LeftWinger

OR we target the hell out of RNH. He's UFA. We have tons of cap space, only Seattle has more because they still have $81.5M. Yes he's 28, but he is damn good. He would be our #1 C for sure. IF we're talking a 5 year (give or take) timeline, he'd still only be 33. Yzerman was 31 before his first Cup, and with the incoming talent, plus the awesome trading and drafting from Steve, it may be less than 5 years before they become legit contenders. I think Larkin was better on the wing anyhow. Your C's could be RNH - Veleno - Rasmussen - Glenny? They have LW and RW NHL talent to spread around, especially if you throw Larkin in that mix. Vrana, Fabbri, Bertuzzi, Erne, Zadina. They could give Ryan another year, plus they still have Panik to fill out a 4th line. Look at the D in the minors, that could legit be our starting 6 in a couple of seasons, if they are able to add a Hughes or Edvinsson or Clarke with the 6th, then maybe a Cossa at 22 (I know its 23, but Arizona isn't drafting) the back end is very solid. I know Seider is pegged to be in the NHL, but here are the ones listed behind him in the minors: Viro, Sebrango, Barton, Johansson, McIssac. All 21 or younger including Mo at 20. That doesn't even include Wallinder, Berglund, and Tuomisto. Sure, there is no telling which way they are going to go, especially McIssac with his injuries, but you have to admit, that is a pretty good future. Now throw a top 2 guy in at #6 this draft. In the G position, if they can get Cossa, that would add to their talent pool of Bednar (who they are VERY high on) and Petruzzelli who seems to be coming into his own. I feel the future is within reach and in less than 5 years, we'll be right there. That is why RNH at 28, to me, would be the #1 C to go after. What's $8M-$9M amongst friends? I'd keep an eye on (Yzmerman draft pick) Slater KoekKoek as well. He was drafted 10th overall by Steve in Tampa and he is a UFA LHD out of Edmonton. With Edmonton taking a boop in the playoffs, Holland may be looking to follow his narrative (signing 30+ year old vets) to put his team over the top(?) We know his M.O. KoekKoek and RNH just may not be in the plan for Holland. Considering McDavid and Draisaitl being their #1 and #2 C's, I see RNH leaving anyhow. Again, come on to Detroit to get #1 C playing time. I'm betting Detroit wins again before Edmonton anyhow... We really only have 3 (Seider included) NHL D signed right now, and who know's where DD ends up, PLUS there's the outside chance Stecher is left unprotected. I am not sure where Newpower will end up, probably GR. We know Hronek, Lindstrom and Cholowski will at least be re-signed. Do they give Staal a 1 year deal? I think KoekKoek would come in and be top 4 for sure here. Considering the sweepstakes for Hamilton will be VERY expensive, Slater might be a great option, and with his familiarity of Yzerman, may fit in the locker room better. Hell I's try to fleece Holland again and offer a trade for both of those guys AND their 1st round pick in 2022!

Is that maybe too much to give up? Considering all the stats and comparison's of reinhart and Larkin, Zadina's potential and consistent rise in points and up the chain of forwards, that just might be too much. Plus Reinhart would have to be protected (unless the deal is made after the expansion draft.) so that would box out another forward. Would Sam really be good enough to be the #1 C here? I mean, is he THAT much better than Larkin or would it be more like a 2A and 2B combo? Even if Larkin or Reinhart played wing, would they still (on most NHL teams) be a legit top 3 or just on Detroit? If I'm giving up a 6th OA plus Zadina (at this point Cholo is just a throw in) I am really hoping to get a real #1 C...but then again, that may cost a ton more. Honestly, I would do that trade for Eichel, Zadina + Cholowski + 6th OA AND a 2nd. Then again, I'd much rather target a top 2 D-Man with the 6th OA. If Werenski were available, now we'd be talking. I am not so sure he's available though with all the talk of Jones being dealt. or someone who is bedard than what we have now!

I didn't know that was a rule. I thought they could snag anyone not protected. Good to know!

I do believe that Erne took Namestnikov's protection away. I am still hoping that Yzerman protects Stecher. Here is my updated list: Larkin, Vrana, Bertuzzi, Rasmussen, Erne, Fabbri and, yes Glendening. Hronek, Lindstrom(or Cholowski), Stecher Greiss ...the reason I protected Glenny is a team like Seattle might really want the type of player and locker room guy he is. I know that leaves Svech and Smith exposed, but I just feel that if Glenny was left open, he'd be taken. Especially all the hype he's gotten around TDL's in the last couple of season's. I am thinking with the likes of Namestnikov and Panik being exposed, we might be safe with not losing Svech or Smith, although I do believe Svech's time is up. Maybe Yzerman works out a trade with Seattle to take Svech...

If Yzerman was going to trade Larkin, he would not have named him Captain. Zetterberg's contract wasn't over until this summer. There was no need to name a Captain unless Yzerman was sure he named the right guy. If he wasn't sure, he would've just kept A's like before until Z's contract officially expired this summer. I hate to say this, but Yzerman stopped being a #1 Center when Fedorov took over during the 1993-94 season. Still, there was no change in leadership. Trade Bertuzzi, a 1st and Svechnikov for Jones. As long as it's a sign and trade locking Jones up for the next 9 (1 left, then 8 more) years. Can't risk Jones bolting after next season.

Oddly enough THIS time, with only two draws, the worst team stays at #1! IF we only had two draws last year, we'd have ourselves LaFrenierre...but I think Raymond will be better anyhow! So! #6... I am hoping for Hughes or Edvinsson, but if they're both gone maybe Eklund. I really think Yzerman will use the Washington pick on Cossa if he there. I'm not so sure he will use #6 on Wallstedt...but this IS Steve Yzerman so we will see!!!

Just read a rumor, on FB albeit, but it's being tossed around that Yzerman will send two 3rd's to Seattle for them to take Dekeyser. just a rumor, but that sounds like something Yzerman would do... So throw this idea in the mix!

What about Svech? Will Steve protect him over Smith? I do agree with the two D. I see Hronek, Stecher and one of those two as the protects. I read the Kahn!!! article on mLive about our RFA's, he has BOTH Cholowski and Lindstrom being protected. I am assuming since Hronek is a no-brainer, he feels Stecher will be left unprotected. I don't see that happening...unless Yzerman pulls out a trade with Seattle to keep all four. anyhow, here is what I'd like to see: re-sign all RFA's except the two leaving of course (Djoos and Brome) re-sign Glenny, Staal, Ryan and Bernier (possibly Gagner) but all other UFA go bye-bye. Hirose may want to test the market given he doesn't seem like he is part of the re-build. He is a UFA G6, he and Hicketts and Turgeon all fall into this category. I think they may all test the market before re-signing to be in GR. draft (highest odds are we drop to 7th) Luke Hughes (if there) and Cossa (with Washington pick) Buyout Nielsen (and possibly DD) Explore LHD options in UFA for upgrade to that side especially if DD is bought out and to protect that side if Cholowski can't make it.

Here's a question, would you rather have Wright or Bedard? We can only win the lottery once in 3 years(?) now so which lottery would you rather win?

https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-jonatan-berggren-entry-level-deal/c-324868392?fbclid=IwAR2Qjh_qis5ob4QOG9y_RlDnM-tZy9WNQmQxdCEmL4T5c3KfBB5EHpuEupo Berggren and Viro

so....D. Djoos gone, Biega (will be) gone, Cholowski or Lindstrom to Seattle. re-sign Staal, Seider comes in, sign UFA Hamilton. (no particular order) Staal - Seider Stecher - Hamilton Cholowski/Lindstrom - Hronek Dekeyser A lot of RH'ers but, we'll have some more LH'ers in GR waiting to come up as Staal retires and Dekeyser/Stecher contract expires in a year. Of course I like Erik Gustafsson too. He could slot in the left side of the D. Gustafsson - Hronek Cholowski - Seider Staal - Stecher DeKeyser

I trust our executives. BTW, Jakub Vrana

He'll be the first one promoted once Blashill gets fired.

ran the tankaton 20 times, once we jumped to #2, twice we stayed at #6, 17 times we dropped to #7.

....shoot. Well, at least Special Teams Bylsma is out. Silver lining. Now, let's bring in an asst. that will push Blashill to do even better and make the special teams our enforcer again! Igor Larionov, Come on Down!

Yep, I'll take 4th this year and 1st next year...or the next, Bedard is one bad-ass 15 year old!

Could you imagine the hype if this incident happened and Rags had a Bobby Probert or Tie Domi type player? The ratings for this game would be through the roof! Plus Wilson would be picking his teeth up off the ice. Man I miss real hockey.

I'm tired of Hronek not shooting. Despite his points this year it just seems like he makes wrong decisions on the pp. Should dangle him out there at the draft.

Ok, who is this Shane Wright kid and where does he fall in the draft rankings? He's having himself a very impressive tournament so far!

I'd be ok with re-signing Glenny, Gagner, Staal and Bernier. Draft BPA with our pick and (if that's not Wallstedt) draft Cossa with Washington pick. Sign all the RFA's. I do believe I read that Djoos is going overseas and I think one of Svech, Lindstrom or Cholowski will be Seattle's pick. Most definitely buyout Nielsen, I'd also buyout DD, especially if Yzerman may be looking at a UFA defenseman. Staal is a better option IMO.

Albert Johansson and Owen Power. (if we get a top 4 pick) re-sign Staal Cholowski to SEA Staal - Hronek Power - Seider Johansson - Stecher DD (Lindstrom)

I (admittedly) have historically been on the side of having the "big" and "heavy" type North American players, well mostly in the past at least. I can remember a ton of arguments with former members (or ones with new names) about "Euro-players" etc... Thankfully (and unfortunately due to life events) over the last few years I have turned my attention to more things than Red Wings hockey and really have not gotten into that stuff anymore. That being said, I was and am a big Mantha fan, BUT I do believe that Vrana fits the style and player type that Yzerman is looking for to make this team a Cup contender again. I am not saying players like Mantha are not needed, I am sure having one or two on a complete team would be great, but it was obvious that he wasn't liking it here or was just lazy at times and in the Yzerplan, if you do that, you are gone. I am so glad this trade has worked out thus far, Mantha was a big fan favorite. Obviously Vrana isn't going to score 4 goals a game, he'll probably never do it again, but like Kip said, each one of his goals were of different styles and that shows there that he can be (or is) a better more dimensional scorer than Mantha. All in all, Yzerman "won" this trade moving forward. Obviously Washington "won" the trade for the NOW because they are in their window to win. The only question now is "Who's next?" I guess if the right "hockey trade" knocks on the door, it could be anyone! (except Seider and Raymond of course.)

4 goals

I honestly think that Griess will be the protected G.

I just realized that Yzerman has OVER $50M in capspace next year....holy moly! You have to figure that Bertuzzi, Hronek, Erne and Vrana are all getting hefty raises, but not $50M worth! The rest of the RFA's are minimal raises at best. The ONLY UFA's I would like to see return are Glenny and Ryan. I guess Bernier if he survives the expansion draft since we don't really have a pipeline of G talent, but again not too much of a raise coming to any one of them. Not saying that Yzerman will make a splash in the market, but it gives him a ton of flexibility for competition! IF both Cholowski and Lindstrom survive the expansion draft, and Seider gets a spot, that'll leave DD as the 7th D without re-signing anyone. That is IF Djoos gets qualified. Maybe Yzerman re-signs Staal or pays up for another younger UFA. Maybe he buys out DD's last year of his contract? It'd be a $2M then a $1.5M hit for the next two seasons. But I think, with no cap issues, he'll just keep him signed for the one more season and waive him to GR if he needs the roster spot.