WindsorPlaya

The no trade clause may be key to what player(s) the Wings pick-up at or before the deadline because I really don't think Holland will get into a bidding war or give too much to get any player and its doubtful he will trade a key roster player for a good return...he doesn't take huge risks and seems to only make deals when they are in his favor. Perfect example was the Forskin situation. With the parady around the league, there would have been a frenzy if other playoff teams were able to get in the mix. But because he would only waive his clause if he were dealt to certain teams, Detroit was in play. I'm sure the Wings would have never had a chance in hell at landing him unless he had that clause. Thoughts?

Another example is Tkachuk and Guerin who are rumoured to be going everywhere including our team. Tkachuk has a no trade and Guerin doesn't. Detroit will have a shot at landing Tkachuk if we are a team he would play for. Guerin we don't have a chance because even though I am sure we are interested in him, some other team will easily outbid us for his services and there will be a lot of them.

Personally, I think we would have seen a lot of fringe playoff teams matching that offer if given the chance.

Montreal was interested in Lang to play with Kovalev because of their days in Pitts.

Assuming Holland will actually add some free agents this summer...who is Detroit most likely to target and have a good chance at landing? Not who we all want but who we actually have a good chance at seeing in our uniform next year. Obviously they need some scoring help on the wing and the only guy I can see them really having a chance at getting is Paul Kariya. I read somewhere that he evaluates every angle when it comes to choosing a possible destination and personally, I think he is a great fit here given the system we play and type of players we have to compliment his skills. If given the opportunity, I'm sure Detroit would target Ryan Smith, Shane Doan or Darcy Tucker but I think Smith will re-sign with Edmonton and there will be too much competition for Doan and Tucker's services.

Marleau is a great player...a few months back I had thrown out the idea of swapping Dats for him. Marleau can flat out fly, isn't gritty but is tougher and larger than Dats and has shown he can play in the playoffs. I would do that deal for sure and if it took hudler as well, so be it. Don't think it will happen though, west team trading with a west team swapping big name players.

Was just on the NHLPA's website reviewing the rosters of teams from the east since our trade partners will likely come from that conference. Don't see too many trade possibillities but Montreal is very intriguing now that Shanny is gone. I know they have been mentioned before but one player I would really target now is Alex Kovalev. Not gritty but has good speed, skill, size and scoring touch. I would love to see this guy on our top line playing with Dats or Zetter. He is also very good on the power play. Seems like a perfect replacement for Shanny and addition to the team since we are very thin for scoring wingers. Question: Do you think Montreal would ever move him to Detroit and who would we have to give up?

IMO, I wish Holland kept Rivers and his 4th pick than pick up Cross and a 7th. However, this trade was made for a reason and its obvious Holland sees something in Cross that will help the team or maybe he thinks he can fit nicely into the system. I don't think he would just randomly pick Cross from all the players out there. From what I know and have seen of Cross, he is responsible defensively because he is a stay at home guy, he does have a pretty good shot and even though he is not overly physical and is slow, he is a big dude who could move guys around. With his days in Toronto he was bad, with Edmonton he was better. If what they say about him being smart is true, then he is a Holland kind of guy and there might be potential. Plus there is that history of defensemen who are at the end of their career coming to Detroit and playing well. Personally, I think he will play more than people think because he is a different player type than Wooley and Lebda. I'm not bashing Holland because its obvious the asking price for players was just too steep. Even a guy like Mitchell who would fit into Detroit's future plans is reportedly seeking 3.5 mill. per year which Holland may have given him but not unless he had a contract in place otherwise there is the risk of losing him to free agency and it would have cost you players/prospects and/or picks. IMO, Holland is smart to wait till free agency, less risk and I believe more options available.

Just curious to see what hockey fans out there think of this proposed trade. I live across the river from Detroit and have been a Wings fan for a long time. Like other Detroit fans, I have been disappointed with Draper's play this year (offensive). Yes I know he is a defensive specialist and I probably shouldn't expect him to put up numbers like 04 but I'm sure Holland thought he would contribute more for 2 mill. plus a year. Truth is, I have never been a big Draper fan even though he brings speed, energy and great defense to the table. Why?...For me, its the fact that he can't hit the broad side of a barn! I have never seen a hockey player with that many breakaways miss the net so often. With as many chances as this guy gets, he should have 20 goals every year. Why does this trade makes sense? 1. Detroit has other excellent penalty killers. Franzen, Maltby, Cleary, Zetterberg have all been impressive defensively this year. Draper's marketability is at its highest right now but I can see it dropping quickly in a short time. He won't be winning the Selke again this year. 2. New rules haven't helped Draper. His speed and his play down low in the offensive zone cycling, killing penalty time etc. has always been a huge plus for him. But with less clutching and grabbing, I haven't seen him take advantage of it. Its like he doesn't know how to bring his game into the new NHL. 3. Allison is making 1.5 mill. and is starting to really turn it on...his point production has been very good as of late. 4. Detroit would benefit by adding his size to the line-up. Its one thing they lack. Besides Shanny and Lang, there are not too many other big guys at forward. He is big, gritty and hard to knock off the puck. Detroit is very good team when they get pressure to the net, when they don't, they aren't. He would be a perfect fit. Also, with Lang hurt and Yzerman playing some center in his absence, we get a guy who can step in to play 2nd and 3rd line center. Above anything else, you now have a 3rd line scoring threat opponents have to watch. Centers are supposed to make plays and make other players around them better which he will do. Draper hasn't been a threat all year. 5. With Sundin back in Toronto's line up and Wellwood/Lindros playing well, they have a surplus at center and need a player with Draper's expertise on PK. 6. He is from the Toronto area, I believe his wife and kids still live there. Also, Detroit will not play Toronto this year unless they meet in the Cup Final. Two Cons: 1. Special teams play a huge role in today's NHL. How would losing Draper impact our PK. 2. I believe Allison becomes a free agent next year again (can be seen as a pro as well). What do you people think?

I have a really strong belief that either Chara, Jovo or Redden will be in a Wings uniform next year. Question is which one...who would you take and who do you think the Wings will make the strongest push for? Is there a possiblilty of landing two of them and what do you think they will fetch on the open market? IMO, its Chara or Jovo I would love to see. Jovo being a local boy from Windsor, ON (across the river from Detroit for those who are not familiar with the area) I think has the strongest chance of coming home.

I was totally playing when I made that comment...sorry if it came across the wrong way. You guys are right though, not called for and not necessary, my appologies!!!

Guys, I'm all for using Drapes in a trade to land a top Dman but really don't see it happening. That's why I brought up the trade with Allison. IMO it made sense and was a trade that was realistic and achievable.

bringback91, you mis-interpreted what I was saying. I have no problem with the way Dats played in the playoffs in 03/04. The point I was trying to make was that even though stats don't tell everything about how a player is playing, its funny to see Detroit fans look at the stats sheet come playoff time. I remember hearing so many fans ripping on Dats because he wasn't putting the puck in the net enough during those playoffs. The whole stats comment is in response to Grind Line 33's comment about me being fixated on stats.

bringback91, you mis-interpreted what I was saying. I have no problem with the way Dats played in the playoffs in 03/04. The point I was trying to make was that even though stats don't tell everything about how a player is playing, its funny to see Detroit fans look at the stats sheet come playoff time. I remember hearing so many fans ripping on Dats because he wasn't putting the puck in the net enough during those playoffs. The whole stats comment is in response to Grind Line 33's comment about me being fixated on stats.

Ya, I thought his injury problems were due to a bad back. Grind Line 33, why not have the best of both worlds...an offensive center with 2 excellent defensive forwards to play with who have been contributing more on offense than Drapes. I may be fixated on points but from your username it certainly looks like you are fixated on Draper's nut sack. And points do tell a lot about how a player is playing...doesn't tell everything but I always see the Detroit fans looking at stats come playoff time and ripping Dats a new ass for not showing up.

Good points Grind Line 33 and I truthfully forgot about his bonuses whoever brought that up. Point is this...for a line that is suppost to be playing great and shutting down scoring lines, where the hell were they last night. For Draper to play as much time as he does and to only have 4 points is pathetic...he's on pace for 10 points with a plus/minus of -16. He plays center, he is suppost to make other players around him better...he hasn't done it in my opinion which is evident in the points. An Allison, Franzen, Maltby line would look a lot more intimidating on the ice. Last night's game is proof that offense plays a larger role than defence. If you can't score you will not win because your opposition will have too many chances. I think that a lot of people are under valueing Allison as a player and what he can bring to the table. In 517 games in the NHL he has 143 goals and 312 assists for 455 points. He is 2nd on the Leaf's in scoring this year with 30 points and would be 5th on our roster. I would say the guy isn't exactly a chump stain out there. He has played center on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd lines all year depending who was hurt or hot at the time so its not like he can't adjust to play a lesser role and still make an impact. I also caution hanging my hat on the young players just yet, even though they have all played surpisingly well (Williams etc.), you have to do it year after year to be classified as a solid hockey player.

Good points Grind Line 33 and I truthfully forgot about his bonuses whoever brought that up. Point is this...for a line that is suppost to be playing great and shutting down scoring lines, where the hell were they last night. For Draper to play as much time as he does and to only have 4 points is pathetic...he's on pace for 10 points with a plus/minus of -16. He plays center, he is suppost to make other players around him better...he hasn't done it in my opinion which is evident in the points. An Allison, Franzen, Maltby line would look a lot more intimidating on the ice. Last night's game is proof that offense plays a larger role than defence. If you can't score you will not win because your opposition will have too many chances. I think that a lot of people are under valueing Allison as a player and what he can bring to the table. In 517 games in the NHL he has 143 goals and 312 assists for 455 points. He is 2nd on the Leaf's in scoring this year with 30 points and would be 5th on our roster. I would say the guy isn't exactly a chump stain out there. He has played center on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd lines all year depending who was hurt or hot at the time so its not like he can't adjust to play a lesser role and still make an impact. I also caution hanging my hat on the young players just yet, even though they have all played surpisingly well (Williams etc.), you have to do it year after year to be classified as a solid hockey player.

I would love to know what the plus/minus is for that line combination for the time they have played together. If they can shut down teams 1st and 2nd line threats than it makes it harder to trade Draper. But in a new offensive minded NHL, I really think that a line like that will find it hard to shut scoring lines down. It seems the importance of offensive plays a larger role than defensive play (at least when it comes to forwards). If you can't score goals, its hard to win games because your opponent is going to have too many chances to put the puck in the net with all the penalties that are being called.

My biggest concern is come playoff time, its a repeat of 03/04 where no one including Dats or Zetter can put the puck in the net and we lose games by a goal after our goal keep stands on his head. I also feel that as the season progresses, Draper's role on PK will have less of an impact because I think you won't see as many penalities called. With him not playing as much PK, he will need to bring offence to the table to make an impact.

BringDMacBack, I posted the same message on Spector's but didn't get any responses so I figured I would try here...and no I am not a Leaf's fan.

I don't expect Draper to score 25 goals but he should be making more of an impact offensively and making the players around him better. That is also his role as a center. What needs to be evalutated is Drapers role on PK... is it more valuable than an offensive threat. Allison have proven he will make his linemates better by the number of assists he has. He is also playing better offensively than Draper. Normally if Detroit was relying solely on Draper and Malts to carry the load on PK I would not propose this trade but there are other players who are excelling in this aspect of the game and come cheaper. If Detroit had more cap room I would say lets trade Draper for someone who is a better player than Allsion like Morrison in Vancouver, but they don't. For 1.5 mill, I think Allison is a good pick-up and if things don't work out they have 2.3 mill extra for next year.

Allison's stats in 31 games played, he has 6 goals 24 assists for 30 points. Granted he is injury prone and did start the season slowly but if you have watched any Leaf games as of late, he looks very good. I agree we need an agressive Dman but Detroit would certainly give teams nightmares when they have 3 centres that are all scoring threats. Teams with deep rosters always go farther in the playoffs because you aren't counting on 1 or 2 lines for goals. If he doesn't play well, he won't be resigned. Not being on the hook for Draper's contract, we can use that money to sign Chara or Jovo. By the way, if Lilja is a good as Allison, he should be making 1.5 mill as well.