McCarty meets with Red Wings

[Swayze 81]

For anyone that wants to see, here's a pic of him in his first Generals game:

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Why do half the people here seem to think they know something that management doesn't? Im sure Holland and Babs are very aware that if McCarty cant play at the NHL level, then he wont play for the Red Wings. If McCarty can eventually hack it better than Ellis, Downey, or Hartigan, hes got a spot on the team. If he cant, he doesnt. No need to get worked up over something that is purely conditional and in no way a given.

[Yzermaniac192005 0]

I'm not really feelin the visor on Mac for some reason...

[JayUp88 1]

Why do half the people here seem to think they know something that management doesn't? Im sure Holland and Babs are very aware that if McCarty cant play at the NHL level, then he wont play for the Red Wings. If McCarty can eventually hack it better than Ellis, Downey, or Hartigan, hes got a spot on the team. If he cant, he doesnt. No need to get worked up over something that is purely conditional and in no way a given.

Thank you, someone had to say it

[T.Low 1,011]

For anyone that wants to see, here's a pic of him in his first Generals game:

Thanks for the sweet pic, bro. That alone makes me want to thro down some hard earned cash for a Generals jersey!

He's got along way to go. Odds makers please.

[2probert4 8]

Thanks, but no thanks.

Darren was great back in the late 90s, but times have changed and so have the Wings. Bringing him back isn't going to accomplish anything, and is only going to put kids like Ellis and Hartigan even further back on the depth chart when they deserve a shot.

It's great that he's working out and such, and I hope he can get back into shape and latch onto an NHL team, but I think the Wings are just fine with Drake and Downey (when he plays) in the lineup.

I dont see his "shot" coming this season...If he works hard during the off season then he may get a shot during training camp but not before.

[SpiritFan 37]

If he beats the odds of a brazillion to one,

Anyone else find that funny? I am laughing out loud to myself at that typo... or maybe it wasn't a typo, making it even funnier!

[Booster313 138]

He hasn't fought since he broke his hand... what good is he to this team? seriously... he is not going to bring any toughness and certainly isn't a scorer... idk

As a player and what he can give to any team was phased out with the new nhl. I like McCarty, but i don't see any value he will bring... maybe he perform during intermission to try to liven up the crowd??

he had that one huge fight and the one big goal last decade... that was fun.. but he hasn't done squat in the nhl since then.

I am suprised your quick to judge a players ability to come back. Many people wrote Ozzie off in the late 90's and they would have been half right, but he was able to work hard, fix his short comings, improve on his strengthes and look what he's been able to accomplish! IF Darren can get back to game shape he certainly can do no worse than Drake or Downey (not that their playing poorly mind you). The upside? Well he would bring more fan support, and it would be a good thing for someone who's fallen on hard times and given his best years to this team.

Edited January 11, 2008 by Booster313

[Dano33 41]

What is drake doing for us that McCarty couldn't?

[Booster313 138]

What is drake doing for us that McCarty couldn't?

That was my point...if Mccarty can get into game shape...nothing.

[T.Low 1,011]

Whats Drake doing for us that McCarty can't

That was my point...if Mccarty can get into game shape...nothing.

I agree, but thats a BIG "IF". I'm afraid too big. We'll see.

[betterREDthandead 58]

I suprised your quick to judge a players ability to come back. Many people wrote Ozzie off in the late 90's and they would have been half right, but he was able to work hard, fix his short comings, improve on his strengthes and look what he's been able to accomplish! IF Darren can get back to game shape he certainly can do no worse than Drake or Downey (not that their playing poorly mind you). The upside? Well he would bring more fan support, and it would be a good thing for someone who's fallen on hard times and given his best years to this team.

Huge difference between Ozzie and Mac. Mac spent his whole career hitting people as hard as he could, smashing faces with his fists, and generally playing with the restraint of a train wreck. Add to that, the whole time he was living the hard-drinking, hard-partying lifestyle of a rock star, complete with guitar. His body is way more beat up than most of these guys at 35.

[Booster313 138]

Huge difference between Ozzie and Mac. Mac spent his whole career hitting people as hard as he could, smashing faces with his fists, and generally playing with the restraint of a train wreck. Add to that, the whole time he was living the hard-drinking, hard-partying lifestyle of a rock star, complete with guitar. His body is way more beat up than most of these guys at 35.

Very true...but if there's a will there is a way.

[Barrie 900]

Well I know it's a long shot, but it would be great to see DMac back in Hockeytown wearing #25 again . I hope it works out, but understand if it doesn't.

On another note, I wouldn't be surprised if we traded for Lapointe at the deadline to add some size, seeing he's an UFA after this year.

[esteef 2,679]

In honor of MAC trying to come back, I have purchased the following shirt from the Letsgowings store!

Kick ass shirt Matt!!!!!

Cheers!

esteef

[JackMallory 0]

Its a win/win situation:

McCarty is feeling pretty bad about his place in life right now. Dude is low. He talks to his buddy Drapes (part owner of the Flint Generals) about his come back plan. Drapes figures why not give him a chance. Draper, of all people, knows what its like to be given a second chance and turn it into something successful. Now tell me Mac won't sell tickets in Flint. Of course he will. Drapes gets to help out a buddy and give him a chance, and at the same time increase the revenue for the Generals. And the Wings look good for even meeting with Mac in the first place.

Chances are he'll never get past Flint. And everyone knows that. If he actually gets good enough to make it to GR, of course he'll sell tickets there, too.

If he gets nothing out of this whole thing but pulled muscles, a bloody nose, and humiliation, then he has closure to his hockey career, and can get up and get his life going by focusing his energy elsewhere, knowing that his old friends gave him a chance when he asked them to. Just the fact that Drapes and the Wings bellieve in him enough to give him this chance may give him the confidence he needs to take on life after hockey.

If he beats the odds of a brazillion to one, and actually earns a spot back on the Red Wings roster, the Red Wings organization once again looks like everyone they touch turns to gold, and Mac can retire on the movie rights alone, and T.Low gets misty eyed as he watches DMac score on Ray Hiphop Emery in the game five clincher (so its at home at the Joe) of the SCF.

And to all a goodnight

Very good post. And McCarty is indeed already paying dividends in Flint...they've sold more tickets already for tomorrow's game than any game this season. Flint has been in first place most of the season but have had crappy crowds. Bring in a known enforcer and the building fills up. What does that tell you? Don Cherry would love it. I bet Mickey Redmond would, too. I'm looking forward to tomorrow night's game.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

I haven't really read responses in this thread in depth, so I apologize if I'm re-iterating previous points...

The fan in me would love to see McCarty back in a Wings uniform, and I think it's great that he is trying to resuming making a living doing something he loves, even though he knows it will probably end in a few years...

That being said though I think he has aways to go before having a chance to sniff the Wings lineup full time (again I haven't read responses in this thread or much detail in the situation so somebody please correct me if I am wrong or if he's ahead of any "progress"). It'll take him a while to get back in game shape.

Would I love to see him work his way back up though to the NHL and be proved wrong? Without question.

McCarty

[T.Low 1,011]

Anyone else find that funny? I am laughing out loud to myself at that typo... or maybe it wasn't a typo, making it even funnier!

President Bush (not that I'm a Bush wacker, but it works best using him) is breifed by Rumsfeld at a security meeting.

Rumsfeld: "Mr President, 11 Brazillian delegates were killed in Irag today as their embassy was blown up by a suicide bomber"

Bush, leaning over to Cheney, whispers in his ear: "Dickey, remind me again, how many is a brazillion?"

[OsGOD 3]

I am suprised your quick to judge a players ability to come back. Many people wrote Ozzie off in the late 90's and they would have been half right, but he was able to work hard, fix his short comings, improve on his strengthes and look what he's been able to accomplish! IF Darren can get back to game shape he certainly can do no worse than Drake or Downey (not that their playing poorly mind you). The upside? Well he would bring more fan support, and it would be a good thing for someone who's fallen on hard times and given his best years to this team.

People wrote off ozzie because they were dumb... he never played horrible and never missed a season out side of the lockout... darren hasn't played hockey in a long time and his strength was lost when he stopped being able to fight...

Downey > McCarty by a long shot!

[Guest DetroitIan]

Downey > McCarty by a long shot!

As in fighting ability maybe(although Darren in his prime would destroy Downey). But if Darren was to actually get back in shape, and get his game back. We wouldn't even need him for fighting. He would just be an energy guy. And a guy who can bring in some physicality during the reg. season and post season. Not to mention, Darren wouldn't be taking Downey's spot anyway. So we would still have our fists. We would just be adding more physicality. But it could be a big IF, when it comes to Darren getting back into NHL shape. But if he pulls it off, of course we could use him on the checking line. We won't need him for scoring, fighting, finesse. We just need him to bring his physical play, leadership, and lockerroom presence with him. As long as his body holds up, I don't see any reason why that can't happen.

[interminded 1]

McCarty will always be a Red Wing for me, but he'll never ever play for the Wings again.

Be realistic !

[esteef 2,679]

As in fighting ability maybe(although Darren in his prime would destroy Downey). But if Darren was to actually get back in shape, and get his game back. We wouldn't even need him for fighting. He would just be an energy guy. And a guy who can bring in some physicality during the reg. season and post season. Not to mention, Darren wouldn't be taking Downey's spot anyway. So we would still have our fists. We would just be adding more physicality. But it could be a big IF, when it comes to Darren getting back into NHL shape. But if he pulls it off, of course we could use him on the checking line. We won't need him for scoring, fighting, finesse. We just need him to bring his physical play, leadership, and lockerroom presence with him. As long as his body holds up, I don't see any reason why that can't happen.

Right on man! Like a bigger Verbeek! Glass half full! (I think I cried a little!)

Cheers to Thursday night sauce!

esteef

Edited January 11, 2008 by esteef

[Dominator2005 558]

As in fighting ability maybe(although Darren in his prime would destroy Downey). But if Darren was to actually get back in shape, and get his game back. We wouldn't even need him for fighting. He would just be an energy guy. And a guy who can bring in some physicality during the reg. season and post season. Not to mention, Darren wouldn't be taking Downey's spot anyway. So we would still have our fists. We would just be adding more physicality. But it could be a big IF, when it comes to Darren getting back into NHL shape. But if he pulls it off, of course we could use him on the checking line. We won't need him for scoring, fighting, finesse. We just need him to bring his physical play, leadership, and lockerroom presence with him. As long as his body holds up, I don't see any reason why that can't happen.

100% right!!!

[Hank 0]

For anyone that wants to see, here's a pic of him in his first Generals game:

Visors must be mandatory in the "I" eh?

[Hank 0]

As in fighting ability maybe(although Darren in his prime would destroy Downey). But if Darren was to actually get back in shape, and get his game back. We wouldn't even need him for fighting. He would just be an energy guy. And a guy who can bring in some physicality during the reg. season and post season. Not to mention, Darren wouldn't be taking Downey's spot anyway. So we would still have our fists. We would just be adding more physicality. But it could be a big IF, when it comes to Darren getting back into NHL shape. But if he pulls it off, of course we could use him on the checking line. We won't need him for scoring, fighting, finesse. We just need him to bring his physical play, leadership, and lockerroom presence with him. As long as his body holds up, I don't see any reason why that can't happen.

However, Downy gets to play in maybe 1 out of every 6 or 7 games. And it's only when there's an injury or someone needs a break. Even if McCarty does get into NHL shape, who's job does he take?

Look up and down our roster - every single player can skate and has decent enough hands to bury chances. McCarty doesn't fit either bill.

His whole game is grinding - you can't even say fighting anymore. So which player off our our starting 12, who can already skate, check and score is McCarty, who can only check, going to transplant?

Not to mention the chemistry issue? How does Holland or Babcock tell a player, who's worked very hard to make it in this incredibly competitive lineup, that they're sitting for a 35 year old has-been who's as brital as glass, can't fight, has no hands and can throw a body check here or there. I'm sure Kopecky would love to heat that. Especially since he, and everyone else in our lineup has helped race the Wings to the top of the standings - and quite easily.

And lets not forget that even though he might get back into physical shape, what about his mental state? Is he still hanging out with that group of drugged-up losers? I'm sure that'll be great to have around the dressing room.

Drapes - "Hey Mac, we're going to catch a flick and some pizza, you coming?

Mac - "No, I'm going to do a line of blow off a $10 hookers ass with my buddies from Grinder"

The point is, McCarty will help this team with nothing. He has ZERO value to this team. We already have an abundance of wheels, size, hands, leadership and grit. Simply put WE DON'T NEED MAC. At all. What on earth can he possibly provide that the team needs? The only thing I can think of is nestalgia and ticket sales.

Edited January 11, 2008 by Hank