krsmith17

No.

I'd rather keep Sheahan, than trade him for Pouliot. Trade Glendening for a late pick...

No s***! I was just pointing out that your statement was off base, but I acknowledged that it was probably just a poke at LW... I agree though, I too think that Rasmussen will be better than Tippett and worse than Vilardi. I hope he's better than both, and many of us have to eat crow for s***ting all over that pick...

Yup, and Mrazek >>>>> Nosek in my opinion.

I hope you're right. But I think you have a little more confidence in Holland's ability to manage this team going forward than myself...

Yes. I know you're probably just messing with LW, but Tippett has one point (assist), even +/- and 3 shots on goal in one game, and Rasmussen has zero points, -1 and 1 shot on goal in one game. As far as I know Vilardi hasn't played a game yet. I know LA have only played two games, but is he injured?

It definitely could be done. I just think that would be way too much wheeling and dealing for Ken Holland. Who knows what will happen there though...

Zetterberg on faceoff violation crackdown: "Brutal. Makes no sense. It's slowing down the game. It's almost mocking the game."

Yeah, teams don't usually offer sheet for that reason, but in this case, we wouldn't be able to match unless other moves were made.

I don't think there's any question he'll be an NHL defenseman, it's just a matter of how good of an NHL defenseman... Also, what team he will play for... <--- That's my shocked face...

Tonight vs Chicago... Street - Sheahan - Frk Svechnikov - Rasmussen - Booth Lorito - Holmstrom - Ford Esposito - Elson - Witkowski Ericsson - Jensen Cholowski - Hronek Sulak - Green Mrazek Coreau I'm thinking we'll see a little more of a star studded lineup (aka most regulars) Saturday for the home opener...

I don't really think people should be pissed at Holland or Athanasiou for this situation. Holland's one remaining strength is his ability to sign his RFA's to cap friendly deals. It shouldn't be any different with a player like AA. Athanasiou thinks he's worth more than the current offer, and he likely is, but as an RFA, he has to realize that he has little to no leverage. He's not going to the KHL. I doubt he ever even gave it any serious thought. It was an empty threat and Holland knows that. I think Athanasiou will come back with his tail between his legs, and accept the current offer, or something very similar in the near future. I just hope that when he does, he comes in motivated as ever and puts together a great season, works on his defensive game, while continuing to dominate offensively...

If every other team in the league would offer him $2.25-3M, they would have by now with an offer sheet. Like has been mentioned, RFA's (especially ones without arbitration) have very little leverage. You can't crack because a young player is demanding more money. It sets a bad precedent in future negotiations. I think Athanasiou would far exceed any contract he ends up signing, but that's the way bridge contracts should work. Winnipeg didn't cave last year with Trouba, and they ended up agreeing on a 2 year deal. AA would be smart to do the same. Trouba ended up missing the first quarter of the season. Hopefully that isn't the case with Athanasiou...

To be honest, I'd compare him to a young Kronwall. He's a nice bit smaller than Kronner at just 5'8", but he's a built like a brick wall, and loves to hit everything that moves. Everyone is bigger than him, but he doesn't care if they're an inch taller, or a foot taller, he's throwing everything he has at them, and usually knocks them down, or at least off the puck. He's a smooth skater, and very good all around, defensively and offensively. He's great at blocking shots and winning puck battles (despite his size), and he has a good first pass, and always gets his shot through on the point. I'd say his best qualities are his will and determination and his hockey IQ. Very smart player.

I agree completely on Nyquist. He looked great, albeit against lesser competition for the most part, but I expect him to rebound in a big way this season. I also agree on Booth. He looked good for a PTO. He was a lot faster than I thought he was, and he looked engaged all night. I was more impressed with him than Parenteau. I wouldn't hate if we signed him to be our 12th / 13th forward. The penalties are always out of hand during pre-season and the first few games of the season. They'll tone them back by mid to late October. I agree on the level of ridiculousness of the faceoff violation though. Make sure they're lined up properly and drop the damn puck. A two minute penalty for having your foot ahead an inch or two is crazy. As for the 3-on-3, you know this rule was implemented last season right? And yes, you are bad luck, and you should never go to a Red Wings games again, at least not an important one...

I expect a big season out of Nyquist. He will still be an overpaid, soft Euro to most on here though, even if he puts up 30 goals, 60 points...

No , we don't have the pieces to trade for a top center / defenseman in their prime, but I believe we do have the pieces to trade for a young up-and-coming center / defenseman that has the potential to become top end. If you look around the league at the young 19-21 year old prospects, not many are untouchable. Of course, not many are going to become top end either, but there are a few that could that could be available. I completely agree that we need a top line center and a legit number one defenseman. I also agree that the best way to do that is through the draft, I just don't think it's the only way. What if we did have the number 2 overall pick next year and Dahlin does go number 1? Who would you take? If you're not going to take Svechnikov, you'd have to trade down. There would be many teams dying to make that trade, to draft the elite winger. But would it be worth it? I'm not so sure. One thing I do know, if Holland did that, Red Wing fans everywhere would riot...

Nyquist again on the power-play. Ties it at 5. 4 points for Nyquist and 2 assists for Hicketts!

I take the positive from that. Very encouraging. DeKeyser and Daley should probably be better. Ouellet hasn't had a great game, but most know I'm not that high on him anyway. Russo and Renouf are borderline NHLers. I don't think there's any doubt that Hicketts will be an NHLer, it's just a matter of how good an NHL defenseman he becomes. Probably tops out as a very good bottom pairing defenseman, but I don't think top 4 is out of the question...

I was thinking the same thing. I'm not sure if he's quite ready, but he continues to impress. Nyquist snipes on the power-play! Meh. Hicketts has been by far the best defenseman. Not even close.

Helm with a beauty from Nyquist. 1-0 Wings!

Mantha is a beast. I think he's going to do some serious damage this season. I don't think Larkin is that thin. 190lbs. isn't bad for a 21 year old. He should be pushing 200lbs. by the time he's Mantha's age, if not sooner. Any bigger than that, it would likely affect his speed. His first full season (hopefully) as our 2C, there will definitely be some growing pains, but I think he'll be able to handle it.

Yes, Zetterberg has been practicing with the team. Will likely play in one of the next two pre-season games. Maybe home opener on Saturday? Kronwall has been practicing on his own. Hoping to start practicing with the team soon, and be ready for game one of the regular season against Minnesota. Likely won't play any pre-season games. I'd be surprised if Kronwall plays more than 20 games this season to be honest...

Tonight's lineup vs the Pens... Tatar - Street - Nyquist Svechnikov - Nielsen - Helm Booth - Holmstrom - Lorito Campbell - Elkins - Sadowy DeKeyser - Daley Renouf - Ouellet Hicketts - Russo Howard McCollum

Rasmussen really needs to hit the weight room. Hoping he can develop his body the same way Mantha has over the past couple years.