McCarty meets with Red Wings

[Hank 0]

Sorry, my final point.

If Mac has so much to give, why on earth haven't the other 29 teams (some of which are character and leadership starved) taken a chance on him?

So if some of the worst teams in the league don't want him, why on earth would the #1 hockey team on the planet?

[high_stick69 7]

I hope DMac EARNS his way back onto the roster and makes the bashers eat their words. Some have given a guy that has been injured a flat out "no." Of course he isn't going to set the world on fire while he's injured...duh! Let him get healthy and then pass judgement. I am not overly optimistic, but it's great that he is pushing and giving it a chance.

Go DMAC!!

[IceMunkee 15]

I may be the only one but I have no interest in this at all. Why would we give up a player that has been working hard all season for a charity case? Sorry Mac I love you but I also am fond of history class! Stay in the past. This team needs to make ZERO changes this season. Especially for a washed up player that is recently injury prone! I am a fan of what Mac has done for the Wings but he played a game with the Generals and did not register a single point! Does that sound like someone you want in our franchise. While we are at it why don't we see if Probert wants to come back for a bit if he feels like it.

PS For all those who would trade Mac for Drake... Mac went pointless in 32 games, at least Drake has scored a couple in as many....

[Hank 0]

I hope DMac EARNS his way back onto the roster and makes the bashers eat their words. Some have given a guy that has been injured a flat out "no." Of course he isn't going to set the world on fire while he's injured...duh! Let him get healthy and then pass judgement. I am not overly optimistic, but it's great that he is pushing and giving it a chance.

Go DMAC!!

That's one of his main issues. When is he ever healthy? Ted Lindsay could probably skate in more games without injury than McCarty right now.

I'll say it again, McCarty can't help this team in any way except at the box office. He couldn't even get a freakin AHL or ECHL tryout for crying out loud.

[OsGOD 3]

That's one of his main issues. When is he ever healthy? Ted Lindsay could probably skate in more games without injury than McCarty right now.

I'll say it again, McCarty can't help this team in any way except at the box office. He couldn't even get a freakin AHL or ECHL tryout for crying out loud.

nothing more than QFT

[Lidsyukerberg 0]

I will say that McCarty is one of my top 3 favorite franchise players, but this post will not be based on that.

So far after reading all of the posts here I heard a lot of comments that say he can/he can't, he will/he won't, he doesn't have it any more/he still has it or can get it back, He can add to/he has nothing to add, if/not, maybe/never, who's spot?/nobodies. Anyway, I've learned long ago never to count a man out, he may surprise you. The resolve of the human spirit is an incalculable force.

Will he be able to do it? I have no idea, but I would never say never. As for who's spot will he take, don't you think that we might be getting ahead of ourselves here? A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step, all you can look to is the next step. If you try looking to the end of the journey it will seem impossible, but the next step is always possible. I for one am glad to see him taking that first step, and that's what I'm going to pay attention to. Nothing more. Once the cards start to fall, then we'll look to the next step, and see what happens. Of course it helps that I am not far from the Flint Generals so it is nice to have one of my all time favorite players playing up by me.

I think the best point I have heard made on here so far regarding his comeback bid was this: Babcock is not a stupid coach. He has his poop in a group. He is not nostalgic for McCarty, he wasn't here then so he doesn't know him as a friend or hero. If McCarty does make it back on the roster then that means he has what it takes. Babcock is not going to put someone on his roster that is not going to add something to his winning record, I don't care who it is, or how much everybody else loves them.

Let's just watch him with the Generals for now and discuss his merit as a player as apposed to someone who is staging a big comeback climb.

We also might want to give him more than one game before we start judging his play, he has been out for a while. After a few games would be the better time to look at his contribution. You can't base any players abilities on one game, there were players on the Wings last night that didn't get one single point, should we pitch them? Or base our analysis on a few of the games played? Just a thought.

Edited January 11, 2008 by Lidsyukerberg

[Opie 308]

The more important question (as opposed to What does Drake offer that Mac Can't) seeing as Drake is already on the team and is shown not to be a detriment, what can Mac offer that Drake is already doing. If the answer is nothing, than there is no reason to bring Mac on board.

[egroen 384]

So if some of the worst teams in the league don't want him, why on earth would the #1 hockey team on the planet?

Well, that could be said about half our draft picks over the past 15 years. The same could be said about Kocur -- whom the rest of the NHL obviously passed on but I think would have loved to have him after what he showed when he came back for the cup run.

I don't think he'll make it, but have the utmost confidence in the organization if he does somehow prove to be good enough again to make the team. The fact the rest of the NHL does not want him makes no difference to me.

I do think it is safe to say McCarty's odds of making it back to the NHL are higher if he is trying to make the Red Wings, than if it were for any other team.

Edited January 11, 2008 by egroen

[Hank 0]

Well, that could be said about half our draft picks over the past 15 years. The same could be said about Kocur -- whom the rest of the NHL obviously passed on but I think would have loved to have him after what he showed when he came back for the cup run.

I don't think he'll make it, but have the utmost confidence in the organization if he does somehow prove to be good enough again to make the team. The fact the rest of the NHL does not want him makes no difference to me.

I do think it is safe to say McCarty's odds of making it back to the NHL are higher if he is trying to make the Red Wings, than if it were for any other team.

Kocur's situation was entirely different. There was a spot for him and he was good at what he was asked to do. Can anyone here say the same thing about McCarty? Is there a need for a player like him?

In my opinion, no. We have 14 forwards that can do more than him and we don't have to worry about paying someone to be on the IR for the rest of the year.

And lets not forget one very important ingrediant - it's been reported that Ken Holland was going to keep McCarty on the roster after the lockout ONLY if he quit Grinder. McCarty refused and he was bought out. McCarty is STILL WITH GRINDER. Why on earth would Ken Holland pick him up now (when he's years older and even worse as a player) if he's still associated with that gang of drug addicts and low-lifes?

Also lets remember why McCarty is with the Generals - Draper is one of the co-owners. In my mind, this was nothing more than a personal favor by Drapes to help an old friend get back on his feet.

Sure, it's up to McCarty if he can get back into shape and have any semblance of NHL talent, but I don't see that happening any time this year.

This train is rolling along with nobody even close to catching us. So I ask again, why would anyone disrupt that unless the part being replaced was head and shoulders above the current peices on the track?

I'm not even sure a 2004 McCarty could crack this lineup. How could a 2008 version of him do it?

It's time to let this dream die. There are hundreds of players in the AHL and ECHL that are better than McCarty and could be had for next to nothing. The only thing McCarty has over them is fond memories of triumphs from a decade ago.

[egroen 384]

I personally do not think there is a chance in hell he will make it, but I just heavily disagreed with the statement, "If the rest of the league doesn't want him, why would we?"

it's been reported that Ken Holland was going to keep McCarty on the roster after the lockout ONLY if he quit Grinder. McCarty refused and he was bought out.

I honestly do not buy this and have no idea where it is coming from. Obviously it has never been printed in an interview.

I've met McCarty, and yes... the guy is not a rocket scientist, but I do not think he would turn down playing for the Red Wings in favor of his band. I mean not only is that unbelievably stupid (and while he has proven he can make bad decisions), but the guy lived and breathed red & white.

It made a lot of financial sense for Holland to buy McCarty out... I would have done the same thing, no matter how much I loved McCarty. I doubt Grinder was the make-or-break part of the equation.

[irishtemper14+25 11]

Kocur's situation was entirely different. There was a spot for him and he was good at what he was asked to do. Can anyone here say the same thing about McCarty? Is there a need for a player like him?

In my opinion, no. We have 14 forwards that can do more than him and we don't have to worry about paying someone to be on the IR for the rest of the year.

And lets not forget one very important ingrediant - it's been reported that Ken Holland was going to keep McCarty on the roster after the lockout ONLY if he quit Grinder. McCarty refused and he was bought out. McCarty is STILL WITH GRINDER. Why on earth would Ken Holland pick him up now (when he's years older and even worse as a player) if he's still associated with that gang of drug addicts and low-lifes?

Also lets remember why McCarty is with the Generals - Draper is one of the co-owners. In my mind, this was nothing more than a personal favor by Drapes to help an old friend get back on his feet.

Sure, it's up to McCarty if he can get back into shape and have any semblance of NHL talent, but I don't see that happening any time this year.

This train is rolling along with nobody even close to catching us. So I ask again, why would anyone disrupt that unless the part being replaced was head and shoulders above the current peices on the track?

I'm not even sure a 2004 McCarty could crack this lineup. How could a 2008 version of him do it?

It's time to let this dream die. There are hundreds of players in the AHL and ECHL that are better than McCarty and could be had for next to nothing. The only thing McCarty has over them is fond memories of triumphs from a decade ago.

he said Grinder is done, he may have chosen the band and the lifestyle over hockey at one time(which i dont buy he stayed in the band rather than stay with the team) but it is clear what he wants to do now. he is focusing everything on making a comeback, and his comeback might not be this season, it could be next season IF mccarty is skating/playing well and IF drake retires(which he might)

[IceMunkee 15]

Kocur's situation was entirely different. There was a spot for him and he was good at what he was asked to do. Can anyone here say the same thing about McCarty? Is there a need for a player like him?

In my opinion, no. We have 14 forwards that can do more than him and we don't have to worry about paying someone to be on the IR for the rest of the year.

And lets not forget one very important ingrediant - it's been reported that Ken Holland was going to keep McCarty on the roster after the lockout ONLY if he quit Grinder. McCarty refused and he was bought out. McCarty is STILL WITH GRINDER. Why on earth would Ken Holland pick him up now (when he's years older and even worse as a player) if he's still associated with that gang of drug addicts and low-lifes?

Also lets remember why McCarty is with the Generals - Draper is one of the co-owners. In my mind, this was nothing more than a personal favor by Drapes to help an old friend get back on his feet.

Sure, it's up to McCarty if he can get back into shape and have any semblance of NHL talent, but I don't see that happening any time this year.

This train is rolling along with nobody even close to catching us. So I ask again, why would anyone disrupt that unless the part being replaced was head and shoulders above the current peices on the track?

I'm not even sure a 2004 McCarty could crack this lineup. How could a 2008 version of him do it?

It's time to let this dream die. There are hundreds of players in the AHL and ECHL that are better than McCarty and could be had for next to nothing. The only thing McCarty has over them is fond memories of triumphs from a decade ago.

Awsome. (All but the grinder part, which is not totally unbelievable itself) Well said

[Hank 0]

he said Grinder is done, he may have chosen the band and the lifestyle over hockey at one time(which i dont buy he stayed in the band rather than stay with the team) but it is clear what he wants to do now. he is focusing everything on making a comeback, and his comeback might not be this season, it could be next season IF mccarty is skating/playing well and IF drake retires(which he might)

I agree with you there. If there is a small chance McCarty plays for the Wings it won't be this year but maybe next year.

The thing that makes me laugh about everyone wanting McCarty back is that they're not using their heads.

Before Mac got a tryout with the Generals I don't recall one thread on these boards that said "We need another 4th line grinder". Suddenly Mac is back skating and this plays blows up about how this team needs him. No it doesn't. Not in the least. The Wings could use more pucks, water bottles, more fans in the seats or a depth defenseman, but they absolutely do not need 35 year old Mr.Glass.

P.S. Regarding the Grinder incident, it was never in print but I heard a few Canadian journalists mention it. And what has been in print (Windsor Star after Mac declared bankrupcy) is that Bowman, Holland and Draper all told him to dump Grinder as they were a terrible influence and a group of drugged up idiots. He never did it.

And while he might say he's done with the band I still have my doubts as the last time he was at the Joe he had a Grinder hat on.

Anyway, I guess I'm done repeating myself. When the Wings signed Drake and Downy they filled their quota of players that could fight, check, play D and bring character & leadership. McCarty isn't better than either of those two in any category. And that's an in-shape Mac.

[OsGOD 3]

he said Grinder is done, he may have chosen the band and the lifestyle over hockey at one time(which i dont buy he stayed in the band rather than stay with the team) but it is clear what he wants to do now. he is focusing everything on making a comeback, and his comeback might not be this season, it could be next season IF mccarty is skating/playing well and IF drake retires(which he might)

And around the world muscians alike rejoice... One step closer to ridding the world of useless noise pollution... one crappy band at a time

[al48 1]

I will say that McCarty is one of my top 3 favorite franchise players, but this post will not be based on that.

So far after reading all of the posts here I heard a lot of comments that say he can/he can't, he will/he won't, he doesn't have it any more/he still has it or can get it back, He can add to/he has nothing to add, if/not, maybe/never, who's spot?/nobodies. Anyway, I've learned long ago never to count a man out, he may surprise you. The resolve of the human spirit is an incalculable force.

Will he be able to do it? I have no idea, but I would never say never. As for who's spot will he take, don't you think that we might be getting ahead of ourselves here? A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step, all you can look to is the next step. If you try looking to the end of the journey it will seem impossible, but the next step is always possible. I for one am glad to see him taking that first step, and that's what I'm going to pay attention to. Nothing more. Once the cards start to fall, then we'll look to the next step, and see what happens. Of course it helps that I am not far from the Flint Generals so it is nice to have one of my all time favorite players playing up by me.

I think the best point I have heard made on here so far regarding his comeback bid was this: Babcock is not a stupid coach. He has his poop in a group. He is not nostalgic for McCarty, he wasn't here then so he doesn't know him as a friend or hero. If McCarty does make it back on the roster then that means he has what it takes. Babcock is not going to put someone on his roster that is not going to add something to his winning record, I don't care who it is, or how much everybody else loves them.

Let's just watch him with the Generals for now and discuss his merit as a player as apposed to someone who is staging a big comeback climb.

We also might want to give him more than one game before we start judging his play, he has been out for a while. After a few games would be the better time to look at his contribution. You can't base any players abilities on one game, there were players on the Wings last night that didn't get one single point, should we pitch them? Or base our analysis on a few of the games played? Just a thought.

:clap:

[esteef 2,679]

Before Mac got a tryout with the Generals I don't recall one thread on these boards that said "We need another 4th line grinder". Suddenly Mac is back skating and this plays blows up about how this team needs him.

I don't really think people are saying we need him, just that it couldn't hurt to give him a shot if he shows he's capable. If it doesn't work out, so be it, no loss.

peace,

esteef

[Barrie 900]

I don't really think people are saying we need him, just that it couldn't hurt to give him a shot if he shows he's capable. If it doesn't work out, so be it, no loss.

peace,

esteef

Right.

Mac was a fan favorite, so we're just curious to see if he can make it back. I for one am rooting for the guy to turn things around in his life. If he can help the Wings, cool, if not, it's fine. There's nothing wrong with checking to see if he's got anything left. It's called keeping your options open.

[JackMallory 0]

I thought Mac looked good tonight at the game. He had the most hits, I believe, and he also had an assist. He even played on the special teams. He and the Port Huron goalie were going at it all night, jawing away, and one time Mac gave him a big snow job in the face. He got him off his game and that led to Flint's scoring comeback late in the game. Flint won 4-3. The place was a complete sell-out. Haven't seen that in years. They cheered loudly whenever he checked and when he got his assist. He was very enthusiastic throughout the game.

[Grittzkey 1]

Wierd, Dmac did absolutely nothing when he played in muskegon.

[JackMallory 0]

Wierd, Dmac did absolutely nothing when he played in muskegon.

Well, it's been a long time since he's played, so I actually expected less from him than what we got last night in Flint.

Edited January 12, 2008 by JackMallory

[MotorCityMachineGun22 0]

Heck Yeah!I would love having McCarty on our team and we really could start the grind line again and he would just add to the veterans on this team which would be like the sprinkles on the cake and he does bring some intimidation and fighting to the game!

[IceMunkee 15]

Heck Yeah!I would love having McCarty on our team and we really could start the grind line again and he would just add to the veterans on this team which would be like the sprinkles on the cake and he does bring some intimidation and fighting to the game!

Sprinkles to the cake? More like toilet paper in the toilet. He would bring nothing that the team does not have already. Maybe 8 years ago.

[clutchngrab 12]

Les all dial our time machines back to 2008 now. 1997 was a good year, but we have a pretty good team this year too.

[Booster313 138]

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.

I'd gladly take a healthy and NHL ready McCarty over Dallas Drake...IF McCarty can do what he needs to do....and at this point it's a big IF. But I am always optimistic so we shall see.

Edited January 12, 2008 by Booster313

[esteef 2,679]

Sprinkles to the cake? More like toilet paper in the toilet. He would bring nothing that the team does not have already. Maybe 8 years ago.

The only thing current 4th liners have that MAC doesn't is better physical conditioning, once MAC gets that back I'll put him up against any of our 4th liners. It's not like he forgot how to play hockey, he's just out of shape.

esteef