SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 It's been said from the start that if Chelios comes back, he will probably be the 7th or 8th d-man. I'm not saying he's done or terrible now, far from it. He's an absolute nutjob when it comes to keeping in shape so if anybody can play at such an age in his mid/late 40s, it is Chelios. There's little or no harm to this re-signing. It'll be for a minimal amount, in all likelihood Chelios won't play every night, he can mentor young defensemen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dicksmack 33 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 Getting rid of Cheli is like putting down the household dog you've grown to love. You don't want to do it, but you know it's time. Nailed it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 I have to see more than a few bad line changes to think it's time for him to call it quits. Last year was the first year he was ever a liability on the ice... that could mean it will be a quick downhill, but I am more than willing to see him again. He has good outlet passes, is strong in the corners, good in front of the net, is one of the leaders, plays well positionally and has a mean edge to him... all that still trumps his lack in speed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lets go pavel 2 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 personally i'd rather see the young guys, but i don't mind cheli and what he brings to the table ... don't forget, kenny said there's a good chance we'll be moving a d-man or two in september ... whether that means quincey or meech or lebda or lilja i guess depends on how camp goes, but once the dealing is done i'm guessing there won't be such a logjam and cheli will fit nicely in the 8th spot ... i do like the idea of him as a coach though ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puertoricanWingsfan 5 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 There's something to be said about smart hockey. Chelios may not be the biggest, strongest, fastest or quickest, but he's one of the smartest. Sure, he won't be the guy to smoke you in the corner, but he's the guy who's gonna be in the right position at the right time. I really believe that he has the capability to play one more year, and can be an invaluable resource on the team as far as mentoring young D-men Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted July 7, 2008 Yeah maybe for league minimum, experience is worth alot! but 850.000$ is too much i think Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 For a contract near the salary floor.....absolutely. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 (edited) I do agree he should take league minimum... or very close to it. Every single dollar is going to be important this season. Edited July 7, 2008 by egroen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted July 7, 2008 "Former" hmm :S Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BeeRYCE 2 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 Well, if you want to be technical, he really isn't a Red Wing right now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisdetroit 189 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 He's locker room character, so hire him as an assistant coach or a trainer. He'd do great at both. I'll be honest though, there are 8-9 defensemen in our system better than him. Bigger, stronger, faster, and more skillful. Bigger - Lilja Stronger - Lilja Faster - Lebda More Skillful - Lilja Sorry couldn't resist. And no, I don't think Lilja is more skillful Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jvxp 0 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 Chris appears to be one of those players that needs to be told to retire. Totally agree with you on this ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b.shanafan14 733 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 I don't think there are many people who WANT Chelios to retire, but I think it may be time, though I personally would rather have him then Lilja or Lebda. But with the shrinking capspace, might be time to give Cheli an office next to Steve's and thank him for his time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T.Low 1,011 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 Yes! Keep him. Chelios is a warrior. Babcock and Holland know what they are doing and they think he can help the team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zata40 3 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 keep the chelli! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Majsheppard 203 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 it is just so hard to say we don't need you to someone like Chelios. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-TownWing 0 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 I have to see more than a few bad line changes to think it's time for him to call it quits. Last year was the first year he was ever a liability on the ice... that could mean it will be a quick downhill, but I am more than willing to see him again. He has good outlet passes, is strong in the corners, good in front of the net, is one of the leaders, plays well positionally and has a mean edge to him... all that still trumps his lack in speed. That's about where I am...I actually think his 2007-08 regular season was pretty much even with 2006-07, maybe even marginally better...I think because of his age, people are quick to hit the "done" button when he's playing bad, as in the Dallas series, but hey, sometimes it's just a slump. Only time will tell for sure which it is, but I'm willing to give a guy with his resume the chance to prove that it was just a bad couple weeks and nothing more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
detroit4life 0 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 Keep him as an assistant coach. He does not belong on the ice anymore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 If Chelios can outplay who we have waiting in Grand Rapids, then yes, I definitely want him back. But if players like Meech and Quincey and whoever else is still waiting to get into the organization can prove they can bring more to the table that Cheli (when you consider his veteranship and lockerroom presence, he has alot), send 'em up and let Chelios go on his way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
octopusonice 0 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 I say you let Cheli compete for the spot and if he is good enough to be on the team on merit, you sign him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sergei Fedorov91 24 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 What a luxury we have, arguing weather we should keep a hall of fame defenseman who arguably still has NHL calilber skills at least in a regular season setting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Valas19 50 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 Getting rid of Cheli is like putting down the household dog you've grown to love. You don't want to do it, but you know it's time. If only we'd do this with Darren McCarty. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zion 93 Report post Posted July 7, 2008 Keep him as an assistant coach. He does not belong on the ice anymore. It's stupid quotes like this one that make me wish we could rate posters, so that we could skip posts like this one and keep reading. I say you let Cheli compete for the spot and if he is good enough to be on the team on merit, you sign him. Exactly. He'll earn his spot, and continue to make our young D better. He'll play in half the games, and (when he is in) continue to play in the top PK pairing with Nicklas Lidstrom - a fact that many of you idiots seem to forget. One bad Dallas series and "Cheli's done". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingsfan40 0 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 His time has passed...I say let him go...finally Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
