Jacksoni

GMR you're right about Lidström and his cerebral play of course. Lidström was strong for his size, but otherwise not physically imposing. His advantage was his genius cunning and anticipation. Which makes me wonder, when will we see someone like that again? Who has the ability? We saw flashes of it in this years playoffs from Pietrangelo of the ST Louis Blues, he is very skilled but hardly a Lidström.

As a short addendum, consider that Fedorov was asked by Bowman (due to injuries) to play defender in the mid 90's, which he did with honors, in a time when the game was much more physical. Just like Datsyuk was a continous threat moving forward with the puck, Fedorov was the same with a big addon - he could take it from behind our goalie to the net all by himself, while making it look easy.

Scotty Bowman weighing on who he thinks was most talented on his Red Wings team and Fedorov not staying in Detroit (doesn't say overly much though):

Been thinking about Sergei and rewatching full games from the 90´s to make sure that I wasn't overextending my thoughts. Hands down, this man was born to skate/play hockey. We have had very talented players that have asserted themselves onto games, but based on talent alone, I have not seen anyone as good as Sergei Fedorov. I have him 3rd on the list for contributions for the Red Wings but if I were to pick 1 player and he was to be 25 years old, it would be Fedorov or Gretzky. Edit: or Mario Lemiux. Fedorov is just that good.

The pad changes should suit Mrazek well given his playstyle. I am curious to see how it will affect Carey Price.

No doubt. He's a serious sniper. Will most likely play on the first unit of almost all NHL teams.

A slight rewrite of the dialogue in Star Wars V, the I am your father scene. Should say: "Search your feelings, you know it to be true." Emphasis on "true". Don't be stealing no lines.

Don't be to sure of that. Sure right now it leans that way judging from looking at the roster paper. But we have hooks out for a trade. I am predicting a trade with Anaheim, and a costly one at that. That would open up for one (AA) or two (AA+Mantha) to join up with the Wings unless they are traded.

Ain't none I believe. Still a bad contract, for us.

Thought a little about this one. I believe this is a good signing. It's a 1 year "show me" contract from a player that can deliver under the right circumstances. It would have been a great signing if he could be had a little cheaper, say 1.8 - 2.0 million.

I am a Hicketts fan. If it was left to skill he would play in the NHL next season. But that size makes him vulnerable on the defensive end. It's worth mentioning that he is taking contact when playing now and does fine. But I believe the speed and mass of the forwards in the NHL might just be to much for him. I would like him to seriously beef up next season, 10 pounds of pure muscle at the least. With that strength I'd be interested to see if he can compete on the highest level.

You're right about the bias part I believe. Strongly. Håkan Andersson does use advanced stats as a complimentary, he has been for at least 7-8 years according to an interview I read. God knows what place I read it in though. You're more than right about analytics being a compliment as well in my opinion. But what most people don't get is that these ´new´ "Analytics guys" that are being hired by professional teams aren't there to do what people percieve as analytics, i.e. crunch numbers and present these nice tables that are being presented here. That can be done by McDonalds employees that are currently flipping burgers. They are there to Confirm what the numbers seem to indicate. Correlation, advanced such. Usually from multiple angles, using those raw analytics data.

Everything I have seen post-season points to that management is aiming to make the playoffs one more season before heading into the new arena. Any moves during the next season will probably reflect that goal unless we are so low that it is pointless.

Outside of the Magic Man (who despite playing on one leg and being old, was still our best player) - 5 of the next 6 players averaged about 15 min or less. This tells me that the Corsi rating depends a lot on the quality of your opponent. Only the elite players will have a top Corsi number while also playing top 3 minutes. He's the magic man. Statistics do not apply. Don't get me rattled that stats apply to all. I'll flash my statistics credentials.

His contract will be settled before it gets regulated in arbitration.

I agree that with the personnel we have right now Smith needs more minutes. Around 15 suits me fine, but it depends on how he will be utilized (matchups, offensive/defensive zone starts, home court). We need to see if he is boom or bust with more responsibility.

His shoulder got separated not long into the season during a game when hit from Hanzal (Arizona). Teemu, not being a big man, simply got his shoulder ripped off.

I was about to just sit back, eat some popcorn and watch you two fire back and forth about Brendan Smith but I guess I want more answers than crossfire. He (Smith) sure is puzzling. I can't place him where he's at. 28 years, but "plays 25" (my subjective thought). Skilled, but moronic. Aggressive in a nice way but also with a temper. Has the potential upside to be a league top offensive defenseman, but at 28.. Hm. What I would like to know is what Mike Babcock has to say about Brendan Smith today, in retrospect. That would clear up some conceptions for me I believe.

He will be auto-jinxed by father time and lingering injuries. Let's just hope he has a really high pain threshold and a nice inner drive. Cures most small ailments.

Why do you not like Abdelkader's banger side? We have to much of that? Would you prefer sending him to sensitivity classes to soften him up? Perhaps the whole team? I am puzzled..

Based on talent and normalization to current era, ie all are 30 years old, today say. Howe Lidström Yzerman Fedorov Cleary

The blue Claus is right. Trade is happening. Training camp will happen. Relax, enjoy your summer, drink beverages and await preliminary formations, which in part depends on offensive and defensive schemes anyhow. Remember, we have new people dictating those together with our sophomore head coach.

Solid hit. I'm onboard.

Tampa signed Hedman (D) for a very long term deal yesterday also. The captain is still captaining. They will be in contention for a while.

I haven't read this thread, but this signing reminds me of McCarthy. Anyone agree?