frankgrimes

jup but on a two way contract so basically it's a signing for GR and an injury call up here and there, no problem with that.

The hype for Mrazek is funny the guy hasn't done anything worthwhile at the NHL level and yet people are already making him the next starter. Reminds a lot on a certain guy named Jacob Markström.

I think teams should have to pay 100 % of a players contract if they decide to buy them out, it doesn't count against the cap and the players would have a little more security. Also the Tootoo situation is a bad one, I've always been against this signing saying that I'm really wondering what Holland and Babcock expected out of this guy ? If you bring in someone like Tootoo you should expect energy, a scrap here and there and some decent low ice time minutes nothing more. Hopefully he can sign somewhere else and retool his career there. I'm really starting to think that this front office has a false idea of what a fourth line should and shouldn't be. Nothing but the best of luck for him.

The thing with Boyle is this, the Sharks gave him a reduced role and he couldn't even flourish at that on a more staged teams than the Wings are. Even if he is just a stopgap sadly the guy doesn't have the legs to run the PP does he have a high hockey IQ and leadership qualities ? For sure but he is someone you are bring in to either get your team more leadership OR depth signing. The current Boyle does not improve our defensive problems. As for him not signing with the Isles, Charles Wang and Gart Snow running the team is enough for most players - who can choose their own destination - to say no.

Weiss can't be bought out because the deal was sadly signed after the new CBS otherwise perfect candidate.

Team employs a player means he belongs in the league, period. These guys are having the toughest job in the NHL, teammates play a heavier game knowing that guys like Thornton, McGrattan are having their back. They are making minimal salary and are an insurance to keep rats like Cooke, kaleta, Torres and Marchand in check. A fourth line isn't there to score points, their job is to bring energy by playing a very heavy game. Our 4 line is well.......but yeah lets just sign more soft Euros because it all worked out so great since 2009 instead of getting some great character guys such sugar Shawn

About time, thanks for the service and best of luck. The only UFA I'd be willing to re-sign is the monster, Alfie should finally sign a deal with the Sens and retire there even if its just a 1 day contract he deserves it.

I think Holland might also want to re-sign him in order to push Howard to be better. Without the monster this team doesn't make the playoffs so having two capable goalies is not the worst thing in the world.

If they are facing the enforcer out and let the rats ruin the show, hockey will become like soccer on ice = unwatchable. It's funny how often Thornton gets called a goon, the guy has skill and brings a lot of energy, leadership teams like the Oilers should be lining up to get him and his leadership. He could do some huge guidance for Gazdic or join the Flames and build the toughest 4 line in the NHL with McGrattan and Westgarth. There is potential for him that's for sure. Guy will be in the NHL next year and thanks god this game needs more not less players like him. It's also funny, when the team with the softest fourth line in the league is talking about wasting a roster spot on someone like Thornton. For years now our so called fourth line has been a joke compared to the ones from Boston, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Kings heck even Chicago has a more physical fourth line. Mark my words Chiarelli will regret this decision as soon as the Leafs are rolling into B-town. Would love to see a reinnovation of a grind line and the bash brothers but I also know it wont happen.

Like I said before plan the parade then. The Kings, Hawks, Bruins, Blues aren't going to slow down in the future, and some others are going to emerge soon and getting those few pieces has been a need since Lids retired, they are very hard to get and you can't always count on the young guys. Nyquist, Tatar and Sheahan have done a great job but nobody knows if they can repeat their rookie seasons, other teams are going to be more aware of them now. As for baseless arguments, well its a message board nothing we discuss here will have an impact on the team. That's the benefit of playing armchair gm Thornton even 37 would bring a lot of things this team needs.

I feel terrible for him the guy deserves to play an injury free season and show the teams what he can do. Maybe he should put on a few more pounds in order to become a physical fourth liner.

Then for all I care plan the parade ...sometimes realism isn't the worst thing in the world and no even healthy this team wouldn't compete with the big dogs. But its the same every off-season some people still believe that this is a good team. Guess Babcock, Zetterberg, Kronner and Pasha are all wrong when they are getting eager and want some changes...

because the Wings need size, grit, toughness and gamebreakers and some $ for the younger players ?

This is a message board I don't care if my argument sticks or not but the fact his, this series truly gave some fans and maybe the front office a false look on where this team really is. Boston on the other hand provided a very clear picture and not a good one at that.

Guess what ? I'm starting to wish Chicago would have man handled us so that stupid "we gave them all they could handle" mantra would have never happened. Fact is, Chicago underestimated the 8 seeded Wings and played cocky for a few games. The Bruins clearly gave an indication on where this team is and the reality is, nowhere near cup contention. when your two best players and the best coach in hockey are starting to get eager you know things aren't going well and they haven't since 2009.

Not using it on Franzen will bite this team in the ass very soon but whatever had to be expected. Hopefully Tootoo can get a spot somewhere else.

People need to stop the Iginla dream he is not going to go to a team at crossroads. Guys wants a cup and the Wings are very far away from even contending for one, much less being the favorites.

As long as its only a two way contract no problem, the Rapids lost some now full NHL players over the years so they could need some leadership and he brings that. But a one way contract would be hilarious.

That's why I wrote he needs to improve his physical condition (esp. wght), and work on his game tough task with only ~ 3 months to go till camp.

Leblanc grew up a Hans fan is from the area and never got a chance I'm sure he started to want out. But man that guy needs to hit the gym like crazy. If I were him I would be pissed off tremendously snf hitting the gym or Roberts school like crazy and come back with 20 lbs more. Sometimes hockey can be cruel to young kids.

I looked at the Bruins board and most of them are worried about not replacing Thornton with another tough as nails guy. Thornton is bringing tremendous leadership, toughness and physicality. Someone mentioned McGrattan I would love having guys like him on the team but Burke will re-sign him for sure. The day hockey will get rid off such great players will be the day where it becomes soccer on ice... If Chiarelli doesn't replace him the Bruins become a softer team and i don't think their fans like that nor should they. Gazdic, Bordelaux are perfect fourth liners sadly neither is available

Boston is going to lose so much more than just a physical force they lose leadership, hardwork and the best fourth lines in the game. I am sure Calgary will offer him a contract and then we are going to see McGrattan - Thornton - Westgarth good god I love the bang for the buck of this line. Trading Seguin and now not renewing Thornton are two Chiarelli mistakes in a row

If you don't get what you want from your current team why not? O'Reilly owns them nothing and they don't owe him anything

How does it make sense? Arbiration is only accomplishing one thing: pissing off the player endlessly do you think Weber signed the enormous offersheet because he wanted to remain a Predator after they took their captain and best player to arbitration? Hardly. From a business point of view the Avalanche are doing the right thing but hockey is bigger than business, there are also things like relationships, integrity and honesty. If that bridge is burned now O'Reilly will walk at the earliest option and have at least 20 teams offering him the moon. He knows it, his agent knows it so the Avalanche aren't doing themselves any favors here.

What risks ? ROR and his agent now are knowing other teams are willing to pay him, I'm sure he is willing to take a small paycut in order to stay but going from 6,5 to the Landeskogcap is more than just a small paycut, in fact it is a pretty significant one.