derblaueClaus

I don't think so. If we resign the Players we want including Alfie and don't move anybody I estimate we will have around 7 Mil. left to sign a D-Man. Unfortunatly not enough to get both.

As much as I would like a German Red Wing it's Niskanen for me. Younger and righthanded he has to be the first choice. But if we cannot land Niskanen it will be of course Erhoff above everyone else.

I did say it in another thread. Of course there is a risk to sign a guy like him to 49 million / 7 Years but very good D-Man are scarce. No GM would trade or let walk an already proven #1 D-Man. If we want to be a Cup contender we have to take a risk and if this risk is t get an #4 D-Man at 7 Mil. a year then so be it. It would be a good signing in my opinion.

It's only a one year deal so whats not to like about this signing ?

I see your concern but let's be honest with what Boyle is : A stop gap (admittedly a better than most of our current D-man) till we find a younger replacement, be it from our own young guys or via trade/UFA. While the problem you pointed out would concern me too if we'd sign him longterm I don't think they have that much weight in what this signing will much likley be.

This. It's not that 20-30 goalscorers grow on trees these days. The buyout on Tootoo was expected, so nothing new to discuss there. I think the signing of Tootoo was an experiment by Babcock and Holland. Maybe as a substitute to Homer. It turned out it didn't work and he doesn't fit in here. But I'll surely miss the little cannonball.

1. I don't know for sure either but probably that the Avalanche appealed first and not the player/his agent. Maybe there is also a clause in his current contract that under specific circumstances the club can do it if they can't agree on a new one. 2. I agree, its strange to say the least. You would think that the Avanlache would resign him in a heartbeat. I would if I were them. On the other hand : We don't know what salary or term ROR wants, it is also possible that he demands to much for the Avs to agree on.

Oh, that doesn't mean I don't care about identification and/or local heroes. In fact quite the opposite is true. If look up the standings of my favorite soccer club Werder Bremen (I come from the area around Bremen) you can tell I don't cheer for them because I only care for points or success. However, there is a certain distinction between identification and a refusal of a player because of his origin. Frankly I would call the latter simply racism.

It's a free chance to get another rooster player maybe even more in a couple of years so there is nothing wrong with this signing. Well done Red Wings. As for the homegrown thing : It's what annoys me most about European soccer fans. That kind of thing what I call " local nationalism", that can be felt underneath the surface of most soccer games and ultimately leads to the infamous riots during and after the game. Why does it matter from where someone is from as long as he plays for the team you're cheering for ?

True. Acquiring Niskanen at this price and term will be a risk for sure, but we have to take some risks if we want to build a cup contender. No sane GM will let someone like Niskanen walk for nothing if he is already a proven #2 D-Man.

The boners swung around from certain LGW-Users ? I'm sure they are not that needy. BTW : Wouldn't be suprised if it's true.

What a game. Montreal looks strong, this run might very well end in a Cup for them.

Calling a wide open Pacioretty "puck luck" is odd to say the least.

And Pens simply lack a goalie who can play consistent during playoffs.. Fleury somehow doesn't.

What else to add. What a series from Lundquist.

Metallica. Fuel. At least they can get the music right in Pittsburgh.

If they can put one behind Lundquist that is. I'm almost cheering for the Pens because of Goc. But it's the Pens so just almost....

Pretty much agree with everything you say here. We have to accept the that we are a team in transition now with many old players past their prime but also many young players who haven't reached their full potential yet. That mix simply doesn't make us cupcontender. But in two or three years we might have the exact right mix. Few old Superstars in Z and Dats, a core full of players in their prime and a few young talents to bolster the lineup. As strange as it sounds, the best solution may be to sit and wait, let the young guys develop, try your luck on the FA - market. But don't trade away your picks or your prospects in panic-moves or just to try out something new.

Watch it here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9gq_ESOjzk#t=1110 So I'd take any quotes postet here with a grain of salt. He did say them but Kenny doesn't sound as if he already made up his mind about his moves in the offseason. How could he, our season is just over since a few days.

I just leave this here. http://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2014/4/24/5647344/evaluating-jimmy-howard

As a backup? Yes,why not?

If you get 4 goals scored against you by a defensive first team it's usually to much to overcome. Of course, more goals are always better, but first our D and our goalie need to be up par before we can start talking about our lack of offense. Let's hope Wings can get it done with the last change and therefore better matchups at home. I'm still convinced they can beat Bruins, they prooved it in Game 1.

Just came back from dinner with my family. What were the reasons ? Were the Bruins that much better ?

I don't even see the incident metioned on NHL.com, let alone that it is under review. So I guess no, not even fined.

Quickly made one from last years.