Holland's Focus Now On Chelios

[jvxp 0]

Amen!

Not only survive, thrive!

I would hate the idea of trading someone away or losing them to waivers just to keep Cheli around as a #8 guy.

[Louisville 112]

I am not going to be a complete tool and say whatever Cheli wants, Cheli gets. That being said, he is a solid depth defender and a character guy. Like Boost said he is a solid 4-5-6 and on some teams he may even be a 3-4. I don't really get it sometimes on here, why we like to just unbutton our pants and sit on one of our players and poop till it hurts. I am far some saying that we are lost without him but his leadership is nothing to shrug at. I think sometimes we are spoiled with our team, so much so that we think mid-level players are complete garabage. Go get Cheli, Holland. I mean we know you have done such a crappy job signing this season!

IceMunkee wins, and good point on the spoiled part.

While I understand some of the arguments for Cheli leaving (young prospects particularly), some of this is just harsh words for a guy that has devoted everything he's got for this team. Also, we should all have learned by now that you can never have enough depth on D.

[Zion 93]

^ Game. Set. Match.

Also, forgot about Duck Guy, so I guess Flyers Guy is certainly allowed his opinion. At least I don't have to see Mathieu Schneider's face when he posts.

[Guest Shoreline]

Like Stevie Y in his last years, I think Chelly can take on limited time just in terms of leadership and influence. However, I think the Wings should offer him something in the front office just to keep him in the organization.

[RyanBarnes! 293]

I disagree. Lidstrom and Rafalski are good players on the blueline, but both of them are pretty quiet people, overall, and tend to lead by example, rather than vocally. Chelios, on the other hand, is one of the most vocal leaders in the lockerroom. He's not afraid to ***** someone out over a stupid play, or tell someone how do go about doing things differently. Yes, we have a lot of good leaders on this team, but imo, Chelios is one of the greatest, and for next to league minimum I think he's worth it. Especially if he's actually a better player on the ice than his competition.

But who will ***** Chelios out over his stupid plays? He is now making more msitakes than Lilja.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

But who will ***** Chelios out over his stupid plays? He is now making more msitakes than Lilja.

Plenty of people in here will, so you'll have plenty of company for better or worse...

[IceMunkee 15]

But who will ***** Chelios out over his stupid plays? He is now making more msitakes than Lilja.

On LGW my friend you can be the best player in the world on minute and be getting death threats the next. It is a tough crowd to please.

[4everwingsfan 2]

I got to watch every single wings game last year, and I would have to be honest and say that Cheli's play started to drop off toward the end of the year. But what the guy brings every single night, is more than some of these younger players combinded. The guys knowldege and abilities at his age are awesome. If a guy like that is willing to rotate in and out so some of the younger guys can get some time, and be there if injuries happen, then how can you pass that up. Sure I have watched some of the young guys and have been impressed, but I have not seen if they can last a season. Also, let the guy play. He still has love for the game and the team and you don't know what that is like. Giving your life up for a game and still loving it and still wanting to play. I just don't want him to Farve it.

[RyanBarnes! 293]

Plenty of people in here will, so you'll have plenty of company for better or worse...

Well naturally, my ironic statement was in response to Chelios supposed ability to call out players in the locker room that had made a bad play. I don't think LGW has much locker room impact.

Point was, last season Chelios was responsible for quite a few bad plays himself so he should not be pointing fingers. Also, as a team player you usually have a pretty good idea when you have messed up, no need for anybody else to point it out for you (and I don't think Chelios does too often either).

[LeftWinger 5,153]

Well naturally, my ironic statement was in response to Chelios supposed ability to call out players in the locker room that had made a bad play. I don't think LGW has much locker room impact.

Point was, last season Chelios was responsible for quite a few bad plays himself so he should not be pointing fingers. Also, as a team player you usually have a pretty good idea when you have messed up, no need for anybody else to point it out for you (and I don't think Chelios does too often either).

...OH, sorta lke when during the finals he said he was playing like crap so he didn't expect, nor was he upset that he wasn't playing...

...Chelios's bench presence and lockeroom presence are irreplaceable. Plus, he has given so much to this team and to this town, and Holland knows that, so he is not just gonna be thrown aside like an old tire...

...Chelios knows his role, he knows what he will be expected to do and he'll gladly do it, especially if it means winning another Cup...

[Heaton 1]

Well naturally, my ironic statement was in response to Chelios supposed ability to call out players in the locker room that had made a bad play. I don't think LGW has much locker room impact.

Point was, last season Chelios was responsible for quite a few bad plays himself so he should not be pointing fingers. Also, as a team player you usually have a pretty good idea when you have messed up, no need for anybody else to point it out for you (and I don't think Chelios does too often either).

Do as I say, not as I do.

[Booster313 138]

Man, that made an amazing amount of sense..

I am a big fan and watch 2 different hockey teams? So instantly i cant express my opinion? Interesting development we got going there.

*sigh*

Anyway i forgot what i was going to say thanks to Boosters ignorant statement.

although i dont agree with what dumpnthump said.

last i thought this was a message board. who are you to say who can and cannot post in this forum?

so does that mean MackAttack or DuckGuy cant post in this forum either?

your an idiot.

Easy guys...sarcasim IS allowed on these boards. When you put your opinion out there people are allowed to weigh in as the see it. In any case as I stated it was meant in jest, I apologize if I offended anyone.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Apparently all the young defenseman we have, and the ridiculous logjam that follows it, isn't enough to convince Holland that Chelios isn't needed here anymore.

I'm not going to sit around and trash Holland, considering we just the won the Cup and he signed Hossa for millions less than other teams wanted to, but I honestly can't understand this thing about bringing Chelios back again. Depth is one thing; if he's brought in as the 8th-9th defenseman, then whatever, I'm fine with that. But anything higher, even as the 7th guy, and he's holding back our younger players. When are guys like Meech or Quincey ever going to be given a real chance? Besides that, Chelios has obviously lost a step within recent years. He was scratched for Lilja in the SCF (read the sentence in bold to understand the point of all this), because he wasn't playing good in the playoffs. Shouldn't that say where he's at in his career now?

I like Chelios, don't get me wrong, but he really doesn't need to be brought back again. I'd like to see what someone like Meech or Quincey will do when given a chance.

Edited August 4, 2008 by Kp-Wings

[up2here 41]

This is such a stupid comment, I don't even know where to begin.

Correct.

I dont think its a stupid comment at all. The point is that none of us here know what happens in the Red Wings dressing room,so saying Lidstrom isnt as vocal as Chelios is just us guessing.

[Zion 93]

Then I guess you've never seen Lidstrom interviewed about his captaincy before.

I'll give you the Cliff's Notes version: it isn't guessing to say that Lidstrom isn't as vocal as Chelios.

[up2here 41]

Then I guess you've never seen Lidstrom interviewed about his captaincy before.

I'll give you the Cliff's Notes version: it isn't guessing to say that Lidstrom isn't as vocal as Chelios.

Let me know when you're in the locker room.

[DogBolter 0]

I'm for bringing Cheli back. The guy is a specimen of physical health. If you want to limit his play fine, but he'll be cheap insurance if someone gets hurt and a resource for the younger defense men.

[egroen 384]

Apparently all the young defenseman we have, and the ridiculous logjam that follows it, isn't enough to convince Holland that Chelios isn't needed here anymore.

There you go. So either Holland is a complete idiot and doesn't want to lose out on free ribs at Cheli's or management actually sees a large benefit in keeping Chelios around.

The young defenseman we have in the logjam right now are not even remotely close key parts to this team -- You will not convice me Lilja, Lebda, Meech and Quincey provide substancially more right now, or have so much more potential than what Chelios curently provides. Let's face it, those guys are bottom pairing defencemen who are a dime a dozen in the NHL. This discussion is not even relevent to them. Now when we start legitimately talking about Ericsson, Kindl, Smith and Pyett... you guys have a point if Chelios is still around. But I am not going to send myself into a tizzy if we end up losing the service of Derek Meech so we can retain Chelios.

[RyanBarnes! 293]

There you go. So either Holland is a complete idiot and doesn't want to lose out on free ribs at Cheli's or management actually sees a large benefit in keeping Chelios around.

The young defenseman we have in the logjam right now are not even remotely close key parts to this team -- You will not convice me Lilja, Lebda, Meech and Quincey provide substancially more right now, or have so much more potential than what Chelios curently provides. Let's face it, those guys are bottom pairing defencemen who are a dime a dozen in the NHL. This discussion is not even relevent to them. Now when we start legitimately talking about Ericsson, Kindl, Smith and Pyett... you guys have a point if Chelios is still around. But I am not going to send myself into a tizzy if we end up losing the service of Derek Meech so we can retain Chelios.

Ericsson, Kindl, Quincey, Meech and all have substantially larger potential than Chelios, because Chelios is as short term as it gets. As for them not being key parts to the team, that will always be the case if they will not get a chance to play. Regarding Chelios leadership and vocal qualities I think they will best come to use as an assistant coach nowadays.

[jvxp 0]

Ericsson, Kindl, Quincey, Meech and all have substantially larger potential than Chelios, because Chelios is as short term as it gets. As for them not being key parts to the team, that will always be the case if they will not get a chance to play. Regarding Chelios leadership and vocal qualities I think they will best come to use as an assistant coach nowadays.

I agree.

I've seen Kindl a lot with Grand Rapids and he still has some time to put in down there before he can do anything in the NHL. Chelios is done, this should have been his last year.

[egroen 384]

Ericsson, Kindl, Quincey, Meech and all have substantially larger potential than Chelios, because Chelios is as short term as it gets. As for them not being key parts to the team, that will always be the case if they will not get a chance to play. Regarding Chelios leadership and vocal qualities I think they will best come to use as an assistant coach nowadays.

Ericsson does not factor into this conversation. He is not getting traded. If he plays outstanding at camp and fits solidly in the #5 or 6 he will be playing for Detroit (Chelios in no way will hinder that). If not, he will get the playing time he needs in GR. Same goes for Kindl. They are not going to be sitting around at the #7 or 8.

If Meech or Lebda really pan out they might reach Dandeneault status. Quincey could one day be a smaller Lilja - that is their potential. And that is all a big "if"... which does not quite overwhelm me. I'll take chelios as is any day over that "potential".

Asides from leadership and vocal qualities Chelios possesses, it is the training that I think is invaluable to the team. How often is it quoted from coaches and players the kind of shape Chelios is in, and the workouts he does. Imagine being a younger player and seeing a 47 year-old veteran, with nothing left to prove, kicking your ass in workouts? Motivating you think?

Edited August 4, 2008 by egroen

[Dabura 12,232]

Chelios is valuable for his experience, work ethic, and, yes, grit. People keep saying, "We have so many young guys!" Well, that's kind of the point -- the Wings would be wise to have a grizzled veteran hovering around the bottom pairing, as two of the other three veteran defensemen -- Lidstrom and Rafalski -- play on the same pairing, and Stuart is locked up with Kronwall.

[LIDDYGIBBY5 1]

This is such a stupid comment, I don't even know where to begin.

Correct.

That is usually how someone starts a comment when they don't have anything to say, but feel that they should say something to take the spotlight off of them.

[#19=Legend 29]

Easy guys...sarcasim IS allowed on these boards. When you put your opinion out there people are allowed to weigh in as the see it. In any case as I stated it was meant in jest, I apologize if I offended anyone.

emotiocons are great

might i suggest you use one or two in your next "sarcastic" post.

[RyanBarnes! 293]

Ericsson does not factor into this conversation. He is not getting traded. If he plays outstanding at camp and fits solidly in the #5 or 6 he will be playing for Detroit (Chelios in no way will hinder that). If not, he will get the playing time he needs in GR. Same goes for Kindl. They are not going to be sitting around at the #7 or 8.

If Meech or Lebda really pan out they might reach Dandeneault status. Quincey could one day be a smaller Lilja - that is their potential. And that is all a big "if"... which does not quite overwhelm me. I'll take chelios as is any day over that "potential".

Asides from leadership and vocal qualities Chelios possesses, it is the training that I think is invaluable to the team. How often is it quoted from coaches and players the kind of shape Chelios is in, and the workouts he does. Imagine being a younger player and seeing a 47 year-old veteran, with nothing left to prove, kicking your ass in workouts? Motivating you think?

I don't think a trade is the key issue but rather ice time. I don't want to see Chelios taking ice time from the younger players anymore. Not in any situation. I think Quincey could very well have been a NHL regular by now if not for Chelios. That said, I disagree about your projection of him as a smaller Lilja, but clearly the lack of ice time has been a disadvantage.