Holland thinks he is close to signing Eaves, Miller, and Meech

[gcom007 1,465]

Why does everyone assume Eaves is a better choice than Miller? Because he scored 20 goals as a rookie?

I like Eaves' upside more but you can't discount how important Miller was to the penalty kill. With that in mind I'll break down the statistical contribution of each player below.

Regular Season:

Games Played:

Eaves 65

Miller 80

Winner: Miller is more durable

Goals:

Eaves 12 (0pp, 1sh, 1gw)

Miller 10 (1pp, 1sh, 3gw)

Winner: Eaves, although Miller had 3 game winners to his 1 and was more useful on the PP.

Plus/Minus:

Eaves 0

Miller +2

Winner: Miller

Time on Ice:

Eaves 13:26 TOI/G ; 2:16 SH/G ; 0:19 PP/G

Miller 12:42 TOI/G ; 1:49 SH/G ; 0:15 PP/G

Winner: Eaves, who was 2nd on the team in PK time per game (Miller was 3rd)

Real-Time Stats:

Eaves 128 Hits ; 44 blocked shots

Miller 97 Hits ; 47 blocked shots

Winner: Eaves (give away and take away stats were nearly identical)

Well statistically it looks like Eaves is the winner but they're both very close.

He could be a core player... time will tell. I want to give him another season here before I decide that. In truth I think Miller deserves another season as well since he has nearly identical stats as Eaves.

I like Miller a lot for what he is and I do hope we keep him. I just think Eaves has a lot more potential to not just continue in the same role, playing at the same level, but improve dramatically and take on perhaps a much bigger role. I've got a good feeling about him, as said, similar to the feeling i had about Franzen before he broke out. He's got the skill and the work ethic. You keep doing the right things and when your head is all in, all you need is the right moment to break out and suddenly nothing is the same again. If a guys going to come out and surprise us on this team, I really think it's Eaves.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

Again, agreed. Of all of our RFA's, I think Eaves is the guy with the most potential to be a successful Wing for a long time. I really, really hope we lock him up long term. Keep the cap hit low, but give him security and a spot for the long run. He won't get Kronwall/Flip money, but I'd love to see a 5-year deal, and by the end of it, I would not be shocked to see him playing at or above the level of Kronwall/Flip.

I think Eaves (and his agent) are cognizant of his potential and are going to be gunning for a short term deal in the hopes of getting a big payday in a year or two. Doesn't want to end up like Sammy, making $1.2M while putting up 40 points annually.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Miller now re-signed to 1-year deal. Salary not yet available.

Link: Miller Re-Signs 1-Year Deal with Detroit

LGW Thread

[newfy 695]

Why does everyone assume Eaves is a better choice than Miller? Because he scored 20 goals as a rookie?

I like Eaves' upside more but you can't discount how important Miller was to the penalty kill. With that in mind I'll break down the statistical contribution of each player below.

Regular Season:

Games Played:

Eaves 65

Miller 80

Winner: Miller is more durable

Goals:

Eaves 12 (0pp, 1sh, 1gw)

Miller 10 (1pp, 1sh, 3gw)

Winner: Eaves, although Miller had 3 game winners to his 1 and was more useful on the PP.

Plus/Minus:

Eaves 0

Miller +2

Winner: Miller

Time on Ice:

Eaves 13:26 TOI/G ; 2:16 SH/G ; 0:19 PP/G

Miller 12:42 TOI/G ; 1:49 SH/G ; 0:15 PP/G

Winner: Eaves, who was 2nd on the team in PK time per game (Miller was 3rd)

Real-Time Stats:

Eaves 128 Hits ; 44 blocked shots

Miller 97 Hits ; 47 blocked shots

Winner: Eaves (give away and take away stats were nearly identical)

Well statistically it looks like Eaves is the winner but they're both very close.

He could be a core player... time will tell. I want to give him another season here before I decide that. In truth I think Miller deserves another season as well since he has nearly identical stats as Eaves.

Stats are fine and dandy drake but just watching you can tell which guy is the better player. he fact that you say Eaves is less durable isn't fair to say, He's young and has plenty of time to get his body back in shape. He still scored more goals with those less games played.

Eaves has twice the offensive potential, is a much faster skater, 100 and 20 something hits is no slouch, and will fight. Just watching them play you can tell and if you wouldn't take Eaves over Miller 10 out of 10 times there is something wrong with that.

[gcom007 1,465]

I think Eaves (and his agent) are cognizant of his potential and are going to be gunning for a short term deal in the hopes of getting a big payday in a year or two. Doesn't want to end up like Sammy, making $1.2M while putting up 40 points annually.

I know, but I can dream...I think he'd be insane to sign a 5-year deal right now. But if he wants to for a $1-1.5 million cap hit, by all means!

[titanium2 867]

Miller, Eaves and Meech all close to one year deals according to mlive. What's great about these one year deals is that they're easier to move.

[TheDetroitRedWings 286]

I can see wanting to re-sign Miller, Eaves, Abby and Helm. But why in God's name would Holland want worthless Meech back?? He's a complete scrub. I just can't see an upside to spending a single dollar on him.

[brett 1,029]

why meech?

[miller76 463]

I can see wanting to re-sign Miller, Eaves, Abby and Helm. But why in God's name would Holland want worthless Meech back?? He's a complete scrub. I just can't see an upside to spending a single dollar on him.

maybe a sign and trade. we can only hope.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

The tipping points to me are that -

A. Eaves has a canon of a shot and is a right handed shot at that

B. Eaves has more of a mean streak

I don't want to necessarily give up on Miller either and thought he played VERY well for us, but if we sign Modano, SOMEONE has to go, so it becomes a matter of if you want to give up on:

Ritola (who we drafted and cultivated and hasn't even really been given a chance yet) or Miller...

then if you go ahead and add that 4th line "tough guy" as well (as Holland has said he is looking to do) then it means you pretty much have to cut ties with both...

Yeah, if Modano is signed we can expect Miller to draw the short straw. I'm sure he's talked about the situation with Holland and there is likely a gentleman's agreement in place about what Holland will do if Miller's the odd man out. There are plenty of teams that would gladly take an energy line player who can score 10 goals and only makes $650,000.

why meech?

He's an asset they can use to create competition in camp or trade to another team. There's no point in throwing him away if Holland can get something for him (even if it's a 7th round pick).

[St. Michael (the Red Wing) 422]

My question is why hasn't Helm or Abs been resigned yet? Making me and I'm sure others, very nervous. I will be really gutted if either player is wearing any other jersey besides the beloved winged wheel...

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

My question is why hasn't Helm or Abs been resigned yet? Making me and I'm sure others, very nervous. I will be really gutted if either player is wearing any other jersey besides the beloved winged wheel...

Because they don't have arbitration rights yet. They'll be re-signed, but after (likely) both Eaves and Meech are inked.