Lines next season?

[Guest blueadams]

To begin, "Off-Season Plan" - #1) Resign Hossa. If this is impossible given the circumstances, trade Brad Stuart. He's been great here, but with the emergence of Ericsson, we've got three great pairs and a backup without him...Lidstrom-Rafalski, Kronwall-Ericsson, Lilija-Lebda/Meech. #2) Resign Hudler? Samuelsson's been clutch here, but Hudler's more important to the organization moving forward. If it's impossible to resign either of these players, it sucks, but getting Leino in there a season might lead to some benefits. #3) Resign Leino and Kopecky. Both should be pretty cheap, right?

#1) LW - Zetterberg, C - Datsyuk, RW - Holmstrom

...like Keith Premeau enabled Steve Yzerman and Sergei Federov to skate on the same line, so shall Darren Helm enable Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg to do the same. This is by far the best line in the league when its together, so why fight it?

#2) LW - Hossa, C - Helm, RW - Franzen

...this would be a sick, sick line. Imagine all that speed, strength and skill out on the ice at the same time!? This would be an exciting, exciting line. Like I said, I think that Helm is going to be a super-star in this league sooner than later. He's like Kris Draper in his prime that can handle the puck!?

#3) LW - Hudler/Leino, C - Filppula, RW - Cleary

...Flip's made some great strides here, but I don't think he's got the super-star potential of Helm. Still though, there's nothing wrong with being a SUPERB third line center (ask Igor Larionov). Regardless of who we end up having on the left-side, this is going to be an awesome third line.

#4) LW - Maltby/Abdelkader, C - Draper, RW - Kopecky

...This should still be a great shut-down line. Draper's got at least another season in him. It'd actually be nice to see Maltby retire, but even if he doesn't, Abdelkader is going to get most of his time this season. Hopefully we're able to keep on Downey as an alternate as well.

#1) LD - Lidstrom, RD - Rafalski

#2) LD - Kronwall, RD - Ericsson

#3) LD - Lilija, RD - Lebda/Meech

#1) GK - Osgood

#2) GK - Howard

#3) GK - McCollum

[thedisappearer 291]

That Hossa part isn't going to be popular.

[RedStormRising 7]

Dude, no offense, but WTF!? We are just over half-way through the playoffs... can't this wait?

[Guest Shoreline]

Anyone got predictions for the lines in the 2015-2016 season?

[Drake_Marcus 890]

#2) LW - Hossa, C - Helm, RW - Franzen

...this would be a sick, sick line. Imagine all that speed, strength and skill out on the ice at the same time!? This would be an exciting, exciting line. Like I said, I think that Helm is going to be a super-star in this league sooner than later. He's like Kris Draper in his prime that can handle the puck!?

Really? I'm not sure you've watched Helm all that closely, then, because he certainly doesn't have better hands than Draper in his prime. Even Babcock said in an interview that he didn't see Helm scoring much at the NHL level.

Helm's strengths: very high end skating ability with great top speed, great defensive ability, great on face-offs, strong physical game, amazing energy, great work ethic

Helm's weaknesses: not particularly big, doesn't display NHL-caliber scoring or playmaking ability

Those are my opinions at least. He has the potential to score goals if he learns to consistently go to the net hard, utilize his speed to attack as quick as possible and get a fast shot off, and go for the 'dirty' goals. Helm doesn't project as a superstar, but he does project as a solid 3rd liner with the potential to be a great shut-down centre. But hey- Helm just might prove the scouts wrong and start scoring consistently at the NHL level-- you won't here the Wings or their fans complaining! But my point here is that he projects as a guy who will do everything aside from putting up points and do those things real well.

#3) LW - Hudler/Leino, C - Filppula, RW - Cleary

...Flip's made some great strides here, but I don't think he's got the super-star potential of Helm. Still though, there's nothing wrong with being a SUPERB third line center (ask Igor Larionov). Regardless of who we end up having on the left-side, this is going to be an awesome third line.

As far as Larionov goes, you do realize that on the international stage he's considered one of the greatest centres of his era, right? In his prime Igor was the best centre in international hockey tournaments. Unfortunately, his prime occurred in the USSR, outside of the NHL spotlight. By the time he entered the NHL he was past his prime.

Secondly, if you think Helm will become more of a star than Filppula I'm just baffled. Filppula has the tools to put up more points and play way more minutes than Helm.

#4) LW - Maltby/Abdelkader, C - Draper, RW - Kopecky

...This should still be a great shut-down line. Draper's got at least another season in him. It'd actually be nice to see Maltby retire, but even if he doesn't, Abdelkader is going to get most of his time this season. Hopefully we're able to keep on Downey as an alternate as well.

You won't see Abdelkader in Detroit next season if he's splitting time with Maltby on the 4th line. He'll be in the AHL unless there's significant roster turn-over up in Detroit and he's guaranteed some real minutes. The Wings have many more years of development in mind for Gator.

#1) LD - Lidstrom, RD - Rafalski

#2) LD - Kronwall, RD - Ericsson

#3) LD - Lilija, RD - Lebda/Meech

Stuart won't be going anywhere. The Wings just signed him to a contract with decent term and a NTC. It goes against everything the Wings stand for to ask him to waive his no trade clause the very next year. Plus he's been amazing in the playoffs.

Meech is a spare part at this point and I expect he'll be moved. Lebda will likely be moved as well (unless Lilja remains injured through to October).

#1) GK - Osgood

#2) GK - Howard

#3) GK - McCollum

McCollum will be in Grand Rapids backing Larsson up next season.

As it stands now, here are the lines next year:

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Franzen-Filppula-Cleary

Leino(*)-Helm-Hudler(*)

Kopecky(*)-Draper-Maltby

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Stuart

Ericsson-Lilja

Osgood

Howard

Note that I assumed Leino, Hudler and Kopecky are signed. Sammy is dependent on what Hudler and Leino sign for (and I'm pretty sure that these two will be retained since Hudler's too valuable to be let go and if he is let go it'll be for an outrageous offer sheet that gets the Wings a 1st and 3rd rounder or better, which is pretty steep for anyone to pay). Leino has already stated he's done paying his dues in the AHL, so he'll require a one way contract, but his experience will likely limit the cost to somewhere around 1 million (plus bonuses). Kopecky will be dirt cheap so he'll be signed if the Wings can't get Samuelsson's number to fit under the cap.

I have a hard time seeing the Wings let Samuelsson walk right now given his play and the lack of right handed shots on this team. Losing Sammy leaves the Wings with only the following right hand shots: Rafalski and Maltby. Seriously. And looking at the current prospects, there's no one with a right hand shot that can step in.

Ideally, I'd like to see this roster:

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Franzen-Filppula-Cleary

Leino-Hudler-Samuelsson

Draper-Helm-Maltby

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Stuart

Ericsson-Lilja

Osgood

Howard

I put Hudler as the 3rd line centre and Cleary up on the second line because the third line needed a play maker. Leino's better used in a Zetterberg type role where he makes plays and scores, Hudler can be cast in the role of a pure playmaker, although he's got a great shot too. Sammy shoots like a drunk Halo player. I can see those lines shifting quite a bit throughout the year, so I wouldn't be surprises to see Leino float up to the 2nd line (where he should be playing once he's earned his minutes). Helm could end up on the 3rd line as the centre, I just didn't want to put Leino on the 4th where his style (top 6 forward) doesn't fit. If Leino can earn his shot at the 2nd line (and I'm sure he would if given the chance), here's how I'd put it together

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Franzen-Filppula-Leino

Cleary-Hudler-Samuelsson

Draper-Helm-Maltby

That's a very, very deep, talented core of forwards.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Anyone got predictions for the lines in the 2015-2016 season?

Ummm...

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Hudler

Franzen-Filppula-Leino

Abdelkader-Helm-Axelsson

Emmerton-McGrath -Ritola

Kronwall-Ericsson

Stuart-Kindl

Smith-Kolosov

Larsson

McCollum

Haha, as you intend- it's a crap shoot. But those are my educated guesses based on the current crop of players and prospects...

[Systemfel 33]

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Hudler

#1) LW - Zetterberg, C - Datsyuk, RW - Holmstrom

Why would Zetterberg play LW?

#2) LW - Hossa, C - Helm, RW - Franzen

You've got the wingers on their wrong sides there.

#3) LD - Lilija, RD - Lebda/Meech

Lilja would play RD. Edited May 23, 2009 by Systemfel

[Z and D for the C 712]

^ I think you're over-analyzing a bit.

[IrishWing19 6]

Ummm...

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Hudler

Franzen-Filppula-Leino

Abdelkader-Helm-Axelsson

Emmerton-McGrath -Ritola

Kronwall-Ericsson

Stuart-Kindl

Smith-Kolosov

Larsson

McCollum

Haha, as you intend- it's a crap shoot. But those are my educated guesses based on the current crop of players and prospects...

What about Cheli?

[shoe 165]

What about Cheli?

too funny lololololol

[wingsdiehard13 33]

Why would Zetterberg play LW?

Because he has played LW, C, and RW in his career, and I'm near certain he has played LW more than RW in his career. Not sure what you're implying...?

[uk_redwing 495]

Id rather we re-sign Hossa, offload Sammy and Huds or Filppula if need be and get a proper 4th line. But thats just me...

[Guest Shoreline]

I'd say the Wings sign/trade for superstars Derek Boogaard, Donald Brashear, and bring back Gino Odjick. They'll punch their opponents so hard they'll score on themselves or forfeit the game out of being so afraid. If that fails bring on Ken Shamrock, or the ShamWOW guy to put some chloroform on those towels to use against other players.

[uk_redwing 495]

I'd say the Wings sign/trade for superstars Derek Boogaard, Donald Brashear, and bring back Gino Odjick. They'll punch their opponents so hard they'll score on themselves or forfeit the game out of being so afraid. If that fails bring on Ken Shamrock, or the ShamWOW guy to put some chloroform on those towels to use against other players.

Now thats what Im talking about! People are starting to see sense around here...mega fighterz for teh win!

[esteef 2,679]

Now thats what Im talking about! People are starting to see sense around here...mega fighterz for teh win!

Exactly. What difference does it make if Havlat leaves the game from a hit from Kronner or a punch from Downey? Job is accomplished either way.

esteef

[Casey 145]

If Howard is in a Wings sweater next year, I will be very disappointed. He simply doesn't have it at an NHL level.

[dat's sick 1,002]

Don't care about the lines, as long as Helm, Leino and Ericsson are in there full-time.

If Hossa won't sign for 4-5 mil tops, let him go. We can't lose young guys like Hudler and/or Filppula because of a 30-year old playoff ghost.

[Casey 145]

Amen. Lock down the young guns, figure out the goalie situation, and I'm wholly fine with letting Hossa go.

[Rivalred 630]

Lets all focus on our lines in this post-season first...

[Dano33 41]

If Howard is in a Wings sweater next year, I will be very disappointed. He simply doesn't have it at an NHL level.

He needs a chance to get some consistent playing time. What we have seen from him hasn't been great, but it's difficult to get comfortable when you are called up for a couple of games, then sent down. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do. Even with him in net for 20-25 games next season, we are still a top notch playoff team, and he certainly won't be starting in the playoffs.

[Systemfel 33]

Because he has played LW, C, and RW in his career, and I'm near certain he has played LW more than RW in his career. Not sure what you're implying...?

Zetterberg hasn't played wing in like four years. When he and Datsyuk team up, Pavel plays LW.

[wingsdiehard13 33]

Zetterberg hasn't played wing in like four years. When he and Datsyuk team up, Pavel plays LW.

That's funny, he's listed as a left wing on his player profile.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8468083

Zetterberg played left wing the majority of last year until the playoffs after Babcock shuffled the lines against the Preds.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Why would Zetterberg play LW?

'cause he feels like it?

[Drake_Marcus 890]

What about Cheli?

He'll be a door-to-door cane salesman by 2015.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Exactly. What difference does it make if Havlat leaves the game from a hit from Kronner or a punch from Downey? Job is accomplished either way.

esteef

At least Downey's game misconduct wouldn't kneecap the team like Kronwall's did.