Jacksoni

I am predicting that this deal will have turned out to the the most fruitful of the signings from July 2nd (and backwards this year) when looking back 2 years from now.

If he just had hands around the net. Can't score. Maybe send him on a Soviet style training camp for scoring on the breakaway for a couple months. Overpayment in my opinion. Still, his speed will cause problems. If he just had those hands with that...

Abdelkader.

Yes most likely.

Well it's pretty simple, we currently do not have any player that can be regarded as a number 1 center. We are just going to have to do with what we have. Management will most likely slot players in their positions during training camp. Needless to say we will be overmatched at 1C against the top teams almost every NHL team regardless who gets the job.

I think so too. Vanek is a chronic gambler I've read. Doesn't mean that it's "bad" per se. Lots of athletes gamble heavily. "On July 21, 2014, Vanek's name was listed in records seized from The Marina Restaurant & Bar, a Rochester, New York, facility suspected of running an illegal gambling ring. For his part, Vanek denies all wrongdoing, is cooperating with authorities and does not expect to be charged with any crime.[19]"

That's right. Means we are not done. Might take a while though.

I don't like this pickup because of the long term, just like almost everyone in here. He will simply be too old unless he is a very special person. Can he deliver for 5-6 years? It depends, and it gets complicated: What's his injury history? What kind of personality does he have -> How does he handle big setbacks/injuries? Does he have an intense, almost maniacal drive to always improve (think Michael Jordan)? Does he have a strict diet, making sure that he always maintains an elite low bodyfat %? Does he regularly workout, Heavy? These are some of the factors that will determine if he can deliver the full length of his tenure. A good backoffice would inquire about these things before signing him at this age. I am doubtful our staff did.

Unless Mantha comes out of training camp 25 pounds heavier, with an edge, drives to the net disregarding defenders Peter Forsberg style. Well, one can dream.

Very well. Avoid the confirmed word then. I will counter your speculation with 5.5 million per year X 5 years for Danny DeKeyser.

Seems a little high. Got any link where I can read more about this? I have said in the past that DD will get paid this off-season, but this amount is overpay.

Well you're right on the spot, considering the shorter term. Edit: Good deal. Might even turn out great. I'm not hearing much, but I have heard that Marchenko has more upside that has been displayed. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

Butts and retirements? What kind of stats do you french-canadians keep up there? What's wrong with you?

This forum has been very active the last 24 hours, or perhaps more fittingly since Stamkos made it clear that he stays in Tampa Bay. Our hole on center is gaping, which probably makes many in here concerned, including me. Lots of trade proposals thrown around, hence this post. We have a nice big bag of former russian money to spend on something that doesn't involve giving up prospects. Let's empty that stash, maybe then we can focus on trades.

Some of Weber's attributes sure can't be replaced. If you haven't watched Subban play much, you are in for a treat. He's usually regarded a top 5 defenseman in the league. By no means a bad trade for you, over a few years rather quite the opposite.

Since you seem to be a Predators fan posting on a Red Wings forum, what's your take on Subban on your team replacing Weber?

I squirm before hearing Sakic uttering his demands. I just don't see the trade route happening, Duchene or someone else. We have cap space, let's flash those green$ at the available players.

Noone projected in our lineup is even close to having the puck control that Pavel Datsyuk has/had. That goes for almost all other teams in the NHL. He is generational in that regard. Backes did play 2C/3C as you mentioned last season. But we are in dire straits. He could be pushed in a 1C role for a year or two, I believe. He's skilled enough to share the workload for some solution with Zetterberg and probably the other center being Riley Sheahan.

This is not enough. Need to offer him 6mill X 3 years. Overpay but the short term makes up for it. Maybe even 6.5mill / year.

His agent has recently denied that Radulov has signed with any team in Russia. Also no official statement from any team has surfaced. He's still out there I think.

Something tells me Detroit are talking to Radulov again. I wouldn't be surprised for a deal in the 6mill X 2 years range. Just my thoughts, nothing that's out there.

I like Richards. He is old though, it's time to walk in to the sunset. Backes is bigger and buffer as you mentioned, and plays it. It always make him a potential danger when coming out of the corners with the puck. Backes would be a big upgrade over Richards imo. Wwith that said there are better ones out there if we can get our Red hands on them such as Okposo, Nielsen and perhaps a few more. Lucic would be an upgrade but I don't want him.

Miller and Glendog has their shotblocking duties cut for them against MTL. I do believe MTL will be slightly better with Weber. Good trade for both teams, I think Subban will thrive in Nashville.

I'm guessing you mean that it leaves those 2 as natural centers, not wingers. You're right about that. We need a top center. Hopefully we can get something.

Terrible. He wants a cup, and a nice tan. We are in dire straits. We need some magic from KH. Now.