kipwinger

My only gripe is that there are no longer links to Red Wings stories from the various media sources. I liked having all the wings headlines in one place. Other than that I like it.

Well this is a good turn of events. I'll be anxious to see what this kid can do in camp.

In Franzen's most productive season he averaged 18:06 in ice time and scored 59 pts. In Zach Parise's most productive season he averaged 18:46 and scored 94 pts. Surely you're not suggesting that Franzen would have scored 35 more points that season if he'd had 40 more seconds of ice time per game.

lol. 1. So here's a link to Zach Parise's career stats. You'll notice Parise's best seasons have come when he was getting less ice time. In seasons where his ice time is comparable to what Franzen usually gets, the differentials in their production are actually MORE in Parise's favor. Presumably because when you're a veteran, the captain of the team, and it's best player, you actually have to play defense too so you're on the ice in defensive situations. 2. People knock Franzen because he doesn't work very hard, not because he doesn't score enough. If we knocked Franzen for not scoring enough then we'd have to knock everyone else for the same thing, because he's the leading goal scorer on the team. 3. Good luck in your future endeavors, please let me know once you've figured out how to successfully turn lead into gold.

I completely agree. Hudler had a great year. What holds Hudler back is his lack of size and speed, and obviously there's nothing he can do about that. But he works really hard and has no problem going to the right areas of the ice and all that. I wish that more guys on our team had his work ethic and willingness to do what it takes to play the game right. I also wish that God had been more generous to Jiri in the size and speed department.

I don't think that this stats sells Hudler short. It actually elevates him and Franzen to the level of Zach Parise, which they clearly aren't. I'd say it actually gives them more credit than they deserve. And this is coming from a guy who has repeatedly defended Hudler and Franzen on this forum.

I was being sarcastic. The stat is absurd because it doesn't take into consideration quality of line mates, quality of competition, offensive vs. defensive zone starts, etc. It's a s*** stat. But by looking at it you would have to conclude that Hudler and Franzen score more often then Zach Parise. Except Parise's 69 pts. to their 50 and 56 pts. (respectively) would suggest otherwise. A stat like that actually penalizes a forward who draws tougher matchups and who frequently is put on the ice in the defensive zone (e.g. is defensively responsible and therefore a better player). What's I'm trying to say is...it's a real neat stat.

Neat stat.

Fair enough, it's hard to argue against some of that. I think they're too small to play against power teams, and during the physical play of the playoffs. Kronwall was -2 on the season and -2 in five playoff games, and Suter was plus 15 during the season but -3 in ten playoff games. There's really only one way to find out, but I'd worry about putting that defense on the ice in a physical game.

Doesn't the size of this defense concern you? For a guy who has been pretty consistent in his calls for becoming "grittier" and "harder to play against", I'd have thought you'd find the size and grittiness of this defense problematic. Ryan Suter, 6'1 198 lbs. Niklas Kronwall, , 6' 190 lbs. Ian White, 5'10 191 lbs. Jonathan Ericsson, 6'5 220 lbs. Brendan Smith, 6'2 195 lbs. Justin Schultz, 6'2 185 lbs. (http://www.uwbadgers...z_justin00.html) Danny Dekeyser, 6'3 186 lbs. (http://www.wmubronco...TCLID=204998252) Jakub Kindl, 6'3 210 lbs. All sizes taken from ESPN and verified through NHL.com unless otherwise indicated.

He's an RFA. Ken Holland doesn't go after other teams' RFAs.

I agree. As I said, Semin is like Flip with a better shot and a worse work ethic.

I lived and worked in D.C. for a couple years so I've seen him play quite often. My assessment of him is that he's a big, strong, fast, and extremely skilled forward with inconsistent work ethic, motivation, and on ice effort. In my opinion Semin's skill set makes him very much like Filppula, only bigger and with a better shot. Sure he's not tough in the way that Getzlaf or Perry or someone is, but he's very strong and very fast which makes it extremely difficult to play against him when he's giving 100 % effort. Which obviously begs the question...will he give the effort? My personal position is that the problem with Washington's inability to achieve their potential was largely Bruce Boudreau, who was a player friendly coach who didn't expect a disciplined or structured game from his players...and therefore never got it. Signing Semin would essentially be taking a gamble that in a more structured system his talents would be better utilized. I think it would pay off because I think Semin is a textbook example of a guy who needs a change of scenery...or at least a change of coaching. You're welcome to disagree if you want, but I think what I've said here is a fairly accurate description of what Semin brings to the table. So, as I've said all along, if we can't get Parise and Semin will take a modest pay cut and sign short term, then I think it's worth the gamble.

The flip side of this coin is that maybe a demanding coach with a proven track record would help Semin finally reach his full potential. You have to remember, it wasn't until Scotty came along that Yzerman became a full time, well rounded, player. Obviously Semin isn't Stevie Y, but there's no telling how a guy will react to a coach that holds him accountable. Like I said before, it wasn't long ago that people said that about Cleary, Bert, and Hossa. Semin only ever had one NHL coach to teach him the NHL game, and that was Boudreau, who obviously didn't demand that guys play a disciplined game, but that doesn't mean they can't...especially when they come on to a team full of guys who do go the extra mile. Again, it's a gamble...but it might be worth the risk if the asking price on Parise is too high and Semin can be had for a reasonable contract.

In that scenario there's no way I'd sign Semin. But I think that he's only going to get that kind of money in Russia. If he signs in the NHL it will be with a contender and at a (slight) discount. 1 year at 5.5 to 6 million, or two years at 5 million. Here's a link to a real good article about Semin and Detroit. http://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2012/6/15/3089256/red-wings-free-agent-targets-the-alex-semin-gamble

I agree. Plus, at 6'1 and 210 lbs. Semin is ALWAYS going to be harder to play against than Huds. Also, how much of Semin's under performance was himself, and how much of it was Washington's mismanagement. I've said before and I'll say again, Bruce Boudreau was a terrible coach for young players because he's not the type of guy that forces players to work within a system to achieve results. As a result Washington squandered one of the most talented rosters in hockey year after year after year. Get Semin onto a team where he's expected to do a particular job and is held accountable, and I believe he'll be just like the long list of players who have learned how to play a full game in Detroit. Not too long ago Dan Cleary was accused of taking shifts off and not playing defense, so was Bertuzzi, and Hossa. They all did a complete turn around once they came here. No reason to believe Semin couldn't do the same. I consider it a reclamation project, and one that could really pay off, if the reports are true and Semin would consider a pay cut to play here. Obviously there are question marks with the guy, and he's no guarantee, but he might well be worth the gamble if a more consistently proven scoring winger (Parise) can't be acquired. Edit: Sniper much?

Nyquist isn't really a finisher, and I certainly don't think that's he's more suited to the third lines roles of physicality, scoring, and good defense than Bertuzzi and Cleary are.

I agree, but Holland has said that Nyquist and Smith will be on the team this year and Nyquist's talent is wasted on either of the bottom two lines. Therefore, the only way to have him AND Hudler in the lineup at the same time while still utilizing their skill sets is to put them both in the top six...and I certainly don't want that. However, if we can land a top line winger to play with Datsyuk, then Hudler's 25 goals aren't as important as they were last year, and you can bring in Nyquist without putting too much pressure on him.

Resigning Hudler isn't necessarily a bad idea, but it does ensure that Nyquist will not see regular playing time this coming year as he's not suited for a third or fourth line role on this team. So that's essentially the trade off, unless someone wants to see both Hudler and Nyquist in our top six...but I certainly don't.

This article is awesome. I wish I could send it over to the guys at "PTI" or "Around the Horn" and then ask them why they get so worked up over such a garbage game.

This sums up exactly how I feel about the NFL and why I feel that the NHL is second to none (especially the NFL) in professional sports in terms of quality, competitiveness, and athleticism. Enjoy. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/paul_daugherty/10/06/nfl/index.html

ESPN did something similar and ran a story about the five teams most likely to win it all next year. They went with Boston, Vancouver, Pittsburgh, The Rangers, and the Kings. I assume that being a sports writer during the off season would have to be a boring hell.

What does everyone think it would take to get Douglas Murray from San Jose via trade? And would you want him if he could be had at the price you suggest is fair? ESPN is speculating that he will be the odd man out of San Jose's top four once they sign Brad Stuart. Your thoughts? http://insider.espn....features/rumors

Furious. You should see me.

With informative and well thought out posts like that it's no wonder that you've made it past 7,000 posts already. My hat's off to you, you truly are a Hall of Famer. Kip