DaWingsin071 4 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 As most of you f*** is right. Lilja is pure garbage. I am sorry there are so many defencemen out there that can fill is shoes ex. GR boys. Plus just read over on thefourthperiod.com that LA is looking to rid themselves of Lubomir Visnovski. SP?? What about him at the #4 spot if stewie does indeed not return? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skacore 2 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 As most of you f*** is right. Lilja is pure garbage. I am sorry there are so many defencemen out there that can fill is shoes ex. GR boys. Plus just read over on thefourthperiod.com that LA is looking to rid themselves of Lubomir Visnovski. SP?? What about him at the #4 spot if stewie does indeed not return? Can't afford him and he is another left handed PP specialist, not really what we need Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glubki 17 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 This doesn't surprise me at all although I hate to see them trading away picks at the deadline for a rental when the cap space is available. Maybe this will put an end to all the unrealistic speculation/hope surrounding Hossa. It looks like Quincey is probably a goner.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heaton 1 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 Chelios is not an every day defensemen anymore and that's even more painfully obvious how Holland keeps saying that he'll have to talk to Chelios' role on the team to see if he's cool with it (which he is, he's already stated that). So Chelios is automatically the #7 defensemen. To me, that means that Lebda will probably stay as the #5 and Lilja will either be the #4 or #6 based on whether or not Stuart is re-signed. If that's the case, I wouldn't be shocked to see Meech in an extended role, Holland does seem to really like him. Why is it that Quincey goes from being one of the first call ups to an afterthought? Personally, I don't think he's developed as the Wings brass thought he would in the AHL and perhaps it's to the point where they feel he may not even be worth it. To give the generic conversation stopper type of answer, I don't think I'm inclined to really question the way the Wings decide to bring up these defensemen, I'm fine with believing in their plan and since it's seem to work with the a lot of the others. It's a lame, generic opinion but with the way the Wings have infused Filppula, Hudler, Kronwall, Kopecky, Helm ect... into the lineup I don't see a disaster waiting to happen if we're not steadfast in getting these young guys as much icetime as possible right now. As for the #4 defensemen circus, it's easier said than done. Holland has said he has a plan for what each position is worth, do we want to re-sign Stuart for 4m? 4.5m? Is he better than Kronwall? Because it sends the wrong message when we're signing our #4 guy for more than our #3 guy is making. There's more important players to worry about after this upcoming season so as many have mentioned there's no benefit in spending valuable cap space and then perhaps not having the money to re-sign someone else. It's frustrating for sure, but is there really a reason to worry? I don't believe so. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeDs 0 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 We have a logjam at the defenceman spot, especially the #5 and #6 positons. I dont understand why they would re-sign Lilja. No way he is a #4 guy. Keep Chelios! People have been saying he is too old since we traded for him 8 years ago. He is still a great penalty killer and is solid as a depth defenceman. Who better for our young defenceman to learn from. As Holland said he isn't about to start a youth movement. My money is on Chelios coming back strong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 As for the #4 defensemen circus, it's easier said than done. Holland has said he has a plan for what each position is worth, do we want to re-sign Stuart for 4m? 4.5m? Is he better than Kronwall? Because it sends the wrong message when we're signing our #4 guy for more than our #3 guy is making. There's more important players to worry about after this upcoming season so as many have mentioned there's no benefit in spending valuable cap space and then perhaps not having the money to re-sign someone else. It's frustrating for sure, but is there really a reason to worry? I don't believe so. If Holland is never willing to pay his #4 Dmen more than Kronwall, then well never get one unless one of our youngsters turns into one. As the cap goes up, GMs will have more money and will be more silly in how they spend it. Youre looking at a market that in 2 years could see your average Dman making 4.5-5M and your best making 9. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,207 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 As for the #4 defensemen circus, it's easier said than done. I think what some people are saying here is that re-signing Lilja makes it harder than it needs to be. Like I said, I expect him to be back. But I certainly don't think we need him back, not with the logjam back there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 I never said they should do that, I simply said that they will do that. At least, from the sounds of it, they will. Holland is worried, and rightfully so, about the amount of cap space available for next off-season. He doesn't want to sign anybody long-term. I really don't see the need to have both Lilja and Chelli, but it does give us additional depth in case of injuries. Worse comes to worse, we are going to have A LOT of cap space at the deadline, and we can acquire any big-name D-man that is available at the deadline. Of course, that is provided that we are willing to part with our prospects, and that some of those UFA D-men that I listed above are up for grabs at the deadline. Holland isnt just worried about cap space for next year. If that were the case, hed be going after anyone willing to sign a one year contract and would be willing to spend nearly 11-13M this off-season. The fact that hes only willing to offer a one year deal for 3-4M pretty much ensures that he expects Franzen + Filppula + Zetterberg to cost around 11M (good news for the Wings. It would be a bargain if we got all 3 for 11M) and that theyll be signed either now or early in the season. Because Franzen and Hank will likely to be re-signed before the seaosn even starts, that means we need to essentially have their cap space avaiable this year because of the tagging rule. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Superman54 91 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 Let Lilja walk, our young guys could use the time Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 I think what some people are saying here is that re-signing Lilja makes it harder than it needs to be. Like I said, I expect him to be back. But I certainly don't think we need him back, not with the logjam back there. The reason Im thinking why he wants Lilja back - and I brought this issue up earlier but hoped that if we didnt re-sign Stuart wed go after a UFA instead of Lilja - is that if we dont re-sign Lilja and lose Stuart, thats a TON of hits lost. Lilja led our team in hits, and while Kronwall makes big hits, hes not really good for 120+ hits a year as he picks his spots. We cant have a back end where our biggest hitters are only good for 60-70 hits a year. And the best hitter we have amongst "the young three" is Quincey, who unfortunately seems like the odd man out. The worst thing is, that means Holland is re-signing Lilja under the guise of him being our "physical reinforcement" on the back end. Thats so disgustingly pathetic. Too bad Orpik is overrated and going to be overpaid. Although hes kind of a weak #4 in my eyes, he could pull it off and provide the physicality that we need much better than Lilja could in both regards. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrossoverThrash 0 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 lilja will sign to compete with the youngsters, if they beat him out he prob would be sent to GR Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rage 24 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 If he gets sent down he could get claimed off waivers. Pretty sure anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,207 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 I think someone already mentioned this, but I want to bring it up again: it's possible this is just posturing on Kenny's part. Now, knowing Kenny, it's probably not; in all likelihood, he's hellbent on bringing Lilja back in some kind of misguided "second-pairing enforcer" role. (*shudder*) However, if he really does want to bring in a #3/#4 guy from the outside, common sense says he'll try to downplay the extent to which we "need" someone for that spot. I guess I'm referring more to potential trades than to potential FA pickups in that sense, as there's not much of a need to play mindgames with potential FA suitors. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 lilja will sign to compete with the youngsters, if they beat him out he prob would be sent to GR Hed be claimed off waivers. If he really lost his spot, he'd be traded. Hes cheap and valuable enough that hed have some takers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 I think someone already mentioned this, but I want to bring it up again: it's possible this is just posturing on Kenny's part. Now, knowing Kenny, it's probably not; in all likelihood, he's hellbent on bringing Lilja back in some kind of misguided "second-pairing enforcer" role. (*shudder*) However, if he really does want to bring in a #3/#4 guy from the outside, common sense says he'll try to downplay the extent to which we "need" someone for that spot. I guess I'm referring more to potential trades than to potential FA pickups in that sense, as there's not much of a need to play mindgames with potential FA suitors. But there are reasons to posture with Stuart... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,207 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 (edited) True, although I'm not sure what good saying, "Lilja can take your spot," is going to do if Stuart really does just want to head back west and be done with this team already. Edited June 23, 2008 by Dabura Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kp-Wings 3 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 Honestly, I will never understand what management sees in Lilja. Obviously they know a lot more than I do, but why are they actually interested in bringing him back? Are Meech and Quincey really that bad or that far off that a POS like Lilja is still considered more valuable to the team? Ugh, not a good way for me to start the work day, reading this news. Boo. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 (edited) We tried Lilja with Kronwall at the start of last season and it didnt work. I am very disappointed in Brad Stuart, if it was me, I wouldnt think about leaving a cup winning team for some 2nd of the pack team in California. Lilja, we should just let him go already. He's worn out his usefullness, I'd rather have a guy like Commodore or Smith in his spot, so we can have a bit more grit on the back end. Good to hear Holland is bringing back Mac and thinking about bring back Downey, they could use them both. Stuart's wife, from what we have all read and heard, likes it out west. It's not just a Brad Stuart decision, it is a Brad Stuar family decision in all likelihood. Living out west has its advantages outside of hockey. And I think it is a safe bet Lilja will not get top-lined minutes, he rarely ever did. Yes he makes some brainfarts from time to time but coaches and players always are complimentary about his shot blocking and penalty killing. That isn't me making this up, that is the coaches and players saying this numerous times. As a 5th or 6th, maybe even a 4th defenseman, he's not as bad as some people flip out about him here. Edited June 23, 2008 by SouthernWingsFan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
German Red Wing 0 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 Stuart's wife, from what we have all read and heard, likes it out west. It's not just a Brad Stuart decision, it is a Brad Stuar family decision in all likelihood. Living out west has its advantages outside of hockey. I'll second that. Additionally, if I remember correctly, Stuart's wife has given birth sometime around the start of the playoffs. Besides, the whole Stuart discussion reminds me of exact the same time of the year 12 months ago where similar discussions came up... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 I know I'm late in throwing in my 2 cents here, but here goes anyway. For those that are all pissed off that Lilja maybe be re-signed, you really need to put things in perspective. While I agree that Lilja isn't a beast out there, and can't replace Stuart as the Wings 4th Dman, he's still a *solid* option for the bottom pairing, and fills holes rather decent. He's probably the best shot-blocker on the team and he can step in when the Wings need him. Lilja isn't going to get much of a raise, and the Wings have plenty of cap space (especially since he'll get a 1-year deal) for the upcoming season. It's just always a good idea to have enough Dman depth so your team isn't put in a situation like it was after the deadline in '07. Couple that with the Wings ability to bring in a deadline Dman based on where they are at come February of '09 and the Wings are in the same spot they were in last offseason.....a great one! I swear to God, the Lilja hatred on this site has become so d*mn trendy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 The Wings better re-sign Stuart, even if he wants a little too much money. No one out there is any better, and I'm sure Zetterberg would take a little less to keep him if he were made aware of how crucial Stuart was. He really had chemistry and I think people underestimate what Stuart did for this team. I know we can argue how he's only worth such and such, but we have the money, pay him a little extra to keep him, but sign him long term, like we did with Datsyuk. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DatsMyWings13 4 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 I'm okay with Lilja coming back as he doesn't cost much and is a good D-man for a 3rd pairing. Stuart would be nice to have but he's not worth over paying to persuade to stay. If he wants to play for a team that has little chance at a cup then let him leave, but if he wants to play for a team that has a legit chance every year he'll sign a deal here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
selkie 10 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 Stuart's wife, from what we have all read and heard, likes it out west. It's not just a Brad Stuart decision, it is a Brad Stuar family decision in all likelihood. Living out west has its advantages outside of hockey. Wasn't there also something about his wife having a child from a previous marriage, and according to the divorce decree, she needs to clear it with her ex if she wants to move that child out of the state of California. If so, I could see Stuart trying to stick with a Cali or Arizona team for his wife and his stepchild's sake. It would be nice to get Stuart back, but I can understand why it wouldn't work for him, given those kinds of circumstances. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,207 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 Yes he makes some brainfarts from time to time but coaches and players always are complimentary about his shot blocking and penalty killing. That isn't me making this up, that is the coaches and players saying this numerous times. As a 5th or 6th, maybe even a 4th defenseman, he's not as bad as some people flip out about him here. Lilja is OK as the 6th guy, maybe the 5th guy, but certainly not the 4th guy. The 4th guy plays with the 3rd guy on the second pairing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slave 31 Report post Posted June 23, 2008 think Markov wants to come back yet? lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
