RyanBarnes!

If only the past had shown that Kopecky can be a physical presence on his own, I might have agreed with you. That isn't the case though, Kopecky without Bootland is not the same and I don't see Kopecky taking a physical role on a very unphysical team like Detroit. Especially not in the NHL. Bootland has proved that willingness and has improved since. Detroit rarely rely on rookies for scoring anyways, I think Bootland would be good enough.

If Bootland is expected to help this team for real, he needs to be in the starting line up. Hudler is better suited as the 13th forward because I can't see him making much of an impact at the NHL level in the long run. I suspect plenty will disagree with that last statement, but that's my opnion. Out of the bunch mentioned in the article, I think Tolsa would be the best choice for next season. He's kinda smallish, but he can play the body and has exceptional smarts. He struggled with injuries this past season, but could definitely bounce back if given a shot in the AHL. He is the kind of player that I think could get better in Northamerica. Poor man's Filppula or Zetterberg even.

Or even better, Bootland's. Even though they play very different roles.

Thanks Hatch!

Sorry, I'm not sold. Two reasons: -I don't really care how much money Illitch make. -I also don't care about people thinking the Whinged Wheel is dumb. Sometimes marketing is simply about protecting what you have and I happen to believe that the Red Wings is one of those cases. If Illitch needs to build a new arena I'm sure there are other ways to finance it. Ok Muse, you got me. I didn't realize what date this thread was started until now.

Eh, Montreal Canadians.

Sorry, I'm not sold. Two reasons: -I don't really care how much money Illitch make. -I also don't care about people thinking the Whinged Wheel is dumb. Sometimes marketing is simply about protecting what you have and I happen to believe that the Red Wings is one of those cases. If Illitch needs to build a new arena I'm sure there are other ways to finance it.

Does he have a physical game? If not, can he at least take a hit?

Exactly. Quincey was also the last player cut from arguably one of the best Canadian WJCH teams ever.

Maybe, but Quincey has been underrated since forever by HF.

I really don't see how Quincey is 11th. He should be higher.

Not Edmonton.

Then he could have kept Rivers. Cross is not a huge improvement by any means. The 4th round pick is gross overpayment considering he only got a 7th for Rivers. Lukowich, Carney and O'Donnell are all leaps ahead of Cross. It all suggests Holland had to adjust his plan in my opinion. I didn't expect much after reading Holland's statements earlier, but you're always optimistic something better can be worked out. Cross is good enough, but to say Holland didn't overpay is wishful thinking.

The idea that Holland missed out on something bigger makes a lot of sense, Barnesy.

I fully expect people to be screaming for Cross' head though. He is a pylon, but I still have hopes he can step up if need be.

Cross might be better than Rivers, but perhaps not worth a 4th round pick considering Rivers only fetched a 7th round pick. Well, at least Cross has size. I'm not disappointed.

I'm always in favor of trading Hudler. He offers nothing this organization doesn't have or can acquire later on.

Pass.

I don't expect him to be traded now, but I hope Detroit take interest when he becomes a UFA this summer. I love his game.

Oh please. Witt is a much better player stuck on a bad team. Not to mention Richardson will soon turn 37.

I really don't think either would be of much help to the Red Wings.

Is it working for you?

Bootland was signed as a free agent in July, 2002. I think not!

I don't see Iron Mike trading for someone like Hudler.