Is it too crazy to suggest...

[Kp-Wings 3]

...that Meech becomes a full time forward? Serious question.

Given the teams influx of defenseman waiting in the minors (Quincey will be up next year, and Ericsson might as well), along with the return of Chelios and (hopefully) Stuart, that really leaves Meech on the outside looking in as a defenseman, along with at least two other guys. We'd have too many.

This is a rough sketch of what the defense might look like, if everyone (except Lilja) is re-signed:

Lidstrom - Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart

Chelios - Quincey, Meech, Ericsson, Lebda

While it's good to have depth on defense, if this is what the defense looks like, that's three guys that will be sitting out every night. 9 defenseman is too many. So may feel differently, but if you have that many players constantly sitting out, they might not be happy with their positions on the team.

Assuming this is what the defense looks like, would moving Meech up to forward be a bad idea or not? In my opinion, he actaully wouldn't make a bad forward. He's already an offensive minded, puck moving guy anyways, and him being small won't really hurt him as much as a forward as it will being a defenseman. He's looked pretty decent in these few games that he's played at forward.

I would like to have some other peoples opinion on this. Given the amount of defenseman the team already has, along with some other factors going into it, I personally think Meech would make a better forward than defenseman on this team. He hasn't looked bad as a forward, and has the offensive tools to become one.

Edited March 27, 2008 by Kp-Wings

[Guest EL-MITT-DROPPER]

speaking of quincey..

2 fights.. game misconduct tonight..

and flipped out on Purinton.. it was insane.. Quincey was so mad i was like omg omg..

~Gritzkey

[Redwingsfan18 1]

I haven't seen enough of him on offense to say whether or not he is good enough to make the switch and stay there. While it is easier for D-men to make the transition to offense, rather then vice versa, it's still not easy. He could be a great defensive forward though if he toughens up and plays a Draper or Maltby style of game. Those two ain't gonna play forever so it would be nice to have another version of them waiting in the wings.

Plus, the thing with switching positions, is that if another team needs a d-man, they may want Meech. Just because he's a Wings prospect doesn't mean he won't get his big shot somewhere else. I think it would be smart for him to stay at defense however it's not completely foolish to try out offense and find a niche.

[eva unit zero 271]

The solution is simple. The Wings will carry eight defensemen next season.

One of them will be Derek Meech.

Jonathan Ericsson will be in Grand Rapids, as he does not have to clear waivers like the other eight.

[#19=Legend 29]

He actually looked pretty damn good at forward last night. Getting a few good chances. id like him to play a few more games at forward and see what happens.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Sorry to ruin your post Kp, but I've been saying for a while that Lilja should be a forward. He could be that gritty 4th line Canadian that we could use on our 4th line where enforcers are traditionally dressed. Really, he's no worse a skater than Downey or McCarty. Also, he wouldn't cough the puck up as much leading to direct scoring chances.

As for Meech, it all depends on what his experience is as a forward. His size might be a problem, especially if he's going to play on the 4th line, where ideally you want grinders. It's the same problem that Hudler faces on the 4th line.

[DYags 0]

Love the topic, was just thinking I should start one.. oh well, you win

I am all for Meech being converted to a forward!! If you watch him carfully its amazing how he moves around the offensive zone like a forward-AND HE'S PLAYING DEFENSE! He really does find the open ice and positions to shoot well.. not a bad passer either. And think about his size! I mean I don't know his exact numbers but he's comparible to Franzen and IMO he's already got far more skill than Frazen witht he puck.

You give that kid a couple years playing forward with the Wings and I bet you'll have a hell of a power-forward.

..and he's Canadian, they know how to play tough and physical

[DYags 0]

Sorry to ruin your post Kp, but I've been saying for a while that Lilja should be a forward. He could be that gritty 4th line Canadian that we could use on our 4th line where enforcers are traditionally dressed. Really, he's no worse a skater than Downey or McCarty. Also, he wouldn't cough the puck up as much leading to direct scoring chances.

As for Meech, it all depends on what his experience is as a forward. His size might be a problem, especially if he's going to play on the 4th line, where ideally you want grinders. It's the same problem that Hudler faces on the 4th line.

ehh.. I really don't see Lilja having anything to do with offense, to slow and clumsy.. I agree that he'd be an addition to our forward grit but I think we already have enough of that throughout the entire team.

Also, no way is meeches size a problem. He moves so quickly and builds speed up fast, once you have his body moving you can't knock him off the puck! And if you look at how many opportunities he's created for himself and other players playing on defense alone you'll start to see how offensive minded he already is.. a year on the roster as a depth forward would see him move up the line significantly by years end. I think he's already got the talent to be a starter.. just my opinion of course

[DYags 0]

I just checked wiki to see his height and weight and he's listed as 5'11 200.. is he really?!

He looks a lot bigger than that on tv.. thought he was atleast 6' 210. If this is true I guess it ruins my powerforward argument, he's too small to be classified as that haha

[RedFX 48]

When I went to the Nashville game, I was really impressed with Meech. As a forward, he reminds me a little of Draper: great speed, plays physical. Who knows, he can turn out to be a great defensive forward when given the chance.

[tweekvp 0]

Sorry to ruin your post Kp, but I've been saying for a while that Lilja should be a forward. He could be that gritty 4th line Canadian that we could use on our 4th line where enforcers are traditionally dressed. Really, he's no worse a skater than Downey or McCarty. Also, he wouldn't cough the puck up as much leading to direct scoring chances.

As for Meech, it all depends on what his experience is as a forward. His size might be a problem, especially if he's going to play on the 4th line, where ideally you want grinders. It's the same problem that Hudler faces on the 4th line.

Lilja is from Sweden

Back on topic. I think Meech works well at forward. Also the Wings may need that more if they don't retain all the forwards next season.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Lilja is from Sweden

Back on topic. I think Meech works well at forward. Also the Wings may need that more if they don't retain all the forwards next season.

Dude where have you been? Lilja has been Canadian ever since he fought Moen last year.

[Superman54 91]

Now im not the biggest fan of Meech, but I must say he has impressed me lately as a forward.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Dude where have you been? Lilja has been Canadian ever since he fought Moen last year.

I guess that also makes Kopecky a Canadian as well, since he fought...

...no, wait... never mind.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

I guess that also makes Kopecky a Canadian as well, since he fought...

...no, wait... never mind.

Kopecky doesn't enjoy the slick marketing from me that Lilja gets. For that reason, he'll never be anything more than a big, non-physical Euro. Also, he doesn't look intimidating enough to be the PAIN TRAIN.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Kopecky doesn't enjoy the slick marketing from me that Lilja gets. For that reason, he'll never be anything more than a big, non-physical Euro. Also, he doesn't look intimidating enough to be the PAIN TRAIN.

If it had been anyone else other than Patrick Sharp, then I'd give it to him, but really, look who we're talking about. Sharp is to fighting as Legace is to solid playoff goaltending, or Kuznetsov is to solid defensive play, if you catch my drift. Kopecky needs to handle himself against someone who doesn't fold like a beachchair when the gloves are off before he get's that honor.

Edited March 27, 2008 by Kp-Wings

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

If it had been anyone else other than Patrick Sharp, then I'd give it to him, but really, look who we're talking about. Sharp is to fighting as Legace is to solid playoff goaltending, or Kuznetsov is to solid defensive play, if you catch my drift. Kopecky needs to handle himself against someone who doesn't fold like a beachchair when the gloves are off before he get's that honor.

Exactly. He needs to fight Phaneuf or Chris Neil, and then fall on top of them.

Another idea could be to grow a beard. Right now he just looks like a taller version of Hudler. However, I'm constantly reminded that Kopecky has "team toughness", so what do I know?

[Kp-Wings 3]

Exactly. He needs to fight Phaneuf or Chris Neil, and then fall on top of them.

Another idea could be to grow a beard. Right now he just looks like a taller version of Hudler. However, I'm constantly reminded that Kopecky has "team toughness", so what do I know?

Haha. Good call.

Edited March 27, 2008 by Kp-Wings

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Haha. Good call.

It means when you're getting bullied around in a blowout, to not retaliate, but instead to point at the scoreboard.

All right, I give up. I don't know what the hell it means. Must be yoga or something like that.

[Jamaica Jon 1]

At least once a week, my Dad suggests moving Lebda to forward like it is already a done deal.

I tell him each time that the Wings aren't going to do that.

But hey? If Meech can do it, why not? Lebda has yet to impress me defensively this year, while Meech has... Could we consider moving Lebda to forward instead? I remember him playing a game at forward last year.