RyanBarnes!

Actually, I remember the story being that Kocur's hands were in so bad shape that he almost had to amputate one of them.

Exactly!

He's cheap, I'll give you that. He's not going to replace Schneider or Lang. Maybe Datsyuk if he leaves, but then there's Filppula, Kopecky, Grigorenko and Bootland. Perhaps McGrath and Emmerton later on. I don't see the big deal, but maybe it's because I'm not satisfied with what we currently have. I'd like Detroit to become a bigger, meaner and more physical team. Hence, status qou and Jiri Hudler doesn't interest me that much. Plus, I also think Detroit has a shot at advancing further in the postseason this year. Giving Hudler up is a small price to pay to land a gritty, physical goalscorer that could help achieving this. Don't worry though, I got your point.

Another offensive defenseman? Right, the Red Wings only got four already.

Nope, not saying that. I'm saying that in order to get top minutes you need to be more than a one way player. The arguments posted by NN was supposed to make us believe that Hudler is a player with great defensive awareness and ability. He's not. Hudler is doing what he can by limiting his mistakes etc, but with minimal icetime it can not be used as a measuring stick of his defensive ability. From the way people are raving about Hudler being a top scorer measured in seconds, icetime and whatnot, it seems people believe he's a 40-goalscorer being held back by his coach. I'm simply trying to balance the discussion. Top players face top defenders and they are also asked to do more than play offense. Hudler does neither right now. Like I said before, the Red Wings need for more offense is no secret to Babcock, still he choses to limit Hudler's ice time. I think there's a reason. If you think something else that's up to you. Hudler is nothing exceptional in my opinion. His style of play is similar to what the Red Wings already have (smallish, finesse). If he can be used as trade bait in order to address a greater need for the upcoming post season, then I'm all for it. Why? Because you must give up something in order to get something, and Hudler is expendable. It's my opinion.

Limiting ones mistakes is smart, and being on the ice for few goals scored against is good, but neither is the same thing as being great defensively. Hudler has done well with the limited icetime he's seen, but that doesn't make him elite.

Because if Hudler was even close to the player some people make him out to be, Babcock wouldn't be so hesitant to play him more. Everybody knows Detroit could use a top six sniper, but more icetime doesn't necessarily result in more goals. Hudler's line benefits greatly from not playing top defensive units. That would change if Hudler got top 6 minutes. Then there's also the fact that with more icetime comes more responsibility. Hudler isn't exactly known for his defensive game.

With Fedotenko, Guerin/Tkachuk and a healthy Hasek in the lineup anything could happen. I think they could go all the way.

I fail to see how this is new/useful information. Is this going to be the new weekly Grigorenko thread? Hudler isn't ready for top 6 minutes people. His production wouldn't result in 40-50 goals. Give it a rest.

That's great and all, but to me he is more of what we've already got. He doesn't bring anything else to the table than offense and that makes me think he can easily disappear in the playoffs playing in Detroit. Fedotenko at least plays with a slight edge.

^^Absolutely, Fedotenko is not the answer to the Red Wings lack of physical play. He would be a step in the right direction though.

Fedotenko, yeah sure. I don't find Zednik very interesting though. Too soft.

I don't see Simon going anywhere, he and Islanders coach Ted Nolan are good friends.

From a Kings perspective perhaps, but from a Red Wings perspective Schneider still cost us those 1st and 2nd rounders. Tucker > Avery

Torres and a 1st?! No. Jokinen and a 2nd sounds more reasonable.

I think Holland will focus on adding some scoring power, historically that's where his priorities are. I can see Modin becoming Holland's "grit and size" acquisition of the year. Which again would be pathetic. Make that Eager and Tkachuk! Or if Holland can only make one call, make it Eager and Sanderson. Forsberg is such a risky move.

Plenty of people around here want Tucker in Detroit.

Any word on the availability of Knuble out there?

Detroit could be interested in Sanderson, Calder or Rucinsky if all else fails.

The league is full of one way players. Some are even considered franchise players. Horton may not live up to this, but he certainly has the potential to become an impact player like Zetterberg.

It's not even about that. Horton has the potential to become what Zetterberg is and more given his physical attributes.

Come again? Not dealing Horton for Zetterberg can hardly be considered retarded. Horton is 5 years younger than Zetterberg. He's bigger and has produced similar numbers as Zetterberg this season.

Here's another name that I thought of earlier, but forgot all about until Spector brought it up; Marco Sturm. He's struggling pretty badly on the Bruins, but he's got great wheels and would definitely address Detroit's speed issues while adding some scoring punch up front. He's a UFA next season.

$2.25 M

Yes. Very likely.