Bring Back The Bruise Bros

With Modano's rumored deal at 1.25 Million, that leaves 2.5 Mil to sign Abdelkader, Helm, and essentially another defenseman. Gotta figure Abdelkader and Helm both get ~900K, leaving just enough (In my mind) to sign a grizzly veteran defenseman such as Shane Hnidy. Keep in mind that at the very least, Meech will leave one way or the other, relieving us of his cap hit, which would leave the approximate amount desired for injury call-ups.

Well if all else fails, we could put guys like Meech on waivers. Someone will pick them up...I think..

Cullimore is getting up there in age. 3rd pairing with John Scott?

I tend to shy away from taking NHL information from ESPN, especially figures that are controversial to begin with, such as attendance.

Looking like Eaves-Abdelkader-Helm will be our 4th line. Draper and (hopefully) Downey will be 13th and 14th forwards respectively. Talk of Miller and/or Ritola being dealt can only further favor Downey in getting a spot.

Hey Motown4013 you're on! I can see Bertuzzi and Hudler alternating between 2nd and 3rd line duties.

I can't see Draper getting a ton of playing time. Helm,Abdelkader,Eaves seems like a solid 4th line.

Looks pretty official. NHL.com has it posted.

Philly will have a solid 3rd line too: Giroux-Powe-Carcillo

Chimera-Laich-Fehr Obviously subject to change

I can definitely see what where you're coming from. I'm sorta split on this. I've grown to love Malts, this is true. I could see myself rooting for him at times, but there would definitely be times when I'd be pulling my hair out.

Vancouver's 3rd line will be decent: Raymond-Malhotra-Hansen Won't be as lethal as ours, but the Canucks will have a solid 3rd line. The Rangers potential 3rd line will be solid: Avery-Drury-Christensen Not as offensivel gifted as ours, but definitely a notable 3rd line.

Newfy, I agree with what you say 99% of the time, but I just can't see myself rooting for a s*** like him. Does he throw the consistent cheapshots like Matt Cooke?No. But he runs his mouth far too much, and rarely backs it up. As far as I'm concerned, as long as you back it up, you can run your mouth all you want. I can't imagine myself rooting for him.

True. I wouldn't rule out Ritola being dealt, although it doesn't seem like a Kenny Holland-type move.

Mike Weaver signs with the Panthers. Their defensive corps seem set. Wideman-Kulikov McCabe-Weaver Garrison-Allen Paetsch Barring any further trades.

True. How about... "Sorry Meech and Miller. Bye bye."

Sorry Abdelkader, back to Grand Rapids you go...

I went to the Senators home opener against the Wings to begin the 2008-2009 season, and I seriously felt right at home.

To be honest, I'd be content with a 3rd pairing of Ericsson and Janik. I still believe we need to find someone that will "keep the flies off". With speculation that any combination of Miller, Meech, and Ritola could be dealt, I'm really hoping that either they acquire some grit via a trade or give Aaron Downey a 2-way contract at league minimum, and let him play his 50 games in Detroit.

I think Meech is on his way out. Ericsson shows signs of his potential feistiness, but it only shows itself once in a blue moon. I don't see signing another defenseman as a need. I think Janik should be given a chance to prove he can fit the bill of a physical, mean 6th defenseman. Signing a guy like Shane Hnidy wouldn't hurt, though.

I agree with GMR, 3rd pairing defensemen aren't being relied upon to produce points, and necessarily skate like the wind. 3rd pairing defensemen are used for blocking shots, clearing the crease, and keeping their opponents honest.

Agreed. Even with his concussion problems, I still don't see him taking any less than 2 Mil. Hnidy is indeed a warrior. I think Kenny recognizes the need for some nastiness, its just a matter of who's available and what he can do under the cap. I don't see how San Jose is even being considered, they already have 7 defensemen: Dan Boyle Marc-Edouard Vlasic Jason Demers Niclas Wallin Douglas Murray Kent Huskins Jay Leach So if they are looking at Mitchell, either Huskins or Leach will be dealt.

What did Shane Hnidy make last year? Personally, I'd take either, but Hnidy would be my first choice. The concussion issues concern me with Mitchell..

Hudler gets 35 fighting majors and breaks the single season PIM record. Bertuzzi uses two hands when stickhandling. Derek Boogaard pounds the hell out of Crosby and Malkin at the same time, ending both of their careers. Aaron Downey makes the team and scores 50 goals. Modano becomes the first player to play with an oxygen tank. Gary Bettman officially gets engaged to Crosby. Cam Janssen wins the Rocket Richard Trophy. Wings beat Tampa in the 18th OT of Game 7 to win the Stanley Cup, once again.