Need to add a solid defenseman this off-season!

[Guest blueadams]

Free Agents:

-Mursak(0.6m, 2yrs)...He's going to be added to the roster next season; +0.6m...+0.6m total

-Smith(0.9m, 2yrs)...He's going to be added to the roster next season; +0.9m...+1.5m total

-Lidstrom(6.2m, *FA*)...He's going to be back at around the same price next season (I assume); +0.0m...+1.5m total

-Modano(1.8m, *FA*)...He's not going to be back next season; -1.8m...-0.3m total

-Draper(1.6m, *FA*)...He's not going to be back next season; -1.6m...-1.9m total

-Salei(1.1m, *FA*)...He's not going to be back next season; -1.1m...-3.0m total

-Osgood(1.4m, *FA*)...He's either going to be replaced by a league minimum goalie (0.5m-ish), or become one; -0.9m...-3.9m total

That leaves us with three holes to fill (12th forward, 13th forward and 7th defensemen), and these are the best in-house candidates to fill them:

-Eaves(0.8m, *FA*)

-Miller(0.7m, *FA*)

-Ericsson(0.9m, *FA*)

...Here's my thinking: There's going to be about 3.9m in cap space available to upgrade these three positions this off-season. Long term, I think that we need to add another elite scorer (so that both pav and hank have an elite scorer at their side). But this isn't going to be the off-season to add that. Next off-season will be, when Rafalski's (and maybe Lidstrom's) huge contract comes off the books. I think that our #1 goal this off-season, given the cap space available, should be to add a solid defensemen for around 3mil/season. I don't know enough about non-wings to speculate on who that should be, but I'd prefer that it be a "defensive-defensemen" that's big, strong, tough, physical, gritty, etc. (...maybe Kevin Bieksa? idk?). It sucks having to give up a talented young defenseman that's still got a lot of potential in either Ericsson or Kindl, especially with Lidstrom and Rafalski so close to the end. But I think that's the way it's gotta be. Then, in regards to forwards, if possible, I'd like to see us replace both Eaves and Miller with more physical grinders for around the same price (but it wouldn't be the end of the world if we ended up resigning both to 1yr contracts).

2011/2012 Detroit Red Wings:

Forwards:

#1) Datsyuk(6.7m, 3yrs)

#2) Zetterberg(6.1m, 7+yrs)

#3) Franzen(4.0m, 7+yrs)

#4) Filppula(3m, 2yrs)

#5) Hudler(2.9m, 1yr)

#6) Cleary(2.8m, 2yrs)

#7) Bertuzzi(1.9m, 1yr)

#8) Holmstrom(1.9m, 1yr)

#9) Helm(0.9m, 1yr)

#10) Abdelkader(0.8m, 1yr)

#11) *(?)Eaves(0.8m, ?)

#12) *(?)Miller(0.7m, ?)

#13) Mursak(0.6m, 2yrs)

Defensemen:

#1) *Lidstrom(6.2m, ?)

#2) Rafalski(6.0m, 1yr)

#3) Stuart(3.8m, 1yr)

#4) Kronwall(3.0m, 1yr)

#5) *(?)Bieksa(3.0m, ?)

#6) Smith(0.9m, 2yrs)

#7) Kindl(0.9m, 2yrs)...or...Ericsson(0.9m, ?)

Goalies:

#1) Howard(2.3m, 2yrs)

#2) *(?)Larsson(0.5m, ?)

Edited May 8, 2011 by blueadams

[Z and D for the C 712]

Defense is fine. And a bona fide top 6 winger IMO. Outside of Zetterberg or Franzen, we have none.

Edited May 8, 2011 by Z and D for the C

[Bryguy 103]

If they add defense, im not sure we need another softy in joni pitkanen.

[Guest blueadams]

Defense is fine. And a bona fide top 6 winger IMO. Outside of Zetterberg or Franzen, we have none.

I disagree, strongly. The defense is not fine. We're giving up late leads left and right in this series. And you're not going to be able to add a Zetterberg or Franzen for the money that will be available anyways.

If they add defense, im not sure we need another softy in joni pitkanen.

Like I said, I really don't know much about non-wings. I just saw that he was big, young, and produces a fair amount of points...and the scouting report i saw on him didn't indicate that he was soft.

Who would you target at about 3mil per season?

[Bryguy 103]

Yeah i mean rafalski had like 10 less hits and pitkanen had 10 or so more games played. Just not the kind of guy i would want to plug in. Id rather have brewer, there some good ones in Ehrhoff and Bieksa but there gonna get a good hunk of change.

[WingZNut13 99]

In a more recent GDT, a few of us discussed picking up Suter next off season because he will be a UFA. Maybe just find something to fill a void until we can have the chance to pick him up next summer. I would kill to see Suter in the Wings Wheel!!!

[Bryguy 103]

Maybe hal gill for a plug in? Hes always good in the playoffs since he can clutch and grab

[newfy 695]

I would like to see them replace Ericcson or Salei with a guy who does what we all thought Ericcson would do. Shane O'Brien is a guy I would like. He can take on those big power forwards like Clowe and Thornton and win the physical battles that Ericcson hasnt really been able to do. With him and Stuart we will have 2 big, tough stay at home types. He provides something the team doesnt have and he can do everything that Salei can while being younger and tougher.

He can PK, throw a hit, defend his teammates or the goalie and has a mean streak in him for sure. Salei just doesnt have it anymore and getting a younger, tougher version of himself would be perfect with SOB.

[wings1110 184]

someone with balls please, thanks.

[Guest blueadams]

Yeah i mean rafalski had like 10 less hits and pitkanen had 10 or so more games played. Just not the kind of guy i would want to plug in. Id rather have brewer, there some good ones in Ehrhoff and Bieksa but there gonna get a good hunk of change.

gotcha. i didn't realize that ehroff was a 'physical' defensemen. bieksa might be in the 3mil-range.

In a more recent GDT, a few of us discussed picking up Suter next off season because he will be a UFA. Maybe just find something to fill a void until we can have the chance to pick him up next summer. I would kill to see Suter in the Wings Wheel!!!

agreed. how about him and weber replace lids and raffy!? lol

I would like to see them replace Ericcson or Salei with a guy who does what we all thought Ericcson would do. Shane O'Brien is a guy I would like. He can take on those big power forwards like Clowe and Thornton and win the physical battles that Ericcson hasnt really been able to do. With him and Stuart we will have 2 big, tough stay at home types. He provides something the team doesnt have and he can do everything that Salei can while being younger and tougher.

He can PK, throw a hit, defend his teammates or the goalie and has a mean streak in him for sure. Salei just doesnt have it anymore and getting a younger, tougher version of himself would be perfect with SOB.

agreed.

Maybe hal gill for a plug in? Hes always good in the playoffs since he can clutch and grab

disagree, strongly.

[Bryguy 103]

I think the more realistic is kindl will get saleis spot and they sign a scrub for 7th spot. Unless Smith really impresses which is not crazy thinking at all. To me he looked ready to run an NHL powerplay, just needs time for his defensive game so they may want to get him hangout time with lidstrom as much as possible before he hangs them up

Edited May 8, 2011 by Bryguy

[hooon 1,089]

Very simple, IMO.... addition by subtraction. Bye Ericsson.

[TheXym 2,606]

Weber is a RFA if he's not resigned by 7/1, correct? Someone should throw a one year offer sheet that's ridiculous which Nash will obviously match. Then he's ripe for picking as a UFA for the Wings to sign long term after Nick retires following next season.

[Guest Grayne Wetzky]

Cuts I'd like to see (that are possible):

Homstrom

Bertuzzi

Draper

Modano

Osgood

McDonald

Adds I'd like to see (that are possible):

Mursak

Tatar

Smith

Cleary-Dats-Tatar

Franzen-Zetterberg-Mursak

Hudler-Filppula-Abdelkader

Eaves-Helm-Ericsson

Miller-Emmerton

Lidstrom-Salei

Kronwall-Rafalski

Kindl-Stuart

Smith

Howard

McCollum

I'd rather see the Wings wait until the 1/2 way period of next season before making any moves. Just dump the old guys who aren't bringing value to the table (Rafalski after next year), and bring up the best Griffins. Give them a 40-50 game look and see if they're ready. If not, make some moves. Pretty simple.

[Steve Sample 31]

Big E can go. I think Kindl may have more upside at this point. Big E just dosen't look like he will improve. With Rafi and Lids another year older next year we will need some help on D.

[Petrafire 8]

i agree with an earlier post that we dont need defence we need a top 6 forward the late goals we are giving up mostly has been because of our forwards coming back and not picking up there men

[wings1110 184]

Cuts I'd like to see (that are possible):

Homstrom

Bertuzzi

Draper

Modano

Osgood

McDonald

Adds I'd like to see (that are possible):

Mursak

Tatar

Smith

Cleary-Dats-Tatar

Franzen-Zetterberg-Mursak

Hudler-Filppula-Abdelkader

Eaves-Helm-Ericsson

Miller-Emmerton

Lidstrom-Salei

Kronwall-Rafalski

Kindl-Stuart

Smith

Howard

McCollum

I'd rather see the Wings wait until the 1/2 way period of next season before making any moves. Just dump the old guys who aren't bringing value to the table (Rafalski after next year), and bring up the best Griffins. Give them a 40-50 game look and see if they're ready. If not, make some moves. Pretty simple.

Bertuzzi?

Edited May 8, 2011 by wings1110

[Firehawk 305]

This is the era of the cap. We can't just say "Hey, let's get a top 6 winger and 2 top defensemen". We can't go out spending with blank checks anymore.

I dont' think we need another "top 6 winger". We need to change the offensive pieces a little bit, like Hudler. Get someone for him, someone new. Modano will be gone, get another gritty player that can score 20 goals if we can find him.

If Lids retires and we get rid of Rafalski that's 12-13 milion, you can take all of that money and sure up the defensive with 2-3 solid defensemen.

If we let ralalski go and maybe Ericcson and keep Lids, we can still get 1 good defensemen and another decent one.

I definitely think we gotta get younger and faster on defense. No doubt about it.

[hooon 1,089]

Bertuzzi?

Yeah I'm puzzled there too.

Both Bertuzzi AND Holmstrom are signed through next season anyway, they both have serviceable contracts, and both can chip in about 15-20 goals each. Oh yeah and they both have NTC, I believe.

Getting rid of experienced depth players and plugging in inexperienced rookie prospects is not a very safe way to go. See: The Chicago Blackhawks.

I think Mursak will be in the lineup, I believe we're out of the minor league options with him, and have him signed anyway. We probably sign Eaves to a similar 1 year deal, and let Miller go. Mo and Drapes retire, leaving us with a couple of spots for either a prospect or FA. This year's FA pool is pretty weak, IMO.

Big E has to go, and I'm guessing Salei is gone as well. Like someone else said, that probably means Kindl + plug.

I wouldn't be completely surprised to see a rare off-season trade, though. The cap going up could make things interesting too.

[Firehawk 305]

Cuts I'd like to see (that are possible):

Homstrom

Bertuzzi

Draper

Modano

Osgood

McDonald

Adds I'd like to see (that are possible):

Mursak

Tatar

Smith

Cleary-Dats-Tatar

Franzen-Zetterberg-Mursak

Hudler-Filppula-Abdelkader

Eaves-Helm-Ericsson

Miller-Emmerton

Lidstrom-Salei

Kronwall-Rafalski

Kindl-Stuart

Smith

Howard

McCollum

I'd rather see the Wings wait until the 1/2 way period of next season before making any moves. Just dump the old guys who aren't bringing value to the table (Rafalski after next year), and bring up the best Griffins. Give them a 40-50 game look and see if they're ready. If not, make some moves. Pretty simple.

You're assuming that:

A) 40-50 games of bringing up young guys won't cost us a playoff spot.

B) there are players to pick up that we can outbid or get lucky and grab 1/2 way through the season.

Didn't work out when we were looking for a goalie, now did it? I completely disagree with you on this. Nothing is simple about it.

[Guest Grayne Wetzky]

Bertuzzi and Holmstrom are signed through next season? Damn. Didn't realize this. Forget about it, then. There's no point in even having any discussions until the philosophy of the team is changed. Right now, we've got a philosophy of filling the roster with as many power play specialists as we can find and as little 5 on 5 grit guys as we can find. There are way too many one dimensional players locked up on the Wings right now for them to be dominant contenders. Until they realize this, it's 2nd round exits galore.

The Wings need to replace Bertuzzi, Holmstrom, Hudler, and Rafalski as fast as possible. But it sounds like we're stuck with all of them for another year. So no point in getting all worked up about anything.

[luvmnger 125]

my defensive wants for Christmas!

oliver ekman-larsson (future)

brent burns (physical)

tobias endstrom (offensive)

[Dominator2005 558]

Why Pitkanen when Bieksa is/should be available and he's exactly what we need. He's right hand DEF who can play on 2nd PP unit, can play on PK, hits, fights...

Then go after Grier and Konopka (very good on faceoff and PK) for PK unit and Detroit should be just fine.

Get rid of Hudler for anything/anybody...

Try to go after Nabokov and that's it!

Bertuzzi and Holmstrom are signed through next season? Damn. Didn't realize this. Forget about it, then. There's no point in even having any discussions until the philosophy of the team is changed. Right now, we've got a philosophy of filling the roster with as many power play specialists as we can find and as little 5 on 5 grit guys as we can find. There are way too many one dimensional players locked up on the Wings right now for them to be dominant contenders. Until they realize this, it's 2nd round exits galore.

The Wings need to replace Bertuzzi, Holmstrom, Hudler, and Rafalski as fast as possible. But it sounds like we're stuck with all of them for another year. So no point in getting all worked up about anything.

Bertuzzi is fine on 3rd/4th line.

Holmstrom and Hudler are done.

Rafalski back as 5th DEF at $2.5M anytime.

[GMRwings1983 8,794]

[Theophany 110]

Why Pitkanen when Bieksa is/should be available and he's exactly what we need. He's right hand DEF who can play on 2nd PP unit, can play on PK, hits, fights...

Then go after Grier and Konopka (very good on faceoff and PK) for PK unit and Detroit should be just fine.

Get rid of Hudler for anything/anybody...

Try to go after Nabokov and that's it!

Do you understand what the salary cap is? Bieksa made $3.75m this season, and is due for more going forward.

Unless Lidstrom retires, there's no way we afford Bieksa or any legitimate top six players.

You guys should be looking at depth defensemen and depth forwards, rather than looking at top-tier talent. If we're going after top-tier talent, someone needs to go, like Franzen, Hudler, or Filppula.