DickieDunn

Did I say he said Frk'd score 20 every year? Others act like they lost some stud prospect though

Sure he did. He could have moved Sproul when he was tearing up juniors,Anthea or AA at any time, Nyquist or Tatar, or any number of players. Of course they had several immovable players, which is as much if an indictment of his moves the last few years as anything.

Watching Holland refuse to make a single meaningful trade that involved a roster player in 15 years has made me very skeptical that he'd ever do it. Even that trade fell into his lap when the Sabre's GM called him and told him Hasek wanted to be traded to Detroit. Every single other trade he's made has been picks, prospects, a guy who's wanted out, or a 4th liner/3rd pair D type, or a salary dump. http://www.nhltradetracker.com/user/trade_list_by_GM/Ken_Holland/138/2

I doubt anyone would trade for him with two years left after this at that cap hit, unless they decide he can be their starter going forward. Then they'd have to convince Holland to give up his precious DEPTH.

I'm talking about that post. I didn't say Mantha alone would be enough. I said as long as it wasn't Mantha plus an unprotect first or a high end prospect, which means AA or Svechnikov at this point, you do it without thinking.

read what I wrote. I never suggested Mantha alone was enough

With either one you're talking potential though. It comes down to who you think is going to be more likely to hit their ceiling, and I think that's Trouba. Mantha's biggest issue has been work ethic since before he was drafted, that's not easy to over come. As long as they don't demand another top prospect or a first as well (unless it's lottery protected) and you can clear enough cap space to sign him, then you do the Mantha for Trouba deal without hesitation. Of course, we all know Kenny won't.

Blashill is clueless. He's taken Babcocks everybody has to grind mantra and doubled up on it. Not everyone has to play safe hockey. Wonder why you can't score? Let the guys push the puck.

The problem is contribute doesn't mean come close to being worth that contract. When we're paying that much to a third line center for 30-35 points a year, that's going to be a problem. Nyquist or Dekeyser would have to go

Wait. So you're saying he's NOT going to score 20+ goals a year and be the reason Holland gets fired? I thought he was.

Even players who are relatively healthy slow down in their mid 30s, unless they're a freak like Jagr or Chelios

If he's still scoring by the new year I expect a 3 year extension.

No, they need top line talent. Nielsen is a second line center signed at least 3 years too ling. Vanes is a second line winger coming off a horrible deal and had a history of motivation issues. He's playing at a high level now, but let's give him a few more weeks before calling him a stud.

Howard's problem has always been mental. Most of the time if he gives up an early goal or a bad goal he's toast for the rest of the game and sometimes the next three games. With his contract, nobody is going to want him regardless ofhow well he plays though. If he was on his last year, maybe a team that loses their #1 for the season picks him up, but not with two more years left.

that's what I get for reading a yahoo recap

Helm had an en goal and probably won't continue scoring. Historically he's nothing but a drag on a scoring line and forgets what makes him effective and he tries to be too pretty.

Because we need Miller and Ott in the lineup and Helm and Sheahan playing on a scoring line.

One more. Vanek is leading the team in goals at Christmas. Holland signs him to a 3 year $12 million extension. He scored 5 goals the rest of the season.

Brendan Smith being one of the Wings' best defenemen is not a good thing.

you can't just ltir someone. It has to be a real injury

Depends on what Trouba turns into and if you believe Dekeyser really is a #2 caliber D. I think Dekeyser's a good second pairing guy and that Trouba will be better in the long run.

I think long term Detroit wins that, but short term it doesn't fix anything. Not sure how it would cause another problem though.

Abdelkader hit 40 points, barley, but didn't hit 20 gals, and 4 of the 19 he did score came in the first 2 games. 15 goals 37 points in his last 80 games, 16 and 38 in 85 counting playoffs. That's not good production.

He hasn't been playing like he's better so far. He's one of the guys leading the Dumpster Fire Brigade. Nobody is going to trade for high salaried broken down vets or overpaid grinders on 4+ year deals.

Any trade made will need to be dollar in dollar out. I doubt the Jets want to take Nyquist plus someone else to clear enough room for the Wings to sign Trouba. The Ducks don't want to take salary back. That means not one but two trades. Who does Detroit have that makes significant salary that another team might want? Nyquist, maybe Dekeyser. Trouba for Dekeyser is probably a win for Detroit long term, but still leaves them playing 5 guys who are 4-7 caliber players. Nobody else is going to want Nielsen for 6 years, or Abdelkader or Helm even if they;d waive their NTC. Zetterberg and Kronwall aren't going anywhere either. Howard and Ericsson are unmovable. I doubt anyone wants Green for 2 years. Tatar, Sheahan, Vanek and Smith clear a little room, but not enough unless you trade all four and replace them with minimum salary players. In other words, buckle up, things aren't going to change any time soon.