krsmith17

The only reason any of those trades probably wouldn't go through is because of the length of the contract, nothing to do with the ability of each player. If you took the contract factor out of the equation, Franzen would get half of those players in a player for player trade. The fact that you only take his goals into account is beyond ridiculous. His assists don't matter whatsoever right? His playmaking ability is vastly underrated by many on here and fact is if he never played a game in a Wings jersey, he played his whole career with Florida (or whatever team), he is the exact player people on here would be talking about trading for. There are 20+ GM's that would love to have a player like Franzen on their team. He IS a top 6 forward in this league (top 3 on many teams), and I believe he has another 2-3 years of pretty solid production left in him yet. But seems you only like talking about goals, here's a stat for you, Franzen scored 0.3 goals per game last season. There were only two players on your list that scored more goals per game then Franzen, Doan (0.33) and Johansen (0.4).

I agree. I would love to see Oates as our assistant coach.

DeGraa55 - Who is betting our Stanley Cup hopes on Weiss being healthy? I'm certainly not. He would definitely help the team if he is healthy, which I think he will, but no one ever said healthy Weiss = Stanley Cup, there are definitely a LOT of other factors. "This team needs two more top six players"... I don't agree with that at all. But aren't you one of the people that are advocating that we trade / buy-out / destroy Franzen (one of our top three forwards)?... GoWings1905 - In my opinion our top six forward depth goes as follows (if everyone on our current roster is healthy...) Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Franzen, Weiss, Nyquist, Tatar... A lot of people are going to have a little bit of a different order there, but there is no way Franzen is behind all of those guys, plus a guy that has only played 36 games in the league (Jurco), plus a guy that has never played a game of pro yet, let alone an NHL game (Mantha). Sure, I think Nyquist, Jurco and Mantha all have potential to be better, but at this point they are not. I think most sane people would agree that Franzen is 3rd or 4th at worst, ranked forward on our depth chart... Richdg - What is wrong with you? I don't get your logic whatsoever... Franzen was our 6th ranked forward just because he ranked 6th in goals? Even though he missed a huge chunk of the season. Even so, he did rank 6th so wouldn't the make him a top 6 on our team? And why are you only looking at goals anyway? He ranked 4th in points at forward, despite missing so much of the season... Those 16 guys are all better than Franzen are they? LOL ok... I give up...

Lol he missed 4 games last Novemeber due to "illness" and you're going to assume it was due to his "mental health"... No, it absolutely couldn't have been a flu or anything of the sort, it had to be something "mental"... I'm well aware of those articles, I've read both, but where does that 2009 article state why he was out due to "mental illness" in 2013-14?... I've watched close to every single Franzen interview since he entered the league and he tends to be quite the smart ass when answering questions, so I would be willing to bet his answer of "I don't know" when asked about why he was out of the lineup was just another smart ass remark, in other words, "no comment"...

I meant name the 6 players on these "30 teams"... Not name the 30 teams...

I know he went through a lot of anxiety issues when he first came over to North America but to say he is suffering from mental health issues is beyond me... But the biggest beef I have is that you think he will call his career quits because of this and that you claim that he wasn't injured this past season... Crazy

LeftWinger, start naming... I would love to hear them lol. Richdg, I've been a Wings fan probably longer than you've been in this world but whatever. For the THIRD time, I would love to see a reputable source that has said that Franzen has a mental health issue, meaning a quote directly from Franzen himself. I highly doubt there is one. In fact, I've read an interview with Franzen where he was asked that specific question and he denied it, laughed and asked where people come up with their information, but I cannot come up with a link either so I guess I'm just as bad as yourself... These issues have been rumored for years and I've yet to hear anyone part of the Wings organization address it directly. And as I said before, even if he is going through some s***, how is that any different from the rest of us? To suggest he would quit his job is ridiculous...

Again, if you're going to state that he missed time while not being injured as fact, a link would help. Every game Franzen missed was due to injury. He missed over 20 games to a concussion, so unless you're saying that being concussed was the mental issue he was facing.....

LOL, "most of his time missed last year wasn't because of an injury"... You're kidding right?... So I guess that concussion he had was just an excuse for his "mental illness" right? This "mental/emotional issue" that you speak of is completely rumor based and pure speculation by some half ass beat writer. Have you ever heard this out of Johan's mouth or even out of the coaches or general managers mouth? If so, I would love to see a link. I don't believe that Franzen has any more s*** going on in the way of "hurt feeling" or social anxiety or the sort, more than any of the other billions in the world. Everyone has their s*** and Franzen is no different, but to say that he would quit his job because of this is absurd.

Ok, sorry, he averages around 0.75 over the past 6 seasons, but why do the past 6 seasons matter? Let's look at his first 3 seasons as well right? That will sure give a good indication of the current player he is... "But points is less important than goals". Lol in what world? An assist is just as important as a goal as long as the puck is going in the oppositions net...

I can and do expect all 5 of the players I listed to play moderately to significantly more time than they did last season. And yes I am well aware that Nyquist started the season in GR. You can think what you want, I am a believer that Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Franzen and Weiss will all have a great offseason and come in healthy and rejuvenated. I think between the 4 of those guys they will average 70 games or so, 3 of them playing 70+ and the other missing 15-20. I expect a huge year out of Zetterberg (80 points) and I expect Weiss to make a lot of people eat their words with a career year (65 points) and Datsyuk to be the magician he is (75 points). I do expect the same old people to complain about Franzen but he will yet again, earn his contract (55 points)... Call me optimistic...

The major one that sticks out to me is the 3rd one, 335th in games played. He missed a lot of time last year, as well as the year before. That doesn't necessarily mean he will continue to miss the same amount of games the next couple years. I find it absolutely hilarious that you took the time to go through all those statistics but you failed to mention (in my mind) the most important one... Points Per Game. He finished 61st in the league out of 30 teams. That isn't a top 6 forward? Ridiculous... The guy averages around 0.75 points per game consistently every single year and he isn't considered a top 6 forward? Crazy...

If there is an upgrade at forward available that makes sense, you definitely do it, but it shouldn't be anywhere close to a priority in the offseason. The main priority needs to be on the back end. The reason we were so average on offense last year is because of two things. First of all, we lost a crazy amount of man games up front to key players (Zetterberg (37), Datsyuk (37), Franzen (28), Nyquist (25) and Weiss (56)) That's a huge chunk of time to 5 of our top forwards. Secondly, our lack of quality puck movers on the back end also effected our offensive numbers. With a healthy group of forwards and an upgrade or two on the back end I think we will be right in the thick of things.

Is Franzen a top line forward in the NHL? Probably not on most teams... Is Franzen a top 6 forward in the NHL? Absolutely, on just about every team... Where do people come up with this stuff?... Get over it! Franzen isn't going anywhere and for good reason. His production will not be replaced with the money he costs. And FYI, if he were to be bought out (which he most definitely won't) he would be one of the hottest names to hit free agency, and there would be a lineup of 20+ teams bidding for his services.

What video did you watch? Blatant blind side hit, shoulder to chin (head)... You can't get a whole lot dirtier than that imo...

Buffalo would definitely go for that, and for good reason... Ken wouldn't and shouldn't... 15 for 31 and 39 isn't a good trade in my opinion. I think it would be a good trade if we were picking around 25+ but not at 15. 15 is a good spot to be. In saying that, I would possibly trade down with a team like Philadelphia or St. Louis if there was a guy that they really liked at 15 and we weren't all that thrilled with the pick. Something like 15 for 17 and 48 (Philly) or 15 for 24 and 33 (St. Louis). Just my opinion... Edit: Sorry PumpkinEscobar, I misread. I didn't realize you said three of their 2nd rounders... I'm not sure if that would work either though, mostly because I think Buffalo as well as us should be looking for quality over quantity right now, considering we're both in the top of the league in prospects. We have a high quantity of prospects but I think we need a couple more higher quality prospects. Yes we could definitely grab one with one of our three 2nd rounders but I like our chances much better with the 15th pick. Again, just my opinion...

You don't put arguably one of your top three players down on the forth line, in a must win situation, that is just bad coaching. I am a firm believer that you need to put all your players in the best situation to succeed, you put them in a role to play to their strengths. Sure, do something like this in mid-season to make a point, but not going in to game three, down 2-0, it just doesn't make sense. As for your other comment about having a 34 year old Vanek producing 45-50 points, what makes you think he will decline by 20+ points over the next four years?? Vanek is a really good player, and put on a line with arguably the best two way player in the game, there is no doubt in my mind that he would flourish. And I'm well aware of all the people that complain about Franzen and his 4 mil cap hit, but I'm definitely not one of him. I think buying him out would be a huge mistake, I don't think he should be demoted, I think he should be put in a position to put up points, and that to me is on a second line with Zetterberg and Nyquist... Just my opinion though. I just want to make it clear again that as much as I would love to have a player like Vanek on Datsyuk's wing, I would not be willing to shell out the kind of money/term he could possibly be seeking. In that case, I would go with plan B and resign Alfredsson, assuming he would take a bit of a discount, maybe 4 mil?...

Yes, technically "he is on the back half of his career", but come on, the guy is 30 years old, and I am trying to put him in replace of a 41 year old. I think everyone would agree that Vanek is an upgrade to Alfredsson, no? And I did say, "if we cannot sign Vanek, we sign Alfredsson", meaning if the price tag is too high or he simply doesn't want to come here. And I agree that if he was looking for a 7 year, 50 mil contract, I wouldn't want Holland to go near it, however, I would offer him 3-4 years at a similar cap hit. Also, you do realize that he racked up 68 points this past season, split between three different teams, three completely different systems... if that doesn't impress, I don't know what kind of player you're looking for. He was also "on pace" for well over 80 points in the shortened season the season before last. He could easily put up 70-80 points on Pavs wing, providing they BOTH stay healthy all year. He's a big body, that isn't afraid to go to the net, can tip pucks, make plays and isn't afraid to shoot the puck, and he's a right handed shot in his prime... What isn't there to like? Unless of course there is a massive bidding war, in which case, we resign Alfie...

I am watching as much of the playoffs as possible and I only missed 1 or 2 Habs games so far, and yes I am aware that he has had a few not so great games of late, and he is being demoted to the 3rd or 4th line or something ridiculous... But that's not a bad thing for the top UFA winger this offseason, I hope he doesn't score another point in the last two or three games that Montreal have left. Maybe it would lower the number of teams that are interested (although I doubt it), because GM's across the league know what this guy is capable of, despite a bit of a funk in the playoffs, and by the way he still has 8 points in 13 games which isn't terrible. But, I know what you mean, who wants a top line right handed winger that is capable of coming in and scoring 30+ goals and 70+ points.....

UFA's - Sign - Vanek, Niskanen, Giguire UFA's - Let Walk - Alfredsson, Samuelsson, Bertuzzi, Cleary, Legwand, Quincey, Gustavsson * if we cannot sign Vanek, sign Alfredsson instead. RFA's - Sign - Tatar, Sheahan, DeKeyser, Ferraro, Callahan, *Emmerton, *Nestrasil, *Almquist RFA's - Let Walk - Parkes, Coetzee, Fournier, Nicastro * if Emmerton and/or Nestrasil pass through waivers (they should), sign them both to two-way contracts. Same goes for Almquist although I think he would opt to go back to Sweden. Buyout - Tootoo Trade - Andersson, Kindl (for draft picks) Tatar - Datsyuk - Vanek Nyquist - Zetterberg - Franzen Helm - Weiss - Sheahan Miller - Glendenning - Abdelkader Ferraro, Callahan Kronwall - Ericsson DeKeyser - Niskanen Smith - Ouellet Lashoff Howard Giguire Jurco - Janmark - Pulkkinen Hoggan - Athanasiou - Mantha Tvrdon - Nestrasil - Frk Campbell - Emmerton - Nastasiuk Aubry Paetsch - Sproul Backman - Marchenko Evans - Jensen Nedomlel Mrazek Paterson

It was the winning goal to win the President's Cup (QMJHL Championship), which put them in the annual CHL tournament for a chance to win the Memorial Cup (CHL Championship) which consists of the champions from each Canadian Hockey League; QMJHL (Val-d'Or Foreurs), OHL (Guelph Storm) and WHL (Edmonton Oil Kings) champs plus the host team, which is the London Knights this year.

I find it hilarious that people actually believe that Babcock would step down from the NHL to coach university / college hockey. You actually think someone as competitive as Mike Babcock would want to take a step back in his career as a coach? Not a chance. "He seems to like college kids", I'd love to know where you get this... I don't doubt he enjoys coaching kids but he does love coaching veterans as well. No question, he'd do well at the college level but I'm sure he sees much more satisfaction in doing well at the most elite level. Just my opinion...

PumpkinEscobar - I'm assuming you just read the quote? You clearly didn't see the interview in which he was CLEARLY joking about it, hence the laughing afterward...

One of, if not the best coach in the game today, one of the most intense and competitive guys the sport has ever seen, is not going to just step down from the best league in the world to coach university hockey. It just isn't going to happen, especially not at the young age of 52. The man has accomplished a lot in his coaching career but still has a lot of years left before he's done.

If Babcock does leave after next season there is no way he replaces Red Berenson to coach the Wolverines, he was 100% joking when he said that. He would have 20 other NHL teams offering him a position within an hour of the announcement. I definitely don't like the idea of losing Babs to another team, because I believe he can make any team that much better. However, Blashill is basically a carbon copy of Babcock, so I don't think it would effect our us too much, it may even be a good thing getting a new face behind the bench. Babcock has said himself on several occasions that 10 years is the shelf life of any coach at the NHL level, after that the message starts to get a little stale.