Alfie wants to play

[kipwinger 8,754]

I agree that jurco would be a lot harder to play against and may very well be more productive in terms of a well rounded game to the team than alfy, but in reality they should both be on the roster. Alfy playing with the eurotwins and jurco playing with sheahan and Tatar

I don't know though. I mean, I hear what you're saying. But I guess my whole point is that I think we need a whole different look up front. Personally, I hate the idea of Alfie with Dats and Z. I don't think he can play that many minutes first of all. He faded fast down the stretch. But he's also a perimeter player and so are they. None of them are big or play great in the crease. They're also all getting a little old and injury prone. I definitely don't want my whole top line to come with that many question marks. Personally, I'd like to see Jurco with Dats and Z, and Mantha with Tatar and Sheahan.

Will it happen? No. And IMO we'll be worse for it.

[Nyquistfan14 489]

I don't know though. I mean, I hear what you're saying. But I guess my whole point is that I think we need a whole different look up front. Personally, I hate the idea of Alfie with Dats and Z. I don't think he can play that many minutes first of all. He faded fast down the stretch. But he's also a perimeter player and so are they. None of them are big or play great in the crease. They're also all getting a little old and injury prone. I definitely don't want my whole top line to come with that many question marks. Personally, I'd like to see Jurco with Dats and Z, and Mantha with Tatar and Sheahan.

Will it happen? No. And IMO we'll be worse for it.

I guess I agree to an extent on the fact that there is no crease crasher, but I also don't like bogging pav and z down with a guy like Abby cause he's a crease crasher.

I only remember one game in which alfy played with pav and z and that was early in the season against Colorado. They simply dominated. I believe he's a good fit for many reasons 1) he's a righty 2) has the ability to finish of the eurotwins setups 3) thinks the game on the same level as those two.

I don't think pace is a huge issue as it's not like dats and z are burners either. If he does have trouble playing those top minutes you can always move jurco, or Tatar up while moving alfy down to the 3rd line. That's my honest opinion

As a reference look at the two kids and a goat line that used to be so damn effective it didn't have a real net front presence but they were still amazing.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Nyquistfan14

[VM1138 1,921]

I think you're overthinking it. Legwand is a 45-50 point player. He continued this consistency with us. No matter how few games he played, that's 45-50 points that could have helped us that now won't. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

40 of his points helped Nashville, not us. I'd agree they Legwand "could have helped", but that's not what you said. You said we had to replace his 50 pts. Which we don't. We never counted on, or got 50 pts. from David Legwand. So we wouldn't have to replace them.

But, as I said, his 50 pts. "could have helped" had we re-signed him. That's sort of a platitude though.

Edit: And it should be noted that if we're talking about replacing Legwand's 50 point potential, then you can rest assured we already have as Stephen Weiss will be back and he's got 50 point potential too.

That's a good point about Weiss but the rest of your post is just unnecessarily critical and misguided.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

[kipwinger 8,754]

That's a good point about Weiss but the rest of your post is just unnecessarily critical and misguided. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

I just think we're miscommunicating.

Initially it sounded like you were suggesting that if we didn't resign Alfie and Legwand, we'd have to replace the 100 points they combined for last season. But that's not accurate because Legwand only scored 11 points for us, so in reality we'd only need to replace about 60 pts. (49 for Alfie and 11 for Legwand) in order to have the same offensive output as last season (roughly).

But that was just how it sounded. It's clear now that you weren't saying that, and instead are suggesting that Legwand and Alfie could potentially combine for around 100 pts. this coming season, and so if we don't resign them we'll need to replace that production. I agree, they have the potential for that. But it's a moot point because, as we both agree, Weiss will be counted on for about 50 points which would cover the loss of Legwand's 50 point potential so we'd only need to replace Alfie's points if he isn't resigned.

I'm not being "misguided or critical" dude. Just trying to make sure we're speaking the same language or else being clear about where we disagree.

Edited July 22, 2014 by kipwinger

[Jesusberg 1,256]

I agree, it's not his fault. But it would be stupid to bring back the EXACT same roster as a year ago, and since he doesn't have a contract, it seems like Alfie would be the reasonable one (at this point) to leave out.

I, like everyone else, wish it would have been someone else (Cleary) but it's too late for that.

I've got faith that in a full season Jurco could put up 30-40 points and be WAY harder to play against than Alfie. That's all.

While I think it would be stupid to bring back the same roster, we're already in that position, IMO. I just don't think that Alfredsson should be left out because Holland has made other boneheaded moves. I get what you're saying - plug the hole while we still can.

Part of me feels like Jurco won't be used properly, anyway. At least not until Cleary is out of the way. I think Jurco, in a year or so, will be a huge upgrade over Abdelkader in that net-front role on the top line, because he's got the skill to boot. What I don't see is him being placed in that role right now. At this point, he's battling guys on that 3rd line for time, because I don't think Babcock, etc. even considers him as a top 6 guy right now (even though I think he'd be fine on the 2nd line with two vets).

I don't know though. I mean, I hear what you're saying. But I guess my whole point is that I think we need a whole different look up front. Personally, I hate the idea of Alfie with Dats and Z. I don't think he can play that many minutes first of all. He faded fast down the stretch. But he's also a perimeter player and so are they. None of them are big or play great in the crease. They're also all getting a little old and injury prone. I definitely don't want my whole top line to come with that many question marks. Personally, I'd like to see Jurco with Dats and Z, and Mantha with Tatar and Sheahan.

Will it happen? No. And IMO we'll be worse for it.

I think every one saw him fade down the stretch, but I think that can be attributed to having to play a much larger role than expected all season. Additionally, wasn't he basically abused during the Olympics? I seem to remember him being way overplayed during the tournament. Playing him in a top 6 role would work, but I do agree that 1st line time might be a bit too much. I'd love the skill set on a Z-Dats-Alfie line, but I don't think they'd have the legs to keep it up throughout the season.

But that was just how it sounded. It's clear now that you weren't saying that, and instead are suggesting that Legwand and Alfie could potentially combine for around 100 pts. this coming season, and so if we don't resign them we'll need to replace that production. I agree, they have the potential for that. But it's a moot point because, as we both agree, Weiss will be counted on for about 50 points which would cover the loss of Legwand's 50 point potential so we'd only need to replace Alfie's points if he isn't resigned.

If we're really speaking on the potential of points, then I think just about every one on the team is going to be expected to potentially do better than they did last year. Whether it's Z, Dats, Weiss and Mule being healthier, or Nyquist and Tatar being regulars right off the bat, I think this team should see increased production across the board with the forwards.

That being said, it's almost expected that this team is going to face injuries again. I'd prefer to have as much depth as possible at this point. It sucks, but it's a reality that these forwards have a number of health issues. I still want to see guys like Nyquist, Tatar and Sheahan insulated by the veterans. Right now, for my money, I trust Alfredsson to set a better example on and off the ice than Mule or Weiss. No disrespect to Weiss, but I think the jury is still out on what he's going to bring to this team, and Mule is Mule.

I don't think, given the current state of this team, that it's going to kill them now or in the future to bring back a veteran who can contribute on a consistent basis.

[kipwinger 8,754]

While I think it would be stupid to bring back the same roster, we're already in that position, IMO. I just don't think that Alfredsson should be left out because Holland has made other boneheaded moves. I get what you're saying - plug the hole while we still can.

Part of me feels like Jurco won't be used properly, anyway. At least not until Cleary is out of the way. I think Jurco, in a year or so, will be a huge upgrade over Abdelkader in that net-front role on the top line, because he's got the skill to boot. What I don't see is him being placed in that role right now. At this point, he's battling guys on that 3rd line for time, because I don't think Babcock, etc. even considers him as a top 6 guy right now (even though I think he'd be fine on the 2nd line with two vets).

I think every one saw him fade down the stretch, but I think that can be attributed to having to play a much larger role than expected all season. Additionally, wasn't he basically abused during the Olympics? I seem to remember him being way overplayed during the tournament. Playing him in a top 6 role would work, but I do agree that 1st line time might be a bit too much. I'd love the skill set on a Z-Dats-Alfie line, but I don't think they'd have the legs to keep it up throughout the season.

If we're really speaking on the potential of points, then I think just about every one on the team is going to be expected to potentially do better than they did last year. Whether it's Z, Dats, Weiss and Mule being healthier, or Nyquist and Tatar being regulars right off the bat, I think this team should see increased production across the board with the forwards.

That being said, it's almost expected that this team is going to face injuries again. I'd prefer to have as much depth as possible at this point. It sucks, but it's a reality that these forwards have a number of health issues. I still want to see guys like Nyquist, Tatar and Sheahan insulated by the veterans. Right now, for my money, I trust Alfredsson to set a better example on and off the ice than Mule or Weiss. No disrespect to Weiss, but I think the jury is still out on what he's going to bring to this team, and Mule is Mule.

I don't think, given the current state of this team, that it's going to kill them now or in the future to bring back a veteran who can contribute on a consistent basis.

I agree with all of your points. It's just wishful thinking.

For me, at this point, it comes down to a matter of priorities. We're in a bad position one way or another, and chances are we aren't going to be too competitive this coming season. Sure, we'll make the playoffs, but that'll be it. So since we aren't (likely) going to be competitive, I'd rather try a new dynamic and get these kids some valuable experience doing it. Not just watch all our little skill guys fizzle out in the playoffs again next season when they can't get to the inside.

Bringing back vets like Alfie won't hurt us. But it doesn't really help much either. Alfie will be good in the regular season, but in the playoffs he'll play on the perimeter like the rest of our team, and we'll lose. Sure it won't be his fault and I won't blame him. But I'm tired of watching the same thing over and over. Especially now that we've got a couple of big young forwards who could help with the problem given the chance.

[Dabura 12,232]

I'd take him on a one-year deal. Why not. He's a proven producer. You win - and create roster depth - with proven producers. Manage his minutes, shelter him a bit, give him some nights off.

Zetterberg Datsyuk Jurco

Franzen Weiss Nyquist

Tatar Sheahan Alfredsson

Miller Helm Abdelkader

[Jesusberg 1,256]

I'd take him on a one-year deal. Why not. He's a proven producer. You win - and create roster depth - with proven producers. Manage his minutes, shelter him a bit, give him some nights off.

Zetterberg Datsyuk Jurco

Franzen Weiss Nyquist

Tatar Sheahan Alfredsson

Miller Helm Abdelkader

This is actually pretty bang on in terms of what I'd love to see the line-up look like this season. In order to make it happen, though, I think they'd have to shed Andersson (for physical space up front) and Kindl (for the cap space).

[kipwinger 8,754]

I'd take him on a one-year deal. Why not. He's a proven producer. You win - and create roster depth - with proven producers. Manage his minutes, shelter him a bit, give him some nights off.

Zetterberg Datsyuk Jurco

Franzen Weiss Nyquist

Tatar Sheahan Alfredsson

Miller Helm Abdelkader

This is actually pretty bang on in terms of what I'd love to see the line-up look like this season. In order to make it happen, though, I think they'd have to shed Andersson (for physical space up front) and Kindl (for the cap space).

It's hard for me to disagree with you guys. I mean, I don't hate that lineup. But I just can't help think that 3rd line spot would be perfect for Mantha. He'd get the chance to create a TON of offense with Sheahan and Tatar, AND his minutes (and zone starts) would be sheltered so there wouldn't be any chance of destroying his development by forcing him into a top six role too early.

[LeftWinger 5,129]

Yes, but the question remains...what to do with Ferraro, Callahan & Nestrasil...I do think Nest is out of exemptions as well.

I would like to see Alfie signed, or I would like to see Penner signed. So there needs to be some roster room made. Trade or waive Andersson, give Cleary his ten games and then send him to GR. But we need to address our guys out of exemptions. I know they haven't turned into gangbusters, but I would hate to lose them for nothing. Especially since I haven't even seen Nest play yet. Any way you look at it, there are two too many forwards on this team. Even with Andy and Cleary gone (GR or waived.) I guess we can only hope the 3 kids can squeak through waivers...

Must get rid of Andy and Kindl though. Promote Marchenko to be the #6 guy and keep Lashoff the #7.

On topic, I'd take Alfie for $3M NO bonuses. And give Penner $1.5M. He may be able to help the PP get better.

[Echolalia 2,961]

I just read an article about how Boston has too many defensmen. I wonder if we could move a forward or two for a defender. Other than being in the same division, this trade has potential written all over it.

[Dabura 12,232]

I just read an article about how Boston has too many defensmen. I wonder if we could move a forward or two for a defender. Other than being in the same division, this trade has potential written all over it.

My impression is it's Boychuck or McQuaid, probably the former. Neither is anything special, but Boychuck might be a good fit.

[krsmith17 7,191]

The Detroit Red Wings have long had the philosophy that prospects need to be "ripe" before they make the jump to the National Hockey League. That means after getting drafted, our prospects spend around 3-5 years between junior or overseas and the AHL before finally getting their shot in the NHL. This has proven to be successful for many years now and I don't see them drastically changing that system any time soon.

I don't see there being much of a chance that Mantha makes the big club this season, despite how highly fans, media and management regard him, nor do I think Jurco will start the season in the NHL. I'm actually a fan of the Red Wing way, of over ripening players, and I like the idea of having a farm oozing with talent. Depth is probably the biggest key to a teams success in the league today, and because of our drafting, development and ripening methods, we are definitely stacked with depth in the minors.

There is a reason players like Nyquist and Tatar were able to jump into the NHL with little to no growing pains, while highly regarded players drafted by other teams get thrown in the fire too early and flame out due to not being ready, and having their confidence destroyed. I'm just as excited for all these kids as anyone but I think it would be a huge mistake to throw them in the best league in the world before they're fully ready, both physically and mentally. In my opinion, on the back end, Marchenko could be ready for full time duty in the NHL, other than that I think Backman, Ouellet, Sproul and Jensen can all use more seasoning in the AHL. Up front, Jurco is the closest to being ready, but could still use another season down in the minors, along with Pulkkinen, Mantha, Athanasiou, etc.

Anyway, point being, I don't think there is any harm in resigning a future hall-of-famer, veteran like Alfredsson, allowing all of our forward prospects another season in Grand Rapids to round out there game. Having these guys getting top line minutes and loads of PP time down in Grand Rapids, to me is a lot more beneficial than getting 3rd line minutes and no PP time up in Detroit.

As for our RFA's that are not waiver exempt, I don't think there is any chance whatsoever that any team picks up Nestrasil, with a slim chance a team takes a chance on Ferraro, although that may be even less likely now with uncle Tony now as the assistant coach. My only fear is that we lose Callahan. The kid is coming off a career year with the Griffins, is an absolute warrior and would be a great addition to any teams 4th line. I hope Holland doesn't give any team the chance to claim him. No he's not going to put up a lot of points but I think he would be a huge loss...

[kipwinger 8,754]

The Detroit Red Wings have long had the philosophy that prospects need to be "ripe" before they make the jump to the National Hockey League. That means after getting drafted, our prospects spend around 3-5 years between junior or overseas and the AHL before finally getting their shot in the NHL. This has proven to be successful for many years now and I don't see them drastically changing that system any time soon.

I don't see there being much of a chance that Mantha makes the big club this season, despite how highly fans, media and management regard him, nor do I think Jurco will start the season in the NHL. I'm actually a fan of the Red Wing way, of over ripening players, and I like the idea of having a farm oozing with talent. Depth is probably the biggest key to a teams success in the league today, and because of our drafting, development and ripening methods, we are definitely stacked with depth in the minors.

There is a reason players like Nyquist and Tatar were able to jump into the NHL with little to no growing pains, while highly regarded players drafted by other teams get thrown in the fire too early and flame out due to not being ready, and having their confidence destroyed. I'm just as excited for all these kids as anyone but I think it would be a huge mistake to throw them in the best league in the world before they're fully ready, both physically and mentally. In my opinion, on the back end, Marchenko could be ready for full time duty in the NHL, other than that I think Backman, Ouellet, Sproul and Jensen can all use more seasoning in the AHL. Up front, Jurco is the closest to being ready, but could still use another season down in the minors, along with Pulkkinen, Mantha, Athanasiou, etc.

Anyway, point being, I don't think there is any harm in resigning a future hall-of-famer, veteran like Alfredsson, allowing all of our forward prospects another season in Grand Rapids to round out there game. Having these guys getting top line minutes and loads of PP time down in Grand Rapids, to me is a lot more beneficial than getting 3rd line minutes and no PP time up in Detroit.

As for our RFA's that are not waiver exempt, I don't think there is any chance whatsoever that any team picks up Nestrasil, with a slim chance a team takes a chance on Ferraro, although that may be even less likely now with uncle Tony now as the assistant coach. My only fear is that we lose Callahan. The kid is coming off a career year with the Griffins, is an absolute warrior and would be a great addition to any teams 4th line. I hope Holland doesn't give any team the chance to claim him. No he's not going to put up a lot of points but I think he would be a huge loss...

I don't understand why Callahan doesn't just become the new Holmstrom? He's clearly tough as hell, has a scoring touch around the crease, and isn't afraid to stand in front of slap shots. Plus, he's actually good defensively and on special teams.

In another dimension (one where the Wings don't have Andersson or Cleary or Glendening on the opening night roster) I'd pencil this kid in as my fourth line winger, penalty killer, and net front on my 2nd PP unit.

[Echolalia 2,961]

I don't understand why Callahan doesn't just become the new Holmstrom? He's clearly tough as hell, has a scoring touch around the crease, and isn't afraid to stand in front of slap shots. Plus, he's actually good defensively and on special teams.

In another dimension (one where the Wings don't have Andersson or Cleary or Glendening on the opening night roster) I'd pencil this kid in as my fourth line winger, penalty killer, and net front on my 2nd PP unit.

I like this. I think I mentioned a while back in another thread that we don't have any players that are consistently fighting for the tough areas in front of the net. Cleary used to be good at it, Abdelkader kinda, but his role on the team is constantly shifting. Jurco and Sheahan maybe as they continue to develop. Franzen? Lol. There's a niche waiting to be occupied, and as you mentioned, Callahan has thrived in the AHL with all the necessary tools.

[kipwinger 8,754]

I like this. I think I mentioned a while back in another thread that we don't have any players that are consistently fighting for the tough areas in front of the net. Cleary used to be good at it, Abdelkader kinda, but his role on the team is constantly shifting. Jurco and Sheahan maybe as they continue to develop. Franzen? Lol. There's a niche waiting to be occupied, and as you mentioned, Callahan has thrived in the AHL with all the necessary tools.

I agree. And doesn't he just seem like a guy that Babcock would like? He's gritty, hardworking, defensively responsible AND can score goals now and again? I imagine Babs says those words to himself over and over in the mirror when trying to get aroused.

[Rivalred 630]

DRW are loyal to their word, if he is ready and wants to come back, Wings will make a spot for him; you all know it and just accept it

[Dabura 12,232]

I suggested a first line of Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Callahan in that other thread. That's a running joke I have where if someone's right-handed I pencil him in on the first line with Z and D - but, yeah, the thinking is that Callahan's about as qualified as anyone in our system to be The Next #96, at least on one of the PP units. Good call, kip. (Can you imagine a fourth line of Abdelkader-Helm-Callahan? The Pain in the Ass Line.)

Edited July 23, 2014 by Dabura

[UpstateNYRedWingsFan 42]

I like this. I think I mentioned a while back in another thread that we don't have any players that are consistently fighting for the tough areas in front of the net. Cleary used to be good at it, Abdelkader kinda, but his role on the team is constantly shifting. Jurco and Sheahan maybe as they continue to develop. Franzen? Lol. There's a niche waiting to be occupied, and as you mentioned, Callahan has thrived in the AHL with all the necessary tools.

Abdelkader can't stay on his feet. His hands aren't the best but I think his biggest problem is falling down or losing balance especially when in front of the net.

[Son of a Wing 1,644]

The Detroit Red Wings have long had the philosophy that prospects need to be "ripe" before they make the jump to the National Hockey League. That means after getting drafted, our prospects spend around 3-5 years between junior or overseas and the AHL before finally getting their shot in the NHL. This has proven to be successful for many years now and I don't see them drastically changing that system any time soon.

I don't see there being much of a chance that Mantha makes the big club this season, despite how highly fans, media and management regard him, nor do I think Jurco will start the season in the NHL. I'm actually a fan of the Red Wing way, of over ripening players, and I like the idea of having a farm oozing with talent. Depth is probably the biggest key to a teams success in the league today, and because of our drafting, development and ripening methods, we are definitely stacked with depth in the minors.

There is a reason players like Nyquist and Tatar were able to jump into the NHL with little to no growing pains, while highly regarded players drafted by other teams get thrown in the fire too early and flame out due to not being ready, and having their confidence destroyed. I'm just as excited for all these kids as anyone but I think it would be a huge mistake to throw them in the best league in the world before they're fully ready, both physically and mentally. In my opinion, on the back end, Marchenko could be ready for full time duty in the NHL, other than that I think Backman, Ouellet, Sproul and Jensen can all use more seasoning in the AHL. Up front, Jurco is the closest to being ready, but could still use another season down in the minors, along with Pulkkinen, Mantha, Athanasiou, etc.

Anyway, point being, I don't think there is any harm in resigning a future hall-of-famer, veteran like Alfredsson, allowing all of our forward prospects another season in Grand Rapids to round out there game. Having these guys getting top line minutes and loads of PP time down in Grand Rapids, to me is a lot more beneficial than getting 3rd line minutes and no PP time up in Detroit.

As for our RFA's that are not waiver exempt, I don't think there is any chance whatsoever that any team picks up Nestrasil, with a slim chance a team takes a chance on Ferraro, although that may be even less likely now with uncle Tony now as the assistant coach. My only fear is that we lose Callahan. The kid is coming off a career year with the Griffins, is an absolute warrior and would be a great addition to any teams 4th line. I hope Holland doesn't give any team the chance to claim him. No he's not going to put up a lot of points but I think he would be a huge loss...

Couldn't agree more....

[Nightfall 871]

The Detroit Red Wings have long had the philosophy that prospects need to be "ripe" before they make the jump to the National Hockey League. That means after getting drafted, our prospects spend around 3-5 years between junior or overseas and the AHL before finally getting their shot in the NHL. This has proven to be successful for many years now and I don't see them drastically changing that system any time soon.

I don't see there being much of a chance that Mantha makes the big club this season, despite how highly fans, media and management regard him, nor do I think Jurco will start the season in the NHL. I'm actually a fan of the Red Wing way, of over ripening players, and I like the idea of having a farm oozing with talent. Depth is probably the biggest key to a teams success in the league today, and because of our drafting, development and ripening methods, we are definitely stacked with depth in the minors.

There is a reason players like Nyquist and Tatar were able to jump into the NHL with little to no growing pains, while highly regarded players drafted by other teams get thrown in the fire too early and flame out due to not being ready, and having their confidence destroyed. I'm just as excited for all these kids as anyone but I think it would be a huge mistake to throw them in the best league in the world before they're fully ready, both physically and mentally. In my opinion, on the back end, Marchenko could be ready for full time duty in the NHL, other than that I think Backman, Ouellet, Sproul and Jensen can all use more seasoning in the AHL. Up front, Jurco is the closest to being ready, but could still use another season down in the minors, along with Pulkkinen, Mantha, Athanasiou, etc.

Anyway, point being, I don't think there is any harm in resigning a future hall-of-famer, veteran like Alfredsson, allowing all of our forward prospects another season in Grand Rapids to round out there game. Having these guys getting top line minutes and loads of PP time down in Grand Rapids, to me is a lot more beneficial than getting 3rd line minutes and no PP time up in Detroit.

As for our RFA's that are not waiver exempt, I don't think there is any chance whatsoever that any team picks up Nestrasil, with a slim chance a team takes a chance on Ferraro, although that may be even less likely now with uncle Tony now as the assistant coach. My only fear is that we lose Callahan. The kid is coming off a career year with the Griffins, is an absolute warrior and would be a great addition to any teams 4th line. I hope Holland doesn't give any team the chance to claim him. No he's not going to put up a lot of points but I think he would be a huge loss...

Best post I have read today. Thanks!

[number9 3,297]

The Detroit Red Wings have long had the philosophy that prospects need to be "ripe" before they make the jump to the National Hockey League. That means after getting drafted, our prospects spend around 3-5 years between junior or overseas and the AHL before finally getting their shot in the NHL. This has proven to be successful for many years now and I don't see them drastically changing that system any time soon.

I don't see there being much of a chance that Mantha makes the big club this season, despite how highly fans, media and management regard him, nor do I think Jurco will start the season in the NHL. I'm actually a fan of the Red Wing way, of over ripening players, and I like the idea of having a farm oozing with talent. Depth is probably the biggest key to a teams success in the league today, and because of our drafting, development and ripening methods, we are definitely stacked with depth in the minors.

There is a reason players like Nyquist and Tatar were able to jump into the NHL with little to no growing pains, while highly regarded players drafted by other teams get thrown in the fire too early and flame out due to not being ready, and having their confidence destroyed. I'm just as excited for all these kids as anyone but I think it would be a huge mistake to throw them in the best league in the world before they're fully ready, both physically and mentally. In my opinion, on the back end, Marchenko could be ready for full time duty in the NHL, other than that I think Backman, Ouellet, Sproul and Jensen can all use more seasoning in the AHL. Up front, Jurco is the closest to being ready, but could still use another season down in the minors, along with Pulkkinen, Mantha, Athanasiou, etc.

Anyway, point being, I don't think there is any harm in resigning a future hall-of-famer, veteran like Alfredsson, allowing all of our forward prospects another season in Grand Rapids to round out there game. Having these guys getting top line minutes and loads of PP time down in Grand Rapids, to me is a lot more beneficial than getting 3rd line minutes and no PP time up in Detroit.

As for our RFA's that are not waiver exempt, I don't think there is any chance whatsoever that any team picks up Nestrasil, with a slim chance a team takes a chance on Ferraro, although that may be even less likely now with uncle Tony now as the assistant coach. My only fear is that we lose Callahan. The kid is coming off a career year with the Griffins, is an absolute warrior and would be a great addition to any teams 4th line. I hope Holland doesn't give any team the chance to claim him. No he's not going to put up a lot of points but I think he would be a huge loss...

A rational response? DISLIKE

[pucktividi 472]

The Detroit Red Wings have long had the philosophy that prospects need to be "ripe" before they make the jump to the National Hockey League. That means after getting drafted, our prospects spend around 3-5 years between junior or overseas and the AHL before finally getting their shot in the NHL. This has proven to be successful for many years now and I don't see them drastically changing that system any time soon.

That philosophy made sense when we arguably had better veteran players in Detroit.Last couple of seasons,not so much. We had an opportunity to watch a lot of kids from Grand Rapids due to injuries and surprisingly none of them underperformed.Yes,reasonably they had rookie mistakes,but not more bone head plays than proven veterans like Cleary,Bert or Quincey.

[number9 3,297]

That philosophy made sense when we arguably had better veteran players in Detroit.Last couple of seasons,not so much. We had an opportunity to watch a lot of kids from Grand Rapids due to injuries and surprisingly none of them underperformed.Yes,reasonably they had rookie mistakes,but not more bone head plays than proven veterans like Cleary,Bert or Quincey.

Cleary, Bert. Q > Jurco, Tatar, Nyquist

[Guest DeGraa55]

Cleary, Bert. Q > Jurco, Tatar, Nyquist

Ken holland is that you?