Wings' deadline needs are 'wants'

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Feel free to merge mods if necessary.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../802120363/1128

I know the time around the trade deadline period is exciting, and sometimes people just want to see trade activity for the mere satisfaction of not getting bored, but I think this read puts the Wings situation in a decent perspective, especially what I have put in the quote sections.

I especially like what was said that even though Detroit picked up Bertuzzi at the deadline, there was no real major news-shattering trades IMO, versus Nashville and Atlanta trades which didn't help them go deep at all in the playoffs.

And this roster is much like last year's roster which went deep in the playoffs despite perception that they were going to get their butts handed to them by overly physical teams in San Jose, Calgary, and Anaheim. They probably won't outhit you, but they will not quit and back down, despite this recent losing streak.

I'm all for making the team better, but it's not like much with the team is just completely broken. This team doesn't need much and they don't need to oversell the farm to get what they want. I'd be all for a big centerman like Sundin to play 2nd line or Rob Blake to fill the gap on the PP or 2nd defensive unit as I think he could still bring a physical game as well, but if it's going to require giving up a good bit of the current makeup of the team which has helped them win more often than not this season, I don't want to do it that badly or just for the sake of doing something to make it "exciting".

But, on the whole, when looking at the Red Wings roster, there isn't an aching need compared to the rest of the league.

"Just look at where the Red Wings are in the standings," said Bill Clement, an analyst at Sportsnet in Canada, and former ESPN and NBC voice for the NHL. "This team is running away with things. What the Wings have is 'wants,' not 'needs.' "

"Of the teams that made trades last season, Detroit went the farthest in the playoffs," said Clement, noting the Wings acquired Todd Bertuzzi and Kyle Calder for Jason Williams and draft picks.

"You see the packages that Nashville and (Atlanta) gave up (for Peter Forsberg and Keith Tkachuk, respectively), and they didn't even get past the first round. Teams will be thinking about that (this month)."

The question of whether the Wings were tough enough physically was raised often by the Toronto media last weekend, but the Wings feel they are.

"That's not an issue," said Clement. "They don't back down from anybody. Physical toughness is a lot about mental toughness and the Wings have as much mental toughness as anyone in this league."

"I don't think it's a necessity for the Red Wings to make a deal, but if they had a priority it would be to get a big, physical center to go up against the other team's physical center."

In a playoff grind, the Wings are better suited than most teams.

[SweWings 45]

Yeah, no need for any spectacular and overly costly trades. Wouldn't be a bad idea to get some depth tho which is prolly where most of the discussion on LGW is headed. Stabilize offense with a legitimate 2nd line (possible 1st line) forward and a top 4 physical defenseman - am I right in saying that's what we want/need? (I'd love McCarty back too guys but it remains to be seen if he can make it back) And while I'd love to get Fedorov back I don't think that will be the answer to the problems we're having, even though I'd most likely go completely insane if that happens.