We need to sign Stuart to a long term deal

[wingnut4013 12]

We really do because he is a great defenseman and he is a guy that you could really build a good defense around. Anyone else agree?

[Zion 93]

Great game, though he and Kronwall were scaring me earlier in this series.

I remember reading an article here that said the Wings were already trying to lock him up, but I have read from several sources that he loves California and wants back with LA.

[Doggy 130]

I don't know if it's possible to sign him to one but I agree we should.

He's a gun defenseman there's no doubt. He was excellent this series.

[sixer 37]

Only if the price is right. As for his Wife, Stuart tells her what to do, lol

[daniel1 32]

Yep; 3yrs/3mil sounds about right, with a team option for a fourth at 3.5. He's been as advertised so far even though we know he's not at 100% or able to shoot as well with that broken finger. Him and Kronwall are great together and nobody says the Wings D is soft anymore when those two are laying out bodies left and right all over the ice. Kronwall had 3 or 4 massive open ice hits in the Nashville series that really helped turn the momentum. I hope Stuart likes playing here and takes a little less in return for a longer deal.

[gcom007 1,465]

I think the guy is a lot better than what we've seen in round 1 and I think he'll improve as the playoffs go on. I don't want to make too many excuses for him, but I think he's definitely just a better player than we've seen and I'm willing to bet it has more to do with injury than we realize. If it's affected his confidence it could explain some of the dumber plays. I think he's worth holding out hope for as the playoffs progress and if we can get him signed to a reasonable deal and he can bring his wife here and not have that distance/pregnancy issue clouding up his mind as well, he'd likely be a solid addition.

[akustyk 84]

Stuart had some serious lapses in Game 3 and Game 4 and I'd rather see more

of him to judge it. he hasn't been bad this series but at the trade deadline

I though we were getting a better player than what I see in this series.

hope he picks it up, though. his injury certainly didn't help the case

Only if the price is right. As for his Wife, Stuart tells her what to do, lol

I guess you're either 16 or never been maried.

those of us who have a number of years living with female(s) in

same house know perfectly who is the boss and who just follows her

requests (read: orders)

Edited April 20, 2008 by akustyk

[Kp-Wings 3]

The question isn't money or whether it's short term or long term; it's whether he wants to play for a team that is outside of California.

When it comes right down to it, the only team in California that might sign would be the LA Kings, and unless he likes losing, he shouldn't go back there. Anaheim has absolutely no cap space to sign him, and San Jose already has a huge influx of defenseman, so they really won't have any space for him either.

He needs to realize that Detroit is the best fit for him; the management wants him to stay, so they should be able to agree on the money he wants. He has a great chance to win a Stanley Cup here, something he more than likely wouldn't have in Los Angeles. And he most certainly will be guaranteed top 4 minutes, something that he definitly wouldn't get in Anaheim (Niedermayer, Pronger, Schneider, Beauchemin), and he probably wouldn't get that in San Jose either. Detroit really doesn't have anybody in the system that is ready to play in the top 4, so they can make that guarantee to Stuart, while those other teams can't.

Stuart has it good here, and I hope he sees this. He'll get good pay, lots of ice time, and a chance to win the Cup year in and year out, all things that can't be guaranteed from the California teams like they can from the Wings. He's a great defenseman, so I hope he makes the right decision and stays here in Detroit.

Edited April 20, 2008 by Kp-Wings

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Too early for this. He played better the last 2 games, but did nothing the rest of the series.

Let's see how it all plays out, and keep in mind that Quincey and Ericsson are supposedly the future of this team on defense.

[pavyaz19 1]

I'm far from sold on Stuart. I saw him make way too many mistakes here with L.A. Even though he's played better with the Wings, I don't believe he's a huge asset.

[LidsFan 68]

I really like Stuart and I hope that he decides to stay in Detroit. He and Kronwall have great chemistry and I would like to see them playing together for years to come. As Stuarts finger heals I think that he will continue to play better and be a force in the playoffs.

[Doggy 130]

Stuart is a quiet achiever. You don't notice the things he does. He's an extremely solid Dman. Like Lidstrom (but to that extent of course).

[PRStoetzer 1]

Yep; 3yrs/3mil sounds about right, with a team option for a fourth at 3.5. He's been as advertised so far even though we know he's not at 100% or able to shoot as well with that broken finger. Him and Kronwall are great together and nobody says the Wings D is soft anymore when those two are laying out bodies left and right all over the ice. Kronwall had 3 or 4 massive open ice hits in the Nashville series that really helped turn the momentum. I hope Stuart likes playing here and takes a little less in return for a longer deal.

Three years after the lockout and we still can't remember that there are no option years of any kind allowed in NHL contracts under the new CBA.

[KDDRWINGS1 9]

If we could afford him and a second line scorer (Feds or Prospal) I'd do it. I love this switching aound our top 4 pairings, I think it really throws off other teams when you switch them around cuz u gotta keep your head up all the time. I love our D now and theres so much talent waiting to move up too. P.S. Lilja needs to come back for Lebda if we play the avs.