Neomaxizoomdweebie

Wait, what did I miss that Bertuzzi is out? Sent down or injured? I thought lineup would be: Z/Larkin - Z/Larkin - Mantha Tatar - Nielsen - Abby Nyquist - Sheahan - AA/PAP Helm - Glendening - Bertuzzi Witkowski Kronwall (wishful thinking) - Green DD - Daley Ericsson - Jensen Ouellet - Sproul Howard/Mrazek

I believe I said I "like" him as a 3C, not that he would be. As I said before, Nielsen should not be centering the 3rd line, IMO. Z is getting to an age where I think he should move back to LW. I like the idea of Z and a Larkin playing together so that they can be switched back and forth as Larkin will struggle at center at first. NIelsen centers 2nd, Glendening 4th, Sheahan 3rd. The Pens agree, which is why they are supposedly trying to acquire him.This is obviously not where Sheahan played last year. And I agree with you that that's why he struggled last year (which is why he should be moved back to C), and that he is paid way too much to be a 4C. The Wings best prospects aren't centers, so if they trade Sheahan, who do they have to play center when Z is retired and Nielsen's skills have declined? What if Larkin or AA end up as wingers? I don't have a problem with trading him now, but only if the deal is right which is unlikely because he has little value now. Why not put him back at center this year and increase his value for a trade later when we know we have the center position solidified for the foreseeable future?

Not that it means anything for sure, but Booth played primarily with the Griffins and prospects during training Camp. The only time I saw him play with roster players was during the mixed scrimmage games. PAP on the other hand, practiced entirely with the roster players during camp. The impression that i got was that they were looking at Parenteau as a possible replacement for AA, and they were looking at Booth as a depth signing-either a two way deal or solely as a Griffin. I don't think they were looking at DB as a potential roster player, I think it was more of doing a Detroit native a favor.

Yep, its real and it's spectacular! (Shout out to Seinfeld)

I apologize if this was already said ad nauseum (sp?) but I just couldn't go back and read all 10 pages of this topic. As to whether KH's contract should be extended really comes down to whether or not he is doing what ownership is asking him to do, not the fans. If so, then yes, he should be extended. If ownership wants to make the playoffs again and Holland makes moves to accomplish this, then he is doing his job, even if the fans want a rebuild. As much as fans hated KH delaying the rebuild for years in order to squeek into the playoffs and keep the streak going, that's what ownership wanted. They sign his paychecks, they have the ability to fire him, not us. I can never blame someone for doing the job that they were paid to do, even if I didnt agree with how they did it. Criticism by fans over the direction of the team was fair, but it was never fair to blame Holland for that. He had a job to do and he did it, I can't blame the guy for that. Some of his transactions on the other hand... Its the same with Bettman. He is booed and jeered at every event where there are NHL fans present, especially the draft. Yet, he is secure in his job because the owners are happy with the job he is doing, So what the fans think really doesnt matter, he doesnt work for you.

Those are exactly the reasons I'm not keen on trading Sheahan. He'll never be a top 6, but I like him as a 3C. Who else is there if he is traded. Nielsen is a 2C, despite what some say and would be a waste on the 3rd line. Same with Larkin. Z is stil a top 6 forward. AA may mature into a center someday, but he's a winger at this point. Helm was a good 3C for a while, but with his durability issues, those days are behind him. Glendening? Nope. Plus, the idea of the Pens getting their coveted 3C because of cap issues makes me want to puke. I would rather keep him unless its a trade that makes the team better, not a trade that solves cap issues.

I guess it all depends on what your definition of "fair" is. The reason I say that 1.9 x 2 is "fair" is because its within 500K of what I perceive as fair market value. If I'm not mistaken AA is looking for 2.5-3 per? By my definition 2.5 is fair, but 3.0 is way high. Someone else's idea of "fair" may be different. That's fine, that's what debate is all about. I don't care if Holland is 10 mil under the cap or over, AA is not worth that much- regardless of cap implications. There are at least 6 forwards on this roster that I would play over him on the top 2 lines. He is a 3rd liner at this point. He has yet to prove to me that he can be a top 6 forward consistently. He has yet to prove to me that he can play center, which of course would warrant a higher salary. He has too many holes in his play at this point, and until I see a more rounded player, which I certainly hopes he becomes, he is worth somewhere between 1.9 to 2.5 to me. 1.9 is not "lowballing" - neither is 2.5 "overpayment". He may very well turn into a top 6 forward or even a 2C, and I hope he does- but right now he is overpricing himself IMO, and KH should not give in. And if AA wants to play sooner than later, he will have to give in. The Wings can afford for him to sit. Can he afford to not get paid? Not indefinitely, which is why if he was willing to come down to say 2.2, I think he would be signed by now. If he stays at 2.5 or over, he is going to end up with warm cushions on his sofa.

He could do it. Question is what assets does he have to give up to get other teams to take his bad contracts? If you areTavares, would you rather be the face of a franchise or a face in the crowd? Would you like to be the next Steve Yzerman? Would you want Manth and Z as linemates? Would you like to grow a zetterbeard? I still think the Wings have some strong selling points.

I agree completely. AA has no leverage and we all know KH doesnt overpay until you're up for UFA status.

The kids are alright.

Training camp starts next week. Starting a thread for all things Training Camp. Its been on my bucket list for awhile to attend the Red Wings training camp in Traverse City. Will be there Friday and Saturday. Anyone else attending? Anyone else been there who can tell me how long does camp last each day? Is it all day or a few hours? Can you bring in your camera and take pics? Any advice or experiences would be much appreciated.

I think Holland should give AA Hudler and Brunner's phone numbers. He is a still a 3rd liner at this point, only played one full season so far. Its a fair offer, sign it, round out your game, and cash in 2 years from now when you have proven you are worth more. If he was going to KHL he would have signed by now. He knows the Wings cant pay him that amount.

Day 2: Seated in row 3, only 10 feet from the ice. Cholowski back down with kids today. Lashoff,who really stood out yesterday when scimmaging with kids, is back up with bigs. Svech looks really good, although not surprising considering who he is playing with. I still don't think he's ready for full time NHL duty yet. No kids really stood out over the others, although I did like what I saw from Hicketts. Another stand out from the B squad was McIlrath. I realize he's not a prospect, but his experience (like Booth) kinda made up for less skill. Tangradi went down with an injury on Friday, had to be helped off the ice. DNP on Saturday, don't know how severe injury is. Scrimmage game went to shootout. Tatar with sweet GWG on Pat Nagle. Larkin looks REALLY good, hope this translates to a bounce back year. Bertuzzi probably makes Wings roster as a 4th liner. Definitely not a scorer, too small to be physical. Did not look out of place, but did not really excel at anything specifically. Witkowski didn't look out of place either. I really thought he would be out of his element, but held his own. Witkowski's whiskers > Hank's zetterbeard. Blashill throwing out some F bombs at practice that could be heard from the stands. LOL Unable to attend day 3 due to prior engagement. Will post pics later.

at TC now. from yesterday, booth was practicing with prospects and Griffs. So probably going to GR. PAP practicing with big boys, good chance of making team. Kronner not here so cholo also with big boys- good sign. Svech with kids, looked good though. Rass did not stand out, very thin needs to bulk up. If you havent attended a camp yet, you must. The Mecca for all Wings fans. Glad I traveled the 6 hours to get here.

Yep, that's where its from. Good catch. Wondering if the Prospects Tournament would be better to attend than TC. Oh well, too late now, already have tickets. Really reasonably priced too. Standing room only is 10-15 bucks. I got actual seats for 15 and 20 bucks. Hope Ras and Svech are still around next week to see them. If not I'll have a PAP and a DB to watch, LOL.

meh, its a PTO. Doesnt hurt anything to give him a looksie. Would prefer him on this team over some of the plugs. I like the fact that he's a righty, Wings are short on those at forward. Also, he led the Laffs in points a couple years ago, I believe. Could use more offense too. A decent replacement if AA bolts for the KHL. Assuming they can fit him in under the salary cap.