e_prime

it's inevitable.

You're mah boy Drew!!!

...but if the needs can't be addressed because a good trade isn't there to be made, or it's to the detriment to the team, for example trading Mantha or Larkin, the future of our first line... he should just go ahead and do it anyway, you know, to address current needs. Meanwhile, he shouldn't try and see if a guy like Zidlicky -- who arguably didn't cost us much -- can give us a boost for the playoffs... or if he doesn't land the huge free agent during the overpayment period known as free-agent frenzy, he shouldn't go ahead and sign a FA right handed puck moving defenseman that, you know, fits our needs to a reasonable contract, because you don't think they're good enough. They're just not 1A guys? I know you're relatively new around here Bill, and you say you're a fan, but I'm not so sure you're clear on how it works... so let me explain it. Holland can't just trade the bits, nobs, and spare parts we having lying about, like Kindl, Helm, Ericsson, etc. and *VOILA* have three superstars on each of the top two lines or a top flight first pairing defenseman. It takes two to tango. You only get what you give and it works both ways. Meanwhile, you're going to pile on and criticize a GM solely because he can't trade for a top pairing defenseman? How many other GMs in the league haven't been able to trade for a top pairing defensemen? How often, but especially right around the trade deadline, do we hear about teams that want to upgrade the defense and/or need a top flight, right handed puck moving defenseman. Gain some clarity, perspective, and a grasp on reality my friend. Then look at what he's done for this franchise while others have come and gone around the league or are mired in mediocrity. Then go ahead, tell him to learn how to do his job. Oh, and sure, you're allowed to your opinion on how Ken Holland does his job... ... but it's laughable. HA. HA. HA.

...because Ericsson never had the ceiling that ANY Nashville d-man or prospect does.

Nope. That's right on point. For reference, fans thought Chris Osgood sucked. Then he helped drag the Islanders and the Blues into the playoffs. Anyone that thinks Howard couldn't do something similar is crazy. Buffalo sounds like a great place for Jimmy.

The "change in approach" has everything to do with the cap and the way that He can spend Ilitch's money. Don't get it twisted Frank, Ken Holland has NEVER made a blockbuster trade....but thumbs up to the first half of your post. All my "KH doesn't listen to us" is most certainly tongue in cheek silliness.

You have no idea what Ken Holland's day to day is. Just sayin'.Now if you're saying that KH should be a wheeler dealer making moves across the league with the entirety of the roster, I'd say: This is not the time for that. 1. You've got a brand new head coach and staff learning the ins and outs of this roster, give them a chance to play the guys you've (GMKH) put in place. Sure, we're getting into the season so they should be figuring it out, but we're still more than six weeks out to the trade deadline. So KH still has some time to make some moves and the coaches have some time too. 2. You've got two highly touted free agents (Green/Richards) and some prospects that are up and playing pretty much full time (Marchy/Pulkks/Jurco) added to a roster that need to mesh with the team that's been the core/mainstays for the last couple years. 3. You've got players who under the previous head coach were not given the opportunity to play "their game" or allowed to see regular icetime in the system set forth by that previous headcoach. (Smith/KIndl/Pullks/Jurco) 4. This is a team that while it could use some upgrades, does not need a major overhaul. Keeping Kindl on the roster does not diminish our team to the point of "this guy limits our ability to ice a good team and is costing us games." That being said: 1. Ken Holland works the phone. He kicks some tires, but in terms of activity, he's no Holmgren. He's not going to make a knee jerk decision just because there's a little roster pile up. One injury and you're not in a roster pile up. He likes his depth and he will keep it for as long as he possibly can. That's the way he rolls and to think that he's going to change that stance because of Jakob Kindl is silly. 2. I, like many others on LGW, have been calling for/begging/praying for a trade of a d-man for a couple years. KH is a stubborn bastard and listens to none of us. So... It would have been nice to think that they both could make cases for themselves so that Kindl had some more value than just a "former first rounder" that's "barely been/has not been able to hang on to the six spot." Whether he can be traded or not is not my concern, it's what he's actually worth. ...because it ain't much, and ppl are going to ***** to no end if KH doesn't get "something" for him.

...but don't forget that if Kindl is waived, we'll be GIVING AWAY a former first rounder FOR NOTHING. (good for nothing holland. grumblegrumble.) Sarcasm aside. Trading a guy like Kindl isn't 2k15 or whatever. Sure, somebody might want or even be willing to be nice and take Kindl off our hands, but they aren't willing to pay anything for him. "Just trade him for a late rounder" people say. Sure... but to whom? Any GM in the league can see we're in a pickle when it comes to number of guys on D. Why would anyone do us a favor and give us a pick for a guy we don't want on the ice? We can also toss him in as a side piece in a trade package, but that's just like a free car wash you get for filling up your car, but it's raining outside. You don't give a single s*** about that car-wash... and if you just washed your car the other day (have similar d-men or your own developing d-men or a roster crunch on d-men) you certainly don't want another bloody car wash. So, either you're okay with Kindl being a healthy scratch and sending Marchenko down, waiving Kindl and probably losing the guy for nothing, or have some patience until I team actually needs a guy like Kindl, or we can add him on to a package deal. I don't wanna hear any of you complaining about how you want Kindl gone and the manner in which he leaves. #sterndad #lectureover I'm still on the fence with Ericsson. In general, he was looking better this year, but that was before the injury and now he's seemingly regressed. He's a frustrating player. Use your size. Play a safe game. Focus on your end of the ice. Defend. Mash dudes into the board. Clear the front of the net. Stop doing fancy s*** and just keep it simple. Let the other defensemen around you lead the charge, they are so much better at it than you.

Am interested. Even if you're not a fan who drools over size, I've got to admit that we could use a guy like this.

Not a barnburner or perfect game by any means, but if we're going to play a one goal game that's the kind of effort we need to see... To the very end, if not even harder at the very end. a beaut' for sure.

Agreed.

Ferrrr shurrreee. /close thread.

lame

well that was kind of a dud

Well, would you look at that

Tootoo can line 'em up.

Another backup looks like an All-Star.

Jeez dudes. Let's not gift em another goal, okay?

Stinky poo poo.

...but he's still injured that's why Nosek is on the roster. It'd be nice to slot in injured guys. If that were the case, I'd have included Franzen in my line combos.

Invoking the spirit of... That works too. Just get Helm away from Datsyuk. I haven't seen enough of Nosek to bump him up to the third and while I understand the whys of having Sheahan on the fourth... I think it does him a disservice. ...but until Miller is back, I get it.

Oh you just stop with that reason and measured thinking around here. It's all knee-jerking and sky is falling here at LGW. Get with the program! Good post.

Literally, ANY DEFENSEMEN. There are folks around here that expect each and every guy on this team to be perfect each and every game. EVEN LIDSTROM MADE MISTAKES. I'm not kidding. It happened. I'm sure there's video of it too.

Airbnb it. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/9927546?checkin=04%2F07%2F2016&checkout=04%2F09%2F2016&guests=3&s=-KWu67bv $50/night. Just an example.

Indeed. I was totally joking. I do agree with you that most defensemen in the NHL could have a compilation video of a similar nature made.