Echolalia

I don't know anything about this kid but from the video above he reminds me a bit of Helm.

The new censor effect on the forums won't let me type his name...

We will see how he turns out, but after Grigorenko, Leino, Brunnstrum, etc I will hold off on the excitement and hope until A. He earns a roster spot and B. he establishes an effective role for himself. It's one thing to tear it up overseas, but it's something else altogether to translate success over in North America, whether as a top line player or a bottom 12 grinder. I would certainly love if he can play even up to Hudler's level, but I won't hold my breath.

A part of me suspects that this was something that's been in the works for a while. I even think its possible that the 10yr offer wasn't necessarily even for Staal, but to let other big name players know that the Pens organization is willing spend big and make Pittsburgh a permanent home for someone (appealing for a Parise or Suter to see that type of commitment). Maybe I'm giving Shero too much credit, but it still ended up being a shrewd move.

So is it a general consensus that he will have a spot on the Wings' roster, and won't spend time seasoning in Grand Rapids? I literally know nothing about this kid, but I would have assumed to expect him play for the Griffims for at least a year, simply to adjust to NA hockey in a lower risk setting than the NHL.

What is tapatalk all about? The mobile version looks sleek, by the way, at least from what I've seen. I'll keep my eyes peeled for any bugs.

This is doubly good news in that we get to enjoy Helm's chaos for four more years and his rehab must also be going well to give Holland his signature! Also I'll do the OPs dirty work: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=398711

You don't see defensmen get breakways like that no more. I wear 16 because of this guy.

Me too, I like Helm even more now

I would also like to add that the rights to a player weeks before they become a free agent (and after the season has ended) typically aren't worth much. Additionally, the whole world knows Stuart wants to play in California, which makes it idfficult to get a good return on him. Why should San Jose give us more, when they know we likely aren't going to get anything from 26 other teams?

For the record on figuring out who said what and which guys says we need this player etc: Folks from the Wings' organization are legally not allowed to mention specific names when the player in question is under contract with another team. When free agency hits, then the names can fly, but until then, Holland and Babs and all the others have to be general and cryptic so not to get in trouble with the league. Consequently all the quotes with specific names in them are likely coming from opinion columnists, bloggers, other people who are not affiliated with the Red Wings, or the NHL.

I don't think that is a safe expectation to make. While Shultz is completely unproven at the NHL level, he has shown a lot of potential, and seems to have all the raw tools to be a difference maker in the NHL. That alone will be enough for some team to pursue this kid with the promise of guaranteed good minutes in the big leagues, and maybe even a leadership role in a few years. With our defensive depth and very high seasonal expectations, Neither Holland nor Babs can nor should give those same promises. Consequently, Shultz might be more inclined to go elsewhere if he suspects he'll be in Grand Rapids this year. If this kid has high expectations of himself and thinks he can outperform Kindl, Smith, or Quincey, and earn his spot in the top six, then maybe he takes the chance and signs with us. In any event, it's dangerous to expect him to replace White and his role in the lineup a year from now. Regardless of the amount of potential this kid has and the magnitude of hype that follows his name (not to mention how much White is looked down upon at LGW), were still talking about a kid with no experience playing in the NHL, and a guy who plays top defensive minutes on one of the most well respected and well run organizations in sports. I'm all for throwing an offer at Shultz so long as he is aware that the Wings don't reward players for potential alone. If he wants a good contract, he has to show he deserves it. If he wants top line minutes on our team, he needs to outperform the other guys fighting for that spot. if that doesn't sound good to him, I'm sure Montreal or Toronto has some space on their roster, and they'll be happy to throw everything that Shultz wants based on his prospect scouting report.

It was very recently that there were multiple/regular McCarty sightings in several Troy/Clawson area bars. I don't know the bartenders myself, but I have heard from a few of my buddies that they call around to each other to limit alcohol servings to McCarty when he gets out of control, to prevent going to other nearby bars once he's "hit his limit" at some other place. Who knows if its true, but its interesting that this article should pop up so recently after hearing that.

Kronwall White Ericsson Smith Kindl These are the defenseman already signed for next year. Quincey, and an acquisition (ala Suter) would give us 7 dman for the year. If this kid is willing to outperform one of Smith, Kindl, Ericsson, or Quincey to earn his roster spot, than I'm fine with signing him. 8 NHL ready Dman is good depth and right where Babs and Holland like to sit going into the playoffs. If he's looking to get guaranteed minutes regardless of how he performs, then Toronto or some other team can take him. Suter (or some other top 4, preferably top 2 Dman)

The Blues are up-and-coming; I don't think we would be able to snag Oshie from them. I wouldn't mind either player on the Wings, but the cost I think would be too high for my taste.

Suter is fine for now, I think. We do have a fair bit of cap space, but not an infinite amount, and there are also needs amongst our forwards. I think if we can land Suter (which is still a big if), and get Smith up to work on his defensive game some more, we should be in good shape. Now that Lids is out of the picture, I would prioritize landing Suter first, then picking up Zach Parise or Semin (only if he takes ~3M/year, which I'm not sure he will accept). Any player who can put the puck in the net on a regular basis is something we need right now. Third, we need a reliable back-up goaltender. MacDonand wants to compete for the position, but I read that he's not ideal because of his back issues. Vokoun, Clemenson, Hedberg. Somebody who can play at least 20 games/season consistently but won't break the bank either. Fourth, we need to add a little more size to the team. We have a skilled bottom six with Helm, Abby, Miller and Eaves, but they're capabilities I think would really be complimented with someone who can out-muscle the opposition and come up with the puck in the corners and in front of the net. I don't care if he fights or puts up 200+ PIM a year, as long as he can consistently wear down on opponents and win the battles and feed the pucks to his teammates from nasty areas where someone like Eaves or Miller isn't as effective. I see that going a long way, especially after the 82nd game is played. And of course, we need to re-sign our free agents, Helm and Abdelkader each deserve good raises. Quincey should be brought back, as much as everyone doesn't want that to happen (although is someone plucks him from us, I wouldn't be against getting the compensation as he is a RFA). If we can't find an upgrade for Hudler who doesn't want 6M/season, it might be beneficial to keep him around for scoring support. After all that, I think we'll be close to the cap limit again. Weber is a commodity we would be better off passing on, at least for now.

In order to be successful in the playoffs, you need a number of things out of your team; hunger, skill, chemistry, a system that works and people buy into, and certainly not least, luck. Every single stanley cup winning team that I have witnessed has had each of things, and moreso than any other team. It's rarely the most skilled team that wins the Cup. They don't play as hungry as that other team that eliminated them, or perhaps they were injured at the wrong time. And maybe your team has had wonderful luck and good hunger (predators 2012) but the hunger didnt last, or maybe they just didn't have the skill to keep up with another team. This year the Kings and the Devils have all the above in greater quantities and balance than any other team. Read into that what you will.

I don't see any of these guys being players that can consistently lead the team and the league in performance year after year. Smith has amazing vision and offensive prowess, so much so that I think he'll be more effective in the offensive zone than Rafalski during his prime, but his defensive game and speed will keep me from labeling him as elite. Most of these offensive prospects I see capping around where Filppulla is about now, give or take a little. They won't look out of place on a top line if they fill their potential, but I don't think any of them will be the backbone of a top line like Zetterberg or Datsyuk are. As for Sheahan, I was under the impression the organization projected him as a career 3rd liner. Did something amazing happen overnight without my knowing? And I honestly don't know enough of Oullet and Mzarek to give an opinion. As far as goalies go its not even worth speculating what they'll end up doing. It's impossible to tell what goalie will be a star or a dud these days.

Go to a college hockey game. If anyone sees you sitting you get pummeled

He seems to have really strong hands, a bit like Hossa when it comes to shooting. The kid grips his stick pretty high up, but still gets a lot of mustard on the shot.

Parise will help fill that void, and when Franzen is having fun he drives the net as well. We should see Cleary hitting the blue paint hard this year also. This past year his injury kept him from being an effective crease crasher. Darren Helm crashes into everything, so potentially we may have good net presence on each line next year, depending on free agent acquisitions, roster health, and of course, how fun the games are to Franzen.

This isn't just about being loyal to Homer, nor is it just about trying to get Lidstrom to re-sign. Parise and Suter (who came out and said the next team he plays for ideally will be his last) will be following this news if they're looking to see how they'll be treated at the end of their careers. If I'm Holland, Homer is getting a contract offer this year, because I want Parise and Suter, and any other potential long-term signing to see that we take care of our players. This is a trump card the Wings' brass has built up for years. This very well could be the year that we reap the benefits. Homer stays.

Holy cow what a shot

Won't happen, and its debatable where he stands in comparison to other commissioners. He brings in an immense profit to the league and has promoted the sport in a frugal yet effective way during his tenure. The guys who decide whether he keeps his job or not have their wallets stuffed, so he's not going anywhere.

I can see him going back to the Pens to win his fanbase back. Also It would be wonderful drama after playing for the Flyers for a year. If we lose Hudler, then I wouldn't be against pursuing him.