djdan 2 Report post Posted July 15, 2009 http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/det090713.html who??? my choice : maxim afinogenov Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stillwater 186 Report post Posted July 15, 2009 This was put up on that site 2 days ago. There's plenty of discussion on it already. Look around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snazzy 0 Report post Posted July 15, 2009 I'm in the favor of waiting until the deadline, and shop for what we need most...There's always a few teams looking to unload a few players. ^ this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyphoenix 153 Report post Posted July 15, 2009 Its funny how that article says that this could mean full time for Leino when its already finalized that Leino will be on the team, playing full time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snazzy 0 Report post Posted July 15, 2009 That too, Leino will have a bigger impact than most here fathom. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ZetterbergFourty Report post Posted July 15, 2009 The shopping at the deadline sounds like a decent plan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted July 15, 2009 I don't mind the deadline option for the top six player, or at least waiting until after the new year to trade for him. BUT I'd rather the Wings pick said player up in free agency if it's at all possible. The simple reason for that is that we don't have to give assets up to sign a free agent. The added benefit of having a full year to mesh with the team isn't bad either. At the very least the Wings will have to find a PK specialist that can provide some grit on the 4th line. In fact, it might be worth getting a gritty PK specialist for the 11th spot and signing Oulahan to play in the 12th spot. That we'd get two more strong defensive forwards on the roster and one of the two can always sit in the 13th forward spot when the Wings acquire the top 6 forward at the deadline. The PK needs to be shored up in October and stay that way all year long. Last year should teach everyone conclusively that "flip the switch" defensive hockey doesn't work as well as "always on" defensive hockey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted July 15, 2009 http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/det090713.html who??? my choice : maxim afinogenov One softy for another. Not a good trade, especially since Afinogenov is not only soft but also lazy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CenterIce 83 Report post Posted July 15, 2009 I'm in the favor of waiting until the deadline, and shop for what we need most...There's always a few teams looking to unload a few players. Then, you will have to either use Meech at forward or bring up another guy from Grand Rapids. They are short a forward. Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Holmstrom, Franzen, Cleary, Filppula, Helm, Leino, Abdelkader, Draper, Maltby = 11 forwards. Meech could be the 13, but you need another for the starting 12. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hatethedrake! Report post Posted July 16, 2009 Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Franzen-Filppula-Cleary Abdelkader-Helm-Leino Betts-Draper-Grier Maltby Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Stuart Lilja-Ericsson Lebda Osgood-Howard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lidstromrules16 7 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 Whats the deal with Ritola? Is he still part of the Wings organization? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 Whats the deal with Ritola? Is he still part of the Wings organization? Yes. And he's doing quite well down in Grand Rapids. This year is his make or break year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lidstromrules16 7 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 Yes. And he's doing quite well down in Grand Rapids. This year is his make or break year. See, thats what I was thinking, but it seems like he is left off of everybody's "opening roster" is that cause he isnt a sure thing yet? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 See, thats what I was thinking, but it seems like he is left off of everybody's "opening roster" is that cause he isnt a sure thing yet? He's an under the radar type prospect. Here's what the folks over at griffinscentral.com said about his play this season: First Half Report Card: Mattias Ritola B+ What a difference a year makes. Ritola has used his experience to become an impact player, leading the team in goals with 15, already more than twice what he scored all last season. The smooth skating winger is a force at both ends of the ice and is built solidly enough to give or take a check. He had a little scoring drought in November (he wasn't alone there) but has bounced back nicely. (They rated 3 forwards above him in that report-- Landon Wilson, Francis Pare and Justin Abdelkader) Second Half Report Card: Mattias Ritola C Ritola had a nightmare second half as a bad shoulder ruined what started out to be a breakthrough season for the talented forward. The slick winger gets full marks for returning weeks early from surgery and playing through the pain while call-ups and injuries decimated his team. At times when he could barely even move his arm, he would take a regular shift, though with very limited effectiveness. Can't really fault him for the second half based on what they said about his arm. On redwingscentral.com their end of the year rankings (where Ericsson, Helm and Howard are no longer listed because they've already made the team in Detroit) they have Ritola ranked 9th overall, 5th in forwards and 1st in right wings. He's going to have to have a fantastic year this season because his contract ends in 2010 and he'll be 23 at that point. Last season was his second in GR and the entire second half was ruined by his injury, so he should be able put better numbers up next season if he stays healthy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jollymania 162 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 Afinogenov is one of the worst players i the league how could eh replace hudler Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Datsyukian Geek 2 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 I also agree with the wait and see approach, let the youngin's show their stuff as many could surprise us, and just fill the gaps later on in the season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snazzy 0 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 Don't forget folks, Oulahan likely won't clear waivers and we could lose him like we did Quincey. Oulahan certainly would be a nice fit on the 4th line for the money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 Don't forget folks, Oulahan likely won't clear waivers and we could lose him like we did Quincey. Oulahan certainly would be a nice fit on the 4th line for the money. You're 3 weeks late on preaching that one Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crymson Report post Posted July 16, 2009 One softy for another. Not a good trade, especially since Afinogenov is not only soft but also lazy. However, he does have good stats in NHL 09. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yzerman#19 17 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Franzen-Filppula-Cleary Abdelkader-Helm-Leino Betts-Draper-Grier Maltby Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Stuart Lilja-Ericsson Lebda Osgood-Howard This ^ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HudlerFanatic 4 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 This ^ Hell-works for me! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icesurfer 75 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 $$$$ Players have only 10-20 years to make their money. I wouldn't exactly call Hudler a superstar. I doubt that he any offer sheets... never really know though. In the last 12 years players seem to have better careers playing for a Wing's team than for someone else.... I would imagine Lidstrom is the key to that. It will be interesting to see how Hudler's numbers..... especially plus/minus.... do in Russia. Agents work on % basis also.... I imagine they try to persuade their client one way or the other... especially in this economy...LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmamolo 287 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 This is the first off season or trade deadline that I feel a little torn on what I think the Wings should do. In some ways waiting until the deadline seems like the smart move but in others taking a slight gamble on someone like Petr Sykora, Todd Bertuzzi or even Miro Satan could work out decently. I think there is a lot to be said about beign able to sign a guy now and not have to give up any assets at the deadline. Especially considering the asking prices have been so high the last couple of years. Either way, someone needs to be signed. Whether it's a fourth line gritty penalty killer or someone they feel could add soem scoring on their 3rd line. Depending on what they do shoudl dictate how they handle Abdelkader in October. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grim 5 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 nothing is gonna happen until after the arbitration period ends (Aug 6) and potentially longer since there is a filed grievance between NHL and KHL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
therock48880 14 Report post Posted July 16, 2009 Sounds like Hudler's Russia contract is over. Mlive makes it sound like it's up the arbitrator and then the wings will either keep or him or trade his rights. http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20...i_huders_s.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
