Your opinion on Ericsson

[Kp-Wings 3]

Ericssons tenure with the Wings is over... at least for this season. But, I felt he was pretty impressive in his seven game stay. Despite being a minus player (and that's only because of the teams losing streak), he was solid defensivily, and even came out with his first NHL goal. He wasn't as physically imposing as I thought he would be (because of his size), but that's something he said he needed to work, which he'll get better at over time. Overall, he did pretty good with the Wings.

So, that brings up the question, do the Wings give Ericsson a spot next season, or at least keep him on the roster? Babcock seemed happy with his play, and Ken Daniels has mentioned at least 2-3 times a game that he thinks Ericsson will stay. If that does indeed happen, where does it put the rest of the defense? Where does that leave Kyle Quincey, since he has to clear waivers next season? Do the Wings re-sign Stuart if Ericsson stays up? Does this finally signify the end of Lilja and Lebda in Detroit? What about Meech?

The best case situation would be to re-sign Stuart and Chelios, keep Ericsson up, if he has a good training camp, let Lilja walk, dump Lebda, and let Ericsson, Quincey, and Meech battle it out for the spot. If that does happen, this is sort of how the roster would look:

Lidstrom - Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart

Chelios - Ericsson, Quincey, Meech

That defense looks great to me, and it gives a couple of young guys a chance to try and earn a roster spot. By all indications, this is probably what the defense will look like. It's unsure that Stuart will re-sign, but hopefully he does, and the Wings clear out the dead weight guys, whom I've already mentioned. At that case, the Wings would have an influx of defenseman, but having eight healthy defenseman isn't a bad thing, since it will always keep everyone at the top of their game, at fear of losing their spot.

What is your opinion on this? Should the Wings keep Ericsson up? It's a given that Quincey will be up next year, and if Stuart and Chelios re-sign, that leaves one extra spot. It'll create some healthy competition for three guys to go after that final spot, and it should keep them playing their best hockey.

[Rice 42]

There's definitely a log jam on defense and the playoffs will probably determine what happens as far as re-signings go. If Stuart keeps up the solid play, I see the Wings re-signing him. It could be a problem convincing him to stay though. If Stuart is re-signed, they'll let Lilja go. Chelios is probably a given to be re-signed. Whether that's the right move or not, I don't know. Chelios has looked his age this season but he does always turn it up in the playoffs and he costs next to nothing. However, he could be costing one of the young guys a job and also a spot in the organization. My guess is Chelios is re-signed and one of the young guys (Meech, Quincey, Lebda) is going to be traded. Ericsson looks untouchable at this point.

Edited March 13, 2008 by ARice89

[rage 24]

I think he'll be up here next season. I would love for the Wings to sign Stuart as well. Chelios, who knows.

Lidstrom - Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart

Ericsson, Meech (Lilja or Lebda)

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

It definitely didn't show recently, but the Wings now have some pretty solid defenseive depth to where it should not be a weak point more often than not.

Lilja - He's a whipping boy on here but as a 5th or 6th d-man I don't mind him. I take the bad with the good with him and deal with it. He's still a solid PKer and shotblocker. I don't think he makes as many mistakes as he did when he started with the Wings, but unfortunately the mistakes he makes are still of the eye-opener kind. Honestly I wouldn't mind seeing him back as one of the last regular d-men but I read somewhere (Mlive me thinks) that he rejected a two-year offer. So maybe that is a sign of things to come that he might test the free agent market.

Lebda - On the fence about him. Great speed obviously which makes up for a lot of errors he would make but I just don't see him making a huge dent to yield top-3 defense minutes consistently. Lately we've seen him struggle but maybe that was because of extra responsibilty or trying to do too much with everybody out. Would not mind him back in a small role but wouldn't kill me to see him leave.

Ericsson - Minus a few rookie braincramps, played solid overall, and I think we've seen he can shoot the puck with some good zip. He'll come into his own in the NHL soon. Whether that is next year remains to be seen. If it was a competition between Meech and him, his chances hurt a little bit as Meech has played fairly solid with the extra time recently. I'd definitely like to see him up more, but if most of the d-core stays the same next season, he would best serve in Grand Rapids with the most playing time.

Meech - Played well with the extra time as stated. A toss-up between him and Ericsson for the 7th defensive spot.

Quincey - Don't know if it's worth the risk or not to lose him to waivers. Very solid in playoff action last year, but I think he took a step back with limited playing time this year behind Meech and Ericcson. Neutral on him.

[esteef 2,679]

He's sexy.

[irishtemper14+25 11]

i like lebda a lot, i would rather keep him and cheli playin together

[rage 24]

It definitely didn't show recently, but the Wings now have some pretty solid defenseive depth to where it should not be a weak point more often than not.

Lilja - He's a whipping boy on here but as a 5th or 6th d-man I don't mind him. I take the bad with the good with him and deal with it. He's still a solid PKer and shotblocker. I don't think he makes as many mistakes as he did when he started with the Wings, but unfortunately the mistakes he makes are still of the eye-opener kind. Honestly I wouldn't mind seeing him back as one of the last regular d-men but I read somewhere (Mlive me thinks) that he rejected a two-year offer. So maybe that is a sign of things to come that he might test the free agent market.

Lebda - On the fence about him. Great speed obviously which makes up for a lot of errors he would make but I just don't see him making a huge dent to yield top-3 defense minutes consistently. Lately we've seen him struggle but maybe that was because of extra responsibilty or trying to do too much with everybody out. Would not mind him back in a small role but wouldn't kill me to see him leave.

Ericsson - Minus a few rookie braincramps, played solid overall, and I think we've seen he can shoot the puck with some good zip. He'll come into his own in the NHL soon. Whether that is next year remains to be seen. If it was a competition between Meech and him, his chances hurt a little bit as Meech has played fairly solid with the extra time recently. I'd definitely like to see him up more, but if most of the d-core stays the same next season, he would best serve in Grand Rapids with the most playing time.

Meech - Played well with the extra time as stated. A toss-up between him and Ericsson for the 7th defensive spot.

Quincey - Don't know if it's worth the risk or not to lose him to waivers. Very solid in playoff action last year, but I think he took a step back with limited playing time this year behind Meech and Ericcson. Neutral on him.

That's a great point Jack.

Thankfully, to the best of my knowledge Ericsson wouldn't have to clear waivers next season like Kyle. It would be a waste to have him here as a reserve D-man rather than down in GR.

I also agree with your points on Lilja.

[Pucks 66]

It's completely pointless to sign chelios again when we have like 4 or more defensemen that can play on the bottom pair.

[sergei_is_still_a_wing 1]

as much as i love looking at the ice and seeing a HUGE man in ericsson, i think meech played with more fire and tenacity. this is not to say the wings should send him away by any means, but i think meech gets the call before ericsson IMO.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

I admit I would be very disappointed if we lose Quincey for nothing as he’s been in the system for a while now and over the years he’s developed into a solid defenseman. I think he’s got good potential and could play 20 minutes a night.

I like Lebda and I’d be disappointed to see him leave too but he’s probably expendable with the development of Meech and the progress of draftee Logan Pyett.

I think there's little doubt that Lilja won't be back next season and it's still 50/50 as to whether Stuart re-signs.

As for Ericsson, the Wings rate him very highly and there's a good chance he'll be up full time next season.

[cirov19 1]

Ericsson is doing great and the more he plays the better he will get. I think another year at GR would be best for himself and the Wings though. There are still some things he needs to touch up on.

About our defence, we don't even know if Raffi is going to be hanging around after this season. If Raffi leaves that would probably partner Lidstrom with Kronner..., and then everyone gets pushed up one spot from there, and as much as you don't want to see Lilja & Lebda continue to mess up things for us they are both still more experienced than Ericsson, Meech and Quincey. Of course Lilja more-so than Lebda (who both bring different things to the table, some good some bad.)

And even though watching Lilja play can sometimes be the most frustrating thing ever, I actually have to admit that his play lately is kind of impressing.

Anyways Meech > Ericsson for last spot.

Edited March 13, 2008 by cirov19

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Ericsson is doing great and the more he plays the better he will get. I think another year at GR would be best for himself and the Wings though. There are still some things he needs to touch up on.

About our defence, we don't even know if Raffi is going to be hanging around after this season. If Raffi leaves that would probably partner Lidstrom with Kronner..., and then everyone gets pushed up one spot from there, and as much as you don't want to see Lilja & Lebda continue to mess up things for us they are both still more experienced than Ericsson, Meech and Quincey. Of course Lilja more-so than Lebda (who both bring different things to the table, some good some bad.)

And even though watching Lilja play can sometimes be the most frustrating thing ever, I actually have to admit that his play lately is kind of impressing.

Anyways Meech > Ericsson for last spot.

Didn’t he sign a 5 or 6 year deal?

[Deke 0]

From what I've seen, I think he should have a spot next year.

He isn't prime time yet, but a guy like him isn't going to learn much more in the AHL. He can take much more advantage of his size playing with the grifs. He needs to learn smarter D where he has to use other skills instead of just his size. He won't learn that playing with the grifs, but he will playing with some of the top Defensive players in the game.

I like how he plays defense deep. What he really lacks, and needs to work on, is getting caught out of position. He makes desperate plays trying to get back to defense from the neutral zone and it costs him. He just needs to watch his offense more and if they don't have it, move back to D a step sooner.

He's got a wicked blast and a suprising amount of hustle for a guy his size. Just put the defensive awareness in place and he's has the potential to become a top player. There is nothing left for him to learn in the AHL, bring him up.

The question is, if there is only one spot does he get it or does Meech. Meech has been very impressive the game time he's got.

Not a bad spot for Detroit to be in, no?

Edited March 13, 2008 by Deke

[DRAPES RULES 7]

Didn’t he sign a 5 or 6 year deal?

Raffi is signed through 2012

[cirov19 1]

Raffi is signed through 2012

Oh man.. I have been sleeping. Well.. I'm embarrassed..

I can't believe I didn't know that.

Edited March 13, 2008 by cirov19

[rage 24]

Oh man.. I have been sleeping. Well.. I'm embarrassed..

I can't believe I didn't know that.

It's cool man. You're new anyways. No biggie really.

Derek Meech

<h4 class="prospect_grade">Prospect Grade: 5.5 B (About Prospect Grades)</h4> Profile Contributed By: Zoran Manojlovic

History

Won a Memorial Cup with the Red Deer Rebels as a rookie in the 2001-02 season.

I think it would best serve the team if Chelios didn't play next year.

Everyone will hate me for saying that but, that's what I believe. Sorry. I wish I thought like the rest of you and wanted him to play for at least another season............

Lids, Rafi, Stuart (hoping), Meech, Ericsson, Lebda, Q or Lilja.....UFA-DMAN (Salei Type)

Something like this^^^^

[Bluedevils_13 0]

I think we really need Stuart/UFA signing for next year though. At this point I'd say Krons>Stuart when healthy, so that is pretty awesome to be able to say Brad Stuart and Chris Chelios are your 4th and 5th Dmen. Still if we don't sign Stuart that will open up a spot for a young guy.

I really do love Lebs, but Ericsson should have his spot next year.

[egroen 384]

Remember how long it took for Fischer to develop? I think Ericksson will need even more time, especially considering he is so new to the position... but all the raw tools are there. He will best be served logging a ton o minutes in GR with regular call-ups.

[lfd250 1]

Lebda is signed through 2010. So moving him would be hard, unless you want the hit on the cap.

[Opie 308]

It's cool man. You're new anyways. No biggie really.

I think it would best serve the team if Chelios didn't play next year.

Everyone will hate me for saying that but, that's what I believe. Sorry. I wish I thought like the rest of you and wanted him to play for at least another season............

Lids, Rafi, Stuart (hoping), Meech, Ericsson, Lebda, Q or Lilja.....UFA-DMAN (Salei Type)

Something like this^^^^

After the losing streak, I started to think this as well. I think it depends on what they can do with Stuart. If they sign Stuart I think Cheli's tenure in the winged wheel may be over.

However, if they can't sign Stuart I see them signing Cheli as it looks like the Wings and Lilja may not come to terms.

LFD250,

Moving Lebda would have nothing to do with Cap hit or salary he makes $650k next year and $850k the next, small potatos in the nhl. Especially for a solid skating puck moving defenseman. I am not saying some team will jump on him and make him their #1, obviously he is a 5-6. But their are a lot of teams that have a hard time getting the puck out of their own zone that he could help for 10-15 minutes a night.

[2probert4 8]

It's cool man. You're new anyways. No biggie really.

I think it would best serve the team if Chelios didn't play next year.

Everyone will hate me for saying that but, that's what I believe. Sorry. I wish I thought like the rest of you and wanted him to play for at least another season............

Lids, Rafi, Stuart (hoping), Meech, Ericsson, Lebda, Q or Lilja.....UFA-DMAN (Salei Type)

Something like this^^^^

eventually they are going to have to play or trade some of these guys. Can't keep sending them to GR, they are going to want to go somewhere and play, Ericsson and Quincey would find time on a number of NHL teams. Not sure if they bring back Stuart though.

[Deke 0]

eventually they are going to have to play or trade some of these guys. Can't keep sending them to GR, they are going to want to go somewhere and play, Ericsson and Quincey would find time on a number of NHL teams. Not sure if they bring back Stuart though.

Exactly. If Detroit tries to keep Ericsson in the AHL again next year, some team with a defense gap WILL pick him up. He's just got too much potential.

He may not be up to par with Detroit's defense yet, but he will learn quickly playing with the best in the biz. He won't learn anything else by playing in the AHL, he can just use his size in the AHL.

[eva unit zero 271]

Exactly. If Detroit tries to keep Ericsson in the AHL again next year, some team with a defense gap WILL pick him up. He's just got too much potential.

He may not be up to par with Detroit's defense yet, but he will learn quickly playing with the best in the biz. He won't learn anything else by playing in the AHL, he can just use his size in the AHL.

Ericsson does not have to clear waivers next season. That is why he will be in GR; because Quincey and Meech have to clear waivers and wouldn't.

[Deke 0]

Ericsson does not have to clear waivers next season. That is why he will be in GR; because Quincey and Meech have to clear waivers and wouldn't.

Yea but it'd still be a complete waste. He can't learn anything else in the AHL. He can dominate with his size. That doesn't work in the NHL, so he needs to learn defensive awareness. He's going to do that by playing with the leagues top D lines. The faster you put him in the NHL, the faster he's going to learn and turn that big body into a great defensive player. If a prospect is going to stagnate in the minor leagues, you don't keep them there.

Edited March 13, 2008 by Deke

[2probert4 8]

Ericsson does not have to clear waivers next season. That is why he will be in GR; because Quincey and Meech have to clear waivers and wouldn't.

Correct, but its time for Ericsson to practice each day with Lidstrom/Chelios/Rafalski on a daily basis. Someone will have to go.