DickieDunn

What makes you say that about Athanasiou? He has size, elite speed, is scoring a ton and is willing to work at his weaknesses. Sproul might end up not making it, but the same can be said for anyone. I'd say that Jarnkrok's hot streak means he's adjusted. Pulk might not make it but his overall game has already improved and the kid is a sponge for info.

Sproul, Mrazek, Mantha, Athanasiou, Jurco and Jarnkrok all have top end potential. Pulkinen and Sheahan are potential 2nd line forwards. Marchenko, Ouellet, Backman, and Jensen all project as solid to good NHL d-men. Then there are Nyquist, Tatar, and Dekeyser. This team will not go the way of the Flames.

Ever think that the "don't sell" order is coming from upstairs? Holland has people he reports to, and playoff games add a lot of cash.

Idk if he's even available but maybe Kindl straight up.

Smid yes, Visnovsky no. Too old.

Think Holland wants to deal with another guy in that situation?

Isn't Robidas hurt and out for a couple more weeks?

Come on I was eating! Now I spewed all over and have to clean it up.

Anyone who wants him puts in a claim. The worst team that puts in a claim gets him.

Enstrom is also a much better skater and really isn't that great of a defenseman either. Almquist would be worse and the Wings have several d prospects who are or will be better.

There are only a handful of elite guys. Then there are some #1 guys. Kronwall is in the second category. Don't confuse elite with #1.

I don't care if he scored a goal in one of his 2 NHL games. He's still bad defensively. Lebderp was better defensively, and he'd make Quincey look like a Norris winner.

They had the same issue last year and went all in on forwards.

Tatar is small and gets knocked off the puck easier than a bigger guy would, but he's also a forward and a better skater than Almquist. Jurco still needs to work on his defense, but you don't have to be good as a winger, just ok. Most people who actually pay attention and know a bit about hockey figured Sheahan still had 3rd line upside pretty easily. Almquist is small, which is a big issue for a d-man. If you can skate at a high level, it's possible to overcome that. Almquist can't. Too many forwards are going to have both a size and speed advantage over him for him to ever be an NHL player, I don't care how much he scores in the AHL. Lots of guys play great in the minors but get destroyed in the NHL. All of the decent ones could skate better than Almquist can.

Spezza for Kesler+

You can trade for them with the idea of signing them, but then they get there and decide that they want to test the market or go to a certain team regardless of what you offer. That's why they're all considered rentals until they sign that new deal. Holland isn't going to trade Ouellet or someone for Macdonald just to see him walk in July because he's always dreamed of playing for the Leafs or thinks someone else will pay him more than Holland offers.

Other people see big offensive numbers and think he's a good defenseman. He's over matched in his own end in the AHL, he'd be a huge liability in the NHL.

Well, the Griffins could use another fighter, so why not.

You keep yer weird "re" crap on the other side of the border you royalty loving canuck! This is MURICA!

If they move Quincey or Kindl for Ehrhof, I'd be ok with it. If they give up much more I'll be pissed.

There's a difference between expendable and available for the right deal.

Injuries 29 is past his prime? 50+ points a year playing against the other team's top line is a 3rd line player? I'd trade Tatar or Nyquist before Jurco. He's big, skilled, and isn't afraid to hit. I like Tatar and Nyquist, but trading one of them for a good player, especially a forward with size who can actually play hockey, would help the team.

So you don't want them to get a good player?

Because Gilbert is a solid vet, but is a pending UFA and he's not THAT good. 2 young players is too much.

Jagr will pick the team he thinks gives him the best shot at another Cup. He won't come to Detroit. That's a big overpayment for Gilbert, especially since Holland said no rentals.