JeeSpot82 10 Report post Posted June 10, 2008 Well... this certainly solves half of this problem... http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/2008/06...-blue-line.html According to Bruce McLeod, the Red Wings plan on carrying 8 defensemen into the new season. Couple that with Kopecky's injury heading into the season, that's two extra on D, and two extra up front (one of whom has to go somewhere when Kopecky comes back, so expect that to be a player LIKE Helm or Abdelkader, who can be sent down lickity split to make roster room). If you get 8 defensemen to work with: 1. Lidstrom 2. Rafalski 3. Kronwall 4. Lebda 5. Meech *6. Quincey (RFA) *7. Chelios (UFA) *8. Lilja (UFA) / Stuart (UFA) / Ericsson (RFA) Like we've said a bajillion times, Ericsson can be sent down, so he's the least likely to stay. From the sound of that article, it almost sounds like Stuart may not be ready to accept less money to stay with a winner (but that could be McLeod's take and not fact), leaving Lilja. Honestly, if they BOTH walk (my likely scenario), then we have 7 defenseman and Ericsson waiting to knock down the door in 09-10. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted June 10, 2008 The Wings will be carrying 13 forwards and 8 defensemen. Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Meech, and Lebda are signed; meaning they have to pick three more of Stuart, Chelios, Lilja, and Quincey. HOWEVER; forward Tomas Kopecky is injured and will likely be on IR when the season starts. Derek Meech has shown he is capable of playing forward. So the likely solution is that, unless Lilja or Stuart chooses not to return, then Meech will be playing forward as a fill in for Kopecky to start the year. And as popular as Lebda is around here...he's the most expendable defenseman of the ones who could potentially be leaving. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2probert4 8 Report post Posted June 10, 2008 neither. I would rather roll the dice with new ones! Babcock said during the finals that Ericsson should be playing NOW. I hope nobody here assumes that Chelios will return, he was held out of the finals for a reason, and if Ledba and Lilja play over him................He has said he wants to return, but nothing from Holland since the Finals concluded that Ive read other than what Chelios himself has said in the paper. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
B.B. 0 Report post Posted June 10, 2008 Honestly, it all comes down to Lebda. If Holland and others feel he has a permanent long-term future in Detroit as a bottom pairing defensemen, the Meech should and will be the one to go. They are essentially the same players, and you cannot have both players playing on the same 3rd pairing because they would be pushed around. Quincey, on the other hand, is the prototypical stay-at-home- D-men that will fit in perfectly with Lebda. Imo, you won a title with Lebda as the #5/6 guy, and he is a young guy, so there is no need to trade him to make room for an inexperienced and unproven Meech. Trade Meech for a draft pick, and lets see if Quincey can handle the 3rd pairing. If not, then Chelli can slide in there, or Ericcson could as well, if neither of the above two players could handle the responsibility. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted June 10, 2008 I like Quincey and Meech. The few times we saw Quincey this season weren't that impressive, but it was during a stretch when NO ONE was impressive. That being said...I don't know. I like the ability to play Meech at pretty much any position. That sort of of flexibility is great. And I like his speed and he makes things happen. Quincey...it's been a long time since last year . I'd probably let him go by virtue of not having witnessed any recent activity that impressed me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shaman 713 Report post Posted June 10, 2008 Like most people have said Resign Stuart Move Lilja, we can either get a good 2nd line forward or some prospect forwards+draft picks Move Meech for draft picks Bring up Quincey, hes smaller, but hes a class act (I work and spend a lot of time in GR and have met him a couple times, and hes my favorite griffin). So heres what id like to see Lids/Raffy Stuart/Kronner Lebda/Q Cheli (he is a great example to the kids on worth ethic). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ben_usmc 253 Report post Posted June 10, 2008 I wouldn't mind seeing Quincey and Meech play a lot and then decide what to do with them after 20 games or so... Meech is Lebda maybe a little slower but has an awesome sense of where to jump and a great shot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted June 10, 2008 Ultimately, I think you have to get rid of one individual each from the following pairs: Lilja & Quincey This just seems like a no brainer to me. Quincey is ten years younger, cheaper and has more of a nasty edge to him than Lilja, despite giving up a little size. Both are stay-at-home guys that will hit, block shots and play on the PK. Lebda & Meech Again, similar players. Meech can actualy play forward, so is more versatile, but both have shown they are great at bringing the puck up with speed. Lebda played well in the playoffs, from a less than spectacular regular season. When we saw Meech during the season, I thought he played better than Lebda and showed more potential, but Lebda's play in the playoffs has me second-guessing that. A much tougher decision. Lebda has more value right now if we were to trade him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
