Interesting take, but makes sense

[hockey&beer 16]

Link

Tells

By Bruce MacLeod - Red Wings Corner / May 1, 2009

Two reads from today's move to put Chris Chelios in the lineup with Brian Rafalski injured.

First, Derek Meech isn't getting into any more games as a Red Wing. Being put behind Chelios has to be depressing for Meech, who really hasn't shown a lot, but hasn't been given a lot of opportunity to prove himself as a defenseman. At least not as much opportunity as Jonathan Ericsson was given. And with Ericsson and Jakub Kindl on the horizon, Meech doesn't have much future in Detroit.

Second, when Coach Mike Babcock discussed after the morning skate his power play without Rafalski, he talked about five defensemen — Nicklas Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall and Mikael Samuelsson as the first wave, Ericsson and Brad Stuart as the fill-ins. The omission of Brett Lebda struck me. He's not going to get any PK time and if he's behind Stuart and Ericsson on the PP depth chart, that's not a vote of confidence.

It seems, without being obvious, the Red Wings brass have already made a few roster decisions for next season. I can't say I'm surprised by either choice, but does either player really offer a lot in a trade. I guess it really doesn't make much sense to trade for players, just picks.

I always thought Meech was a good asset because he can play O or D, but Big Rig was a forward up until a few years ago and has played up front more than a handful of times since (both AHL and NHL).

[ltgator333 3]

Yeah I would think at this point it's obvious Chelios and Meech are gone next year, best of luck to them both. Meech could be a solid #4 or #5 guy somewhere. So could Cheli for some teams..

Lebda might be back depending though.. he and Meech both have a year left and would need to be traded, but I think Lebda would be a better #6/#7 than Meech. He's not on the PP because of that giveaway he had.