1. Datsyuk - I know its sacrilege to say anyone is more valuable than Lidstrom, but I have 2 reasons for doing this. 1) Datsyuk is going to be part of the Wings future longer than Lidstrom is from this point on and 2) Because of the way our game has changed this year. We have gone from relying on strong defense and breakout passes from the defense to relying on all around offense in general to win us games. This year, we've won more games by operating under a system of "scoring more than the opponent" versus "allowing fewer chances to be scored on". Therefore, in my eyes, our offense has been the game-breaker this year, and Datsyuk runs the offense. Whoever's slumping or isn't connecting with linemates gets back on track with Datsyuk. He can elevate other guys games, and hes versatile. He can score, and he can set up the scorer. He can center a line, and hes an adequate winger. Hes the most valuable guy on this team at this point.
2. Lidstrom - for similar reasons to Datsyuk. He runs our defense, but by the same token, he hasn't been the same "safety net" that we have had in years past. Up until this season, Lidstrom has been more or less infallible, but this year hasn't been the same. The way I see it, this year, whether Lidstrom has been on the ice or not, we still haven't been putting together solid defensive efforts at a consistent clip. With Datsyuk, in my opinion, theres a drastic difference in our offensive potency with his presence vs. his absence. I still think Lidstrom is a Top 5 all-time Dman, but his impact has diminished slightly while Datsyuk's has increased, which I again attribute to the way our :mode of winning" has changed this season.
3. Zetterberg - His elite versatility is what makes him so valuable. Center, winger, goal scorer, or playmaker, defensive, or offensive.
4. Hossa - a step below Hank, because I don't think hes as complete as Hank in terms of his versatility. Namely, I don't think Hossa uses his linemates enough in a playmaking role. And although his pure goal scoring is the best on the team, I think if you have a skilled enough line up with strong enough playmakers - which the Wings do - then you can turn average goal scorers into good goal scorers (see Homer, Franzen, Hudler). Homer - Even though we all know hes underrated, I think hes still underrated beyond that. Specifically, I do NOT think Franzen can simply replace Homer - hes not as good. Franzen may be able to develop into as good of a net-front presence as Homer, but to say he is now isn't doing Homer any justice. Without Homer, our PP is a shell of its powerful self. I honestly think Homer is one of the best assets in the entire NHL. Some people probably think I'm crazy to put him on par with Hossa and Raffi, but in terms of his value to this club, I think its almost unparalleled.
Rafalski - his offensive instincts are incredible. His defense sometimes leaves something to be desired, but Raffi's offense and mobility has a huge impact on our forwards.
5. Hudler, Franzen, Kronwall - I don't think these guys are essential to winning, but each guy does offer a unique asset to the club that we don't already have. Hudler is a playmaking winger with elite offensive instincts that you can't even find in most 2nd line players, let alone 3rd line guys. Franzen's assets have been discussed at length on LGW already and Kronwall, although I think hes overrated, his combination of open ice hitting, mobility, and offense are a unique combination.
6. Lilja - Yes, I think Lilja ranks this high THIS SEASON. Hes been our best defensive Dman - better than Stuart, and on some nights has ben a better PKer than Lidstrom himself. Hes not a huge hitter, but hes our most consistent gritty physical presence, shot-blocker, PKer, and all around reliable defensive Dman.
7. Stuart, Cleary, Filppula, Sammy - The only reason I rank this guys this low is because I think they have more value to OTHER teams than they do to our team. As of now, they're simply great complements to a piece that was great without them. Don't get me wrong - its these guys that IMO put us over the edge in terms of overall talent, skill, and depth, but the roles they play on this team are roles that, in most cases, could be pulled off by at least a couple of other guys elsewhere on the roster.
8. Conklin - Without Conklin, I don't even want to know where we'd be in the standings. Hes done an admirable job splitting time with the shakey Osgood, and while it took some time for Conklin to come around, I rank him higher in value simply because without him, we'd be seeing an Ozzie/Howard tandem that would likely be even shakier than the tandem we have now, and Conklin's ability to play a "split starting" role has been essential.
9. Osgood, Chelios, Draper - Only a step ahead of the other guys because of his faceoff capabilities.
10. Lebda, Meech, and Maltby.
11. Kopecky
