frankgrimes

That guy combined with Scheifele is probably at the top of Cheveldayoffs untouchable list.

Sorry but I have to correct you on that: In his first-GM season Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning reached the Eastern Conferecne Finals, only being stopped but a juggernaut named Boston. In 4 years Yzerman has built up their AHL franchise, created competition for spots at the pro level what more could he have done ? Win the cup? Sure but it's not like Tampa is that good right now. I know that Holland has done a lot of great things for this organisation but at some point every GM becomes to emotionally attached to his players (good examples are Tallon, Burke) plus he has also become unwilling to take risks. If someone offers you Volchenkov at 1 mill and then Quincey at 4,25 per ? The decision is easy and I don#t need GM experience to make such an easy decision. When it comes down to the point where top UFAs are taking less (term and lengthwise) to sign elsewhere, all alarm bells should start to ring 24/7, because it's basically telling an organization two things: 1. you are not good enough to win the cup 2. your future is bleak at best At that point a GM should do everything in his power to guide the ship in the right direction, talk to agents about the perception and how to correct it. Desperate moves aren't going to cut it. as for Detroit not being a destination anymore: Well they didn't make Ehrhoffs final list nor Niskanen's so that should be telling.

I refuse to believe it otherwise I would be very mad So far my conclusion (in the east at least): 1. Bruins Got worse you don't give up on an energy and leadership guy like Thornton AND on your best goalscorer. Iginla was the perfect fit for Boston, he brings size, leadership, class and is still a very skilled player. I think Boston is going to regret some decisions this off-season, but they are still going to be a top team in the east. 2. Tampa Bay Depth and defense fixed with some great contracts, if Bishop can continue his pre injury form watchout east Y is building a juggernaut there... 3. Washington Capitals For the first time since forever the team is having a coach, who expects and appreciates hard work, add to that Niskanen and I think their run and gun no matter what days are going to be over ==> dangerous team. 4. Columbus Well they've added Hartnell which should make them even tougher to play against, they are for sure in the mix again. 5. Pittsburgh Replacing Niskanen with Ehrhoff gives them an eaven deadlier PP but also less defensive ability, add to that the new coach and GM and I think they are looking at a somewhat down year (for their expectations). 6. Canadiens I don't think they can repeat their last season Cinderella story, they've traded away a good amount of leadership with Gorges, Parros (when that guy speaks you better listen...) and Gionta. So in my mind they've gotten worse but will make the playoffs again. 7. Toronto Haven't done anything worth mentioning so far ? So it's tough to say maybe they are bringing some of the younger Marlies up ? If Shanahan is stuiid enough to get rid off a great locker room and very well liked guys like Orrr and Reimer they'll for sure take a step back. Bernier played outstanding yes but it's only one season and that's not a big enough sample size. 8. Florida I think they could be a darkhorse team when it comes down to making the playoffs, that Ekblad - Gudbranson pairing is looking extremely dangerous and Luongo will provide some excellent goaltending for them. Although that Bolland signing is LOL 9. Ottawa I hope everyone there is playing his heart out for Murray. Replacing Spezza will be not only tough but hardly accomplishable in such a short amount of time. Melynk open your damn pocket and let him ice a roster than can at least make the playoffs you penny pincher. 10. Philadelphia They've been extremely quiet so far other than that Hartnell trade nothing major ? I clearly expect them to make a huge move before the season starts. Being quiet is not Flyers style come UFA ...and I think Hextall is going to bring in some defensive stallwart. 11. Rangers Kreider hasn't been re-signed yet and if Sather takes him to arbitration the relationship will go sore and I don't think Boyle is the answer for them (they've needed help at the forward position), also replacing Richards won't be easy so at the best they arent better or worse. 12. Detroit Been discussed ad nauseum, superstars 1 year older, defense still only a top 3 and a lot of questionmarks in terms of forward depth => got worse. No I won't use injury excuses or thousand IF possibilities right now to me this team is worse than last year, period. 13. Buffalo, New Jersey and Carolina Buffalo improved a bit in terms of leadership but also lost a ton of grit in Scott..the Devils and Hurricanes really didn't do much so I think those three will be at the bottom of the east again. Predictions: 1. Pittsburgh 2. Boston 3. Tampa Bay 4. Washington 5. Canadiens 6. Rangers 7. Columbus 8. Philadelphia

Overpaying for Green and his injury history would be dumb. If Holland offers one of the top prospects or even Pulkinnen he needs to be fired. Can't pull another Legwand like trade.. Never been a fan of his lackluster defense but if you can get him for a good price might be worth a chance, although I'd rather have Myers.

The question to me is simple: Does Green's offense make up for his defensive liabilities ? If not we would be worse with him if it does, might be worth a chance if the pricetag is right (meaning no Nyquist, Tatar, Jurco, Sheahan, Mantha, 1 st...).

Existing threads for stuff like this are here http://www.letsgowings.com/forums/topic/76272-next-seasons-needsteam-future/ and here http://www.letsgowings.com/forums/topic/76581-article-on-fas-and-red-wings/ and oh course here http://www.letsgowings.com/forums/topic/76586-hockey-news-red-wings-d-hunting/

Dallas Stars GM [Jim Nil] on the acquisition off Jason Spezza "Sometimes You gotta give up assets if you want to improve your team" this is coming from someone who has fixed the Stars center depth in 2 years with Seguin and Spezza. Like I said players aren't stupid, they know what the teams around the league are doing and which ones are trying to get better. I think players at least want to see improvement and GMS who are willing to take risks

If other GMs would have signed a guy like Quincey to a 8,5 million contract we would be laughing at them but in some people's ice Holland can never do wrong (although he failed to improve this team since our last cup run)... And I agree this is a huge problem, just for comparison Niklas Hjalmarsson would easily be a top 4 pairing player on this team and is making less than Quincey.,..There is no sugarcoating around it, this is a horrible deal out of desperation.

Babcock is far from being the problem, the guy had been given a mediocre roster at best and yet coached them into the plaoffs 2 season in a row. I think the reception around the league is "very hard but fair" and that's exactly what you want from your coach. A coach isn't someone who can/should let his personal feelings disrupt his ability to ice the best roster he can with the given material. Babcock got a bunch of superstars to play a team first game for him and absolutely crushed the olympics. Guy is by far the best coach in hockey and there is a reason why a guy like Super Mario is only offering a one year coaching contract (2 year payment).. Once Babcock is gone, people will start to realize how fortunate he were with him.

The good thing is, given this teams defense tanking might come without trying :-) Am I fan of tanking ? No, but it is better than being trapped in mediocrity and turning into another Leafs, Flames - at least they are going to be fun to watch! - , Canucks example. You can't hang on to an average core too long or else things are going to go downhill.. Whatever this season brings, changes will come after it. Hollands and Babcocks contract are over after this year, Babs will look for greener places..Holland likely to move up. I've just read that Bruins fans are unhappy with Chiarelli, let's hope Jacobs is too and bring him in. It's so damn annoying 4 years ago we've had the chance to name Y GM

In reality this is hardly a tough decision ask yourself this: Would you trade Tatar, a first and a cap dump for a young Chara, Pronger ? Personally I would but everbody is different.

I like the idea but the design seems to be a bit too busy for me.

That's a great offer but I think the Sabres would want more for him. If it only takes Tatar, a first and a cap dump for sure Holland has to do it. Also Myers has a no movement clause so who knows if he would waive for a team with such an uncertain future.

This will be his first year as a pro, so let him experience success in GR and give him the for sure coming call up. Just don't rush the kid and let him develop at his own pace.

Damn that sucks :-(

Perfectly done, just so awesome sadly most won't be able to help you out thanks to that stupid 45 day rule Those who can maybe try an IP changer?

Here is another good one, using the teams uge burden of excellence as an imense pressure point http://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2014/7/3/5866071/detroit-red-wings-free-agency-2014-ken-hollands-new-challenge

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=456459 Man If I were Canadian this would piss me off like hell, the great one should be lobbying for Canadian teams not US teams. Also I know the guy is extremely rich but like Lemieux he is not a billionaire, so he would need a lot of investors just to finance the arena, player salaries, stuff...I don't think this is a good idea at all. Why not use relocation it would be easier for all the involved parties

That's the way I'm looking at it I think Danny and Nyquist will have a very tough year. Jurco a very good season. Weiss is simple: He needs to hit the gym like crazy and attempt the Gary Roberst high performance school.

According to reporters the Wings are always in on someone, their offer is always "competitive" (although no details are shared), so like you I take it with a grain of salt. As for Vanek I firmly believe the guy played himself out of a bigger and better contract with his playoff performance and the olympics. btw. Niskanen at 5,75 will turn out to be a bargain very soon, the cap keeps rising and the guy had an unreal season.

Red Wings and Hawks doing a trade ? Never! That's also why a guy like Seabrook would never sign here even if he becomes UFA and we throw a lot of money at him. I just went to the Winnipeg forum and from what I've read it seems like Cheveldayoff is a poor version of Holland (reluctant to lose a trade, not willing to take risks and doesn't change too much), so I think this two teams would be horrible trade partners. Although Trouba, Scheifele, and especially Bogosian, Wheeler would be really nice pieces. I still think the only remaining options, which make sense are Tyler Myers or Keith Yandle. If their asking prices are too high stay pat and gun for a great draftpick in an excellent draft class.

Mantha on the first line in his first NHL season, way to kill his development. Also where are Weiss, Franzen and where is the 8,5 million dollar man Quincey ? I'd rather see the best prospects on GR and experience success instead of maybe missing the playoffs here or at worst fight for a top 5 pick. Also IF excuses don't help the case, did the Blues play the injury card after losing against the Blackhawks ? No and neither should this team, even healthy this hasn't been a good team last year and it clearly showed against Boston.

They have become much worse but bad enough to outtank the Sabres? Tough call I could see the Wings and Senators battling for a top 5 pick but That David kid might be a reach

In terms of Babcock I honestly believe this has already been decided. There is a reason why he didn't reup yet and with Pittsburgh only offering a 1 year job facts are pointing into a certain direction. If Holland doesn't move up he will ruin whatever of his legacy is left

Byuflin would make this offseason disaster complete, fat, overweight coachkiller with a questionable dedication to the game...rather sign no one than trading for him or a guy like Green. Oilers are trying hard to fix their own d why should they trade Petry?