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I don't know, the speed of Helm and AA with Vanek at net front could be a line that gives defenders fits. It would be a pretty vicious third line (maybe even a 2B line) if they click. They'd likely draw more 2nd and 3rd pair defensive matchups if they are slotted as a third line.

As mentioned earlier, historically with the Wings, the arbitration was to prevent tendering of an offer sheet. Personally, I think DDK signs before, and if Kenny wants to gamble for a short term bridge deal it goes to arbitration. I think Mrazek has said he wants either two or four years previously.n I wouldn't be surprised if he got it done before the hearing as well.

Too funny. I remember watching Benny Hill when I was a kid.

Awesome gif, Nerve!

I agree with it being a good signing.

Small European forwards.... Kenny just has to catch them all.

It's an interesting thought exercise, that's for sure. Ultimately, though, it's a fascinating "what if?" (I used to like those comics from Marvel back in the day, and ended up making a killing on them when I sold them off). There is no real way to prove or disprove the conjecture, and certainly no advanced stats to bring into play. I agree 100% with krsmith' analysis of the Jurco situation. As far as echo's question, if the only objective way to view a draft pick as bust or not is how the player turns out for that team, then the jury is still out on Jurco (I still hope he puts it together, though he is on my trade bait list, to be honest). As a side thought, Jurco played a role on the Griffins championship and that helped some of the other players from that team in their development, so does that redeem the draft pick from bust status or mitigate the mismanagement factor? Again, it is interesting to think about.

I was no for Ozzie, but if he gets in the HHOF (and if you look at his stats, they hold up IMHO compared to other goalies who have been enshrined) it would open the door. As much as I think he should get in the HHOF, if he doesn't, no way his number goes up. In some ways, you could hold that standard for everyone up for jersey retirement. If they are in the conversation for retirement of the jersey, they should be in HHOF consideration as well. Draper and Maltby would be candidates for the ring of honor idea I mentioned previously but nowhere near jersey retirement status.

Great description of Homer and the others. You're spot on. I laughed at the Murphy's glasses reference. What about a ring of honor in the new arena to recognize that second tier of significant Wings, kind of like what Montreal has? It would be a good way to recognize the Grind Line, Shanny, Holmstrom, Redmond, etc. without cheapening the jersey retirement.

I vaguely remember that article. Thanks for digging it up.

I was aware of Nicholls. Compared to the rest of his career it could be viewed as a fluke, though he did hit 100 in another season. It doesn't diminish Yzerman's achievement any. Yzerman had also had seasons with 137 and 127 points in the midst of six straight 100+ point seasons. Messier's top three point seasons were 129, 111, and 107. While he also had six total 100+ point seasons, I think a strong case could be made for Messier overall having the stronger supporting cast for those seasons. Yzerman only had Fedorov for the final three of his run.

I remember that goal vividly. It was the night of my first spring choir concert as a director, and the game lasted long enough for me to get home and watch it live. I remember playing a trivia game in an arcade and a question was who was the third best center in the NHL behind Gretzky and Lemieux, and Yzerman was the answer. I think it was called trivia whiz or something like that.

How many folks have over 150 points in a season? Stevie is one of them.

Not necessarily. I think for Ozzie it will depend on the HHOF. Fedorov, the rift needed to be healed with time. While both were great (Fedorov was downright awesome in his prime), neither had the cachet with Wings fans at the time that Yzerman or Lidstrom did, IMHO.

I read part of his book on the shelf at Barnes and Noble. He doesn't speak too highly of his time in Detroit (can't say I blame him considering what happened) though it seemed more towards Babcock than the team as a whole.

http://www.torontosun.com/2016/07/09/did-the-leafs-pitch-overwhelm-stamkos What do you make of this? I think he didn't want to leave he just wanted to make sure and he finally had enough.

Here is a goalie's career stats. 401 Wins, 50 shutouts, 2.49 GAA, .905 save pct in the regular season In the playoffs, 74 wins, 15 shutouts, .916 save pct, 2.09 GAA. 11th all time wins, 27th all time shutouts, 2 all-star appearances, three Stanley cups, two Jennings awards. Just looking at those stats, compared to players already in the hall, is he deserving? If you didn't know that was Osgood, would it sway you? Here is an article that has some career stat comparisons between Osgood, Roy, Hasek and Brodeur. http://thehockeywriters.com/making-the-hall-of-fame-case-for-chris-osgood/ Source for stats I listed: http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/o/osgooch01.html

Nah, he gets called for hooking too frequently.

In all three cases, they came to teams that were rock bottom in the league standings. Heck, in the case of the Penguins, Dick Tarnstrom led them in scoring from the blue line in 2003-2004. Not much there in terms of leadership. Mario had to hang it up due to his back. They had recently emerged from bankruptcy highlighted by Mario Lemieux converting $30 million owed to him into team equity and becoming a part owner. I'd say it wasn't quite the same situation as the current scenario for the Wings.

While I agree that a trade for a Dman is likely in the works, I wouldn't give much credence to what you read on hockey buzz. Eklund is notorious for being a less than stellar source.

Didn't know about the second buyout window. If only they'd buy out Ericsson. Mrazek not filing could mean they are close. Yes, I'm being optimistic.

At least it frees up some LTIR relief. Shoulder surgery is not good for the slapper. Hopefully he has a complete recovery and is able to come back and play well. Sadly, it is one less trade chip Kenny has for a Dman.

I think his Axe to grind is stemming from the Drew Miller signing and letting Emdog leave.

I'm not too worried about DeKeyser and Mrazek filing for arbitration. Historically, the Wings settle a contract beforehand. More importantly, it prevents an offer sheet from being tendered, so it can be viewed as a commitment to sign with the Wings as well.

Fair point about Alfredsson, though I think part of it was Alfredsson had much higher stature in the NHL than Neilsen does, IMHO, and had been wearing the C for years in Ottawa. If Stamkosmcame, I'm sure he would have gotten an A due to his stature as well. I wouldn't mind if Neilsen gets it, but I still think it will go to Abdelkader.