Lou_Siffer

Yeah, thats definitely not a good idea to have that much money invested in your D. Theyve somehow managed to pull it off, cause of Neidermayer's mini vacation, but it definitely wouldnt work with all those guys back there next season. Even Huskins who i thought was total crap last year suddenly seems to be pretty dependable. I dont think theres much comparison between the two D's. The Wings forwards overall obviously play better defensively though, which does help to offset that difference and maybe gives off the impression that our actual defensemen are really good. But they arent. Too small, and Rafalski, man he puts up a ton of points but he sure seems prone to gaffs. We just need some bigger bodies back there who dont make a ton of mistakes, even if they dont score points for s***.

Too much reliance on Flip and Hudler is a key problem, especially with Cleary out. They dont appear to be capable of stepping up, which i always believed would be a problem when the playoffs rolled around. Trade Hudler, and get someone else for Flip to play with is what i'd do.

Of course Anaheim has the better defensemen, i never understood how anybody could even debate that fact.

Tomorrow? Hell give it 20 minutes!

I think im going to need explaining on exactly why Edmonton would trade Stoll for Sammy. Even if Stoll's in the doghouse, we're still talking about a non playoff team trading a 25 yr old who's scored 20 goals for a guy who's alot older and has no upside. At least with the Ryder suggestions, although he clearly has more value than Sammy, Montreal is a playoff team so they'd probably want a roster player in return for him.

Sorry if it came of harsh, trades that have no chance of happening is a little pet peave of mine! Horton's one of my favorites, and is a budding power forward. Florida wouldnt deal him here for anyone not named Zetterberg.

Im not sure you understood my point. Im not arguing to keep Cleary in my post. Im talking about your suggestion of trading him to Atlanta or Toronto for Hossa or Sundin respectively making no sense. Why would a team, who's obviously trying to land the best young players, prospects, and picks they can get, want a player who will be a UFA in return. Think about it, whats the logical point in getting Cleary. There isnt one.

Yes because as we all know, teams just love to unload their upcoming UFA star player for another UFA who isnt nearly as good. Thats how you rebuild folks! And please, lets just stop talking about Nathan Horton right now. There is absolutely zero chance of him being dealt here, its less than zero actually. Theres a better chance of us getting Hossa, Sundin, or Jokinen than Horton...and i dont even feel we're players for them.

Didnt he get those from someone the famous Bob Saccamano knew? As for tipping, i strive to be a good tipper like the smog strangler.

Whats truly unfortunate is that this cost Morty his presidency.

Honestly i would be floored if we walked away with Jokinen and or Hossa and still had Flip on the team. I really believe he's a given to go, which is why i strongly believe we wont be players for those guys. For Jokinen, because he's signed...I dont believe theres anything we could even come up with....unless Holland's willing to part with 1st rounders for the next 3 years! Flip/Kindl/prospect...a s***load of picks, i dont think its an option. What we lack is that one standout stud prospect that everybody wants. Hossa wouldnt be as much as Jokinen, but youre still looking at having to outbid other teams. And if Holland is true to his word that Flip/Kindl/Ericsson is untouchable...there is zero chance. EDIT- had to change that "and" goof to "or" before some smartass got a hold of it

At least now i get to watch him strikeout swinging with men on base for Minnesota....so i'll get my fill of C-Mo!

Thats just how i feel about Franzen...although, he may be pretty new to the NHL but he's not very young. Isnt he like 28? (my god does typing that make me feel old) As for the trade proposal....Florida absolutely would have no part of that for Jokinen....even if that prospect was Kindl. Atlanta wouldnt do it either, but they at least wouldnt immediately hang up on you

Right you are. Just like that the Pain Train can assume his role as the Pain Trainer! (why im envisioning Karate Kid III right now i have no idea...)

I'd trade Franzen for the right deal obviously, but its not like i'd actively be shopping him around like i would Hudler. Thats the guy that seriously needs to be dealt. I dont particularly like the fact that Franzen's inconsistent when it comes to using his size, one game he'll lay somebody out like he did Jackman,..then the next 4 or 5 games it'll seem like he throws no hits at all and plays soft. Overall I definitely dont think he's bad though...there seems to be potential if only he could develop more of a mean streak. And at least learn how to defend himself better whenever someone goes after him...

And now we have the room, but he's saying he doesnt want to part with anybody that would have value like Flip, Kindl, or Ericsson... apparently all are untouchable. Whats left after those guys that would get a really good impact guy? I just think if you're going to save all that space, you should do so with the intent of parting with guys like that if you have to. Hey maybe he will, i dont know...we'll see what happens. Heaton - I'm not sure id really call it creative on Holland's part, he basically just went after the guy that other teams ended up avoiding because of his injury problems...and knowing he might not get to 100% (which he never really did..) The only other team i recall hearing that was even interested at deadline day was Anaheim.

Not to butt in, but those 3 were all made in the non cap era. Alot easier to pull off trades like that at a time when prospects and picks arent anywhere remotely as important as they are now cause you're a top spending club. Im not criticizing him for that, just pointing out whats fact. We really havent seen anything in the Cap era as of yet. A useless Cross trade, a lateral Williams/Calder move, and the Bertuzzi/Matthais swap.

Have you not checked the standings in the East at all this year?

Downie's not going anywhere...unless it was in a package for a real good player. Definitely not here.

I noticed that as well...i was like damn, Getzlaf looks like Chara out there compared to our guys.

Ottawa has Brian McGrattan, we're talking about Chris Gratton on TB. But for the record, i'd love both

Its all LGW banter GMR at this point....unfortunately.

He wouldnt be my first choice Kp, as i'd rather a Chris Gratton obviously, but look at in the sense that he's better as well as alot tougher than Drake and Kopecky. Plus, it would give us 2 guys whove beaten George Parros this year

Craig Monroe of the Tigers shoplifted a $30.00 belt before when he was making around 400k...sometimes crap like that is just in a guys blood no matter how much money they make. Probably for the thrill of it i guess.. EDIT : I mean WHEN he was a Tiger..

Not a bad idea at all....I had forgotten about Thornton. Better than Drake or Kopecky (or McCarty) at least, and since we know they wouldnt play Downey in the playoffs it would definitely give them a good bit of toughness that can play. Also would cost next to nothing, and is a UFA after the year. For the 4th line, i dont see why not.