Red Wings Shift Foucus to UFA's

[Guest Shoreline]

I don't like Zherdev. For what talent he has on the ice, he seems like far too much a liability to leave the NHL.

[FifeHockeyNut 57]

Zherdev would be amazing to watch with Datsyuk. Also for those saying he's small and soft, he's actually 6' 2" and he has gone a little ways in the toughness category over the last year with the Rangers. He was throwing his body around a good amount and wasn't hogging the puck as much as usual. For those who haven't seen much of him, check out this video:

WOW! That was ace and he looked so casual doing a lot of it. Is it a genuine possibility he could sign? Or is it mere wishful thinking?

[Konnan511 1,736]

I like how I can look into any thread on LGW.com and see some Hudler bashing and someone proposing to trade Filppula. Now all this thread needs is a "we need a fighter" and the trifecta will be complete!

Here are some cheap guys I wouldn't mind seeing in a Wing's Uni:

Eric Perrin plays very good defense, although he is a forward and he can be signed for the cheap.

Chris Thorburn, young and plays very nice defense. Plus, for that toughness crowd, look at these PIM numbers the past 3 seasons (69,92,102)

Stephane Yelle, plays great defense and is a very good PK'r.

There really are some nice additions out there to be had for the cheap.

[AtomicPunk 296]

I have to admit I haven't seen him a lot with NYR. But after watching that video, some things stood out about Zherdev.

He can handle the puck, carry it with speed and can make people and goalies look stupid. Great creativity. And he SHOOTS the puck and goes to the net looking to score, not curling at the face off dot and looking to make a pass.

But is it just me or was he playing on a third line? I did not notice a lot of talent around him. Looked like Dubinsky was his linemate most of the time.

If he could be motivated to play like this all the time, I would love to have him as a Wing.

Edited August 4, 2009 by AtomicPunk

[Yak19 303]

WOW! That was ace and he looked so casual doing a lot of it. Is it a genuine possibility he could sign? Or is it mere wishful thinking?

Depends on Zherdev, is he looking for money? or is he looking to go to a contender? Either way there are other Cup contenders that can offer him more then we can but he did say the Wings were his favorite team growing up so you never know. I for one would love Zherdev in a Wings uniform, his mentality will quickly be shaped by this organization, I think he would respect the team and coach right from the get go.

[hooon 1,089]

I watched most rangers games last year and i always really liked what zherdev was doing on the ice. He is a really hard skater and goes to the net with creativity. He is also fairly tough for a euro player, and wont let people push him around.

People question his work ethic, but honestly i blame that on the NYR organization as much as anything else. To me, nearly ALL rangers players have work ethic problems, that team in general is just plain lazy. Look at their rosters the past few years... on paper they look incredible, but when it comes down to it they can never get it done. Dunno if its coaching, leadership, injuries or what. Put him in a wings jersey and i would be willing to bet on improved production and work ethic.

If we could somehow manage to sign him along with another cheap defense-minded forward (1203912129 have been mentioned already) i would be pretty pleased.

[Chunkylover 26]

I have to admit I haven't seen him a lot with NYR. But after watching that video, some things stood out about Zherdev.

He can handle the puck, carry it with speed and can make people and goalies look stupid. Great creativity. And he SHOOTS the puck and goes to the net looking to score, not curling at the face off dot and looking to make a pass.

But is it just me or was he playing on a third line? I did not notice a lot of talent around him. Looked like Dubinsky was his linemate most of the time.

If he could be motivated to play like this all the time, I would love to have him as a Wing.

At the beginning of the season the Rangers' top line was Zherdev, Voros, and Dubinsky. At least that was the most productive early on.

How many times can that guy just snipe the five-hole in the shoot-out? He'd be nice to have but if Hudler gets $10M over two years in the KHL, Zherdev would probably get more if he wanted to defect.

[Echolalia 2,961]

I don't think the Wings would be able to afford anyone else if they signed Zherdev. He made 3.25 last year (2.5 cap hit), which is almost exactly what the Wings have in cap space right now. Our cheapest route for a 12th forward is most likely Abdelkader, but with him in the lineup, Zherdev would have to agree to less than 2M.

[Dimaline312000 51]

Ok, sign ONE Forward and keep Abs on the NHL Roster.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Ok, sign ONE Forward and keep Abs on the NHL Roster.

Nah. Keep Abdelkader in Grand Rapids please. He'll be the 1st line centre down in GR and see 20 mins a night. That's much better for his development than 7 mins a night in Detroit.

[titanium2 867]

Nah. Keep Abdelkader in Grand Rapids please. He'll be the 1st line centre down in GR and see 20 mins a night. That's much better for his development than 7 mins a night in Detroit.

Dick Axelsson-Justin Abdelkader-Mattias Ritola = Calder Cup, FTW!!!

Or Hat Trick-Apple Fritters-Cough Drop if you prefer.

[ShanahanMan 473]

Per MLive:

"There are a few guys left out there," said Detroit vice president and assistant general manager Jim Nill. "We're just trying to fill in the holes. In the salary-cap era, there's no reason to overpay for someone, even if you like them. If somebody is willing to come in for the money, we'll sign them." -Jim Nill

MLive

Guess that at least shows we're still in the market for another forward!

Edited August 5, 2009 by ShanahanMan

[djdan 2]

in order with the name in the first post ...

1-ALEX TANGUAY AND MATS SUNDIN BUT TOO EXPENSIVE

2-MIKE COMRIE

3-MIKE GRIER

4-NIKOLAI ZHERDEV

5-MAXIM AFINOGENOV

6-TODD BERTUZZI

7-JASON WILLIAMS

8-PETR SYKORA

9-VACLAV PROSPAL NO THANKS

cmon holland ,comrie and grier with the wings...

[Drake_Marcus 890]

in order with the name in the first post ...

1-ALEX TANGUAY AND MATS SUNDIN BUT TOO EXPENSIVE

2-MIKE COMRIE

3-MIKE GRIER

4-NIKOLAI ZHERDEV

5-MAXIM AFINOGENOV

6-TODD BERTUZZI

7-JASON WILLIAMS

8-PETR SYKORA

9-VACLAV PROSPAL NO THANKS

cmon holland ,comrie and grier with the wings...

Comrie and Zherdev will have to lower their salary expectations no matter who they sign with. I'd take Prospal over Williams or Sykora. Williams is a ghost in the playoffs and Sykora was a healthy scratch with Pitts.

Grier would be a good pickup, but right now it looks like they're aiming for a scorer first and foremost (since Eaves is better described as a utility forward than a scorer based on the last two seasons). Bertuzzi is an option but it looks like his three most likely teams are in the east (Islanders, Leafs and some other team).

Afinogenov is highly overpaid, so he'd definitely have to check his ego at the door if he wants to play in Motown.

No thank you on Tanguay. Overpaid and inconsistent.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Dick Axelsson-Justin Abdelkader-Mattias Ritola = Calder Cup, FTW!!!

Or Hat Trick-Apple Fritters-Cough Drop if you prefer.

This!

[titanium2 867]

Nah. Keep Abdelkader in Grand Rapids please. He'll be the 1st line centre down in GR and see 20 mins a night. That's much better for his development than 7 mins a night in Detroit.

Actually, the Wings have another reason to have Abby on the roster. One of the reasons as to why he was suddenly out of the lineup during the finals was because he didn't have enough experience playing wing. If they send him to GR to play 20 min a night at center they'll only have the same problem as last year. Being on the roster would allow him time to acclimate himself to the Wing position at the NHL level.

So...

Pro Sending Abby to GR

-20 Minutes a night to work on weaknesses

-RFA after this year. He'll likely be more expensive if he plays a full season in DET.

Con

-His Strengths (size, skating, energy, toughness, potential fighter) are needed

-Get Experience Playing wing for the playoffs

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Actually, the Wings have another reason to have Abby on the roster. One of the reasons as to why he was suddenly out of the lineup during the finals was because he didn't have enough experience playing wing. If they send him to GR to play 20 min a night at center they'll only have the same problem as last year. Being on the roster would allow him time to acclimate himself to the Wing position at the NHL level.

So...

Pro Sending Abby to GR

-20 Minutes a night to work on weaknesses

-RFA after this year. He'll likely be more expensive if he plays a full season in DET.

Con

-His Strengths (size, skating, energy, toughness, potential fighter) are needed

-Get Experience Playing wing for the playoffs

Abdelkader's too important of a prospect to waste a year of development on the 4th line. Plus the Wings will have 4 rookies, minimum, walking into October. Based on Holland's style, I'd say the 12th spot is going to go to a veteran.

I see what you're getting at, but he can get lots more pro experience in the AHL. Helm stuck with the team because he was overripe from working his tail off for a few years down in GR. Give Abdelkader one more season in GR (making two pro hockey seasons in total) and he'll be ready to crack the roster.

[titanium2 867]

Abdelkader's too important of a prospect to waste a year of development on the 4th line. Plus the Wings will have 4 rookies, minimum, walking into October. Based on Holland's style, I'd say the 12th spot is going to go to a veteran.

I see what you're getting at, but he can get lots more pro experience in the AHL. Helm stuck with the team because he was overripe from working his tail off for a few years down in GR. Give Abdelkader one more season in GR (making two pro hockey seasons in total) and he'll be ready to crack the roster.

You could refer to Helm's case in which more seasoning helps. If he was just here running around hitting people 8-9 minutes a game, there's a good chance that he wouldn't have been able to do this because he wouldn't have been able to work on his offense and finishing touch or this with no time to work on puck skills.

However, some might argue that Abby is more advanced than Helm and that he doesn't need as much ripening in GR. 52 points for Abby's first season while Helm topped out at 37. If they don't find someone who can provide even 70% of Abby's theoretical effectiveness then I'd be happy with him on the roster. I'm all for him being in GR for another year but only if they find someone more than just serviceable.

I'd rather not witness another year of Kopecky. Loved the dude and all and I'm sure he did his best while recovering from knee surgery but at the end of the day the brass know they have to be objective and realize that there's a job out there that needs to be done well. They will need energy from their bottom six and Helm alone is not enough. At this point I'm not necessarily asking for a figher even though it'd be nice. I just want more impact and effectiveness out of the bottom two lines.

My whole con in that Abby would get experience playing wing may or may not be mitigated by a late season LTIR for Maltby (if I had to pick someone) in which Abby would get 10 or more games at wing. I've never played at the NHL level and so I don't know how long it takes to get adjusted but it seems as if Abby's got a pretty good aptitude if he has enough time. But in the end, like I said, I'm all for Abby in GR but only if they find someone to fill that role.

[mmamolo 287]

As enticing as that Zherdev video really was, and I'll be the first to admit it was far better than I had expected out of him, I think the smart move is to sign someone to a one year deal, regardless of who you chose. We want flexibility next summer I think and adding another long term contract isnt the way to go with an outsider who hasnt proven he can fit the mold of the Red Wings.

As far as Abdelkader goes if Holland leaves enough cap space he can call him up periodically throughout the season so he gets he wing experience while spending the vast majority of the season with GR. That way he gets his 20 mins a game with the griffins but also gets his taste of the NHL on the wing. That way come playoff time we've gotten the best of both worlds.

[Dimaline312000 51]

Nah. Keep Abdelkader in Grand Rapids please. He'll be the 1st line centre down in GR and see 20 mins a night. That's much better for his development than 7 mins a night in Detroit.

Holland has already said that he believes that Abs is ready to play in the NHL. Yes all the young guys could stand a little more development but I think Abs would make a good 3 or 4 line forward and who knows he may see more time than we think.

If Grand Rapids was going to win a Calder Cup anytime soon it was going to be this past season with names like Helm, Leino, Abdelkader, Ericsson, Kindl, and Howard. Grand Rapids won't celebrate a Championship season for about 2 to 4 more years. Griffins no matter how they do in the Regular season they always seem to find a way to lose in the Playoffs.

[newfy 695]

Holland has already said that he believes that Abs is ready to play in the NHL. Yes all the young guys could stand a little more development but I think Abs would make a good 3 or 4 line forward and who knows he may see more time than we think.

If Grand Rapids was going to win a Calder Cup anytime soon it was going to be this past season with names like Helm, Leino, Abdelkader, Ericsson, Kindl, and Howard. Grand Rapids won't celebrate a Championship season for about 2 to 4 more years. Griffins no matter how they do in the Regular season they always seem to find a way to lose in the Playoffs.

Don't forget Haydar. The Griffs play alot of prospects which is good for the wings but most of the time the teams winning the Calder have alot of older borderline NHL players. The Griffs don't really have any borderline NHL players except their young guys and the young guys don't stick arond long enough before they go to Detroit to win Stanley cups (which I'm sure they would rather have then Calder cups)

Abs is ready for the NHL physically, he's a big guy and he's going to look nice next to Helm within a few years but give him one more year in Grand Rapids. He's not needed quite yet this year since we have the cap space to sign a vet that will provide basically the same thing.

[StevieY9802 6]

Comrie and Zherdev will have to lower their salary expectations no matter who they sign with. I'd take Prospal over Williams or Sykora. Williams is a ghost in the playoffs and Sykora was a healthy scratch with Pitts.

Grier would be a good pickup, but right now it looks like they're aiming for a scorer first and foremost (since Eaves is better described as a utility forward than a scorer based on the last two seasons). Bertuzzi is an option but it looks like his three most likely teams are in the east (Islanders, Leafs and some other team).

Afinogenov is highly overpaid, so he'd definitely have to check his ego at the door if he wants to play in Motown.

No thank you on Tanguay. Overpaid and inconsistent.

Now I'm not defending Williams here or saying they should sign him but when has he really had a chance to prove what he can do in the playoffs? He played in 02 but not like he was getting regular minutes and only played like 9 games And in 06 they were out pretty quick and outside of Hank no one showed up. I don't see him as being a good playoff performer but just saying he hasn't gotten too much of a chance to prove himself. But he is still one of my last options.

you are right on Comrie, Zherdev and Tanguay.

But I don't get the hate on Sykora. Yeah he got benched but I've read him and Bylsma didn't get along. Outside of that he's never scored less than 20 goals in any of his full seasons in the NHL. IF he were to take less to come here for one year I would take a chance on him. Prospal is still my #1 choice out of everyone who is left though probably based purely on offensive talent.

[WingsNick5 0]

I think Justin is ready for the NHL. He's proven that, IMO. However, with the talent on this team, he won't get the ice time he would if he were playing on another team in the NHL. I hope they leave him up here and save cap--just in case. He belongs here and will prove to be a solid player.

Edited August 5, 2009 by WingsNick5

[xtrememachine1 795]

But I don't get the hate on Sykora. Yeah he got benched but I've read him and Bylsma didn't get along. Outside of that he's never scored less than 20 goals in any of his full seasons in the NHL. IF he were to take less to come here for one year I would take a chance on him.

He's very streaky. He'll pile up a ton of goals in a short period of time then disappear for weeks, if not months. Not fast, not good on defense and remember he played on a line with the Art Ross trophy winner and only came away with 25 goals this past year.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

I want Mike Comrie, Obviously it wouldn't adderess our need for sand paper. But with Comrie and Eaves signed, that would bring us some skill. It's not like either are overly soft either, they'll stick up for themselves if need be.