Ritola, Miller or Eaves?

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Damn youmust rate Lidstrom real low if you judge defense by hits and shot blocks.

I'm more or less seeing Quincy used in Colorado could not have been duplicated in Detroit.

Just funny stats to be leading if you're offensive defenceman that wouldn't help address the Wings 3RD pairing needs...

Edited July 7, 2010 by Aussie_Wing

[Carman 387]

Just funny stats to be leading if you're offensive defenceman that wouldn't help address the Wings 3RD pairing needs...

I don't believe that his ability would have been reached in Detroit as it did in Colorado.

Same way we didn't see Sammy score a goal a game in a Wing uniform like he did as a Nuck.

[Hockey Convert 55]

None of those guys are as talented as Modano. They might bust their asses but that doesn't mean they'll get more results.

That may be, but isn't the point I was getting at. My question could be better phrased this way: "Talent" aside, if the younger guys did out-play Modano, i.e. get better results, would they get the spot(s) over Modano? I don't see it as likely, which is my counter to the argument that "it's good to have competition for the bottom 6 spots". I don't think it would be competition, I think Modano would get a spot regardless.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

I don't believe that his ability would have been reached in Detroit as it did in Colorado.

Same way we didn't see Sammy score a goal a game in a Wing uniform like he did as a Nuck.

Not even to that of a 3rd pairing defenceman which we currently need? Okay...

[Carman 387]

Not even to that of a 3rd pairing defenceman which we currently need? Okay...

Sorry about my typing, still getting used to my iPhone haha.

alot could of happened in a couple years, hencould of lost motivation and wouldn't have been pushed.

Not saying he wouldn't have, I'm just not so sure it was a definite possibilty that you make it out to be. Prospects develop differently under different circumstances and oppurtubmnity.

Edited July 7, 2010 by Carman

[Echolalia 2,961]

Haven't we got enough, I mean really? Lidstrom, Draper, Holmstrom, Osgood? Chuck in Rafalski too.

And guys like Mursak, Tatar, Nyquist, the guys of our future, they wont be around when Modano is, rendering your whole point irrelevant.

At best this would only render one of my points irrelevant. Modano is still superior to Miller both offensively and defensively, and can contribute to the powerplay and shootouts whereas Miller can not.

But I'm not willing to cede that Modano's leadership will be pointless to add to the team. I think its quite beneficial to add the all-time American leading scorer, former captain and Stanely Cup Champion to the list, especially because he's going to add an element to the bottom six that Draper and Holmstrom cannot. Drapes understands the grinding and defensive aspect well, but he's not nearly as experienced as Modano is when it comes to finding the back of the net, or at the very least setting someone else up to find the back of the net. For Hudler and Abdelkader and Helm and Eaves to play alongside someone who can help out more directly in that aspect I think is invaluable to their future as well as the Wings'. Sure they can watch Datsyuk and Zetterberg work their magic, but its something else all-together to have the direct mentorship and opportunity to execute in game settings.

As for Tatar, Mursak, Nyqvist, etc, they're all still in GR. Sure, when they're finally with the Wings Modano will certainly be retired, but perhaps by then Abdelkader and Helm will have learned a thing or two from Mike that they can apply and pass on.

[Z Winged Dangler 2,082]

At best this would only render one of my points irrelevant. Modano is still superior to Miller both offensively and defensively, and can contribute to the powerplay and shootouts whereas Miller can not.

But I'm not willing to cede that Modano's leadership will be pointless to add to the team. I think its quite beneficial to add the all-time American leading scorer, former captain and Stanely Cup Champion to the list, especially because he's going to add an element to the bottom six that Draper and Holmstrom cannot. Drapes understands the grinding and defensive aspect well, but he's not nearly as experienced as Modano is when it comes to finding the back of the net, or at the very least setting someone else up to find the back of the net. For Hudler and Abdelkader and Helm and Eaves to play alongside someone who can help out more directly in that aspect I think is invaluable to their future as well as the Wings'. Sure they can watch Datsyuk and Zetterberg work their magic, but its something else all-together to have the direct mentorship and opportunity to execute in game settings.

As for Tatar, Mursak, Nyqvist, etc, they're all still in GR. Sure, when they're finally with the Wings Modano will certainly be retired, but perhaps by then Abdelkader and Helm will have learned a thing or two from Mike that they can apply and pass on.

well said. it's alot different for young players breaking into the NHL watching guys on the ice and actually playing on a line with the guy and getting into the plays with them.

[Frozen-Man 144]

Not even to that of a 3rd pairing defenceman which we currently need? Okay...

Its hard to say what would have happened if Quincey had stayed, however if he had blossomed into the player he has become he would have wanted that two-year, $6.25 million deal from Detroit.

[syntax 359]

Ask again after Training Camp.

[titanium2 867]

I'm sure Kenny will call all the teams in the league and ask them "If I waive Ritola, will you guys claim him?" On one hand Ritola getting waived might be a sign that the Wings will at least keep him in the system. If he gets traded then hopefully he's part of a deal that brings in that 5-6 defenseman.

[Lamothe 5]

I think it's pretty much a given at this point that Modano is going to sign here. But, unless Kenny pulls off a Miracle, we're going to have to dump one forward. I don't think we have the cap space to keep them all and, as it is, (I'm 99% sure anyway), we can't send Ritola, Miller, Eaves, Helm or Appledecker down to GR. So it looks like we'll have to lose one of them. Helm and Abdelkader are givens on the team, obviously. I question your reason if you'd rather lose one of them. I also think Eaves is a shoe in but I included it in the poll anyway, maybe not everyone thinks like me.

In my opinion, it comes down to Ritola and Miller, and it's close. I like Miller a lot and I would hate to lose him, but I think his role is the most redundant (while being the least-good at it). Eaves would be the other player in the same role, but he is much better IMO. Miller, I think, has pretty much exhausted his potential, whereas Eaves can still be a solid offensive contributor while being very good on the PK like he was last year. I think it would be a mistake to lose Ritola because he still does have potential, and while he might not get a great chance this year, he can still have an opportunity to show it, especially with injuries that are bound to happen. Plus I would hate to lose him in favor of Miller and see him become a 60/70 point player later on.

So in the end I would mind the least losing Miller.

I agree with this 100%.

[LeftWinger 5,153]

I think it's pretty much a given at this point that Modano is going to sign here. But, unless Kenny pulls off a Miracle, we're going to have to dump one forward. I don't think we have the cap space to keep them all and, as it is, (I'm 99% sure anyway), we can't send Ritola, Miller, Eaves, Helm or Appledecker down to GR. So it looks like we'll have to lose one of them. Helm and Abdelkader are givens on the team, obviously. I question your reason if you'd rather lose one of them. I also think Eaves is a shoe in but I included it in the poll anyway, maybe not everyone thinks like me.

In my opinion, it comes down to Ritola and Miller, and it's close. I like Miller a lot and I would hate to lose him, but I think his role is the most redundant (while being the least-good at it). Eaves would be the other player in the same role, but he is much better IMO. Miller, I think, has pretty much exhausted his potential, whereas Eaves can still be a solid offensive contributor while being very good on the PK like he was last year. I think it would be a mistake to lose Ritola because he still does have potential, and while he might not get a great chance this year, he can still have an opportunity to show it, especially with injuries that are bound to happen. Plus I would hate to lose him in favor of Miller and see him become a 60/70 point player later on.

So in the end I would mind the least losing Miller.

Yes, Abby has GR eligibility left, if we face cap or roster issues, he will be sent down, but I do believe Ritola will be the odd man out with Draper being the 13th forward...

[Mors 201]

I'm thinking Ritola is history, unfortunately he never got a chance to really prove himself, but I don't see Holland dumping Miller or Eaves at this point, and I'm guessing Modano will sign shortly.

[Yzerman191 37]

A week ago, I thought the Modano talk was just that; I'm actually really glad it isn't, because I'd love to have Modano on the 'Wings. Teams are mortgaging their future (Chicago) to even get a shot at winning the Cup these days; Modano is undoubtedly a better player both defensively and offensively, he'll be hungrier, and gives us a much better chance at winning next year than any of the three players in question. If the best argument against signing Modano is that we'll lose Miller or Ritola then I'm for it.

As for who we lose to make room for Modano, I'd say Eaves is out of the question. For 850K, he's got a wicked right-handed shot, he's a great penalty killer, and he's pretty safe to put on the ice in virtually any situation. He also has some offensive skills, and could possibly turn out to be a 15-20 goal scorer while playing on the 4th line. Together, I feel like Eaves and Miller constitute a Draper and Maltby type combo - two guys we can rely on to provide energy, penalty-killing, and a few goals here and there.

The thing is, though, that I'd hate to lose Ritola before we even see what he's capable of. The Red Wings saw something in him at one point, and he's been patient enough to stay down in GR for three years now. I guess what they'll have to do is consider what Ritola's ceiling is, and if it's not much higher than the player Miller or Eaves is today, they'll probably put him on waivers to send down to GR and hope nobody picks him up.

[Guest Heaten]

I'd rather lose Draper and keep the three kids.

Edited July 7, 2010 by Heaten

[HankthaTank 1,100]

I'd rather lose Draper and keep the three kids.

Won't happen but I would as well. Ritola goes, Miller and Eaves stay.

[Guest Heaten]

I just read the enire thread and I am a bit taken back at how underrated Ritola is. Am I the only one that sees this kid's skills? The kid will become a solid 3rd line center, (and could possibly be(come) a 2nd liner on other teams). You put him on the 3rd line with Hudler and Cleary and I'll guarentee you that line puts up some respectable numbers. Ritola is strong on the puck, he can do take-aways that would rival Datsyuk, he's strong in the corners, he can dazzle you with his stick work, he sees the ice like a top 6 player. He will get Hudler the puck for that one-timer with Cleary in front of the net. His only downside is lack of finnish. But we haven't seen him play with 3rd line talent yet. I expect him to be a Filppula type player.

I actually value Ritola's upside higher than Abdelkader, Eaves and Helm.

...And those who say Modano is better defensivly than Miller are on drugs. Modano won't kill penalties. Without Miller, our PK just got that much worse.

[HankthaTank 1,100]

His only downside is lack of finnish. But we haven't seen him play with 3rd line talent yet. I expect him to be a Filppula type player.

Both one in the same. But all jokes aside lack of finish is Filppula's game so I could buy that. We will see what happens. As it has been stated, training camp has yet to come so he really holds his own future here with his performance. We shall leave it to those with the real educated hockey eye to make the decision.

[Konnan511 1,736]

Oh okay, last time I checked I thought we had enough leadership, without feeling the need to bring in more just to have a good ol' heart to heart with Abby and co.

I was unaware having too much leadership and skill on one team was a bad thing... If the Wings sign Modano, he will score more points next season than Miller will over the course of the next five years probably. Miller got a lot of ice time because of how much the Wings were injured, that won't happen again ~knocks on wood~.

[Finnish Wing 110]

Miller. I think he doesn't give us anything too special. Ritola and Eaves both have more upside than him.

[dropkickshanahans 463]

I really like Miller, but I wouldn't want to lose a prospect like Ritola when he really didn't get a chance to prove himself.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

I'm thinking Ritola is history, unfortunately he never got a chance to really prove himself, but I don't see Holland dumping Miller or Eaves at this point, and I'm guessing Modano will sign shortly.

Unfortunately I agree. And I don't want to hear any spin from Holland about how he didn't perform well enough in training camp to keep him. Say we sign Modano, they've already made their minds up, nothing Rttola does in camp will matter.

I just read the enire thread and I am a bit taken back at how underrated Ritola is. Am I the only one that sees this kid's skills? The kid will become a solid 3rd line center, (and could possibly be(come) a 2nd liner on other teams). You put him on the 3rd line with Hudler and Cleary and I'll guarentee you that line puts up some respectable numbers. Ritola is strong on the puck, he can do take-aways that would rival Datsyuk, he's strong in the corners, he can dazzle you with his stick work, he sees the ice like a top 6 player. He will get Hudler the puck for that one-timer with Cleary in front of the net. His only downside is lack of finnish. But we haven't seen him play with 3rd line talent yet. I expect him to be a Filppula type player.

I actually value Ritola's upside higher than Abdelkader, Eaves and Helm.

...And those who say Modano is better defensivly than Miller are on drugs. Modano won't kill penalties. Without Miller, our PK just got that much worse.

Spot on Heaten. I've been saying this about Ritola for some time now, he's virtually a Filppula clone with a little less upside. I'm a big fan and will hate seeing him lost for nothing.

[titanium2 867]

One side thinks that Ritola's upside is good and that he will reach it one day. The other side is tremendously confused and has no idea where all the hype comes from.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

One side thinks that Ritola's upside is good and that he will reach it one day. The other side is tremendously confused and has no idea where all the hype comes from.

Probably from never seeing him play.

[Hockey Convert 55]

Probably from never seeing him play.

Anyway, I've changed my vote. I think we should get rid of all of them. After all, none has proven he can score 50 goals; I think we should go with proven quantities. Let's bring in over-36 players who have proven [years ago] that they can score 40+ goals and can skate reasonably quickly around being extra nice to everyone. Plus they'll provide invaluable veteran leadership for those young players - via cable feed to Grand Rapids, of course!