Blake Article, "Could be good fit for Wings"

[Opie 308]

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..

Until you read the thread I am done talking to you, throughout the whole thread the scenario has been brought up that he would be needed in case ONE OF THE TOP 4 D-MEN ON THIS TEAM GO DOWN!!

I would have to assume that Lids, Ralf, Kronwall, and Cheli are the top 4 correct?

Therefore, follow closely, I stated that if Lids goes down this team is done, if Ralf and Kron go down this team has an outside shot at the cup, if Ralf and Cheli go down this team has an outside shot at the cup, if Kron and Cheli go down this team has a slightly better than outside chance at winning the cup.

Another poster said he would be out no more than 5 more weeks, therefore in direct response to him I said, that is a better part of 2 months pushing it to early march at the best.

Man read the threads, I know I am long winded and boring and I am no where near as funny as I think, but dude, I can not be held responsible for my posts making sense to you when you haven't read the ones that I am responding to!

As much as I am assuming the worst you are assuming the best.

[Mudvayneowns91 0]

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?

I hope so. I'm one the guys that if we can get him cheap, why not? Especially because Kenny finds gold mines with 6th and 7th rounders on occasion.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Until you read the thread I am done talking to you, throughout the whole thread the scenario has been brought up that he would be needed in case ONE OF THE TOP 4 D-MEN ON THIS TEAM GO DOWN!!

I would have to assume that Lids, Ralf, Kronwall, and Cheli are the top 4 correct?

Therefore, follow closely, I stated that if Lids goes down this team is done, if Ralf and Kron go down this team has an outside shot at the cup, if Ralf and Cheli go down this team has an outside shot at the cup, if Kron and Cheli go down this team has a slightly better than outside chance at winning the cup.

Another poster said he would be out no more than 5 more weeks, therefore in direct response to him I said, that is a better part of 2 months pushing it to early march at the best.

Man read the threads, I know I am long winded and boring and I am no where near as funny as I think, but dude, I can not be held responsible for my posts making sense to you when you haven't read the ones that I am responding to!

As much as I am assuming the worst you are assuming the best.

How can you make posts like this and continue to contradict yourself?? You say yourself that what is being discussed here is what happens if ONE Dman goes down. Then you use scenarios like Kronwall and Chelios going down = TWO Dmen or Ralf and Cheli going down = TWO Dmen.

Basically, your entire argument is that 1) Blake cant replace Lidstrom if he goes down and 2) Blake cant replace two defenseman if they go down. Well, let me be the first to say this: DUH!

Let me break it down for you. IF ANY Dman goes down or even any TWO Dmen goes down, the Wings are BETTER OFF having Blake on the squad to replace them, then they are having a #6/#7 guy on the squad to replace them or no one at all.

[Kingston 21]

it would be funny if blake sign with the red wings at the end of the season?? would it?

[OsGOD 3]

it would be funny if blake sign with the red wings at the end of the season?? would it?

Hysterical i tell you... hysterical

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

I think the Wings defenseman they sign should be able to:

A. Shoot the puck on the 2nd PP unit

and

B. Clear the crease

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

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!

You also can't neglect the fact that they might. Not to mention that they did last year.

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!

For the record, never once did I say Blake could replace Lidstrom if he goes down. What I said is he's a great addition that brings offense to the PP and is strong and physical in his own end. I agree with you in regards to Dom being hurt by losing his #2 and #3 Dmen last year, and the question I continue to ask you that you haven't addressed is why shouldn't the Wings go after someone to help bridge the gap (in case someone goes down) and adds to the PP regardless of how healthy our Dmen are this spring?

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!

No, I just don't agree with you. That doesn't mean I'm reading your posts with an argument already in hand.

Edited February 7, 2008 by Never Forget Mac #25

[Opie 308]

How can you make posts like this and continue to contradict yourself?? You say yourself that what is being discussed here is what happens if ONE Dman goes down. Then you use scenarios like Kronwall and Chelios going down = TWO Dmen or Ralf and Cheli going down = TWO Dmen.

Basically, your entire argument is that 1) Blake cant replace Lidstrom if he goes down and 2) Blake cant replace two defenseman if they go down. Well, let me be the first to say this: DUH!

Let me break it down for you. IF ANY Dman goes down or even any TWO Dmen goes down, the Wings are BETTER OFF having Blake on the squad to replace them, then they are having a #6/#7 guy on the squad to replace them or no one at all.

Sorry the ONE should have Been TWO,

But then again if you read the posts you would have been able to realize that I made a mistake there.

It happens to me time and time again, I get focused on who I am talking with and skip over some of the fluff (or what appears to be) in between. And I miss certain things. But seriously if you want to continue to discuss this please read the thread, don't just read mine to argue with me because I have a different opinion.

(You will notice I admitted my mistakes 2x, I make them I am human. At least admit you haven't read the whole thread, go back read it, and then lets talk some more!

[Mudvayneowns91 0]

I don't know if this has been said, but it looks like Blakey is on the IR now. Blake That kinda sucks.

[Opie 308]

You also can't neglect the fact that they might. Not to mention that they did last year.

For the record, never once did I say Blake could replace Lidstrom if he goes down. What I said is he's a great addition that brings offense to the PP and is strong and physical in his own end. I agree with you in regards to Dom being hurt by losing his #2 and #3 Dmen last year, and the question I continue to ask you that you haven't addressed is why shouldn't the Wings go after someone to help bridge the gap (in case someone goes down) and add to the PP regardless of how healthy our Dmen are this spring?

No, I'm just don't agree with you. That doesn't mean I'm reading your posts with an argument already in hand.

By argument I meant as in the logic, discussion argument, not screaming arguing argument, sorry if I mislead you.

I also never said the wings shouldn't go out and get depth in case, I actually said I hoped they would get a 4-6 D man, Blake while he would be 3-4 on this team is not a 4-6 dman he is 1-2 on a mediocre to good team, great team he is a 3-4.

He is old and hurt. My argument was that Blake is not who they should go after. Who do I think they would be better served to go after:

Staois, 2 years left, relatively cheap, and if he costs a prospect and Lebda, Quiney, or Meech then fine, but more than that and I would pass. So that is doubtful.

As much as it pains me to say this because about 2 weeks ago I think I had a discussion with NFM (think it was you) about not wanting this guy, but this is why I changed my mind:

Aaron Ward, the B's are struggling at best and it looks like Bergereon is not coming back this year, the Org has said that if they make a move Phil Kessel will be a part of that move. If the wings can swing a deal that sends Sammy, Lilja(lebda either or), Quincey (or Meech) prospect and land Kessel (850 next year and then RFA) and Ward (UFA end of year).

The bruins have stated they cannot play with the big boys yet in deals (Chara, Savard, Bergeroen, Sturm, and Murray are eating up a lot of salary) so I have to assume that means they will not be looking for high end players in return. If (probably will ) they want Flip I would pass, I would have to give it serious thought if they wanted huds.

See this is why I don't usually do Trade Scenarios, I either feel like they are Playstation trades or that they are just an even swap and why would either team do it.

Ask Atlanta how there Deadline deals with rental players worked out last year.

Blake will cost the wings more than they get, the only way he doesn't is if they win the cup. Because in any other scenario he goes back to LA, to meet up with whomever the wings sent for him, and the wings are left with nothing, that is unless he brings them the cup.

As of now the wings are the favorites to win the cup, does Blake put them that much further ahead of where they are now, IMO not really. Is he a huge help if the team has an injury problem sure, but that is a high risk little reward trade. Granted the reward could be the cup, but an 8 seed has the same chance as the Wings at the cup, 1 in 8!

BTW, please don't think that I am all wound up and arguing with you guys, this is a good discussion, if my posts come across short or like I am yelling, I apologize I am at work and trying to get these in while no one knows I am not working he he!!

Edited February 7, 2008 by Opie

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

By argument I meant as in the logic, discussion argument, not screaming arguing argument, sorry if I mislead you.

I also never said the wings shouldn't go out and get depth in case, I actually said I hoped they would get a 4-6 D man, Blake while he would be 3-4 on this team is not a 4-6 dman he is 1-2 on a mediocre to good team, great team he is a 3-4.

He is old and hurt. My argument was that Blake is not who they should go after. Who do I think they would be better served to go after:

Staois, 2 years left, relatively cheap, and if he costs a prospect and Lebda, Quiney, or Meech then fine, but more than that and I would pass. So that is doubtful.

As much as it pains me to say this because about 2 weeks ago I think I had a discussion with NFM (think it was you) about not wanting this guy, but this is why I changed my mind:

Aaron Ward, the B's are struggling at best and it looks like Bergereon is not coming back this year, the Org has said that if they make a move Phil Kessel will be a part of that move. If the wings can swing a deal that sends Sammy, Lilja(lebda either or), Quincey (or Meech) prospect and land Kessel (850 next year and then RFA) and Ward (UFA end of year).

The bruins have stated they cannot play with the big boys yet in deals (Chara, Savard, Bergeroen, Sturm, and Murray are eating up a lot of salary) so I have to assume that means they will not be looking for high end players in return. If (probably will ) they want Flip I would pass, I would have to give it serious thought if they wanted huds.

See this is why I don't usually do Trade Scenarios, I either feel like they are Playstation trades or that they are just an even swap and why would either team do it.

Ask Atlanta how there Deadline deals with rental players worked out last year.

Blake will cost the wings more than they get, the only way he doesn't is if they win the cup. Because in any other scenario he goes back to LA, to meet up with whomever the wings sent for him, and the wings are left with nothing, that is unless he brings them the cup.

As of now the wings are the favorites to win the cup, does Blake put them that much further ahead of where they are now, IMO not really. Is he a huge help if the team has an injury problem sure, but that is a high risk little reward trade. Granted the reward could be the cup, but an 8 seed has the same chance as the Wings at the cup, 1 in 8!

BTW, please don't think that I am all wound up and arguing with you guys, this is a good discussion, if my posts come across short or like I am yelling, I apologize I am at work and trying to get these in while no one knows I am not working he he!!

Actually, they would have a 1 in 16 chance.

Also, don't misunderstand me when it comes to Blake, as I understand the question mark with bringing him in. I just feel the risk/reward ratio is a little greater than your perceive it. Nothing more.

[Opie 308]

Actually, they would have a 1 in 16 chance.

Also, don't misunderstand me when it comes to Blake, as I understand the question mark with bringing him in. I just feel the risk/reward ratio is a little greater than your perceive it. Nothing more.

Oh I understand that, I never purposely grouped you in with the Blake is our Savior group (exaggeration), you and I just started discussing the issue.

I bolded the most important part of your post!!!

All of this is perceived risk reward, I will not berate Holland's moves, I may think they were not the best, but I also don't have the insight as to what is really going on.

I may question them, like the Bert move, but hindsight is 20/20.

BTW what do you think of the Kessel/Ward deal I purposed to Playstation like or do you think it would work!

[Swede40 0]

Rob Blake would be a valuable asset given the right price. Does anyone think Meech might be on the trade block? We have Quincey and Ericcson ready to come up. I would say Lilija but he's also a free agent after this season so he wouldn't really hold much value for the Kings

Quincey and Ericsson aren't ready for the NHL yet.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Oh I understand that, I never purposely grouped you in with the Blake is our Savior group (exaggeration), you and I just started discussing the issue.

I bolded the most important part of your post!!!

All of this is perceived risk reward, I will not berate Holland's moves, I may think they were not the best, but I also don't have the insight as to what is really going on.

I may question them, like the Bert move, but hindsight is 20/20.

BTW what do you think of the Kessel/Ward deal I purposed to Playstation like or do you think it would work!

Sammy, Lilja(lebda either or), Quincey (or Meech) prospect and land Kessel (850 next year and then RFA) and Ward (UFA end of year)

I don't see why Boston would want Lilja in return due his impending free agency and Samuelsson plus a prospect isn't a real upgrade over Kessel. Phil is younger, and locked up for a fair contract for his current performance, but has the potential to be a better deal next year, but is nothing to over the top *right now*.

I don't see the point in moving Lebda for Ward aside from Aaron being a little nastier, but I assume you threw him in there due to his restricted status as compared to Kessel's.

That being said, I see this trade as a wash that doesn't really do that much for the Wings, and thus......what's the point? That being said, is it fair....I would say 'yes'.

[Opie 308]

I am not sure why, but Boston wants to move Kessel if they are going to be movers.

[russianswede919293 95]

I don't know that I want the Wings to trade for Blake if it will take too much. I would be okay with them trading a conditional pick and Quincey or Meech, but not much more than that.

[yakub 0]

Windsor Star report

It appears Anaheim is in the lead to get Blake now. How do they have the cap space still???

[The Enforcer 13]

Blake's a has-been gimp. I would not give up very much at all for a rental player, much less a gimp that hardly played this year. forget it.

[LeftWinger 5,153]

...we need depth, not atop 2 d-man. Blake would git nicely here, only if we could get him for a draft pick or two. No players! Especially if he is going to be a rental. I would rather go for a depth defensman like Adam Foote, he'd prolly be in our top 4, but he wouldn't cost us top 4 talent. Then (if we cannot get Feds until UFA) we can get someone like Glenn Murray out of Boston for a draft pick. If we aren't going to land Sundin or Hossa, then we must go for depth like Foote & Murray...

...BTW if we do end up trading Hudler in a deal, he is VERY replaceable with plenty of talent in our minors...

...I'd rather give Ryno the shot next year in place of Hudler or maybe if this Fabien cat is all that. (if we get him)

...my vote. Blake for picks or forget it. Foote and Murray would help us more... (and cost less)

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Blake's a has-been gimp. I would not give up very much at all for a rental player, much less a gimp that hardly played this year. forget it.

Barely played this year? You should check your stats, man. Not to mention, if hes such a gimp, why was he able to play 6 games with the injury he has now? The only reason hes sitting out now is because the injury wasnt healing quickly. If this were the playoffs, hed still be playing..

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

I think we have enough depth at forward with Downey and Ellis to where we could trade away ONE dressed player. I REALLY hope Anaheim doesn't sign Blake, it's just too much for them to have.

That being said, if they DO get him we really need, yes NEED, to sign a physical defenceman and hopefully a big, driving forward.

I don't care what anyone says, Schneider, Bertuzzi, Weight, and Blake make the Ducks better than last year's team. But we are playing a much better game than we were last year. Dats and Z are monsters when Babs makes the correct decision in putting them on the same line, unlike the game vs. LA.

Edited February 9, 2008 by Wings_Dynasty

[Dabura 12,232]

Windsor Star report

It appears Anaheim is in the lead to get Blake now. How do they have the cap space still???

I've never been too big on bringing in Blake, and this injury has only made the idea less appealing to me. But s***, I'd sign him just to keep him off the Ducks.

We do not want to face this Ducks team with Rob Blake (and Forsberg, calling that one right now) on it.

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

I've never been too big on bringing in Blake, and this injury has only made the idea less appealing to me. But s***, I'd sign him just to keep him off the Ducks.

We do not want to face this Ducks team with Rob Blake (and Forsberg, calling that one right now) on it.

IF they sign Blake and Forsberg they will be the 01-02 Wings, except instead of scoring it's physicality.

[Dabura 12,232]

Don't worry, we have Jiri hudler.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

IF they sign Blake and Forsberg they will be the 01-02 Wings, except instead of scoring it's physicality.

Im calling big time BS on both those rumors. First of all, Forsberg is going to the Avs or the Flyers. He wants a multi-year contract, and the Ducks cant afford to have anyone signed to longer than a one year contract or else theyll have a hell of a time re-signing Corey Perry, and no doubt hed get poached if hes not re-signed soon.

As for Blake, that would be probably the worst BUSINESS move of all time. Anaheim and LA compete for an audience, and helping Anaheim win back to back cups will only leave LA with fewer fans than before, as all the casual fans will pile on the Anaheim back to back Champ bandwagoen. Not to mention, how is the captain of the Kings going to accept a trade to his teams biggest rival and then RE-SIGN with that team in the off-season?

"Oh sorry guys. I didnt really give a s*** about how much you all hate the enemy. I was just looking out for number one and really wanted to win a cup with the team you all hate most. Forgive me?"

I just dont see that flying. Way too many reasons that that rumor is BS..