Pick 1 of the 3 for next year:

[Reds4Life 51]

Do you understand how many players we have that can play a defensive game and supplement our PK?

We also see this thing called money - of which Filppula makes a hell of a lot for what he brings to this team. Tonight was a prime example. Not much difference between the play of Helm and Flip - despite the $2,500,000 difference in payroll.

Also, at even strength, Hudler plays 10:16.

At even strength, Filppula plays 13:42

At even strength, Filppula has 8 points.

At even strength, Hudler has 8 points.

So in short, Hudler is STILL more productive offensively than Filppula at even strength. And just so you know, thats 73 more even strength minutes overall that Filppula has had to score just one, little point more than Hudler. Yet he hasnt.

Yeah. Exactly.

Filppula is good defensively and average (at best) offensively = 3rd line center on good teams.

He is overpaid, and I'd rather keep Samuelsson and Hudler than Filppula.

[rage 24]

Yeah. Exactly.

Filppula is good defensively and average (at best) offensively = 3rd line center on good teams.

He is overpaid, and I'd rather keep Samuelsson and Hudler than Filppula.

Okay, I am just catching up here, but PICK ONE R4L.

I still pick Flip right now myself unless there is a possible Hossa or Flip or Hossa sit. in which things change..................

Reds4Life, I'd take Flip. Are you saying you'd take Sammy and Huds? If so, that isn't fair for our picks........lol.....

[ArcticWing 0]

Do you understand how many players we have that can play a defensive game and supplement our PK?

We also see this thing called money - of which Filppula makes a hell of a lot for what he brings to this team. Tonight was a prime example. Not much difference between the play of Helm and Flip - despite the $2,500,000 difference in payroll.

Also, at even strength, Hudler plays 10:16.

At even strength, Filppula plays 13:42

At even strength, Filppula has 8 points.

At even strength, has 8 points.

So in short, Hudler is STILL more productive offensively than Filppula at even strength. And just so you know, thats 73 more even strength minutes overall that Filppula has had to score just one, little point more than Hudler. Yet he hasnt.

This is really weak! Ever heard of "success provides more success"? Do you think, that it doesn't make a difference to point producing at even strength weather you get PP time or not?

Filppula with even strength time of 13:42 has 8 points = BAD

Hudler with even strength time of 10:16 has 8 points = GREAT

Oh, really

And if the situation were different, lets say vice versa would we be seeing same or different arguments? I have a feeling you would have dug-up something completely different, something that works well in favor for Hudler. This is not a personal attack against you, and should not be taken as one.

To answer the question, Who would you keep and why? And not to who do I like most. I would form a third line consisting Huds, Flip and Sammy. Let's say for at least 10 games, so I could see how they handle the exact same situations. I would give Huds and Flip equal time as a winger and as a center too see where they feel most comfortable, and because I like the idea of getting the smallest guy out of the boards and the best shot to the middle. After these ten games I would have a good take on how they deal every aspect of the game. The one I would keep could very well be Sammy.

[DatsyukownzU13 1]

Flips not a 3rd liner. Hes a second line player on any team in the NHL. He just hasnt fit so well with Z and Franz. Funny thing is at the start of the year everyones fantasy line predictions had flip on the second line. So your telling me because he has 8 points this season hes garbage now? What happened to everyone saying i want to see flip on Zs line? s*** now that he only has 8 points hes overpaid dead weight. Noone had a problem with his 3 mill salary last year. Funny how people around here work. Hes been playing just as well if not better than last season. Did you guys forget flip shut down the malkin line in the playoffs. Takes a pretty damn good player to beable to shut down what is a premier super star top dog of the NHL. Ohh but wait hes only got 8 points hes worthless.

This is true as well. Wasn't it Marc Crawford that was praising Filppula, saying he'd be a 2nd liner on any other team? The only gripe I have with rating Fil offensively in the NHL is that he has never really had a great chance with top line wingers. He really should get some chance to play with Z over Sammy, but Babs loves him some Sammy.

Leino is a projected top-6, which means he could end up being a top liner and he could also end up being a career AHLer. I'd rather see him replace Hudler or Sammy based alone on the fact that I know the skating ability is similar. Fil brings the intangibles of speed to a team that I wouldn't call fast in the first place. And everyone knows how important that kind of speed is in the playoffs.

[Mors 201]

Filppula hasn't done anything remarkable this season and last night was no exception, it's up to him to live up to his big contract or he'll be gone regardless of people's opinions. I'm FAR from being a Samuelsson fan, but he's stepping up his game when others are not.

Edited November 29, 2008 by Mors

[FedorovGurl 2]

HUDLER

I have been a Hudler supporter for quite a long time (even before it became cool ... see my old posts). I knew he had it in him and I am so happy to see him living up to his potential.

I am on the fence with Flip and Sammy I would not miss at all.

[Red Crazy 201]

I choose Hudler because he has been playing very good this year so far.

Flip is an awesome player but he just can't seem to crack the top six on the Wings this year which makes his contract expensive....... Sammy has picked up his game but I find him very hard to watch at times.

[chrisdetroit 189]

I respect your point of view and its right. Can't argue with you bro. You actually know what your talking about and back your opinion with some real facts. Although what im really arguing against with this other guy is pretty much he has no respect for flip or his skills, he sees nothing besides the stat sheet. Hes basically saying flip can be replaced by anybody at anytime and they will do just as good. He doesnt understand flip is one hell of a player and is worth every dime of 3 mill and he doesnt see it for one reason, because he doesnt appear on the stat sheet enough. Anyone that actually pays attention in depth and pays attention to whos doing what couldnt say nothing more than good things about flip. He doesn't understand Leino or Helm could not fill flips shoes by any margin this or next season. I'm not saying Leino wont be a better player than flip ever was. I think Leino could turn into a spectacular player. I do know one thing, it will be atleast 3 years off before Leino could ever fill the shoes of flip.

well said

[chrisdetroit 189]

Filppula is 3rd line center.

Leino is top6 winger.

I think if Hudler or Sammy demand too much money then we could see Ville in Detroit the very next season.

There are lots of guys that played great in the AHL that couldn't cut it in the NHL. How do you know that Leino isn't just another of those guys? You are making a hell of a big assumption...

[Reds4Life 51]

Okay, I am just catching up here, but PICK ONE R4L.

I still pick Flip right now myself unless there is a possible Hossa or Flip or Hossa sit. in which things change..................

Reds4Life, I'd take Flip. Are you saying you'd take Sammy and Huds? If so, that isn't fair for our picks........lol.....

I'd take Samuelsson. Although I hate him at times, he is the best overall player. Hudler is my second choice.

There are lots of guys that played great in the AHL that couldn't cut it in the NHL. How do you know that Leino isn't just another of those guys? You are making a hell of a big assumption...

Because Leino dominated the highest finnish league, his biggest flaw was supposed to be skating, but he looked pretty good.

There is no doubt in my mind that he has the hands and brains to be very good player in the NHL. I hope he stays long enough to get a chance to play for the Red Wings.