gritty players I would like the wings to sign

[newfy 695]

Well with the possible movement/retiring etc of Miller, Eaves, Modano, Hudler (trade maybe?), Draper, Salei and Ericcson it is looking like the wings very well have to make a depth signing. I think that Emmerton will be taking the route of Ritola/Ellis and Mursak will be with the big team. Here are my guys in order of who I would like to see the wings sign.

Forwards

Cody Mccormick - For starters, he is a solid light heavyweight scrapper that can take on most guys in the league and do well. He had 21 minor penalties this year, many of which Im sure were coincidental roughings. He does not take a lot of dumb penalties. He had 20 points on the year, which puts him even or better than Eaves, Abdelkader, Miller, and Draper while being a physical player and solid fighter. He played 11 minutes per game which is good for an enforcer, more than Draper and right in the ball park with Miller and Eaves. I watched him play a few times this year and he didnt look very slow or anything, he is a fairly well rounded player for a guy who fights so well and often. He would be a great 12th/13th forward on the wings.

Brad Winchester - A 6'5 forward who uses his size to play mean? Sure why not. He can put up 10-15 goals a year, fight pretty well and is a solid hitter. He is also a pretty good PKer who can eat up the minutes lost at the expense of a guy like Drew Miller.

Matt Bradley - A big tough guy who knows his role on his team. Check his scrap with Downie, he doesnt let people go after the star players on his team, something this Detroit team lacks as of right now. He can also play around 11 minutes a night while packing a pretty good punch and physical play (161 hits last year). 11 points isnt bad either.

Zenon Konopka - One of the best faceoff men and most active fighter in the league. He can play some PK and up in the 10-11 minutes per game range. He can replace Drapers ice time and his face off specialty ( 2 good reasons to sign him actually and now that I think of it would make a lot of sense). As a 12th/13th forward there would be nothing wrong with having him.

Mike Rupp - He is constantly throwing his weight around out there and has the size and mean streak to do some damage. He plays over 10 mins a game and put up 17 points which is close to Miller, Draper, eaves and Abdelkader. He is a very solid fighter and would also be a very good 12th/13th forward.

After these 4 you have a few other players like Tanner Glass, Scott Nichol and Ben Eager but for one reason or another I dont want them as much as these other guys.

Defenceman

Shane O'Brien - Decent puck skills, plays mean and can play the game well. He hits often, will get players off their game and protect the goalie. He played on a team who lived or died by their defense and was playing over 17 mins a night for them. He is a decent fighter and somewhat willing but still protects his goalie and clears crease which is more important than fighting.

Steve Montador - Logging almost 20 mins a game, this guy can play mean as well. Not scared to fight or hit but is not the best fighter. No slouch offensively with 26 points. Im torn between him and O'Brien as to who I want more. Either would be great.

Erskine - Can fight anyone in the league, one of the best heavyweight fighters. He hits a lot and blocks quite a bit of shots. He just stays home and knows his role, he isnt a pylon out there though. He is not as big of a minutes hog playing only about 15 per game but that is fine as a 7th guy. He plays the PK a bit and is one of the toughest in the league.

Thinking about it, I probably want Montador the most but its hard for me to decide. All these guys play mean and provide what Salei and Ericcson do. These are the 3 I could see Kenny targetting most if Salei is done with the wings.

The main thing I would like to point out is that none of these guys are 5 minute a night enforcers. They all contribute in some way or another and play over 10 minutes a night. Last year the main guys I lobbied for were Matt Hendricks and Tim jackman who had great years as well. Hopefully Holland can pick up one of these guys and they have years like Jackman and Hendricks

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Konopka and Montador would be ideal, and make alot of sense. Zenon is tough as nails, doesnt let anyone mess with his guys, one of the best faceoff guys in the league and is a strong PKer. Montador, right handed shot which we could use a few more of, physical, big, decent puck skills for a #5/6. If there were depth signings to be made, these would be ones that could actually help us out.

[Nevermind 363]

I wouldn't mind signing Cody McCormick or Brad Winchester for depth as a 12/13 forward. Montador would be a good depth signing as well.

What about Scottie Upshall? He's gritty and a better scorer. But, after a 22 goal season, he may demand too much money on the open market though.

Also, could Ethan Moreau be a Dallas Drake type signing? He's a gritty type of guy who's never won a Cup.

[GSBrooks13 204]

Konopka and Erskine please.

Konopka fills that enforcer need that so many people on this board crave but isnt useless while doing it, he can win faceoffs and isnt a real liability to have out there.

I dont know why but I have been a huge Erskine fan since the first time I saw him play. Could easily replace Salei on D. Or even Ericsson since he provides more solid defense than E and removes those awful rushes and pinches that E likes to make.

[newfy 695]

Signing Konopka seems like it would make a tonne of sense now when Im thinking about it. Faceoff specialist like draper who plays around the same minutes and same PK time, just is a great fighter while he does it.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I wouldn't mind signing Cody McCormick or Brad Winchester for depth as a 12/13 forward. Montador would be a good depth signing as well.

What about Scottie Upshall? He's gritty and a better scorer. But, after a 22 goal season, he may demand too much money on the open market though.

Also, could Ethan Moreau be a Dallas Drake type signing? He's a gritty type of guy who's never won a Cup.

Upshall would be great. But he's a 2mil+ dollar hockey player, dunno if the Wings would shell that out for him. Moreau.. I've always liked the guy, but he's not as big a hitter as Drake was, and is very injury prone.

[Johnny Diamonds 25]

If Lidstrom stays, I'd like to see a couple small moves like the Wings signing James Wisniewski and Curtis Glenncross. If Lidstrom leaves well that opens up other possibilities.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

Hate to break the news, but Erskine signed a 2 year extension with Washington earlier this month.

Any of the following defenseman would sit well with me:

*Shane O'Brien-Scrappy guy who can kill penalties and clear the crease.

*Niklas Grossman-Solid shot blocking defenseman. Reminds me of the old Lilja a bit, but isn't afraid to take on anyone, and he's a bit more mobile.

*Jim Vandermeer-I'm sure he's gonna have to take a paycut to find someone interested this summer. Not a real young guy anymore, but not a geezer. Solid shut down defenseman, I wouldn't mind acquiring him at the right price.

*Nick Boynton-Not the 1st on my wish list, but wouldn't be opposed to it, at the right price, of course.

*John Scott-Pipe dream, I know. He wouldn't ask for a ton of cash, and would provide that big tough 3rd pairing defenseman who blocks shots and clears the crease. His speed is obviously his main liability.

*Matt Greene-Local Michigan boy. Big, mean, scrappy. One of my first choices. This one makes the most sense, in my mind. Kenny loves the locals

*James Wisniewski-There will be a ton of teams tossing figures at this guy, and hopefully we are one of them. Not likely we are to engage in a bidding war, though.

*Bryan Allen-Solid shut down guy who can block shots. Not much playoff experience, though.

Scottie Upshall is going to have some offer sheets tossed at him, so I doubt we'll get a hold of him. Zenon Konopka, Cody McCormick, Matt Hendricks, Mike Rupp, Matt Bradley, Kyle Clifford (Not sure of his contract status), Kyle Chipchira, David Clarkson, and Brad Winchester are forwards that come to mind to play bottom 6.

If Lidstrom stays, I'd like to see a couple small moves like the Wings signing James Wisniewski and Curtis Glenncross. If Lidstrom leaves well that opens up other possibilities.

Glencross just signed a 3 year extension with Calgary

Edited May 17, 2011 by Bring Back The Bruise Bros

[Johnny Diamonds 25]

Hate to break the news, but Erskine signed a 2 year extension with Washington earlier this month.

Any of the following defenseman would sit well with me:

*Shane O'Brien-Scrappy guy who can kill penalties and clear the crease.

*Niklas Grossman-Solid shot blocking defenseman. Reminds me of the old Lilja a bit, but isn't afraid to take on anyone, and he's a bit more mobile.

*Jim Vandermeer-I'm sure he's gonna have to take a paycut to find someone interested this summer. Not a real young guy anymore, but not a geezer. Solid shut down defenseman, I wouldn't mind acquiring him at the right price.

*Nick Boynton-Not the 1st on my wish list, but wouldn't be opposed to it, at the right price, of course.

*John Scott-Pipe dream, I know. He wouldn't ask for a ton of cash, and would provide that big tough 3rd pairing defenseman who blocks shots and clears the crease. His speed is obviously his main liability.

*Matt Greene-Local Michigan boy. Big, mean, scrappy. One of my first choices. This one makes the most sense, in my mind. Kenny loves the locals

*James Wisniewski-There will be a ton of teams tossing figures at this guy, and hopefully we are one of them. Not likely we are to engage in a bidding war, though.

*Bryan Allen-Solid shut down guy who can block shots. Not much playoff experience, though.

Scottie Upshall is going to have some offer sheets tossed at him, so I doubt we'll get a hold of him. Zenon Konopka, Cody McCormick, Matt Hendricks, Mike Rupp, Matt Bradley, Kyle Clifford (Not sure of his contract status), Kyle Chipchira, David Clarkson, and Brad Winchester are forwards that come to mind to play bottom 6.

Glencross just signed a 3 year extension with Calgary

Bummer with Glenncross.

[T.Low 1,011]

Great OP, thanks for putting the time and thought into it.

I agree with a lot of what you have to say.

The only thing that really jumps out at me is that O'Brien seemed to do a lot of stupid s*** in Vancouver during his time there, on and off the ice. He looks to have matured a bit...but i'm still leery.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

Hopefully the goons find a home this summer. I know it won't be in Detroit, but hopefully guys like Eric Godard, Trevor Gillies, John Scott, Steve MacIntyre, and Darcy Hordichuk find a home, whether it be via free agency or re-upping with their current teams. Also, Brian McGrattan had a great year in the minors, and he looks like he's really improved his game all around. I met him at the end of the AHL regular season. I'm really pulling for him to get a regular spot in an NHL lineup.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

I've wanted Winchester on the Wings for a long time now. I don't like McCormick, but he wouldn't be a bad fit either.

On defense, I like Erskine and would love to have a big physical defenseman like him on the team, who can move people out of the crease. He's played a lot of games for Washington, so he's not just some untalented fighter who hardly ever gets into the lineup.

Rupp is another guy I like, and he can also play some good 4th line minutes.

All these players give us something we don't already have on the bottom lines, or on the 3rd defensive pairing. They're not going to put us over the top, but will fix some of our weaknesses and make us a tougher team to play against overall.

Hopefully the goons find a home this summer. I know it won't be in Detroit, but hopefully guys like Eric Godard, Trevor Gillies, John Scott, Steve MacIntyre, and Darcy Hordichuk find a home, whether it be via free agency or re-upping with their current teams. Also, Brian McGrattan had a great year in the minors, and he looks like he's really improved his game all around. I met him at the end of the AHL regular season. I'm really pulling for him to get a regular spot in an NHL lineup.

With Boogaard's passing, MacIntyre is now the top fighter in the game. I think Edmonton will likely keep him around.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

I've wanted Winchester on the Wings for a long time now. I don't like McCormick, but he wouldn't be a bad fit either.

On defense, I like Erskine and would love to have a big physical defenseman like him on the team, who can move people out of the crease. He's played a lot of games for Washington, so he's not just some untalented fighter who hardly ever gets into the lineup.

Rupp is another guy I like, and he can also play some good 4th line minutes.

All these players give us something we don't already have on the bottom lines, or on the 3rd defensive pairing. They're not going to put us over the top, but will fix some of our weaknesses and make us a tougher team to play against overall.

With Boogaard's passing, MacIntyre is now the top fighter in the game. I think Edmonton will likely keep him around.

Mac seems to like it in Edmonton. Hopefully they keep him around. Probably for at or around the same price (500K I think?).

How about Sheldon Brookbank for the 3rd pairing on defense?

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Mac seems to like it in Edmonton. Hopefully they keep him around. Probably for at or around the same price (500K I think?).

How about Sheldon Brookbank for the 3rd pairing on defense?

Not sure about Brookbank. Never really cared for the guy. He makes Erskine look like an offensive defenseman and is not that great a fighter.

Wisniewski would be the best option, but he'll get more money than either player.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

Not sure about Brookbank. Never really cared for the guy. He makes Erskine look like an offensive defenseman and is not that great a fighter.

Wisniewski would be the best option, but he'll get more money than either player.

Wisniewski will have a ton of offers being tossed his way, and at ~4 mil, I don't think Kenny's going to be eager to pursue him.

[Doc Holliday 1,888]

Nate Thompson?

He isn't a free agent, but from what I've seen the guy has a lot of fire in him and plenty of grit to help the Wings.

I honestly may not know what I'm talking about but I would love to see him and his sandpaper on the team.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

Nate Thompson?

He isn't a free agent, but from what I've seen the guy has a lot of fire in him and plenty of grit to help the Wings.

I honestly may not know what I'm talking about but I would love to see him and his sandpaper on the team.

Totally forgot about him. Solid penalty killer and isn't afraid to mix it up. I like your style, Doc

[WorkingOvertime 536]

Konopka is the most realistic and best fit for the Wings IMO. However, he would want to be a permanent part of the lineup since he has been for a few years and I'm not sure the Wings would commit to that. Funny enough, the Wings might be more likely to sign a more pure enforcer that wouldn't command as many games than the players mentioned here. I would prefer Konopka, but Rosehill is my preference for a last forward enforcer (due to his skating ability).

As I said in my thread, the Wings should throw an offer sheet at Peckham.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

Konopka is the most realistic and best fit for the Wings IMO. However, he would want to be a permanent part of the lineup since he has been for a few years and I'm not sure the Wings would commit to that. Funny enough, the Wings might be more likely to sign a more pure enforcer that wouldn't command as many games than the players mentioned here. I would prefer Konopka, but Rosehill is my preference for a last forward enforcer (due to his skating ability).

As I said in my thread, the Wings should throw an offer sheet at Peckham.

You know what, you've got a good point there. A Brad May/Aaron Downey type, for the rougher games with Anaheim, etc, as well as to fill a spot in the event of an injury.

Dan Carcillo, anybody?

Edited May 17, 2011 by Bring Back The Bruise Bros

[Shaman 713]

Enforcer debate here we come.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

Nate Thompson?

He isn't a free agent, but from what I've seen the guy has a lot of fire in him and plenty of grit to help the Wings.

I honestly may not know what I'm talking about but I would love to see him and his sandpaper on the team.

Tampa's 3rd and 4th line guys are in for big raises after the playoffs they've had so far. Next season they have five forwards spots to fill (including re-signing Stamkos), two defensemen (including Brewer) and both goalies, so there might be a player or two to be pilfered.

[RusDRW 155]

If Lidstrom stays, I'd like to see a couple small moves like the Wings signing James Wisniewski and Curtis Glenncross. If Lidstrom leaves well that opens up other possibilities.

is Wisniewski UFA? He is good def, I would say and could be good addition...

[Doc Holliday 1,888]

Tampa's 3rd and 4th line guys are in for big raises after the playoffs they've had so far. Next season they have five forwards spots to fill (including re-signing Stamkos), two defensemen (including Brewer) and both goalies, so there might be a player or two to be pilfered.

Well I think having a guy like him would really help Detroit battle their issue with the strong, fore-checking teams of the West.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

Well I think having a guy like him would really help Detroit battle their issue with the strong, fore-checking teams of the West.

In addition, isn't he decent in the faceoff circle?

[Guest Shoreline]

Well with the possible movement/retiring etc of Miller, Eaves, Modano, Hudler (trade maybe?), Draper, Salei and Ericcson it is looking like the wings very well have to make a depth signing. I think that Emmerton will be taking the route of Ritola/Ellis and Mursak will be with the big team. Here are my guys in order of who I would like to see the wings sign.

Forwards

Cody Mccormick - For starters, he is a solid light heavyweight scrapper that can take on most guys in the league and do well. He had 21 minor penalties this year, many of which Im sure were coincidental roughings. He does not take a lot of dumb penalties. He had 20 points on the year, which puts him even or better than Eaves, Abdelkader, Miller, and Draper while being a physical player and solid fighter. He played 11 minutes per game which is good for an enforcer, more than Draper and right in the ball park with Miller and Eaves. I watched him play a few times this year and he didnt look very slow or anything, he is a fairly well rounded player for a guy who fights so well and often. He would be a great 12th/13th forward on the wings.

Brad Winchester - A 6'5 forward who uses his size to play mean? Sure why not. He can put up 10-15 goals a year, fight pretty well and is a solid hitter. He is also a pretty good PKer who can eat up the minutes lost at the expense of a guy like Drew Miller.

Matt Bradley - A big tough guy who knows his role on his team. Check his scrap with Downie, he doesnt let people go after the star players on his team, something this Detroit team lacks as of right now. He can also play around 11 minutes a night while packing a pretty good punch and physical play (161 hits last year). 11 points isnt bad either.

Zenon Konopka - One of the best faceoff men and most active fighter in the league. He can play some PK and up in the 10-11 minutes per game range. He can replace Drapers ice time and his face off specialty ( 2 good reasons to sign him actually and now that I think of it would make a lot of sense). As a 12th/13th forward there would be nothing wrong with having him.

Mike Rupp - He is constantly throwing his weight around out there and has the size and mean streak to do some damage. He plays over 10 mins a game and put up 17 points which is close to Miller, Draper, eaves and Abdelkader. He is a very solid fighter and would also be a very good 12th/13th forward.

After these 4 you have a few other players like Tanner Glass, Scott Nichol and Ben Eager but for one reason or another I dont want them as much as these other guys.

Defenceman

Shane O'Brien - Decent puck skills, plays mean and can play the game well. He hits often, will get players off their game and protect the goalie. He played on a team who lived or died by their defense and was playing over 17 mins a night for them. He is a decent fighter and somewhat willing but still protects his goalie and clears crease which is more important than fighting.

Steve Montador - Logging almost 20 mins a game, this guy can play mean as well. Not scared to fight or hit but is not the best fighter. No slouch offensively with 26 points. Im torn between him and O'Brien as to who I want more. Either would be great.

Erskine - Can fight anyone in the league, one of the best heavyweight fighters. He hits a lot and blocks quite a bit of shots. He just stays home and knows his role, he isnt a pylon out there though. He is not as big of a minutes hog playing only about 15 per game but that is fine as a 7th guy. He plays the PK a bit and is one of the toughest in the league.

Thinking about it, I probably want Montador the most but its hard for me to decide. All these guys play mean and provide what Salei and Ericcson do. These are the 3 I could see Kenny targetting most if Salei is done with the wings.

The main thing I would like to point out is that none of these guys are 5 minute a night enforcers. They all contribute in some way or another and play over 10 minutes a night. Last year the main guys I lobbied for were Matt Hendricks and Tim jackman who had great years as well. Hopefully Holland can pick up one of these guys and they have years like Jackman and Hendricks

I have to give you a hard time.. it's mandatory..

I would have renamed the topic "mean fighters I would like the Wings to sign", since there's no mention of grit at all, and only one mention of scoring.

The guys I consider "gritty" would be like Ryan Kesler, Scott Hartnell, or Dave Bolland. Unfortunately, I'm sure at least two of those aren't available come summer.