Look who's top in GR scoring

[Nev 1,085]

The problem with the "fourth line players" the wings have now is that they arent actual fourth liners. A fourth line should provide energy, some grit and defensive play at least. Instead the wings are putting washed up skilled guys who didnt play a fourth line role their whole career in the bottom 6. Emmerton is a scorer who cant score, hes not good on the PK, draws and not physical. Sammy is the biggest waste of space ever, hes so slow and still tries to stick handle around everyone like hes a top 6 player, Cleary is ridiculously old and broken down (and not even scratched ever) and even Eaves doesnt do much out there. Hes injury prone and redundant.

You take out those guys who are filler and put in specialist types and the fourth line would have an identity. Sheahan is the big, defensive center that can chip in some offense and is a great PK guy, Callahan will piss the other team off, throw big hits, fight a bit and is a really good PK guy and Glendening is a bit of a balance of the two. He agitates a little and plays a bit physical but is also more defensive minded. I consider Callahan and Glendening fast and Sheahan solid speed wise. Theyre all young and want to prove smoething as well. What is Samuelsson or Cleary playing for? Theyre handed a spot on the team and have made their millions over their careers. Need some guys who are hungry which all three of those would be, and would likely feed off each others energy

Well, first up 3 of the 4 players you name are miles down the depth chart and are only playing because of all the injuries. Emmerton and Eaves have already been waived once, and the only reason Sammy hasn't been waived is cos it only saves 100k.

Our real 4th line is Miller/Andersson/X. Of course, you'll hate them both because its not fighter/fighter/fighter, but the fact is that they are both key components of what is actually one of the best PK's in the league.

[PumpkinEscobar 136]

Well, first up 3 of the 4 players you name are miles down the depth chart and are only playing because of all the injuries. Emmerton and Eaves have already been waived once, and the only reason Sammy hasn't been waived is cos it only saves 100k.

Our real 4th line is Miller/Andersson/X. Of course, you'll hate them both because its not fighter/fighter/fighter, but the fact is that they are both key components of what is actually one of the best PK's in the league.

the 100k and a roster spot sounds good to me

Hopefully once the season is over and a few of the Griffins move up, guys like Jarnkrok...Pulkinnen and Frk will get a ton more playing time

[Z Winged Dangler 2,082]

I was talking with darkmanx whilst playing NHL 14 last night which generally turns into what we think the Wings should do and we both love the prospect of a 4th line next year of Sheahan-Glendening-Callahan. Put that under a 3rd line of Abs-Helm-Jurco and you have yourself a pretty nasty bottom 6. Something the Wings have been lacking for about 4 years now.

[Guest DeGraa55]

I was talking with darkmanx whilst playing NHL 14 last night which generally turns into what we think the Wings should do and we both love the prospect of a 4th line next year of Sheahan-Glendening-Callahan. Put that under a 3rd line of Abs-Helm-Jurco and you have yourself a pretty nasty bottom 6. Something the Wings have been lacking for about 4 years now.

Where would miller Anderson and too too be? I'm sure there is more that I'm forgetting but do you see the problem we have right now? Thanks Holland.

[Z Winged Dangler 2,082]

Where would miller Anderson and too too be? I'm sure there is more that I'm forgetting but do you see the problem we have right now? Thanks Holland.

Miller would be UFA this summer I believe as well as Andersson and Tootoo will be buried in GR cause of Holland, though I'd love him on that 3rd line with Abs and Helm with Jurco in the top 6. Callahan is either on the Wings next year or is an FA with apparently no option to return to GR. Same goes for Sheahan I believe. And personally, I see more value in those 2 than Miller and Andersson.

Edit: Scrap that....thought they were UFA at the end of the year. Miller signed for 3 and Andersson for 2. So to answer your last question about where they'd be? Maybe GR cause we have better players to fill their roster spots.

Edited January 11, 2014 by Z Winged Dangler

[wings4thecup06 504]

Miller would be UFA this summer I believe as well as Andersson and Tootoo will be buried in GR cause of Holland, though I'd love him on that 3rd line with Abs and Helm with Jurco in the top 6. Callahan is either on the Wings next year or is an FA with apparently no option to return to GR. Same goes for Sheahan I believe. And personally, I see more value in those 2 than Miller and Andersson.

Edit: Scrap that....thought they were UFA at the end of the year. Miller signed for 3 and Andersson for 2. So to answer your last question about where they'd be? Maybe GR cause we have better players to fill their roster spots.

I don't feel that we should just 'bury' Andersson and Miller. No way. Miller has been solid all year and consistent. IMO I think Andersson may be on par with his play from last year, but probably because I haven't noticed him so much. But then, that's also usually a good thing.

Someone will have to be traded is the bottom line. There simply isn't room for everyone, and that is probably the reason why we are seeing so many different young guys being called up every time there is an injury. This way, management gets a good look at everyone so the right decisions can be made next season.

In many ways I'm hoping the only UFA who will be re-signed is Alfredsson, but I have a hunch that Bert will get a 1 year deal also.

Even if we re-sign all the RFAs on our current NHL roster, there's only room for 3 more guys. Regardless, it will be an exciting year.

[newfy 695]

Well, first up 3 of the 4 players you name are miles down the depth chart and are only playing because of all the injuries. Emmerton and Eaves have already been waived once, and the only reason Sammy hasn't been waived is cos it only saves 100k.

Our real 4th line is Miller/Andersson/X. Of course, you'll hate them both because its not fighter/fighter/fighter, but the fact is that they are both key components of what is actually one of the best PK's in the league.

No I dont actually mind Miller because hes been PKing well. Anyone who has watched Andersson should be able to tel easily that Sheahan will be a better NHL player. As for Ferraro and Callahan, Ferraro would definitely be an upgrade on the PK, team speed and fairly similar at even strength. Callahan next season might not be quite as good but hes a different player. He'll be fine on the PK, add mroe speed to the line up and has shown he can score goals.

I like how you pick out about one thing I said each of them do and think thats the reason. Maybe go back and sound it out a little clearer where I'm talking about team speed, PK ability and more hunger. On top of that I mentioned they would be tougher. Giving waiver fodder guys like Miller 3 year deals is dumb because they know they have their contract. Put Sheahan, Ferraro or Callahan out there and theyll have something to prove every night and their play will show it

[Z Winged Dangler 2,082]

Emmerton never had more than 12 goals in a season and really only ever put up modest production. He was by no means considered "the next big thing" based on his AHL totals (because they weren't that impressive). While Callahan is definitely out performing expectations, I don't think that comparing him to a center that never produced much is fair. It's not unreasonable to think that Mitch could put up 20-25 goals this season, which is impressive for anyone at the AHL level. If most of those come from crashing the net, all the better. I don't think he'll be a force in the NHL or anything, but his knack for the net shouldn't be marginalized either.

I would definitely not be against a guy that drives and crashes the net instead of our constant perimeter attack. I really hope Callahan is on our 4th line next season.

[dirtydangles 1,328]

Ferraro is a speedy player. Hes got grit and will throw his weight around. He looks like Helm out there before Helm started scoring a lot. But lately he has been off his game, even Kaiser the griffs announcer who is a masive homer mentioned how he needs to step it up. Hes a really good PKer and will scrap a bit as well.

Realistically, Callahan and Ferraro would make the wings fourth line very fun to watch and interesting in the future. Both have above average speed, are pretty big hitters, both agitate and Callahan is a pretty solid fighter (Ferraro is alright and willing, not the best though). Both have skill though that makes them desireable. Both are good defensive players (Callahan is better 5 on 5, Ferraro on the PK) and both can PK really well. They each would add speed to the line up and a bit of a scoring touch. Theyre the type of energy guys that can make a really good fourth line that can be counted on, not a bunch of cast offs like the wings have right now.

Pretty much they would each give the wings more speed and toughness while not being a step down defensively and most likely better in the future than what the wings have right now. I would say Sheahan is starting to separate himself from these 2 with the call ups hes getting, but both these guys should at least have fourth line NHL futures. The only vet that the wings should consider bringing back is Alfie to get these young guys up and start giving the wings bottom 6 an identity

I agree. I like the idea of having youth, speed, and physicality in the bottom 6. We have the worst bottom 6 identity of any Wings team I can remember. Currently we are playing slow, aging, and soft players in the bottom 6. Those kids would relish the opportunity to go hard for the duration of the 4th line minutes and try to earn their playing time. A bottom 6 next year of this would be awesome in terms of energy and effort - with some young guys developing on the 4th line:

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Alfie?

Nyquist-Weiss-Franzen

Tatar-Helm-Abby

Miller-Sheahan-Ferraro

Glendening, Callahan (rotating in on a fair basis with Ferraro and Glendening)

[Z Winged Dangler 2,082]

I don't feel that we should just 'bury' Andersson and Miller. No way. Miller has been solid all year and consistent. IMO I think Andersson may be on par with his play from last year, but probably because I haven't noticed him so much. But then, that's also usually a good thing.

Someone will have to be traded is the bottom line. There simply isn't room for everyone, and that is probably the reason why we are seeing so many different young guys being called up every time there is an injury. This way, management gets a good look at everyone so the right decisions can be made next season.

In many ways I'm hoping the only UFA who will be re-signed is Alfredsson, but I have a hunch that Bert will get a 1 year deal also.

Even if we re-sign all the RFAs on our current NHL roster, there's only room for 3 more guys. Regardless, it will be an exciting year.

The main knock I have on Miller and Andersson is that they're both slow and both don't use that size they have. Whereas Sheahan and Callahan do and have more offensive upside. They would be better energy guys for the bottom 6.

[ahkmed 25]

The problem is we have so many fourth line players as it is. And Hollands love affair with cleary and Sammy and what not. There might not be room. If tootoo, Sammy, cleary, Bert, eaves and emmerton are gone then I personally would love a sheahan glendening and Callahan fourth. I just don't see it happening and I think Callahan and Ferraro will be the odd men out.

The problem with this is that Emmerton was playing 2nd/3rd line minutes since he came down to GR, while Callahan put up some great numbers while playing on the 4th line,and only then did he see more time with quality linemates..I`m sure he will be a huge upgrade over some of the plugs on the bottom 6 next year, if only for his willingness to hit

[number9 3,297]

Not that any of you will believe me, but a buddy of mine who bartends in GR had a convo with Ferraro about a week ago. Ferraro told him that he doesn't expect to stay with Detroit. Basically that there's too many guys in front of him.

[Nev 1,085]

No, I find that entirely believable.

Miller and Andersson will be here next season. Babcock loves Glendening. He's also starting to love Sheahan. Cleary wore an A last night and hasn't been as terribad as he was in Oct/Nov and may be back next year ().

There's only so many 4th line spots to go round. The fact that Callahan and Ferraro haven't been given a single call up, despite all the injuries, is very telling. Its a shame, because I like Ferraro, he reminds me a lot of Maltby (but also drops the gloves occasionally). But it's a numbers game right now, and those 2 are on the outside looking in.

[uk_redwing 495]

Callahan scored again last night to take his tally to 15 goals. He's a great net presence in the mould of Holmstrom and gets the majority of his goals this way.

I'd like to see him get a shot at the NHL. Heck, he scored a goal in two preseason games with the Wings this year, what more does he have to do!

[newfy 695]

Hes definitely doing his best to show he deserves a call up. Ferraro has underwhelmed this year but Callahan just keeps scoring. Callahan looks like a better player than Tootoo in the AHL. I would actually like to see Andersson traded, hes not that good but might have a bit of value. It will clear up some space on the roster and better players can step in like Sheahan. Then other younger guys can get their shot as well

[dirtydangles 1,328]

Hes definitely doing his best to show he deserves a call up. Ferraro has underwhelmed this year but Callahan just keeps scoring. Callahan looks like a better player than Tootoo in the AHL. I would actually like to see Andersson traded, hes not that good but might have a bit of value. It will clear up some space on the roster and better players can step in like Sheahan. Then other younger guys can get their shot as well

Andersson will be made expendable by Sheahan and Glendening. Ferraro can play right wing as an Eaves replacement and has more wheels. Andersson has pretty much reached his potential due to his slow skating (not ideal for 4th line crash and bang duty considering Helm is locked in at 3rd line C). I'd be happy with a 3rd for Andersson at this point. He doesn't really make our team better in any way - Sheahan and Glendening and Ferraro can all PK like he can.

[ahkmed 25]

I doubt they will just let Ferraro walk druing the offseason..they will make him a qualifying offer and give him a chance to outplay the competition

[ogreslayer 1,069]

I doubt they will just let Ferraro walk druing the offseason..they will make him a qualifying offer and give him a chance to outplay the competition

IMO the more likely scenario is that he doesn't play his way into a spot on the big club & another team makes a claim on him when the Wings have to put him through waivers. And of course Cleary will be re-signed which means months of teeth gnashing & rending of hair that we would still have Ferraro if not for Cleary.

[PumpkinEscobar 136]

I doubt they will just let Ferraro walk druing the offseason..they will make him a qualifying offer and give him a chance to outplay the competition

and what if he doesn't? Can't go back to Grand Rapids...he won't clear waivers

[ahkmed 25]

Yeah I know, but after training camp it all depends on the roster situation..maybe they keep him as a healthy reserve player (considering Helm`s frequent injuries) maybe not..we can just guess at this point,but as I said, I doubt they`ll just let him walk, without even giving him a qualifying offer..or I`m completely wrong and that`s what happens, who can say, with the way things turned out last summer

[dirtydangles 1,328]

If Callahan never pulls on a Red Wings sweater for a regular season game then I have lost faith in what this organization is trying to do. Develop kids and let them walk so we can play washed up cleary,sammy,bert over them? This kid has worked his tail off and put up the numbers to at least earn a look.

[wings4thecup06 504]

Yeah I know, but after training camp it all depends on the roster situation..maybe they keep him as a healthy reserve player (considering Helm`s frequent injuries) maybe not..we can just guess at this point,but as I said, I doubt they`ll just let him walk, without even giving him a qualifying offer..or I`m completely wrong and that`s what happens, who can say, with the way things turned out last summer

I agree. I'd like to think KH has learnt from his mistakes when he put Quincey through waivers several years ago. I think the more likely scenario is he gets used as part of a package in a trade. But we shall see

[PumpkinEscobar 136]

You see teams trading players for draft picks all the time...why can't Holland do that?

[Son of a Wing 1,644]

If Callahan never pulls on a Red Wings sweater for a regular season game then I have lost faith in what this organization is trying to do. Develop kids and let them walk so we can play washed up cleary,sammy,bert over them? This kid has worked his tail off and put up the numbers to at least earn a look.

Well considering Cleary, Sammy and Bert aren't signed for next season I'm not sure how they're going to be responsible for losing a guy like Callahan to a roster crunch.

That dead horse has been beat enough.

[uk_redwing 495]

Another goal last night for Callahan to take his tally to a still team-leading 16 goals. Anyone not following the Griffins might be interested to know Jordin Tootoo has 8 points in 22 games as well.