RyanBarnes!

Yeah, I actually heard them comment on the Forsberg to Calgary rumor on HNIC (I believe it was). They basically said there was nothing to it. Anyways, the rumor of a Forsberg trade is apparently out there.

Here's a summary of the important parts: Rumors place Forsberg in a bunch of NHL-teams. One of the most intense is Detroit, in exchange for defensemen Mathieu Schneider and Andreas Lilja. The author point out that rumors usually are nothing but speculations and that current rumors place Forsberg in Detroit, Vancouver and Calgary all at the same time. However it is unusual for Forsberg to appear in such rumors, he has always been considered untouchable, but the Flyers are now desparate. The main problem is not offense, but defense. This is why a deal for Schneider and Lilja could make sense writes the author. Both Schneider and Forsberg are UFA's after this season. Then the article goes on to describe some incidents as of late, apparently the Flyers locked the door to the dressing room for 20 minutes after the loss vs Pittsburgh (2-8) and had to fine $10.000. Forsberg also disappeared after the game, but recieved no punishment. --- If you ask me this is nothing. This guy is an absolute nobody when it comes to rumors. He didn't even mention a source, only that rumors are circulating. He could have gotten this "rumor" from pretty much any hockey message board out there and thought it would make a decent story since it involves Forsberg (big news in Sweden). There's a huge difference between SIGNINGS and TRADE RUMORS. Swedish media is usually on top of player signings involving Swedes. They usually recieve such news right away, either by talking to the player himself or his agent. Trade rumors are different though, now we're talking about events yet to take place and the sources for these things would be totaly different. I wouldn't think twice about any trade rumor in Swedish media unless I've read it elsewhere first.

Detroit is loaded on offensive defenseman for sure, but they're also loaded at centre. Forsberg can play wing, but it doesn't make much sense except from a Flyers perspective. Detroit would have to get one defenseman in return.

Exactly, the Flyers defense is the main problem. Which is why they might bite on Kronwall+. I think that is our only shot, if Gagne is even available. He's a premier goalscorer, the Flyers simply isn't gonna give him away. I think Larsson is too young and too unproven at this point to render much interest in Philadelphia. They're in a situation similar to Detroit, there's no time to rebuild. People expect results right away.

Liv is no improvement over Niittymaki. He's not much younger either.

For sure. The first line scoring tandem the Red Wings so desperately need. Don't get your hopes up. Gagne is a valuable commodity, but how could the Flyers actually improve by trading him? Pretty tough, if you ask me.

Cullimore for Gagne?! Now that's a deal never going down. It's not even worthy the status of a rumor. If Detroit were to trade forGagne it would cost either Zetterberg, Datsyuk+ or Kronwall+. I could easily live with one of the latter two.

How you can even try to compare someone coming straight from juniors to two players playing their fourth and seventh season of pro-hockey is beyond me. Then again you've always had a tendency to look more at the stats and less at the factors surrounding them...

Same goes for allowing fewer goals than you score...

What happened to the forward Kenny was supposed to sign? Nothing. A 20 goalscorer would have been enough. Detroit will still make the playoffs. You can win games by allowing the opposition to score less goals than you. Like they did vs SJ last night.

Backstrom and Larsson plays for different teams. Brynas and Djurgarden respectively.

Sadly I think Ellis will be lost in the depth chart. He's good at what he does, but not good enough to really make a name for himself or compete with the younger prospects.

That would be incredibly stupid. Even more so than signing Hasek in the first place.

Even though I think I proved it's not in my previous post (scouts may have been burned but it doesn't mean they're not looking still. The complete package as we all know CAN play hockey), let's play your game. How about Ovechkin or Gionta? They both scored in bunches last season. Are you gonna tell me size is irrelevant again? Now what kind of an example is this? Iginla is 6'1" 208 lb. So he needed to lose some weight? That's not exactly the same thing. The Red Wings usually roll all four lines. LeClerc could fit on a "second line" in such a system. I've said it already, I'd try him out, then wait and see what happens as the season progress. Daze could be a cheap option as well. Gionta certainly isn't IT for ME. That's how it is.

Did I for a second not acknowledge that Gionta can score goals? I'm simply convinced a potential 20 goal scorer will be enough. Others will step up. I agree on everything you said about LeClerc, except I think he can come at a reasonable price and score some goals for this team. Not necessarily on the top line, but that'll work out. It was just an example of another possible route; sign him. Wait and see. I did not once compare the two. That may very well be. It's the most urgent of all needs in my opinion. Let me guess; goals, speed and some grit right? Sorry, I'm not interested right now. What's so hard to realize about that? You may advocate Gionta all you want, I choose not to.

I was gonna put it in bold text, but I figured you'd get it anyway. Regarding your question, you already know the answer and further I'll let you know that I'll take Doan (6'2" 216 lb) over Morrow. Don't be stupid, since when is size irrelevant? Virtually every NHL scout is looking for "the complete package".

Whoever told you that is lying.

That depends on the price of Gionta, and the alternative cost in signing LeClerc and saving a 1st round pick, wouldn't you agree?

Did I say so? It would be a step in the right direction. I don't think Detroit's chances depend on trading for Gionta. I'm sorry if you can't understand my concern, but hey stranger things have happened.

Sammy doesn't "play" big. Franzen does to an extent, but that's just one player. I'd rather not give another roster spot up for another small player. That's it. Gionta's grit or determination or scoring ability isn't really the issue here. Detroit is a smallish team already, how about getting some big bodies for a change?! I'd rather sign LeClerc for cheap than give up another pick for Gionta.

I get to see the Devils play on a regular basis. Gionta might have worked if Detroit had a couple of big bodies up front, but we don't. I see absolutely no reason for Detroit to get even smaller. Not even goals. Detroit will be pushed around as usual next season, and not winnning the Presidents' Trophy is the last thing on my mind.

I'm saying we can do without for now. Goals is not a problem during the regular season.

I asked you!

Makes no difference in my opinion, the Red Wings doesn't need to get any smaller. Then let's trade for a 6'2" 220 lb 20 goalscorer. Any of those around? Detroit will manage without Giontas 40+ goals. Which is exactly why it won't happen. It would cost more. I simply stated I'm not willing to part with another 1st pick.

May seems like a very solid defenseman. I hope Bretton Stamler has got what it takes as well.