Bring Back The Bruise Bros

Put me on suicide watch if Holland brings Joe Thornton to Detroit.

Is Stu Grimson still a lawyer?

This team isn't going anywhere next season if we "rebuild from within" this off-season. Sure, we've got some prospects that are projected to make the roster in the future, but we've got to make a few moves and get NHL players on this roster now. How many more years are Datsyuk and Zetterberg going to be leaned on to be our top scorers?

Have to finish them off in LA.

Isn't Byfuglien starting next season at forward? Either way, I wouldn't mind him here. I'm not sure if Wayne Simmonds is available, but we should make a huge push for him if he is. Screw Kesler. Don't want him here. I still think we should give Steve Downie a short contract and place him on the 3rd or 4th line. He's shown that he can put up decent offensive numbers and raise some hell. Kindl needs to go. Lashoff, as well. Matt Greene should be a target in the off-season.

Let's be honest, Prust wouldn't have been suspended if Stepan wasn't hurt on the play. A penalty, no doubt, but a suspension is overboard. Carcillo is still the hot-head he's always been. He just seems to fight less now.

Emdogalev.Detroit gets tougher by default.

Are there rumors that Wilson is available? That would be an interesting acquisition. I also like the idea of grabbing John Erskine from Washington for some third pairing physicality on the blueline.

As far as "gritty forwards" go: Steve Downie: UFA, 27 years old. 24 points in 62 games between Colorado and Philadelphia this season. Undergoing surgery on both of his ears to improve his hearing, which effects his balance. It is unsure whether he'll return to the Flyers with Hextall as GM. He's a pain in the ass to play against and can put up some points. He'd be a solid addition for the bottom 6. Ryan Callahan: UFA, 29 years old. 36 points in 65 games between the Rangers and Tampa Bay this season. He may price himself out of the range of a lot of teams; if that is the case, we're not a frontrunner for him. Steve Ott: UFA, 31 years old. 23 points in 82 games between Buffalo and St. Louis this season. He did not play well at all with the Blues. Another pain in the ass to play against that can chip in offensively. However, he's always had someone protecting him wherever he's played in his career. He won't have that luxury here, so I don't know how he'd fit in here. Someone to at least consider, though. David Clarkson: Buyout/trade candidate, 30 years old. 11 points in 60 games with Toronto this season. Horribly underperformed with the Leafs. If he is bought out, I think we should give him a short contract and place him in the bottom 6. He's shown his capability to produce in the past, but he isn't someone to be relied on for primary scoring. He would also provide the physicality that we've been lacking for the past few years. He could Kenny's "reclamation project".

I was a mere LGW lurker back then, but I remember the Chris Gratton frenzy. We should see if Gary Roberts will come out of retirement.

A power forward for the top 6 is exactly what this team needs, in addition to a sniper for Datsyuk and Zetterberg. I wonder what the chances are of Buffalo looking into dealing Chris Stewart?

He's not right handed, but I think we should give Tim Gleason a look if Matt Greene can't be had for our 3rd pairing.

What's Josh Gratton up to these days?

I'd rather stay away from old-ass players, just as we're getting rid of Bertuzzi, Cleary, and Samuelsson. Plus, Boyle wants to stay in San Jose. Doesn't mean he will, but he may take a cut to stay there. Morris will be 36 in August. From what I know of him, he's pretty solid defensively, but there has to be someone who we can keep around for a few years. Boyle and Morris won't be around much longer. We need to make a real push for Matt Greene.

Man, Carcillo has calmed down a lot these past few years. Guys was absolutely insane when he broke into the league with Phoenix.

This thread needs more Steve Downie.

I think he'll price himself away from a lot of teams.On a side note, Toronto could buy David Clarkson out. If that happens, sign him to a short, much cheaper deal and put him on the 3rd or 4th line and see what he can do. He's obviously not top line material, but he could be very useful in the forechecking and general physicality department.

I'd like if we could acquire Matt Martin. I'm not sure the Isles want to part ways with him, though. Steve Downie is a free agent. He'd be a good physical presence for the 3rd line. He's a pain to play against and he can chip in offensively. Ryan Callahan would be another guy I'd like to see us go after.

Wonder if Francis will pick up some grit. Carolina is just as soft as we are.

Well I sure as hell know what we don't need: A sniper for Datsyuk and Zetterberg, a solid puck-moving defenseman, a shutdown defenseman, a power forward for the top 6, and a physical 4th liner.

I really like the idea of changing Kindl and Lashoff out for a healthy Ericsson and Matt Greene next season.

May I ask:Why?

Kindl and Lashoff better not be on this roster next year.

Beat me to it.

Early exit this year.