larionov_8

I disagree. While I wouldn't say Stuart is the grittiest D-man around, I do think he can contribute something that this team needs. Calder was hardly physical; he was just another small guy upfront. I'm not saying that this trade was as big as, for example, the Hossa or Richards deal, but you get my drift.

Lord, you weren't kidding. Lang didn't fair too well either. Anyways, clips like this make me feel good about the trade. It's tough to give up a second rounder in what is supposed to be a deep draft, but Stuart himself was a 1st round pick, and (therefore, obviously) a highly praised prospect when he came into the league. If he can deliver hits like that on a regular basis, he'll be filling a need here.

Not to mention Belak is really a fan favourite...despite the fact he doesnt play much, its not like they got much back, or that he was a big cap hit.

Matt Cooke to WSH for Matt Pettinger to VAN

TSN says its a first rounder PLUS a conditional pick depending on whether he resigns. They also speculate the fire sale in Columbus could continue.

Rumour is its an expensive rental costing at least a 1st rounder

Yeah Boyle can score for a d-man, but he plays with very talented forwards. My memories of him are always of him turning over the puck. I agree that this is an overpayment, but I guess it depends on how much they expected to receive in a trade for him. If it wasn't much, than I guess that's why they decided to make the deal.

I think the GMs around the league recognize that Prospal plays with St. Louis and Lecavalier, and therefore has inflated stats. He can finish with those guys setting him up, but so could any number of wings that we are consistently calling to be trading. Clearly TB didn't get much offered for Prospal, because GMs know what he is and is not capable of doing. Frankly, he's not an impact player. He adds no size up front and isn't physical. Detroit needs guys who can score 5 on 5 and who can grind to make plays. Prospal is just like many of the players we already have, so I don't think we should lament seeing him traded elsewhere. That being said, not a bad trade by the Flyers. They need to shake things up more than Detroit right now!

Ha -- I actually laughed when I read that. I'm not a Drake-hater, but somehow I sensed disdain in your remark... I have faith that Howard will be sharp again. The Wings D may be young tonight, but the big threat from Vancouver are those little Sedin boys. Because I dislike them, I'm assuming that they will accomplish nothing and maybe hurt themselves. Detroit 3: Franzen, Zetterberg....Drake Vancouver 2: Luongo (2)

Kp wings is exactly on the mark with Gill. His only effective moments are on the PK when he just sits in front of the net and attempts to get in the way. And like many folks, Babcock included, I don't see Sundin coming to Detroit or being moved at all

What became of old Kuznetsov? I loved that guy, but only for his name. I've never seen Ericsson play but I agree with the previous comments about Kindl - those were my exact impressions of him when I saw him play in the OHL. Presumably since then his game has improved and the standard has also risen -- logically we might imagine it'll take him a while to smooth those rough edges again. But since this thread is about Ericsson....here's to him having a good game. The Wings are going to need him to play well. PS Bring back KUZNETSOV

Well, we shouldn't forget that Detroit consistently out shoots other teams, and by a good margin. I didn't see the game tonight, so I don't know the play in question, but hey, sometimes its hard to be objective about your own play. That's what coaches are for, and I'm sure they will direct Filpulla to shoot. Therefore, we need not worry about it too much.

I do agree that Detroit could use another player. I can't say I've seen Fedorov play much, and his numbers haven't been exceptional, really. I don't even know if he's available. But from everything they're saying in Toronto, Sundin will not waive his no trade clause. They've also noted that Blake is going to give LA a list of teams he'd be willing to be traded too, but its likely that he'll prefer to stay on the West coast. My bet is that he'll go to San Jose -- perhaps Anaheim. Remember that Detroit is first in the league for a reason. All of our forwards - yes, even Samuelson - play responsible hockey, and a lot of our offense comes from the D-men. I would say Fedorov is a good fit, because he fits into the system, and he can make some plays....we don't necessarily need a number 1 centre like Sundin. We also don't need a big name guy like Blake in the back end. Besides a forward, I would like to see Detroit get a guy for depth on D, but I don't see that guy being Blake. And frankly, I don't want to see Detroit trade away any of their roster players. Yet, guys like Sammy and Lilja are replacable, but they DO , in fact, do their jobs.

Can't say I watch a lot of Avs hockey, but my top choice would be Skrastins, if for no other reason than that he's a horse - plays lots and rarely gets hurt. No idea what he makes, or if Colorado is looking to deal (I think they're in the playoffs as the standings are now). Stuart maybe, but it seems to me that he disappoints anywhere he goes, and being a young guy, he'd probably be expensive as a rental. Foote would likely be an improvement over Blake, but I feel like Chelios already fills his role. Again, can't say I follow his movements closely out there in Columbus, so I'll concede to someone else on that....

Must be giving the guys bad skates...some are too stiff and the guys turn ankles, others are too soft and shot blocking breaks their foot, and only Luongo's skates are just right. But in reality, its probably just a curse. Good riddance to competition. By the way, it's definitely not the state of Vancouver that's the problem...because its a city...and Canada doesn't even have states. Just thought I'd be smart.

Ahh, the fruit basket gag... Actually, I would've named Horcoff as the guy to go after. And I'd probably pass on Souray, because he's been the most injury prone player out of them all. An alternative that comes to mind is Jani Pitkanen, who I have heard could very well move. Staos might be a decent depth player on defense. Not to take anything away from Meech, but with Kronwall consistently hurt, and a 46 year old on the back-end, it pays to be careful. Stoll might also be interesting, but perhaps he's hurt too, I have no idea! And last but not least: Ethan Moreau... but I doubt he'll move. All of these suggestions are of course completely dependent on the players contract status and what it would take to get them...about which I am totally uninformed.

Yeah, except I was being a bit sarcastic. Osgood for World Emperor! Seriously though, Osgood's been in the league for a while. He's known to be streaky, but he's got himself this far. He'll be alright!

Prospal's best hockey always seems to be in TB. I believe he spent a season or two in Anaheim (that could be wrong) and didn't put up great numbers. While he's contributing a lot this season, there is a reason why he makes less than 1mil - he just isn't the greatest hockey player. That being said, for what he makes, I would take him here if they traded him up for nothing. Antropov is another story. He's young and big, which is why Toronto has always held onto him. But he's extremely injury prone, and if I remember right, he's making over 2mil a season. His stats are better than ever in his career, but I believe these are misleading. He had a great start to the season, but lately he's looked about as impressive as most other leafs (which is not very much so). Antropov also benefited from playing with Sundin. I do not know what kind of linemates Prospal has had, but Antropov is nothing without skilled guys to play with. I would be grossly opposed to giving anything up for Nik, or for giving him a paycheck. Out of those guys on the TSN article, Campbell is intriguing, although I can't say I know much about his play, or how much it would take to get a hold of him. Hossa, obviously, would be quite an exciting player to bring in...and Forsberg, the same goes.

Has Osgood's luck ran out? Yes.

Well, in keeping with any typical justice system, his punishment should be more than the 25 gamer he just finished. Yes, you could argue that the offense was 'less severe' because it's less horrifying than using a hockey stick as a bat against someone's face, but as others have pointed out, it's still extremely dangerous. I think he should get at least 40 games. I don't know if I simply like this 'banish him for the whole season', simply because I think the NHL should have a specific criteria on which they base their punishments. And while I'm sure they do, it often comes across extremely randomly. Regardless of how long he's suspended, I agree that the Isles should cut this guy loose as soon as possible. That temper crosses the line between constructive and deconstructive passion, and only one of those helps you win

Yeah TSN especially seems to have a love affair with Crosby. But if we're sick of hearing about him, imagine how he must feel. Yes, of course he makes millions from advertising and you could argue that these guys get paid big contracts and being available to the media is just part of that. But as someone mentioned, he's only 20, and I can only imagine that he sometimes wishes he could just come to the rink and play hockey without all of the media drama. So, I guess we can either change the channel when they dwell on Crosby, enjoy his great play, or - for the sadistic among us - be happy in the fact that all the attention might make him suffer too!

Ha....tough break. Would I be right to assume that Centre Ice Online is a similar cost to the television version?

I always wondered if there is some 'legitimate' way to watch hockey game on the internet. It would definitely save me money, because I shell out most of my cable bill just so I can watch some hockey. It makes me think that the league would be wise to regulate this online streaming so that they could make money from it, but perhaps that would hurt their overall television revenues. Anyone think the league will ever stream their games online legally? Or, is this something you think the television networks might branch into?

I think it's safe to say that Antropov, while perhaps having a better season than previously, is not a player we want here. I live near Toronto so I see plently of Leafs hockey, so my observations are not merely based on stats. He got off to a hot start, but he's slowed down to his usual pace. Personally I cannot believe why the Leaf's decided to reward him with a new contract. All he has going for him is his size, and I guess size is something Toronto really values, because I think they may be the biggest team in the league. Antropov is ok if he's not hurt (and he's often hurt) and if he's playing with skilled players like Sundin. But if the two somehow came together, I would be disappointed if Detroit gave up anything substantial... If we want anyone from Toronto, it's Sundin....or maybe Kaberle, but somehow I don't see that happening either

I think the last few posts are right on the money. If Sundin goes anywhere, it seems likely that he'll be heading right on back to Toronto the following season. Lord knows that the leafs need some help, so it's possible they may trade him. But for Detroit, I don't see any reason in giving up more than a draft pick and maybe a prospect getting on the older side. But I can't really justify trading away any roster player like Hudler, and certainly not a guy just out of junior like Kindl. Sammy maybe. But Antropov is terrible, and Tucker is, I think, legally insane and I wouldn't want either of these guys as part of a package. Considering all of this, it's likely that another team could offer up a higher pick or better player than Detroit could for Sundin. But Sundin won't be the only name floating around come deadline time. This is purely speculation, but my San Jose oriented pal expects that if the Sharks don't turn things around, Cheechoo or Marleau could be on the move. I've heard people on this board mention Murray...Boston also has other gems such as Savard. I have no idea about the contract status of any of these guys, but my point is that Sundin is not the only option out there, so we shouldn't feel that we *must* give up a lot to pick up Mats (in fact, I insist that we can lure him here will Campbell's Chunky Seafood Chowder)