Travis

As much as I want the Wings to get younger, Drapes is probably the one old-timer I'd like to see get re-signed. (Lidstrom is obvious) He's a been a big part of Helm's improvements and I think he's thriving in the 'mentor' role.

New name, new colors, and something an NHL team has never done before - move from Atlanta to Winnipeg. Glad I could help solve the mystery, boys.

Another solid win. Great outing by Porcello and nice work out of the bullpen. Tribe win, too. 1.5 GB

Big bats were out last night. Sucks to give up so many runs, but it was nice that the Tigers responded whenever the Rangers closed the gap. 1.5 GB

Yeah, I don't know what's up with all the Selanne and Jovanovski love. I understand that they are both talented players, but both are in the twilight of their careers - I really don't think that's the direction the Wings should be going in. They've got a real opportunity to add some youth to the roster. I understand the free agent class is thin, but I'd really hate to see them get older.

His music is pretty terrible but, he's a solid Michigander through and through and I appreciate that.

Raaaaaburn! Hopefully this helps him turn it around. Great to win the series, Tigers continue their MLB-best record within their own division and are now only 2.5 back of the Tribe.

I know it's only a couple of incidents, but they make me question his decision making. edit: He also has WizWear available for sale on his official site.

and http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/sports-products/brian-rafalski-team-usa-signed-jersey-red-wings-jsa.html

Yeah, he did. http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_18045940 I am also of the mindset that this team has enough veteran presence and would rather seem the front office focus their attention on younger talent and the future.

It'll be nice to have (what I can only hope) will be some consistency from the disciplinary committee. It will be even nicer to lack Colin Campbell.

I feel like you move Peralta to 2nd and he can still shade to his left as he does now - since Inge / Reyes would probably have the most range out of any 3B/SS combo.

Was at the game that Valverde lost, hard to see after coming back and Jackson almost giving the Tigers the lead. Nice that 1 day later, they're on a 2 game win streak. Hopefully they can take further advantage of the Twins and turn things around soon. I've also heard a couple of rumors about the Tigers throwing their hat into the ring on the Jose Reyes dealings.

I look forward to seeing him in action.

Well he was named to the AHL All Star team and made the All-Rookie team, so it's not like he's a bum. You're right about his defensive liability at this point, though. I went to quite a few Griffins games this year and it was obvious then that he wouldn't even be a true Black Ace. He needs work in all areas, some more than others - but he also needs to curtail the unnecessary penalties. Obviously, he's had all Summer and he could have a great camp; but he was not Red Wings ready last season, simple as that.

Happens to the best of 'em, but Scherzer got absolutely shelled. Rain outs are not the friend of the Detroit Tigers.

I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but he needs another year in Grand Rapids. He might be NHL-ready if you're talking about the Oilers or Islanders, but last I saw - he was pretty far from where he needs to be in order to wear red and white on days that aren't Friday.

Chris Simon Marty McSorely

I tuned in late, but I really expected to see him and Kenny talk about his 'hockey future' per the press release. Guess I read too much into it.

One thing should not go under-appreciated was Rafalski's ability to hold the puck in at the blue line.

I'm not crazy about signing Wisniewski, personally. Seems like he gets himself in trouble a little more than I'd like. I've never been a huge fan of Ian White, but he's played well with San Jose. Kaberle is an attractive name, but hasn't really lived up to all the hype as of late. Anyone like White / O'Brien as 2nd (or 3rd) and 4th (or 5th) D-men?

Agreed. Salei wasn't great, but it's not like he was a wasted signing. Just easy to be the whipping boy when you're likely on your way out. Watching Smith the handful of times I did, I don't see him as NHL-ready let alone Red Wings ready. He improved markedly throughout the season, but it's not a matter of 'over-ripening' - it's a matter of professionalism.

If we lose, I'll know who to blame!

Smith is nowhere near Red Wings ready. I'd give him at least another year in Grand Rapids and call him up as a legitimate Black Ace.

As Brett said, he showed what his role should be in the future during these playoffs. If he continues to play the way he did in the post-season then I don't think there's any doubt he will be on the top pairing regardless of who we might sign going forward. Once the day comes where Lids retires, there isn't a doubt in my mind that Kronner will get Hank's 'A'. He ate up minutes, played a strong defensive game, pitched in on offense and laid some great hits on a bunch of idiots.