What has happened to Lebda?

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

He doesnt have a shot. Literally, he cant score at all. He skates fast, but not always hard. He doesnt have great hockey sense, and his offence just isnt there. He's really tailed off this year, last year I thought he was great, and had a pretty good hip check. This year....?

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I've been saying it since Lebda first made the team...that he was just keeping the spot warm for someone like Quincey, Meech, etc.

Lebda might be a good fit in Edmonton or San Jose, actually...both teams run systems that thrive on puck carrying, speedy defensemen and Lebda could find a place as a #4 with a team like that.

Edmonton eh? Torres for Lebda, maybe Sammy and Lebda for Stoll and Torres?

[2probert4 8]

if i were Kenny Holland i wouldnt be trading with the hawks anymore for a longgg while. They were close this year, and i think there is upside to Lebda, lets not just give that away to a team in our division that was just barely on the outside looking in this year.

I was critical of him all season on this site, and got jumped on because I dared to say the guy isn't very good. Not sure what upside there is for him, but maybe we can pawn him off on the Leafs

[KDDRWINGS1 9]

Lebda should be traded at seasons end, to make way for Quincey and Meech. He isn't needed here.

Couldn't agree more, the guys a jerk anyway and it would benefit him and us if he left. His trade value will never be higher and if Stuart stays which I don't think is likely, they'll need the space because all there top players in GR are dmen better than Lebda. The only thing they could try here or somewhere else is put him on a wing if he's needed like Meech did. I don't feel bad for the guy but if anyone got screwed it was Downey.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

What makes you say Lebs is a jerk? or did i read your post wrong

Edited April 14, 2008 by Hockeytown0001

[Booster313 138]

I've been saying it since Lebda first made the team...that he was just keeping the spot warm for someone like Quincey, Meech, etc.

Lebda might be a good fit in Edmonton or San Jose, actually...both teams run systems that thrive on puck carrying, speedy defensemen and Lebda could find a place as a #4 with a team like that.

Do you mean a speedy puck carrying team that depends on their D to carry the puck up the ice or make great outlet passes? Sounds kind of like the team he's on now. I do agree however that he's a career 5-6 D-man and the Wings probably have better replacements waiting in the Wings. I like Lebda but Hockey is a business.

Edit: On second thought, in thinking about what we have waiting in the arms, none of our D seem to be the speedy skating type. He's playing pretty decent hockey so far this post season but maybe Lilja is the expendable D based on our prospects.

Edited April 14, 2008 by Booster313

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

To answer the original poster's question, what happened to Lebda is exactly what should have happened to him. He got kicked out of the top 6 rotation. As many have already alluded, he should try being a speedskater more than a hockey player. He can't shoot, can't hit, can't fight, and isn't all that great defensively.

As the Wings have shown so far, when we're healthy, he's not really all that missed.

[KDDRWINGS1 9]

What makes you say Lebs is a jerk? or did i read your post wrong

I know someone (a relative) who has witnessed him treat people like turds numerous times. And I'm talking about fans and people minding their own business not harassing him or asking for it. Most (not all) of this started after he lost his spot but that doesn't make it right. He's still tradeable lets just do it before we can't get rid of him and get nothing cuz I don't see them re-signing him cuz they don't need him.

Edited April 14, 2008 by KDDRWINGS1

[eva unit zero 271]

Do you mean a speedy puck carrying team that depends on their D to carry the puck up the ice or make great outlet passes? Sounds kind of like the team he's on now. I do agree however that he's a career 5-6 D-man and the Wings probably have better replacements waiting in the Wings. I like Lebda but Hockey is a business.

Edit: On second thought, in thinking about what we have waiting in the arms, none of our D seem to be the speedy skating type. He's playing pretty decent hockey so far this post season but maybe Lilja is the expendable D based on our prospects.

Lebda would be a much better fit with Edmonton than he is with Detroit. Detroit's game and Edmonton's game are similar fundamentally, but way different in practice, because Edmonton's game is designed around quick skating, while Detroit's game is designed around continued possession of the puck. Lebda would work in Edmonton because his one major asset is exactly what their offensive scheme is designed to use. In Detroit Lebda is serviceable because he has speed, but that doesn't make him fit the system.

EDIT: Ideally, both Lebda and Lilja will be gone next year, with Meech and Quincey rotating with Chelios as 5/6/7, and Stuart returning as #4. Realistically, Lilja provides more to the team and is more likely to return if one of them does.

Edited April 14, 2008 by eva unit zero