RyanBarnes!

I wouldn't compare Ericsson to a prospect of the same magnitude that Lindros was at the same age. I also wouldn't say Lindros failed to live up to expectations. If not for injuries he would have had a great career. Had you said Daigle, then yes, but once again, both were subject to a lot higher expectations than Ericsson will ever be. Ericsson is more of a late bloomer.

Forsberg, Nieuwendyk, Recchi perhaps Foote. They all have multiple Cups. I think most people here are too young to really acknowledge the play of Nieuwendyk and Recchi back in the day. I can see no other reason to leave Nieuwendyk out.

Neil would be a great addition, but I'll take Downey over Mccarty.

Granted, Sundin is no Yzerman but he is not any less of a leader than for example Lidstrom, difference is Sundin hasn't had much support.

I have seen plenty of prospects come and go and once in a while you get that special feeling. Someone else might need to get injured but my gut feeling is that Ericsson will be playing Red Wings hockey this season.

Babcock is the best coach in hockey right now. Not too many could manage to turn around an organization like Babcock did with the Wings. Before Babcock arrived the Wings were a bunch of soft fed up has beens but last year they looked like men on a mission, a machine!

I don't think a trade is the key issue but rather ice time. I don't want to see Chelios taking ice time from the younger players anymore. Not in any situation. I think Quincey could very well have been a NHL regular by now if not for Chelios. That said, I disagree about your projection of him as a smaller Lilja, but clearly the lack of ice time has been a disadvantage.

Ericsson, Kindl, Quincey, Meech and all have substantially larger potential than Chelios, because Chelios is as short term as it gets. As for them not being key parts to the team, that will always be the case if they will not get a chance to play. Regarding Chelios leadership and vocal qualities I think they will best come to use as an assistant coach nowadays.

Well naturally, my ironic statement was in response to Chelios supposed ability to call out players in the locker room that had made a bad play. I don't think LGW has much locker room impact. Point was, last season Chelios was responsible for quite a few bad plays himself so he should not be pointing fingers. Also, as a team player you usually have a pretty good idea when you have messed up, no need for anybody else to point it out for you (and I don't think Chelios does too often either).

But who will ***** Chelios out over his stupid plays? He is now making more msitakes than Lilja.

The "experts" here all have a clear judgement left unbiased by any sort of personal relationship to Chelios, can you say the same about the Wings management who has known Chelios for years?

This is just sentimental bulls***. If Chelios wants to retire a Red Wing now is the time. How is it the right thing to keep him in the lineup and the kids out? Chelios used to be one of the best defensemen, past tense. The only reason to keep Chelios around is sentimental. It surprises me that Chelios would wanna stick around as a charity case, because that's what it is.

I don't have a problem with it, but the situations are similar to Detroit and Fedorov.

Keeping Chelios, only to lose Quincey would be pathetic. Babcock will not allow this!

Yes, and also as pointed out by the original poster in this thread -the Wings are now the team to beat... meaning other teams will use them as a measuring stick and that the Red Wings will have to give it their all to defend the Cup. Good thing Babcock will not settle for anything less!

I don't think Babcock will think twice about benching Lilja, Meech, Lebda or Chelios if that's what it takes to play Ericsson. At least short term. Either Meech or Lebda is as good as gone.

I don't see how Hudler has earned the same contract as Filppula. Hudler scored a few more points last season, but Filppula still has a more allround game, more goals, better plus/minus etc. No deal.

Not really, maybe I have missed something? The only Detroit defensemen worth a 1st pick is Lidstrom, Kronwall and Rafalski...

Don't be so sure. Babcock really likes Ericsson and he is therefor likely to find him a spot much like he did with Filppula before. I can see Lilja being shipped out at deadline if Ericsson plays well. I hope Quincey will stick around, because he brings more character into the lineup. Chelios should retire and Lebda and Meech can both be sacrificed if needed.

Music to my ears! I have high hopes for Quincey to replace Lilja as the 5th or 6th defenseman, and with this element to his game, he can only improve his chances.

Babcock is old school, I love it! He doesn't complain for no reason. I have seen some ridiculous goalie interference calls this playoffs and his point about the league promoting more goals is dead on.

Why?? Detroit better focus on Stuart and with Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall and Stuart signed, I think the wise thing to do would be to insert more youth to the lineup in shape of Ericsson, Quincey and Meech to play alongside Lebda. That leaves no room for Lilja in my opinion.

As of now it is Zetterberg. The most important piece of this puzzle is Babcock though, this team would never come this far without him. He has really moulded this team together.

Filppula and Cleary must step it up a notch.

Defense do win championships, but you need to capitalize on your opportunities and the Red Wings hasn't for the last two games. I see no need to drastically change the strategy here. The last two games have been very close and all the Red Wings need is a lucky bounce.