YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Here's a blast from the past. Remember a couple years ago when Mark Bell was the hot name on the boards? After being convicted of a hit and run, working in a California prison for 6 months as a result, being fined by the NHL, suspended 15 games, spending an unconvincing year with the Marlies, being placed by waivers, claimed by the Rangers, and never making it to an NHL game this past season, he is finally a free agent. Call me crazy, but I think the Wings should take a gamble on Bell. I can't imagine many teams will be clamoring for his services, and I'm betting that his goal right now would simply be to garner a few offers during free agency, but I think this is the type of guy that the Wings organization could turn around, and turn back into a serviceable player. Considering they've given guys like McCarty and Cleary a second chance, despite Mac having substance abuse issues, and Cleary having attitude issues, I think Bell could be the Wings new pet project at a reasonable 500k. He'd be a decent finisher on the Wing of Helm's line. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skacore 2 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 He still put up numbers in the AHL last year so no doubt he can still play if given a limited role... I think he would be a great pick up but I won't hold my breath Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heroes of Hockeytown 694 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 I remember when this guy, along with Kyle Calder and Tyler Arnason were the future of the Blackhawks. I think they're in a little better shape with Kane and Toews. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rage 24 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Oh MAN do I remember that love he was getting on here!! It funny to think about. Could be interesting, but there are other UFA's that are not as risky that I'd look at first if I were the Red Wings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenrebellion 415 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 We don't really have the cap room this year to take shots, even if its 500K. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heaton 1 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 The last thing we need is more bottom 6 guys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 For that price, he'd be worth the gamble. He's scored 20 before and was a solid player for Toronto in his first year, I remember that hit he had on Alfredsson, oh man, that ******* got it bad! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 The last thing we need is more bottom 6 guys. Why? Because the 4 bottom 6 guys we have is too much for....the bottom 6? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 We don't really have the cap room this year to take shots, even if its 500K. We have plenty of cap room, let alone to sign a 500k guy whos proved more than Kopecky ever has. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xBrave_Heartx 0 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Dude, Hell yah, Mark Bell would be a player i would take a gamble on for sure. If he pays off, he could be a 20/20 scorer.. I imagine he wasn't mentally ready for last year to begin with.. this year. im sure he'll be a little more ready. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AtomicPunk 296 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 What's Eric Daze up to these days? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pockets 9 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 if noone takes a chance on him you give him a non roster invite much like Danny got and tell him you play hard and committed you may just get a contract/roster spot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beepbeep 3 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 IF he has his head together it would be money better spent than either Malts or Kopecky...........Malts used to be one of my favorite players but man he has really fallen off the last couple of years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LIDDYGIBBY5 1 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 The last thing we need is more bottom 6 guys. Bottom 6 guys is what we need. We have top six guys and a salary cap issue. We need players to fill out lines 3 and 4 for cheap. I'm not saying that Mark Bell is necessarily the guy, but salaries at these numbers are what is needed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DreamsofHope 2 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 We have plenty of cap room, let alone to sign a 500k guy whos proved more than Kopecky ever has. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 In 05-06, he scored 7 less goals in a season, then Kopecky has his entire career. More penalty minutes, and if I could find the statistics for it, hits probably too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
