LeftWinger

instead of drafting a G at #6 have we forgotten about deals? Not only is Tampa icing a $100m team in the Final's, but they are already over the cap by $5M for next season with only 19 players under contract, a deal like this more than likely will resurface in the coming weeks. https://thehockeywriters.com/the-grind-line-red-wings-goalies/?fbclid=IwAR10xkByIsUe6JIWClAyN4gZsFkRpe7VKFMEdmYYgqmkPtDiHYAxvJuPi3Q

Also looks like Toronto is going with The vets. Albeit at cheap deals, they are going to eat away at that $10M in cap pretty quickly. Simmonds re-signed a 2 year deal worth $1.8M. I still think they lose all of Hyman, Bogosian and Andersson.. at least. I'm a fan of Hyman, and honestly wouldn't be against Andersson coming here either.

It it said that The Q over inflates a players stats. While I was very happy when they drafted him, I am a believer in Jimmy D and the brass. I gave Mantha all the objective views I could, but it seemed that Jimmy was right. So thank goodness Yzerman was able to fleece Washington into think they "needed" him! Vrana, once signed, will be a staple in this rebuild to greatness! That being said, I was a fan of Mantha and was really hoping for him to be that 40+ goal guy.

Here's another good one about late draft picks. You'll notice 3 Red Wings on the list. Also mentioning Fedorov and Hasek. They mention the Bure situation. I often talk about how Detroit wanted to draft him in the 5th round, but he was still deemed ineligible. Then in the 6th Vancouver snagged him 2 spots before Detroit was going to take the risk. Dang what this team would've looked like with Fedorov and Bure! https://bleacherreport.com/articles/912897-pavel-datsyuk-and-14-other-late-round-draft-picks-that-turned-into-stars

I'm just saying it because I do remember the Petr Klima heist and also that is why the Russians were all drafted in later rounds, because you never knew if they would be able to leave. Bit after a few minutes of research, I found this from 2011

In Holland-type fashion, he also hands out a FULL NMC. Oh well, I knew he wasn't going to be signed here, but it was fun to dream!

Yes but that was back in the Czechoslovia days, you never knew if they were coming over or not. In today's world, Hasek goes 1st round.

Trust him no matter what, but I'd still prefer Cossa at 22.

I fine with whichever skater he takes... I just looked at TSN and Button has him drafting Wallstedt. I guess we'd have to live with it, but of all the names bouncing around, the G has to be the biggest risk I think. This guy better be Hasek 2.0 IMO to risk that #6. There is an outside chance we aren't even a lottery team next season depending on what Yzerman does with UFA's and or trades. I'd hate to miss out on a great LHD or a C that drops to us for a huge gamble in net. I know, I know, Jesper is supposed to be all world, maybe better than Askarov, but still, the G position has to be the biggest risk of being a bust. I would just rather go safe with Hughes (et.al) and get a G later in the draft. But, really, they are very high on Bednar, maybe that pick works out? I think I will be most disappointed if he drafts Wallstedt...but I still have to trust the process! (BTW, am I the only who would prefer giving Mrazek and contract instead of Bernier? *Different thread)

Multiple outlets saying that Yzerman may be targeting McTavish at #6. That is the problem with picking out of the top 2 or 3. So many good quality players, you just hope to choose the right one. Hughes, Edvinsson, Wallstedt, McTavish, Eklund...not including guys who may fall...it's gonna be crazy! Heck even Guenther may fall. It just seems so up in the air! Most folks see Power as the #1, but I would not be surprised if someone else went first.

A great off season would be: Draft Hughes and Cossa Buy out Nielsen (just so Blashill can't put him in the lineup, waived or not) Sign RNH and Koekoek ( i know your views of a 28 year old RNH, but I still maintain he'd be the best player on this team if we landed him.) re-sign Bernier (unless he splits) then lets give Mrazek another shot. Re-sign Glenny and Ryan. Of course qualify our RFA's and get them re-signed. (we already know Djoss and Brome are headed over to Europe.) Depending on the D, maybe give Staal another year, but he may be looking to go to a contender before he retires.

I really hoping for Hughes (Edvinsson) at 6. Then if we can squeak out Cossa in the 22nd spot. For me, that would be a perfect draft. But I do trust Yzerman and his scouts, much more than Holland and his band of merry men. If he takes Wallside at 6, so be it. Most of us were aghast when he selected Seider. Let's just get this off season going. Let's Go Isles and lets get to the expansion draft!

I get it, and I understand and I have been paying attention. But if he's ok with signing 27-33 year old D-men for leadership and that small veteran presence, I am just suggesting that RNH at 28 would slot right into that role PLUS be your legit #1C for years to come. He's only 3 years older than Reinhart and Larkin (25 on July 30) so it's not like he's a grey beard. Hamilton I am ok with not pursuing because he will be the marquee D-Man UFA and there are better teams out there with enough cap to give him a huge payday. Namestikov was 27 and Ryan was 33 when signed and they served a purpose. Heck, Yzerman may re-sign Ryan. RNH is elite compared to those two plus he's way younger than Filppula and Neilsen. I am not saying sign RNH or Yzerman is dumb, but IF, and that is a big IF, RNH was interested and Yzerman was too, bring him in! He's not too old, plus he is better than any other C on our team right now, and just as good as most of the #1 C's in the league. Not including your elite talent like McDavid or MacKinnon. This is not the draft to get a #1 C, we can hold out hope for maybe being a lottery team the next 2 years and scoring a #1 in one of them for that #1 guy. If they were to add RNH and someone like KoekKoek, this team we be world's better. Especially down the middle. RNH would cost some bucks, but Koekkoek shouldn't cost too much over $1M. This team going forward looks a ton better with RNH in the middle, rather than Helm, Turgeon or Pearson. Besides, one 28 year old C is not too bad to have for a continuing rebuild. Even if they didn't keep Glenny, your C's would be: RNH - 28, Larkin - 25, Veleno - 21, Rasmussen - 22. But I think Veleno and Ras are better than that, that is why I'd re-sign Glenny, slide Larkin to wing (he played pretty darn good there) and move Veleno and Ras up a slot.

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