haroldsnepsts 4,826 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 I also have to question any claims about Chelios being cool with being rotated in and out of the lineup or being used sparingly. Cheli is a competitive guy who wants to play. Both he and Babcock have been pretty up front about how Chelios is constantly wanting more ice time and hates getting sat during the regular season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 Why are people acting like Chelios was a healthy scratch for the entire playoffs? He was a good player up until the Dallas series, where it comes out he had a knee injury. Hes a great PK specialist and brings invaluable leadership to the team, not to mention mentoring for the young guys. Hes half coach, half player. You guys want to talk about bringing in all these young guys, yet you want to get rid of one of the most influential and smart defenseman in the game today. Keep him on the squad. Lilja likely wont be coming back, and Stuart is a longshot as well. That still leaves 2 spots open either for Ericsson/Quincey/Meech or one of those kids and a vet like Commodore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
haroldsnepsts 4,826 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 Why are people acting like Chelios was a healthy scratch for the entire playoffs? He was a good player up until the Dallas series, where it comes out he had a knee injury. Hes a great PK specialist and brings invaluable leadership to the team, not to mention mentoring for the young guys. Hes half coach, half player. You guys want to talk about bringing in all these young guys, yet you want to get rid of one of the most influential and smart defenseman in the game today. Keep him on the squad. Lilja likely wont be coming back, and Stuart is a longshot as well. That still leaves 2 spots open either for Ericsson/Quincey/Meech or one of those kids and a vet like Commodore. To me, Chelios went from okay in the playoffs to outright bad. He's a wily veteran, but is very slow and not really that physical anymore. I do agree that it depends on what happens with Stuart and Lilja. If both those guys are back, we don't need Chelios. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 I also have to question any claims about Chelios being cool with being rotated in and out of the lineup or being used sparingly. Cheli is a competitive guy who wants to play. Both he and Babcock have been pretty up front about how Chelios is constantly wanting more ice time and hates getting sat during the regular season. Theyve buried the hatchet on that one IMO. Chelios came right out to the press and said he was fine being a scratch in the playoffs. As competitive as Chelios is, he wants his team to win more than anything, and hes likely come to a point in his career where he realizes there are other people who can help his team just as well if not better than he himself can. Not to mention, its been months since weve heard about Chelis complaints of wanting more PP time or ice time in general. IMO, thats a signal that hes accepted his role. Chelios is in great shape, and he also knows his body better than anyone. At 46 there were probably things that Chelios could do in the game of hockey with more ease than he can at 47, and he knows that. Chelios isnt the type to put his ego ahead of the team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chelichic 12 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 I think its great to have him back. He has a lot to offer on and off the ice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 To me, Chelios went from okay in the playoffs to outright bad. He's a wily veteran, but is very slow and not really that physical anymore. I do agree that it depends on what happens with Stuart and Lilja. If both those guys are back, we don't need Chelios. I agree. Like I said, I liked his play in the first two rounds, but he went downhill quickly in the Dallas series. But the fact that he had knee surgery right after the playoffs is a sign that he had a substantial injury. As for Lilja and Stuart - theres no way in hell BOTH of them come back. Lilja isnt much better than Ericsson, Quincey or Meech at this point, if at all. And what little value he may have over those guys takes a back seat to the fact that those guys need the ice time to develop more than Lilja does. We know what we get with Lilja, we could have a diamond in the rough with any of the other 3, and its time we found out what they can do. To add to that, I dont see any point in paying 1.2 million + for Liljas services when any of the above three youngsters will make a fraction of that and do the same job. And with Chelios re-signing, you dont have to worry about any loss of veteran experience which could be the case if all three of Chelios, Lilja, and Stuart left. As for Stuart, I just dont see how he could choose to stay in Detroit when his wife cant move from California. But there are obviously parts to that story that we dont know about which could lead to him re-signing. But you can be sure if Stuart re-signs, Lilja is a goner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Superman54 91 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 Meh, I would have rather seen him step down this year and retire on top, but if he is ok with the role of being a healthy scratch for most nights then i guess its not too too bad. I just wonder why he doesn't wanna take a new approach to Hockey, like by being a assistant coach or something of that sort. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bryguy 103 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 I hope this doesnt mean no ericsson. Id like to see Ericsson and Kindl get as much time with Lidstrom as they can before he retires. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 I never question Kenny's judgment, thats one person with power I have trust in. It will be a good signing. Good news, Chelios is valuable player. These two posts sum up my feelings pretty well. Those of you up in arms you do realize he understands that he will probably play 30-45 games, unless an injury or rash or injuries crop up. This is a depth signing nothing more nothing less! So far this team has the following D signed for next season: Lids Ralf Kronwall Meech Chelios Lebda That is 6 with 2 RFA's (Quincey Ericsson), I am not so sure that is exactly a log jam now that I think about it!? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SwedeLundin77 460 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 I think it's great to have Chelios back for another year. He is a solid veteran who knows what he is doing and accepts his role, whatever it may be. He is an excellent mentor for the younger guys and a locker-room presence! Let's not forget that we have yet to sign Stewart here guys, and also there is no guarantee that Lilja is back next year. Honestly I hope that Lilja is gone now and we can move onto someone new. Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stewart Lebda - Ericsson/Meech/Chelios Although I would like if we could go out and pick up a guy like Kalinin (Buf), Vandermeer (Calg), Hedican (Car), Hainsey (Colum), Bouwmeester (Fla), Cullimore (Fla), Carney (Min), Streit (Mon), Salvador (NJ), Commodore (Ott), Orpik (Pit) Those are a few UFA D-men this off-season that I wouldn't mind filling any voids with. I also would not mind losing Lebda in a trade of some sort. My belief with that is that Meech is just as quick as Lebda, but a little more aggressive and has a better offensive upside to his game (knows when to jump in on the play). Oh well - that's my opinion! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norrisnick 1 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 Who's? You make it sound like every D-man we have is as good as Lidstrom. They don't have to be as good as Nick to be better than Cheli... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norrisnick 1 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 I think it's great to have Chelios back for another year. He is a solid veteran who knows what he is doing and accepts his role, whatever it may be. He is an excellent mentor for the younger guys and a locker-room presence! Let's not forget that we have yet to sign Stewart here guys, and also there is no guarantee that Lilja is back next year. Honestly I hope that Lilja is gone now and we can move onto someone new. Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stewart Lebda - Ericsson/Meech/Chelios Although I would like if we could go out and pick up a guy like Kalinin (Buf), Vandermeer (Calg), Hedican (Car), Hainsey (Colum), Bouwmeester (Fla), Cullimore (Fla), Carney (Min), Streit (Mon), Salvador (NJ), Commodore (Ott), Orpik (Pit) Those are a few UFA D-men this off-season that I wouldn't mind filling any voids with. I also would not mind losing Lebda in a trade of some sort. My belief with that is that Meech is just as quick as Lebda, but a little more aggressive and has a better offensive upside to his game (knows when to jump in on the play). Oh well - that's my opinion! Bouwmeester is a restricted free agent. And he would do a tad bit more than fill a void. He'd be our #2 until Nick retires. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SwedeLundin77 460 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 Bouwmeester is a restricted free agent. And he would do a tad bit more than fill a void. He'd be our #2 until Nick retires. Well yeah, but if you could somehow get a guy of his caliber (say we can't re-sign Stuart), he could fill in with Kronwall, and that would be great! Just a dream, that's all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 Just a rule of thumb if you misspell a pretty easy to spell name of a player in your post you are probably going to lose creditability, his name is Stuart, why is it that some people on this board can't get it right. Or am I missing some inside joke like 4rd period. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MississippiWing 14 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 I think we are all assuming too much. I think Cheli knows that he might not play much next year. Which leaves the opportunity for all these guys people are bringing up to get their shot. I wouldn't mind seeing Cheli play a few games next year and hanging around. I agree as previously stated he still has some left in the tank. I think also he has the intangible leadership/experience that will help having around the locker room. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 I hope this doesnt mean no ericsson. Id like to see Ericsson and Kindl get as much time with Lidstrom as they can before he retires. Kindl is not ready to be an NHL player. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uk_redwing 495 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 Kindl is not ready to be an NHL player. Ericsson. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doggy 130 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 He won't play much. I don't mind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 Chelios has been a great player for us. He had a great season and was absolutely clutch for us until late in the playoffs, when he was fighting an injury. Bring him back. Get rid of Lilja, pull up Ericcson. Fixed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zata40 3 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 Chelios has been a great player for us. He had a great season and was absolutely clutch for us until late in the playoffs, when he was fighting an injury. Bring him back. Get rid of Lilja, pull up Ericcson. Fixed. 100% agree re-sign him, the more depth the better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duck Guy 86 Report post Posted June 14, 2008 and all the nhl games that had him retiring for the 08-09 season are proven wrong ..... again.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zion 93 Report post Posted June 15, 2008 You people saying that he is finished piss me off. I think he was EXCELLENT on the penalty kill this season, and while the mistakes he made in the playoffs this year were both noticeable and atrocious, to say that he is finished is just untrue. Why NOT have players in part-time roles? I don't even like seeing Norris Nick playing as many games as he does. Why not let some guys play alongside Chelios and cycle out as the 6th D-man? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zion 93 Report post Posted June 15, 2008 And you do NOT want Kalinin here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeftWinger 5,153 Report post Posted June 15, 2008 cheli get lost man, im sorry i love you and everything but you are just wasting a roster spot ...and Darren McCarty's not? I'd sign Chelios to my team before I'd let McCarty play for free... ...McCarty is the one who would be taking up the roster spot, plenty more forwards ready to make the jump than D-men. Darren Helm deserves a spot on this roster, and starting spot. Make Kopecky and Downey the 13th forwards to fill in for injuries, etc... ...great value, for knowledge alone. He will only play half the season (if that) prolly and he would lend years and years of knowledge to the likes of Meech and Ericcson and whoever else comes in to play some minutes... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nev 1,085 Report post Posted June 15, 2008 Whilst Chelios really struggled with the increased pace of the playoffs, I think having him back for next season as a depth player isn't a bad thing. Remember, ever since he's been here, he's almost always been paired with a young kid. Successive coaches have highly regarded his ability to bring along young D-men and teach them the game. We've got several young 'uns we need to work into the line-up next season and as a part-time player/coach he's ideal. But I do hope its his last season - he can't keep going on forever and he needs to know when to call it a day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
