Blake Article, "Could be good fit for Wings"

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Nope... not being able to score... i.e. players given a free pass becuase we got the savior at the dead line is what costs us the playoffs.

Letting players that do score in the playoffs leave the team (feds, kozlov and lang) is what costs us teh game...

Continuing to put duck tape over the real issues to hide them is what makes us lose the playoffs

what happened when zeta went down last season and this season... other guys stepped up because our "leader" went down. they learned how to play as a team and make up for his lack of offense.

Scoreing is the #1 issue we have lost the last several playoffs. The D is fine, we have guys in the minors just chomping at the bit to play for a lot less cash and cost than bringing in a rent-a-player.

Minor league players chomping at the bit to play for the Wings doesn't mean they're as good as Blake. I don't care how much they "want it", Blake is simply more talented than our Minor Leaguers.

Lets take a look at the players that the Wings have "let go" according to you:

- Feds left on his own. He was offered more money to stay in Detroit, but left anyway - He doesn't add to your point.

- Kozlov was moved for a d*mn good reason and it paid off instantly - Again, that doesn't add to your point.

- Lang wouldn't have signed with Detroit even if he had been offered a contract with the Wings. The Wings were not about to pay him the amount Chicago did, and rightfully so. I've supported Lang plenty when people were knocking him, but has been on the decline the past few years. Granted he came up huge last year in the playoffs, but since you said it, wouldn't it be better to have a younger player chomping at the bit to score?

Lastly, continuing to blame the offense for playoff exits is getting old. I agree that a few years ago scoring was the issue, but its not all about the offense. As I've said before, scoring is always down in the playoffs, but its the teams with timely goal-scoring along with solid D/goaltending that move on.

Last year, it wasn't a case of the Wings not scoring, nor was it a case of the goaltending letting the team down.....rather it was one too many Dmen being injured that ultimately cost the Wings the series and possibly the cup.

[Zion 93]

Blake just annoys me... hell the entire we need so and so rent-a-player aspect of this time of year annoys me. We don't need anybody... we need our current lineup to learn how to STEP IT UP instead of always knowing there will be a "Moses" waiting at the trade deadline that is supposed to lead us to some said promise land.

It just gives the rest of the players the ability to sit back and let so and so do it without stepping up their game.

Nope It Blake for sure, i never liked the guy.

That is a stupid reason to not get the guy. He is big, strong and can still play D.

This is the exact type or rationale that costs teams in the playoffs. We *need* depth, otherwise you might end up losing 2 of your top-4 defensemen when you need them the most.

Game. Set. Match.

We can always use scoring, but we lose games when we get trapped in our own end and can't clear the zone because our smaller D gets pushed around. Yes, I'm talking about the Ducks. You know, the team that eliminated us last year.

Defense first. Scoring second... you do realize this is the playoffs we're talking about, right?

[Zion 93]

Lastly, continuing to blame the offense for playoff exits is getting old. I agree that a few years ago scoring was the issue, but its not all about the offense. As I've said before, scoring is always down in the playoffs, but its the teams with timely goal-scoring along with solid D/goaltending that move on.

Last year, it wasn't a case of the Wings not scoring, nor was it a case of the goaltending letting the team down.....rather it was one too many Dmen being injured that ultimately cost the Wings the series and possibly the cup.

Exactly right. You need to be able to clear the zone, make that first pass, anchor both power play backends.

[OsGOD 3]

That is a stupid reason to not get the guy. He is big, strong and can still play D.

Game. Set. Match.

We can always use scoring, but we lose games when we get trapped in our own end and can't clear the zone because our smaller D gets pushed around. Yes, I'm talking about the Ducks. You know, the team that eliminated us last year.

Defense first. Scoring second... you do realize this is the playoffs we're talking about, right?

Step up the D perfect solution towards winning that cup... ask CUJO how that felt to play with a .900 GAA and STILL LOSE out without a cup.

We need scoring!!!! game, set, CUP!

But i feel the exact same away about getting a huge scorer in Forsberg... citing him as a douchebag is a pretty dumb reason in my book.

You want a person who can score and play sound D... pick up a two way player in Fedorov.

Like others have said he is hurt but we don't need him just yet... just in the playoffs where is outshines the rest of the wings.. Still holds some records too in the post season here after not playing here for some time, i think.

but i understand you all HATE him cause he hurt your redblooded winged egos by signing with the Ducks and that is a VALID reason for not getting him

Edited February 7, 2008 by OsGOD

[Zion 93]

I'd be lying if I said I WASN'T coming around on the idea of Fedorov coming back and doing just what you said, playing both positions.

That's a great asset to have.

I still hate Fedorov.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

NFM,

you are telling me that if Nick and Kronner go down, Blake without one of Lilja or Lebda (one of them will probably go to LA) but with Meech, Quincey, Cheli, Lilja or Lebda, and Rafalski that the wings win the cup.

Or an even worse case scenario, the kings ask for Flip or Huds in return, now the wings hand is forced into signing a top 6 forward, which will cost them prospects or one of the D-men. Which puts the wings back in the same scenario that if Lids or two of the other top 4 go down, they are again screwed, especially if this turns out to be a more severe ankle injury than what is being let on. Remember it is known that they are shopping this guy and that there are suitors out there, if his ankle is going to be a problem all year why would the Kings say a damn word about it. It may be playable but in a lot of pain. It could turn into a nagging injury, or lets say arthritis sets into the ankle (happen to my knee and I am a lot younger than Blake), now it hurts every time he pushes off.

An injured asset is not something the Wings should chase.

Sorry to tell you this, but if this team loses 2 of its top 4 (especially if one of them is Lids) it will not win the cup unless the offense can score 3-4 ES goals a game, and then they would need Dom or Osgood to play absolutely out of their minds. Mainly for the same reason as last year, the loss of Two pp defencemen will destroy the pp, thus the team will go 0-for on the PP and on 5-3 like last year.

Yes Blake can QB a pp, but not nearly as well as Lids and Ralf, he is older than he was when he was traded to COL. He is not the same player he was two years ago even.

Do you ever wonder why Dom just didn't look sharp in the ANA series last year, maybe because 2 of his main d-man were down with injuries and he was very accustomed to playing behind them. One of them happened at the end of a series (Shnieds), then you tell him, hey you have two days of practice to get acquainted with completely new guys. Oh and by the way our O is gonna suck because we have Kopecky, Bert, Calder getting minutes but they haven't played with this team for more than a couple of months, and even then Kopecky and Bert only played a couple of weeks with the big club (Games not practices) just before the end of the season.

major injuries (top 3 forwards, top 3 D) would dismantle any team, then you add in the factor that a 7 game series is a toll on the players and really anybody could win the series.

I am not saying that Blake wouldn't make the odds of a miracle happening, but if 2 of the top 4 go down, it will take a miracle to win the cup.

My recommendation is get a top 6 winger (my choice Rolston) and try to find a #4-6 d-man for depth. Blake is not a depth acquisition, a top 3 d-Man is not depth that is rearranging your line up and bringing in a big name.

Opie, you're completely contradicting yourself.

First you talk about how out of sync Dom might have been due to not getting comfortable in front of his new Dmen last postseason, then you argue for bringing in a #4-6 Dman to round things out. Would that not be another Dman that Dom would have to get used to playing behind? Now lets say the injury bug bites our D again and you're once again in the same situation you were in last season. Then what? Would you rather have a guy like Blake that play's better all-around Defense and adds to the PP unit, which is essential according to you, or some #4-6 depth Dman that doesn't stand out in any way? Even though Dom (or Ozzie) would have to get used to a new body, I'd rather have it be a Dman that is better than any #4-6 man out there than a kid from the farm who "wants it". Then you go on to say that any team that loses two of their top-4 Dmen would be in bad shape, so how can you argue for bringing in another that not only adds phenomenal depth on D but offense on the PP?

Then you talk about not getting rid of offensive players in order to not take away scoring yet you talk about bringing in a guy like Rolston who Minnesota would ask for an arm & a leg for. What do you think Rolston will cost in regards to players/picks? If you honestly believe the Wings can bring him in for something that won't cost the Wings their current offense or defense, by all means, I'm all ears. Please tell me who the Wings could move to bring in Rolston and a #4-6 defensemen that won't hurt the team, since you think my proposal isn't wise?

That being said, I'm arguing for the Wings to add depth. It doesn't have to be Blake, but a guy like him helps our team in more than one way, and most importantly the PP. This is why I was so on board to bring in Forsberg. A guy that can provide playoff scoring that doesn't cost the Wings anything aside from money. Then you add a top 4 Dman and this team looks great.

But how can you say adding Rolston will not change the current lineup? Again, I'm all year for your proposal for what it will take to acquire him?

[OsGOD 3]

I'd be lying if I said I WASN'T coming around on the idea of Fedorov coming back and doing just what you said, playing both positions.

That's a great asset to have.

I still hate Fedorov.

Exactly... but i don't feel Blake address the problem which i see is the biggest issue in getting booted (scoring) and the side story is I don't like him... If he comes in and leads the team with sick amounts of goals being scored... then Kudos it was the right choice. if not, he is just another temporary patch job thatt will be exposed in mid May.

Edited February 7, 2008 by OsGOD

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

OK, not much of this makes sense.

First off, are you saying that letting Lang go this past summer cost us "teh" playoffs before that, in May, when he was still on the team???

Also, you say that when a player like Henrik goes down, that other players step up to fill the void and play as a team to make up for him not being in the line-up. But then you add that scoring was the #1 issue? How can this be, if other guys "stepped up".

The Wings lost to Anaheim because they had no Schneider and no Kronwall, hence an extremely weak PP, hence LACK OF SCORING.

Here's to hoping that Holland adds enough depth to cover for any injuries up front and on defence.

Bingo!

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Rick Zombo

I guess I am missing this cover up for an injury that could happen thing.

Because your post is the one to me that doesn't make much sense it seems like you are telling me the wings should trade for a depth defenceman in case of injury but that they should trade for a currently injured and not playing D-man?

How is that anywhere near sensible or logical?

I agree the PP is what kept the Wings from beating the Ducks, but if the QB from the top PP line goes down this year how is that any different than last year. Last year players were bumped up from either the second PP unit or were brought on to the PP. If Ralf goes down how is that any different, do you honestly think that Blake will seamlessly transition to the style the Wings play?

Now if you were saying he could replace Sammy or Lilja on the pp point, than yes he is an upgrade has a booming shot and could make a substantial difference, but he is a downgrade from Ralf, Lids, and even Schnieder. Which would bring us back to last year's situation, correct?

And how is Rolston and a #4-6 Dman going to help the situation either?

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

As Opie stated adding blake is not a "depth" move unless our team sucks that bad that a #3 d-man is a depth....

We need scoring in order to win. We can pitch shut outs left and right all playoffs long, but without a goal scorer past April 7th we ain't doing s***... just like the last several years. And we tend to focus all moves around the D that we lose more and more of the those able to score past April 7th... Enough with focusing on the D... between the goalies we can put out there and the D we have on our team and in our system we don't need anymore on the back end.

Down with the D.... Up with a forward if anything.

Btw i am all for adding a "forward" like Forsberg (because even partially healthy he is MUCH better than many of our players in the GOAL SCORING category) however the vast majority on here think he is a ****** so they don't want him...

You don't have to talk to me about not liking a player as being not a valid reason for not signing him.

I don't feel Blake addresses ANYTHING as to why we were ousted the past years.... the side note is I don't like him.

How about the fact that he has a cannon from the point and can be huge at SCORING on the PP? Was the complete meltdown of the PP last year not one of the main reasons the Wings were ousted?

[OsGOD 3]

OK, not much of this makes sense.

First off, are you saying that letting Lang go this past summer cost us "teh" playoffs before that, in May, when he was still on the team???

Also, you say that when a player like Henrik goes down, that other players step up to fill the void and play as a team to make up for him not being in the line-up. But then you add that scoring was the #1 issue? How can this be, if other guys "stepped up".

The Wings lost to Anaheim because they had no Schneider and no Kronwall, hence an extremely weak PP, hence LACK OF SCORING.

Here's to hoping that Holland adds enough depth to cover for any injuries up front and on defence.

I am saying that each summer we let more and more of the players that actually do score in the playoffs goal and stock pile (goalies and Defenseman) and then that leads the following PO's with less and less scoring ability.

Last i check Henrik was back for the playoffs (albeit he shouldn't have been as he was obviously hurt) and the rest of the team resumed their, "HENRIK will save us" attitude. And of course with zeta still visually hurt, he couldn't do it all himself and the rest of the guys never did step up and take over becuase he was still "the one".

If we get some goal scoring forwards, perhaps we don't have to rely totally on our Special teams.

[Opie 308]

Except if you read my post I never said the Wings should get Blake. Rather, just pointing out a few things that didn't make sense to me.

As far a sensible and logical goes, it would seem less sensible to assume that Blake won't recover from a small break in his ankle (one that should only sideline him for 5 more weeks) than it would be to assume he'll remain unhealthy.

(I assume you mean it is safer to assume he will recover, if I am wrong (again) I will apologize(again).

If Detroit can get Blake without giving up the farm then great. Do they need Blake? No. Do they need depth on the blueline? Yes? And it would be nice if said player could remove Sammy from the 2nd PP unit.

What's so hard to understand/agree with?

Sorry then the part of my post that was directed towards you is completely.. well ... stupid now.

I confused you with others obviously sorry about that!

Only sidelined for 5 more weeks that makes it hard to really want him, especially when there are really only 8 weeks left in the season.

Yet it is more sensible to assume that he will be fine after sitting out 6-8 weeks, but will be in tip top shape come playoff time? HUH?

I agree Sammy is not the best PP point man on the team or in the game, that is why he is option #4, if they had a more viable option I assume Babs would use it. Saying that I hope said defenceman would be able to replace him as well. But if not I can live with him back there, I mean it is not like this is his first rodeo, he has done it for the past couple of years.

[OsGOD 3]

How about the fact that he has a cannon from the point and can be huge at SCORING on the PP? Was the complete meltdown of the PP last year not one of the main reasons the Wings were ousted?

Perhaps but then i would go with an already healthy d-man, then take another gamble that he will be the same player coming back from and ankle break.

At least that way you are starting out healthing and hoping to not get injured as opposed to starting out hurt and hoping for a full recovery from a rather elder aged man.

Now if it is Sammy straight up for blake... i agree that would be a huge upgrade on our Powerplay... but only a complete moron would take him off our hands in a trade that didn't involve used water bottles.

Edited February 7, 2008 by OsGOD

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

My main point here is I do agree that the Wings need to add a secondary scoring threat, but I also feel its extremely important to add a cannon on defense that can log atleast decent minutes. Of course it doesn't have to be Blake, but his stock is going down due to the injury and the Wings might be able to get him cheap. If the Wings can do that, and add a guy *like* Rolston (I say like because Rolston isn't going anywhere IMO), they'll be in great shape.

True the Wings could use another scoring threat, but they also need to make sure they have depth on D that can be that band-aid (especially on the PP) in case even one of our top-4 Dmen go down.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Rick Zombo

I guess I am missing this cover up for an injury that could happen thing.

Because your post is the one to me that doesn't make much sense it seems like you are telling me the wings should trade for a depth defenceman in case of injury but that they should trade for a currently injured and not playing D-man?

How is that anywhere near sensible or logical?

I agree the PP is what kept the Wings from beating the Ducks, but if the QB from the top PP line goes down this year how is that any different than last year. Last year players were bumped up from either the second PP unit or were brought on to the PP. If Ralf goes down how is that any different, do you honestly think that Blake will seamlessly transition to the style the Wings play?

Now if you were saying he could replace Sammy or Lilja on the pp point, than yes he is an upgrade has a booming shot and could make a substantial difference, but he is a downgrade from Ralf, Lids, and even Schnieder. Which would bring us back to last year's situation, correct?

Considering Blake played for the Avs in the late 90s, early 00s when the Avs DID play our same style of play, then yes I think we stand a good chance that he'll know what hes doing in a puck possession system.

Who cares if hes a downgrade from Ralf and Lidstrom, we arent looking at him to be our #1. Were looking at him to give us an incredible 2nd unit PP and crunch bodies on the 2nd pairing. He does that.

[rick zombo 3,739]

Sorry then the part of my post that was directed towards you is completely.. well ... stupid now.

I confused you with others obviously sorry about that!

Only sidelined for 5 more weeks that makes it hard to really want him, especially when there are really only 8 weeks left in the season.

Yet it is more sensible to assume that he will be fine after sitting out 6-8 weeks, but will be in tip top shape come playoff time? HUH?

I agree Sammy is not the best PP point man on the team or in the game, that is why he is option #4, if they had a more viable option I assume Babs would use it. Saying that I hope said defenceman would be able to replace him as well. But if not I can live with him back there, I mean it is not like this is his first rodeo, he has done it for the past couple of years.

Blake may not be in tip top shape, amd no one said he would be. But he will be healthy enough to contribute. And if he could be had for the same package that got us Bertuzzi (let's day Helm and conditional picks) I seriously think about it. If he is used properly (i.e. 14 minutes a game and on the 2nd PP unit) and plays OK within that role, he would pay off wayyyyyyyyyyyyy more than Bert did last spring.

Again, I'm not here to insist that Holland should trade for him, but he is a serious option, and one of the best suited "rental" guys out there.

If he could be had for a fair price, then why not. This Wings team has a really really solid chance at a cup this spring, perhaps one of the best shots they'll have in a while. Like others have said, I'd hate to see this team miss their chance becuase of injuries or lack of depth.

[Mudvayneowns91 0]

Now that Blake is hurt... What do you think the asking price for him is? Or does it even change?

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Perhaps but then i would go with an already healthy d-man, then take another gamble that he will be the same player coming back from and ankle break.

At least that way you are starting out healthing and hoping to not get injured as opposed to starting out hurt and hoping for a full recovery from a rather elder aged man.

Now if it is Sammy straight up for blake... i agree that would be a huge upgrade on our Powerplay... but only a complete moron would take him off our hands in a trade that didn't involve used water bottles.

Due to Blakes injury the Wings might be able to acquire him for less, and it won't cost the Wings as many offensive weapons to get him (which I know you're concerned about).

Of course Blake might not be 100% but like Bert, there isn't an immediate need to rush him into the lineup. When he gets healthy the Wings PP would be dynamite.

[Opie 308]

Considering Blake played for the Avs in the late 90s, early 00s when the Avs DID play our same style of play, then yes I think we stand a good chance that he'll know what hes doing in a puck possession system.

Who cares if hes a downgrade from Ralf and Lidstrom, we arent looking at him to be our #1. Were looking at him to give us an incredible 2nd unit PP and crunch bodies on the 2nd pairing. He does that.

The point is he is also a downgrade from Schnieds, and if one of the two Ralf or Lids (as has been discussed ad nauseam around here) goes down injured, seeing as they are definitely in the top 4 d on this team, having Blake back there would lead to the same problem as last year. The only difference is that the weaker person who is or is not 100% at that time is still not as good as what you lost, the power play will struggle.

Blake in the late 90's dude, we are in the late 2000's, you are talking a decade and a broken ankle later!

Knowing what he is doing in a puck possession system is different than being able to walk on to the top pp unit after never having played with them and making a seamless transition to replace either Ralf or Lids!!!

I never said he didn't or wouldn't fit the system, but he hasn't played it in at least 5 years, he will be out until early March at best, then you give him a month to get used to this team's style, new teammates, new coach, yet he is just going to ease on in and replace and injured Ralf. I used Ralf there and not Lids because in my mind no lids = no cup!

Plus you have no idea how he will rebound from Ankle surgery, wasn't Forsberg's first one just basic ankle surgery. So to assume that he will step right in like he hasn't missed a beat after being out for the better part of two months is taking a very big risk!!

[YoungGuns1340 1]

My main point here is I do agree that the Wings need to add a secondary scoring threat, but I also feel its extremely important to add a cannon on defense that can log atleast decent minutes. Of course it doesn't have to be Blake, but his stock is going down due to the injury and the Wings might be able to get him cheap. If the Wings can do that, and add a guy *like* Rolston (I say like because Rolston isn't going anywhere IMO), they'll be in great shape.

True the Wings could use another scoring threat, but they also need to make sure they have depth on D that can be that band-aid (especially on the PP) in case even one of our top-4 Dmen go down.

I completely agree. Id like to see us add both. But the fact of the matter is our most injury prone player is Kronwall, therefore a physical defenseman who also has a booming shot from the point really needs to be added. If not, youre looking at Sammy and Lebda from the point again, and a smart team like the Ducks will give those two all the time in the world to take one of their weak, oft-missing shots on the PP while covering up the difference makers like Datsyuk, Hank, and Homer. Thats exactly why we failed on those 5 on 3s in game 5 and thus lost the game and a chance at the cup. I dont think Holland lets that happen again.

In my opinion, I wouldnt worry about Detroit adding either, because I think Holland will find a way to give us depth at both ends of the ice.

[rick zombo 3,739]

Now that Blake is hurt... What do you think the asking price for him is? Or does it even change?

Before the injury, I would have said a top level prospect (Kindl or Howard, and a 1st round pick). But now I think a midlevel prospect (Helm OR Abdelkader) and a 2nd rounder could land him. I think LA would take it. But it depends on what other contenders are willing to start a bidding war.

Don't forget, Blake has to waive his no-trade clause, and there are only a handful of teams I think he would consider, and three of them are division rivals of the Kings. This could also help to drive down LA's asking price.

But who knows?

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

The point is he is also a downgrade from Schnieds, and if one of the two Ralf or Lids (as has been discussed ad nauseam around here) goes down injured, seeing as they are definitely in the top 4 d on this team, having Blake back there would lead to the same problem as last year. The only difference is that the weaker person who is or is not 100% at that time is still not as good as what you lost, the power play will struggle.

Blake in the late 90's dude, we are in the late 2000's, you are talking a decade and a broken ankle later!

Knowing what he is doing in a puck possession system is different than being able to walk on to the top pp unit after never having played with them and making a seamless transition to replace either Ralf or Lids!!!

I never said he didn't or wouldn't fit the system, but he hasn't played it in at least 5 years, he will be out until early March at best, then you give him a month to get used to this team's style, new teammates, new coach, yet he is just going to ease on in and replace and injured Ralf. I used Ralf there and not Lids because in my mind no lids = no cup!

Plus you have no idea how he will rebound from Ankle surgery, wasn't Forsberg's first one just basic ankle surgery. So to assume that he will step right in like he hasn't missed a beat after being out for the better part of two months is taking a very big risk!!

So the Wings Brass should just neglect it then? That doesn't solve anything either.

You're right in saying the transition wouldn't be seamless for Blake, but it would be a hell of a lot easier for a guy who's played that style in the past.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

The point is he is also a downgrade from Schnieds, and if one of the two Ralf or Lids (as has been discussed ad nauseam around here) goes down injured, seeing as they are definitely in the top 4 d on this team, having Blake back there would lead to the same problem as last year. The only difference is that the weaker person who is or is not 100% at that time is still not as good as what you lost, the power play will struggle.

Blake in the late 90's dude, we are in the late 2000's, you are talking a decade and a broken ankle later!

Knowing what he is doing in a puck possession system is different than being able to walk on to the top pp unit after never having played with them and making a seamless transition to replace either Ralf or Lids!!!

I never said he didn't or wouldn't fit the system, but he hasn't played it in at least 5 years, he will be out until early March at best, then you give him a month to get used to this team's style, new teammates, new coach, yet he is just going to ease on in and replace and injured Ralf. I used Ralf there and not Lids because in my mind no lids = no cup!

Plus you have no idea how he will rebound from Ankle surgery, wasn't Forsberg's first one just basic ankle surgery. So to assume that he will step right in like he hasn't missed a beat after being out for the better part of two months is taking a very big risk!!

Opie, man, what are you smoking? First of all, IF (big if) Lidstrom and Raffy goes down, NOBODY short of Niedermayer and Pronger could replace those two. Second of all, where the hell are you getting this hypothetical??? Lidstrom hasnt missed more than 22 games over his CAREER. And in 8 seasons, only once has Raffi played fewer than 75 games (he played 69), and he played 82 the two years prior to coming here. Youre talking about the two healthiest Dmen on our team going down..how is that even basis for argument? You dont even mention that Kronwall going down would be MOST likely and that YES Blake is an upgrade over Kronwall.

As for Blake making the transition, you act like the guys played with one team his entire life. Hes a professional, and he will adapt, just as he has over the years when he has switched teams. As for his ankle, its a hairline fracture - hardly career ending. Thats the type of break that players still play with in the playoffs, and Blake knows hockey and his own body better than you or any of us do, and Im willing to bet he knows what hes capable of and would be upfront about it if he doesnt think he can compete.

And as for him being "out til early March at best", last I heard they thought hed be out 2 more weeks, which means hed be back even prior to the deadline..

[Opie 308]

NFM,

I agree the odds of Rolston are not good, that was my preference hence why I didn't throw out a trade, with MIN thick in the playoff hunt there is no way he is leaving before the summer.

A 4-6 d-man for depth can be had for draft picks and a prospect. And I am not suggesting that getting a 4-6 will save this team if 2 of the top 4 go down. I admit that if 2 of the top 4 go down the likelihood of the wings winning the cup is very, very slight.

The top 6 forward is what is going to be hard to get without giving up too much, I would be all for packaging Sammy, Quincey or Meech, and even a pick to get a rental player (not sure if that would be enough for Rolston even if they were out of the hunt, but maybe because he is a UFA).

Now I am not saying I wouldn't love Ollie Jokinen on this team, or Hossa, or Phanuef, what I am saying is that Blake as of TODAY is injured and not a good option, IMO.

Edit: switched thoughts midstream:

I would love to have those guys on this team but the odds and the logistics of it happening are not very good, and the situation Blake is in is not very good. I made this same argument last year with Bert, an injured commodity is not a good trade, people argued with me, and look what happened..

What will probably happen, the wings will get a 7-9 forward and a # 6 dman, will that help if 2 of the top 4 go down no. But you can not manage or run or coach a team based on injuries that could happen, same thing with trying to play not to get hurt. You have to do your best to put out the best team, and if Lids goes down, you cannot replace him. It is just that simple, there is no other player in the world that replaces what he brings in the regular season, let alone what he does in the post season.

You are reading my posts with an argument already in hand, I never said a depth defenseman wouldn't screw things up. What I said hurt Dom, was that he lost his #2 and #3 d-men, again I conceded that if that happens again the odds of the wings winning the cup are slim to none and none is the favorite right now!

Edited February 7, 2008 by Opie

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Before the injury, I would have said a top level prospect (Kindl or Howard, and a 1st round pick). But now I think a midlevel prospect (Helm OR Abdelkader) and a 2nd rounder could land him. I think LA would take it. But it depends on what other contenders are willing to start a bidding war.

Don't forget, Blake has to waive his no-trade clause, and there are only a handful of teams I think he would consider, and three of them are division rivals of the Kings. This could also help to drive down LA's asking price.

But who knows?

LA is going to make all kinds of claims about what they think Blake is worth. And it would be disrespectful to Blake to say hes only worth late picks and mid-level prospects, but the fact of the matter is 1) he'll be injured or just coming off injury at the deadline 2) he has an NTC and ONLY wants to go to contenders and 3) It is a widely known fact that he will NOT stay with the team he is traded to, and WILL return to the Kings after this season, meaning their isnt even the most remote possibility that hell be around for longer than July 1st.

All that in combination makes me think Meech/Quincey, 2nd (that would turn into a 1st if we won the cup), and maybe an additional late pick (4th or lower). And IMO, why the hell not? Id rather have a Cup than a couple more prospects any day..