A few players not yet mentioned....

[RedFX 48]

Word from down here is that the Preds are likely to part with several key UFAs due to salary concerns. While Sullivan is probably not an option (likely to resign anyway), three people caught my eye as seemingly ideal fits to fill the third or fourth lines.

Joel Ward.....came out of nowhere during training camp and made the roster. By the end of the year was a Top 6 forward and developed a knack for making clutch plays (burned us a few times last year). Good skater, creates alot of turnovers.

Scott Nichol.....had some injuries last year, but when he's healthy, he's been one of the Preds best penalty killers. When I see him play I actually think of a slightly smaller Drake. Little guy, plays physical, great on faceoffs, can provide alot of energy out there. (PS, he also fights . )

Vern Fiddler.....I like Fiddler, possesses a great physical presence for a guy his size. A speedy skater, GREAT on the forecheck, creates alot of turnovers. Also solid PK skills.

While these guys won't light the lamp every night, they all add some grit and energy to the team. They'd add some good depth to the 3rd and 4th lines. Having watched them, I thought these three might fit in well here. It's likely we can get any of these guys for a million or less.

Any thoughts?

Edited June 24, 2009 by RedFX

[RusDRW 155]

I like these guys you mentioned. Especially Fiddler.

[RedFX 48]

These guys really haven't been mentioned...Everyone is talking about someone like Neil or Laperrierre...But I always thought they would be great fits in a system like Detroit. They're all hard-working, high-energy guys that are strong on both ends of the ice. They basically play the same role as a Neil or Lappy, but for alot less money.

Edited June 24, 2009 by RedFX

[theman19 47]

Joel Ward would be massive, but i wonder if he's a flash in the pan. The few games i saw him play in he reminded me a lot of dan cleary with more grit,...that's never a bad thing. Preds seem pretty intent on keeping him however.

[rick zombo 3,739]

Joel Ward would be massive, but i wonder if he's a flash in the pan. The few games i saw him play in he reminded me a lot of dan cleary with more grit,...that's never a bad thing. Preds seem pretty intent on keeping him however.

Ward played Canadian university hockey here in my home town with the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers. He was the best college player in the country. Amazing guy, insane work ethic. I think his skill transfers well at any level of hockey he plays.

Not a flash in the pan. The guy just needed a chance.

[bonan78 1]

I'm not so hot on Nichol, he's too small (5'8" 175lbs), plus I remember him getting suspended for cross-checking a Canadiens player in the back of the head, we don't need that.

Fiddler could be a good energy guy, on Helm or Draper's wing even though he's a natural center.

I was very impressed with Joel Ward every time I saw him play, lots of energy, size, and has a bit of an edge to him, too. If we could pick him up along with Neil or Laperriere (sp?), that would be a killer 3rd line, Ward/Helm/Laperriere.

Speaking of guys no one is talking about, what about Evgeny Artyukhin? His cap hit is less than 1 mill IIRC, he's huge and he plays with a huge chip on his shoulder, I know he got suspended for whacking Vermette with his own helmet, but I laughed my head off at it.

[rick zombo 3,739]

Speaking of guys no one is talking about, what about Evgeny Artyukhin? His cap hit is less than 1 mill IIRC, he's huge and he plays with a huge chip on his shoulder, I know he got suspended for whacking Vermette with his own helmet, but I laughed my head off at it.

If he could be had in a trade. He doesn't reach UFA status until 10/11.

[RedFX 48]

I'm not so hot on Nichol, he's too small (5'8" 175lbs), plus I remember him getting suspended for cross-checking a Canadiens player in the back of the head, we don't need that.

Fiddler could be a good energy guy, on Helm or Draper's wing even though he's a natural center.

I was very impressed with Joel Ward every time I saw him play, lots of energy, size, and has a bit of an edge to him, too. If we could pick him up along with Neil or Laperriere (sp?), that would be a killer 3rd line, Ward/Helm/Laperriere.

Speaking of guys no one is talking about, what about Evgeny Artyukhin? His cap hit is less than 1 mill IIRC, he's huge and he plays with a huge chip on his shoulder, I know he got suspended for whacking Vermette with his own helmet, but I laughed my head off at it.

Is he available? I remember his name came up a few times around the deadline.

[bonan78 1]

If he could be had in a trade. He doesn't reach UFA status until 10/11.

That's why I think it can be done, if he was a FA, he'd probably have a higher asking price and we may not take him seriously. He signed a 2 year, 1.9 million contract with TB last July. I don't think we would have to give up much to make a deal. I wouldn't rely on him to be our only enforcer, I still think we need to go after Neil or Laperriere, but having him as an additional grinder/fighter kind of winger could be cool.

[jollymania 162]

ward or fiddler would work

[Zetts 236]

I'm still not convinced that we'll actually need another forward, but I suppose it really depends on salary demands of guys like Sammy and Huds (or Hossa if that happens obviously).

If we do need more forwards, those are actually some of the best (/most realistic) suggestions I've seen so far.

[betterREDthandead 58]

I wouldn't even worry about some other team's free agents til we know what we can do with our own. I can't even begin to think about what we could do on the open market without knowing how it'll turn out with Hossa.

[Guest Four]

I want Ward! That bastard lights us up every game...

[RedFX 48]

These guys are probably some of the most realistic options out there

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

I want Belak.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I want Belak.

[LeftWinger 5,149]

If Hossa goes, we'll have roughly $1.5million to play with (unless Lilja is on LTIR) then lets say $2.75million. But since Lilja will probably be back sometime, lets go with the $1.5. Would any of those guys get more than $1million elsewhere?

[mackel 766]

Ward played Canadian university hockey here in my home town with the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers. He was the best college player in the country. Amazing guy, insane work ethic. I think his skill transfers well at any level of hockey he plays.

Not a flash in the pan. The guy just needed a chance.

Nice to see another Islander on here!!

[YoungGuns1340 1]

I think Fiddler might end up looking for more than minimum wage..

[BeeRYCE 2]

Joel Ward is simply a player who cares about the game and cares about improving his work ethic/skill to make the team and himself better daily... Picking him up would not upset me at all, he'd be a true fan favorite.

Also, he is #29 on the Preds... But imagine he took another number (due to Conklin staying or whatever reason) and he took #27... It'd be funny to see another Ward #27 on the back of a Wings jersey.

[dat's sick 1,002]

I'm a bit interested in Fredrik Sjostrom. He declined an offer from the Rags and is now looking at other teams.

He's cheap, $0.875, great on the PK, good on the forecheck, brings some energy and physicality and could probably put up some points on a more offensively minded team than the Rangers.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

Joel Ward is simply a player who cares about the game and cares about improving his work ethic/skill to make the team and himself better daily... Picking him up would not upset me at all, he'd be a true fan favorite.

It'd also prevent him from scoring 12 goals against the Wings next season. Then all they need to do is sign Patrick Sharp and Rick Nash and they'll never lose another divisional game again.