Next Seasons Needs/Team Future

[Dabura 12,207]

I'm just messing, well aware that we've got a snowball's chance in hell of acquiring him.

[frankgrimes 1,836]

I would be very happy if we could get that Maata kid playing extremely well for Finland

[Son of a Wing 1,644]

I would be very happy if we could get that Maata kid playing extremely well for Finland

He's had an extremely good year in the NHL as well. Well more so recently.

No way Pittsburgh trades one of their top prospects they're extremely high on.

[kipwinger 8,524]

Didn't Cody Franson only sign a one year deal this year?

[PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935]

Yep, 2,000,000, but he's a RFA after this year.

[BadgerBob 297]

I'm just messing, well aware that we've got a snowball's chance in hell of acquiring him.

Not sure I'd want him anyway. The guy's got a bad attitude.

[number9 3,297]

Not sure I'd want him anyway. The guy's got a bad attitude.

? He's a Chelios Shanahan type. He certainly has attitude, but I wouldn't call it bad. You wanna talk bad attitudes bring up a guy like Semin

[Dabura 12,207]

Justin Bourne's take on Team Russia's demise:

Lack of top-end talent on the back-end killed Russia's Olympic dreams [backhand Shelf]

But the top end talent simply wasn’t there for this Russian team. As Jeff Marek put it, the Russians have just lacked the top-level defenseman to win against the best teams with consistency. It isn’t just the chances their under-talented D-corps gave up that buried them. Their lack of defensive talent has left them unable to cleanly and quickly work with their high-flying forwards, and that’s part of the reason the defense-forward spread was so bad. You’ve got to be able to get those guys the puck for them to be valuable, which is one of the reasons teams like Canada and Sweden have been so successful in recent years.

Sound familiar?

(No pressure, Mr. Marchenko.)

[number9 3,297]

Justin Bourne's take on Team Russia's demise:

Lack of top-end talent on the back-end killed Russia's Olympic dreams [backhand Shelf]

Sound familiar?

(No pressure, Mr. Marchenko.)

Seriously though. Marchenko and Voynov are the future of team Russia's D.

The interesting point is the type of talent certain countries produce. Russia = forwards, Swiss = D-men, Finland = goalies, to name a few I see

[Dabura 12,207]

Not sure I'd want him anyway. The guy's got a bad attitude.

I've nothing against you whatsoever, Bob, but I have to say: this stance - which many NHL fans share - makes me a sad panda. I tend to think the attitude thing, whatever you want to call it, is probably overblown. And even if it isn't, you know what? He's an obscenely talented hockey player, a franchise offensive defenseman who's coming off a Norris Trophy win. And he's only 24. And he's playing for a mickey mouse organization. (Well, maybe not the organization, but certainly the GM and head coach. Not to mention the lack of first-class veteran leadership on the team.) So I give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, attitude/maturity issues aren't necessarily the end of the world. Fedorov had a big ego, girl problems, and a pain-in-the-ass dad. The Bruins are the class of the East, with Brad Marchand on the roster. Patrick Kane grew up. Tyler Seguin grew up. Riley Sheahan's come a long way since Tinky Winky. There is hope for a 24-year-old Norris Trophy winner with some maturity issues.

[Dabura 12,207]

(Also: prior to this season, there were those who thought Tatar had a bad attitude.)

[number9 3,297]

I've nothing against you whatsoever, Bob, but I have to say: this stance - which many NHL fans share - makes me a sad panda. I tend to think the attitude thing, whatever you want to call it, is probably overblown. And even if it isn't, you know what? He's an obscenely talented hockey player, a franchise offensive defenseman who's coming off a Norris Trophy win. And he's only 24. And he's playing for a mickey mouse organization. (Well, maybe not the organization, but certainly the GM and head coach. Not to mention the lack of first-class veteran leadership on the team.) So I give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, attitude/maturity issues aren't necessarily the end of the world. Fedorov had a big ego, girl problems, and a pain-in-the-ass dad. The Bruins are the class of the East, with Brad Marchand on the roster. Patrick Kane grew up. Tyler Seguin grew up. Riley Sheahan's come a long way since Tinky Winky. There is hope for a 24-year-old Norris Trophy winner with some maturity issues.

His "attitude problem" is that he's young and cocky, and he can back it up. He's no Yzerman, but he has the confidence of a winner. He plays with his heart on his sleeve, and he has a very vocal, in ur face, heart. I have no problem with that. The guy is far from a stuck up or Avery type.

[frankgrimes 1,836]

I've nothing against you whatsoever, Bob, but I have to say: this stance - which many NHL fans share - makes me a sad panda. I tend to think the attitude thing, whatever you want to call it, is probably overblown. And even if it isn't, you know what? He's an obscenely talented hockey player, a franchise offensive defenseman who's coming off a Norris Trophy win. And he's only 24. And he's playing for a mickey mouse organization. (Well, maybe not the organization, but certainly the GM and head coach. Not to mention the lack of first-class veteran leadership on the team.) So I give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, attitude/maturity issues aren't necessarily the end of the world. Fedorov had a big ego, girl problems, and a pain-in-the-ass dad. The Bruins are the class of the East, with Brad Marchand on the roster. Patrick Kane grew up. Tyler Seguin grew up. Riley Sheahan's come a long way since Tinky Winky. There is hope for a 24-year-old Norris Trophy winner with some maturity issues.

Does ist even matter? The guy is not available and even if he were he wouldn't fit with the lowkey professional approach this organization is known for. If Z and D are as humble as it gets others shouldn't even dare to be cocky and arrogant. A former alltime top 5 defenseman wasn't cocky so no I don't think this organization should bring in problem boys.

I can only hope and pray we'll see guys like him or Kadri in a Winged Wheel I despise cockyness and arrogance especially if players can't back it up. I hate the trend of young players coming into this league and acting cocky, selfish and arrogant a prime example would have been Yakupov and his over the top confidence + celebrations. Hockey isn't soccer, basketball or Football someone should have told these players before they've entered the league..

I think Girardi would be a good fit, low maintenance guy who still has some upside.

Edited February 20, 2014 by frankgrimes

[number9 3,297]

Does ist even matter? The guy is not available and even if he were he wouldn't fit with the lowkey professional approach this organization is known for. If Z and D are as humble as it gets others shouldn't even dare to be cocky and arrogant. A former alltime top 5 defenseman wasn't cocky so no I don't think this organization should bring in problem boys.

I can only hope and pray we'll see guys like him or Kadri in a Winged Wheel I despise cockyness and arrogance especially if players can't back it up. I hate the trend of young players coming into this league and acting cocky, selfish and arrogant a prime example would have been Yakupov and his over the top confidence + celebrations. Hockey isn't soccer, basketball or Football someone should have told these players before they've entered the league..

I think Girardi would be a good fit, low maintenance guy who still has some upside.

I agree that Kadri and Subban are as cocky and arrogant as they come. I personally don't mind it, but yeah they'd be a terrible fit in Detroit.

However, IMO Yakupov does not fit that bill. He definitely has some entitlement issues, but he doesn't play like an arrogant cocky individual. He shows a lot of emotion when he scores... So what? He's no modest Datsyuk like we're used to, but who cares? He's a young intense player. I have no problem with him celebrating now then.

If I was 20 years old and scoring goals in the NHL I'd be hammertiming it the whole way back to the bench

Edited February 20, 2014 by number9

[DickieDunn 2,571]

The main issue with Yakupov is his lack of interest in playing anything that resembles a complete game. He doesn't want to backcheck, forecheck, skate hard, go to the corners, hit, or do anything other than score goals. He's basically a more talented Leino. http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/13/yakupov-not-happy-about-being-a-healthy-scratch/

[frankgrimes 1,836]

Yakupov just doesn't want to work hard. After seeing the videos back when the Oilers drafted him I thought man kid tune it down in the NHL. If I were a young kid playing in the NHL I'd be as humble as it gets and trying to do whatever my coach wants me to.

I love the way Pasha and Kessel are celebrating thats the way to do it

Sent from my BlackBerry

[BadgerBob 297]

Does ist even matter? The guy is not available and even if he were he wouldn't fit with the lowkey professional approach this organization is known for. If Z and D are as humble as it gets others shouldn't even dare to be cocky and arrogant. A former alltime top 5 defenseman wasn't cocky so no I don't think this organization should bring in problem boys.

I can only hope and pray we'll see guys like him or Kadri in a Winged Wheel I despise cockyness and arrogance especially if players can't back it up. I hate the trend of young players coming into this league and acting cocky, selfish and arrogant a prime example would have been Yakupov and his over the top confidence + celebrations. Hockey isn't soccer, basketball or Football someone should have told these players before they've entered the league..

I think Girardi would be a good fit, low maintenance guy who still has some upside.

This is what I was implying. Wings have a very humble, team first oriented locker room. I feel like his personality would clash with leaders like Hank, and especially with Babcock. Yeah he can back up his attitude, so could Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Manny Ramirez and other world class athletes. Not saying he's even remotely close to the level of those guys, but teams shy away from those guys because they're a cancer to the locker room with their "me first" attitude. I'd rather get a player with slightly less talent that doesn't have such a big head.

[Dabura 12,207]

Does ist even matter? The guy is not available and even if he were he wouldn't fit with the lowkey professional approach this organization is known for. If Z and D are as humble as it gets others shouldn't even dare to be cocky and arrogant. A former alltime top 5 defenseman wasn't cocky so no I don't think this organization should bring in problem boys.

I can only hope and pray we'll see guys like him or Kadri in a Winged Wheel I despise cockyness and arrogance especially if players can't back it up. I hate the trend of young players coming into this league and acting cocky, selfish and arrogant a prime example would have been Yakupov and his over the top confidence + celebrations. Hockey isn't soccer, basketball or Football someone should have told these players before they've entered the league..

I think Girardi would be a good fit, low maintenance guy who still has some upside.

You're missing my point, though. Firstly, it's all probably overstated, overblown. Secondly, even if it isn't, they're young and talented and they play for poorly run organizations with lame head coaches (who hate them, or at least don't really understand how to work with them, utilize them) and a lack of quality veteran leadership. (Phaneuf is the Leafs' captain. Legendary future Hall of Famer Brian Gionta is the Habs' leader. See what I mean?) Thirdly, the Wings are indeed special in that every person of prominence in the organization's ranks is expected to conduct himself or herself in that certain Red Wings Way - which is why I think it might be interesting to add a P.K. Subban. Like, if Subban's thing is he needs some venerable guiding hands to set him straight and bring out the best in him...and we're gonna go on about how the Wings are the best run organization in professional sports and how every player who puts on the Winged Wheel becomes a *A Detroit Red Wing*...doesn't that seem like a potentially fruitful marriage, for Subban individually and the Wings collectively?

Take Cleary. Today, he's the guy who can do no wrong in Mike Babcock's eyes. He's a warrior. He's the ultimate team guy. He's a fearless veteran leader. All that good stuff (putting aside the bad stuff, for argument's sake). But, we forget: when he first came to the Wings, he was an ugly reclamation project. He was a guy who had all the tools to be a star in this league but pissed away his prime years, burned his bridges, and, ultimately, came to Ken Holland looking for what was essentially one last shot in the NHL. Subban has issues? Cleary had issues.

I mentioned Tatar. Had Tatar been some other team's prospect, everyone here would've hated his guts, wanted no part of him. Cocky! Arrogant! All he cares about is scoring goals! And now he's saying he might bolt to the KHL because his spoiled prima donna ass wasn't good enough to make the team out of camp?! F*** Tatar! Hell, there were people on these very boards saying stuff like that. And now? Now everyone loves the s*** out of him. Because he worked stuff out and has sold his soul to Our Cause. Because that's what you do if you want to be *A Detroit Red Wing*.

I also mentioned Fedorov. Scotty Bowman - who hated everyone - felt he was a worthwhile project. Why? Because he had truly limitless potential.

This won't go over well with you guys, but Subban, like Feds before him, has truly limitless potential. Ken Holland and Mike Babcock could build a dynasty around him, and that's saying nothing of the talent we already have on the team and in the pipeline.

Speaking of pipelines - Subban as a Wing is, of course, a pipe dream in the extreme. And yet, maybe not. Holland was willing to pony up for Suter, and was willing to consider throwing an offer sheet at Weber.

[frankgrimes 1,836]

It's a gamble and one I wouldn't want this team to make. Problem boys either adapt or they curse the whole locker room, clash/fight with players, verbally piss on coaches and teammates no thanks. Pietrangelo and Doughty are young defenseman with limitless potential but other than these two there aren't many guys who are young, reliable defensively AND able to move the puck like the best of them.

Ponying for Suter was a no brainer it was only money no draft pick, prospect involved also Suter is THE reason why Weber has been as good as he was. Just look at him on team Canada that Weber - Keith pairing really is something else

[pucktividi 472]

People seem to forget that the young Oilers players simply don't have luck to have the likes of Stevie,Nick,Larionov,Feds,Z,Pasha...etc. to show them how to play the right way.

[frankgrimes 1,836]

People seem to forget that the young Oilers players simply don't have luck to have the likes of Stevie,Nick,Larionov,Feds,Z,Pasha...etc. to show them how to play the right way.

Hopkins doesn't have attitude problems neither does Hall so I don't buy that.

[Son of a Wing 1,644]

Hopkins doesn't have attitude problems neither does Hall so I don't buy that.

Agreed but I think there are other mental issues young players can have aside from a bad attitude.

No confidence, lack of direction (on and off the ice). immaturity.

[kipwinger 8,524]

Boy that Mitch Callahan fella just keeps scoring goals doesn't he?

[number9 3,297]

Boy that Mitch Callahan fella just keeps scoring goals doesn't he?

Does anyone watch a lot of Griffins and know how he's scoring these? Is he straight roofin missles? Or is he just hunting rebounds in front of the net?

For the first time in his career he has less PIM's than number of games played, and is doing his best scoring. Maybe he's just not in the box as much anymore??? He only has 8 assists though, which is a bit concerning. Truly skilled players usually have a bit more than 8 in 54 games.

[Richdg 267]

Callahan picks up garbage most of the time. he does have a good shot and scores that way as well. But he crashes the net and drives in goals.