While Wolski is making $3.8M the rest of this year and next year as well. So cash-wise the Coyotes (who no doubt feel they've upgraded their team) have done so by only spending an additonal 50k for this season (since it's about half over) and 100k for next year. Since PHO doesnt spend to the cap ceiling they don't mind giving up the cap space either. The added bonus to the Rangers is it's frees up cap space for them as well.

Don't get me wrong, Im thrilled with the way things are going through all the injuries we have but is it just me or does anyone else feel like they'd rather see the top 6 look like: Holmstrom - Zetterberg - Eaves Hudler - Franzen - Bertuzzi I think that would balance out the lines so much more. Plus we know the chemistry Bertuzzi and Franzen have. Eaves speed helps Holsmtrom out. I don't know. It's been working fine the way it is - just a thought

Fan balloting is just another marketing tool used to create attention around the ASG. Personally I don't believe the results are accurate anyways - whether you have robot voting or the league skews the results to reflect their own interests or some other factor. At the end of the day I'd just assume no Wings go either, just as most on this board have noted, but since we'll undoubtedly have some players there I think it'd be an embarrassment (and at the risk of sounding like a homer) not to have Lidstrom as one of the captains. Unfortunately, along with that you can bet your ass the NHL guarentees Crosby is one as well. On another note, does anyone else think it'd be weird if both Datsyuk and Zetterberg we on opposing teams and they lined up to face off against one another? Who'd shut down who? Or are they both so good defensively that both go scoreless and all the ignorant fans around the world claim they both suck for going scoreless in a ridiculously high scoring ASG?

I think we have 3 big factors to consider: 1. Is Modano actually going to be back for the playoffs or not? If he's not back there's a roster spot available and Holland would want the scoring depth that Modano was supposed to provide to be replaced (and not be having Helm or Abdelkader center the 3rd line). 2. Does Hudler ever turn that corner and contribute (even decently) to the scoring depth? If Hudler continues on his pace (despite the fact he has looked far more dangerous in his last couple of games) of a significant minur player who is putting up very low point totals do you keep him on your roster? Trade him for picks/prospects/player etc to increase your scoring depth (whether Modano returns or not as this impacts your scoring depth or as well). If Modano returns maybe you can live with Hudlers lack of production. If Modano doesn't return and Hudler isn't producing it hurts that much worse. If Modano does return what kind of chemistry do those two have on the third line? They didn't seem to have much early on... 3. How much playing time does Kindl get from now until the end of the season in the NHL? If Kindl doesnt end up with enough experience through the course of the regular season (for whatever reason, lack of injuries on the blue line, poor play etc.) can he be trusted in the playoffs to fill in when an injury does occur. If Modano can't return maybe Holland uses the roster spot to pick up a more experienced depth defenseman. I chose most likely - 60-80% chance he makes some kind of move.

Plus assuming Howard @ $2.25 is pretty conservative (at the moment anyway)