Red Wings acquire Marek Zidlicky from NJ for Cond. 2016 3rd Round Pick

[amato 3,210]

As for Marchenko I am pretty sure you need to send the player down prior to the trade deadline for him to be eligible for the AHL playoffs. (silly rule) I did not see that he went down. I do not know if there is an exception if the player is on IR.

I think I read somewhere that they technically sent him down as a "paper move".... I'll try to find a link

Edit: looks like it was more speculation than fact.... My bad. Can't find anything confirming it.

There will be paper moves coming to get players eligible for the AHL playoffs. So, if guys get sent down, doesn't mean they will stay down.

Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 2, 2015

http://kuklaskorner.com/tmr/comments/practice-tweets-egg-likes-ham

Edited March 5, 2015 by amato

[Wing-in-avs-town 123]

Welcome to the Wings Big Guy & Thank you for the GWG! Here's to a few more to come

[PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935]

As for Marchenko I am pretty sure you need to send the player down prior to the trade deadline for him to be eligible for the AHL playoffs. (silly rule) I did not see that he went down. I do not know if there is an exception if the player is on IR.

You can't send a player down while he's on IR. They said they would send him down when he's healthy. They sent Jurco down (only on paper) to make him eligible for the AHL playoffs. They had to do that because Jurco hasn't played in the AHL this year, but the paper transaction I guess makes him technically an AHL player. They wouldn't have to do that for Marchenko since he's played substantial time with the Griffins. I think he'll be sent down to keep him playing. There's no sense in keeping him as the #7 and allowing his game to get rusty.

Edited March 5, 2015 by PavelValerievichDatsyuk

[kickazz 5,459]

You can't send a player down while he's on IR. They said they would send him down when he's healthy. They sent Jurco down (only on paper) to make him eligible for the AHL playoffs. They had to do that because Jurco hasn't played in the AHL this year, but the paper transaction I guess makes him technically an AHL player. They wouldn't have to do that for Marchenko since he's played substantial time with the Griffins. I think he'll be sent down to keep him playing. There's no sense in keeping him as the #7 and allowing his game to get rusty.

Per NHL.com

"We really like Marchenko,” Babcock said, per NHL.com. “Marchenko is a real good player and he has played very well for us. You can never have too many d-men at this time of the year. We wanted to make sure we had enough hands on deck. We’re going to make sure he’s playing.”

Does Babcock mean keep him on our roster playing or send him down and keep him playing?

[kipwinger 8,520]

Per NHL.com

"We really like Marchenko,” Babcock said, per NHL.com. “Marchenko is a real good player and he has played very well for us. You can never have too many d-men at this time of the year. We wanted to make sure we had enough hands on deck. We’re going to make sure he’s playing.”

Does Babcock mean keep him on our roster playing or send him down and keep him playing?

That's the million dollar question. Things he's said in the past lead you to believe he's talking about keeping him with the big club, but you can't really be sure based on the way this quote reads.

[DickieDunn 2,571]

Unless he wants to rotate guys out to rest a bit there's no reason for him to play

[kipwinger 8,520]

Unless he wants to rotate guys out to rest a bit there's no reason for him to play

Why do you think that?

[DickieDunn 2,571]

Unless he wants to rotate guys out to rest a bit there's no reason for him to play

Why do you think that?

Because he's not as good as the vets and it's dumb to play a lesser player because he shoots right

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

Because he's not as good as the vets and it's dumb to play a lesser player because he shoots right

If he makes the left handed next to him play better, it makes up for him being slightly worse than the guy he's playing over, IMO.

[nawein 324]

Because he's not as good as the vets and it's dumb to play a lesser player because he shoots right

Unless he makes the team better. Then it's not. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

[PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935]

Because he's not as good as the vets and it's dumb to play a lesser player because he shoots right

I'm with you on this one. Marchenko's played really well, but we're not going with the inexperienced rookie over B. Smith or Quincey. I don't know why this is so much of a discussion on the board the last few days.

Marchenko may be a real player for us in coming years, but (like with Mrazek) that time isn't now. Let him get used to becoming full time NHLer next year. Adding Zidlicky demonstrated we weren't comfortable going with him into the playoffs.

The only way Marchenko stays in the lineup is if Quincey's foot injury gets worse and forces him out. Even if that happened I think Kindl would get the first call (he's been playing well since returning) and would have to show himself inept (like last year's playoffs).

This is how it works with our prospects. Marchenko's been good, but not Dekeyser good where we are forced to treat him differently and clear a spot for him after a dozen games.

Edited March 6, 2015 by PavelValerievichDatsyuk

[kickazz 5,459]

I don't know why this is so much of a discussion on the board the last few days.

The reason it's a discussion is because both Holland and Babcock have said a lot of great things about Marchenko and basically stated they like him in the lineup. It's a question of whether or not they like him enough to keep him on there at this point; that point isn't clear and no one can really speculate it either way. Of course everyone is entitled to opinions. I'm not sure if I would jump to the conclusion that Marchenko is #7 quiet yet. Neither Babs not Holland have truly hinted at Marchenko being inferior to Kindl or Smith. They've just spoken positively of him thus far. All we can do is wait and see what happens when Marchenko is healthy again.

[PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935]

The reason it's a discussion is because both Holland and Babcock have said a lot of great things about Marchenko and basically stated they like him in the lineup. It's a question of whether or not they like him enough to keep him on there at this point; that point isn't clear and no one can really speculate it either way. Of course everyone is entitled to opinions. I'm not sure if I would jump to the conclusion that Marchenko is #7 quiet yet. Neither Babs not Holland have truly hinted at Marchenko being inferior to Kindl or Smith. They've just spoken positively of him thus far. All we can do is wait and see what happens when Marchenko is healthy again.

Well there's 0% chance he'll be the #7. That would make no sense - he's developing he needs to play. Our #7 spot is for under-performing players (Ian White, Kindl,...) or extras (Lashoff). Prospects with potential either get opportunity in the lineup due to injuries or develop their game in GR. He may be an extra player for the playoffs, but that's different. If you're basing your opinion on what Holand and Babcock say, the quote "We’re going to make sure he’s playing.” - no matter how you read it - negates him sitting in the stands as a #7.

As for whether he'd be in the lineup, He would have to beat out Kindl and Smith. Kindl would have to be waived in either situation. Smith has played well this year and recently (though some people have chosen him as the resident whipping boy). You're not going to diss an established player on your team by replacing him with a prospect just because the prospect played good in his 12 games this year. I think Smith is definitely the better player right now. He would have had to vastly outplayed Smith for this to happen.

Edited March 6, 2015 by PavelValerievichDatsyuk

[DickieDunn 2,571]

No roster limits. Kindl doesn't need to be waived.

[Vladiator 116]

No roster limits. Kindl doesn't need to be waived.

Exactly…NO ROSTER RESRICTIONS, which is why Marchenko has the advantage over Kindl going forward in the lineup. Marchenko will play over Kindl when healthy if Babs is given the choice. Babs has mentioned several times that he would like at least two RH D in the lineup if it is feasible. I would scratch him out over Smith or Quincey, but he plays more effectively over Kindl or Lashoff.

Edited March 6, 2015 by Vladiator

[kickazz 5,459]

As for whether he'd be in the lineup, He would have to beat out Kindl and Smith. Kindl would have to be waived in either situation. Smith has played well this year and recently (though some people have chosen him as the resident whipping boy). You're not going to diss an established player on your team by replacing him with a prospect just because the prospect played good in his 12 games this year. I think Smith is definitely the better player right now. He would have had to vastly outplayed Smith for this to happen.

I would agree with you only if Smith and Marchenko were miles apart in skills. They arent. Yes Marchenko is a prospect and can learn a lot more. Yes Smith has played pretty well. But B. Smith is not THAT MUCH better than Marchenko. I don't think of Smith as a difference maker on the squad. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the guy but I dont think losing him would ruin the roster. Additionally it's more practical to have a righty over a lefty in our current situation. If we were talking about Marchenko (righty) and whether he should replace say Kronwall (Lefty) then the obvious thing to say would be.. NO WAY IN HE^L WOULD MARCHENKO REPLACE HIM!!. But that's not the situation. We're comparing an average defenseman (Smith) to a prospect whose surprisingly done well in his 12 games. And I dont think its unfair to assume that the coaching staff is at the very least CONSIDERING the same thing. I.E they MAY be wondering if cutting Smith and putting in Marchenko would slightly help, or slightly hurt us.

I mean it's a gamble both ways. Do you only keep 1 righty on your blue line when you're trying to make a deep playoff run. Or do you take the chance with a prospect just so you dont have a weakness that opponent can take advantage of (the weakness being the lack of a right hander on 2 of your 3 D lines). Lack of a right stick on the corners can be an easy weakness to exploit imo.

Edited March 6, 2015 by kickazz

[kipwinger 8,520]

I would agree with you only if Smith and Marchenko were miles apart in skills. They arent. Yes Marchenko is a prospect and can learn a lot more. Yes Smith has played pretty well. But B. Smith is not THAT MUCH better than Marchenko. I don't think of Smith as a difference maker on the squad. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the guy but I dont think losing him would ruin the roster. Additionally it's more practical to have a righty over a lefty in our current situation. If we were talking about Marchenko (righty) and whether he should replace say Kronwall (Lefty) then the obvious thing to say would be.. NO WAY IN HE^L WOULD MARCHENKO REPLACE HIM!!. But that's not the situation. We're comparing an average defenseman (Smith) to a prospect whose surprisingly done well in his 12 games. And I dont think its unfair to assume that the coaching staff is at the very least CONSIDERING the same thing. I.E they MAY be wondering if cutting Smith and putting in Marchenko would slightly help, or slightly hurt us.

I mean it's a gamble both ways. Do you only keep 1 righty on your blue line when you're trying to make a deep playoff run. Or do you take the chance with a prospect just so you dont have a weakness that opponent can take advantage of (the weakness being the lack of a right hander on 2 of your 3 D lines). Lack of a right stick on the corners can be an easy weakness to exploit imo.

Awwwww s***. You've bitten off more than you can chew on this one. While your logic is solid, you argument is vulnerable in one key way. What if a bunch of people on LGW think that Brendan Smith is WAY better than he is? I mean, what if they thought that instead of a third pair defenseman with upside, he was a "dynamic two way defenseman"? What if they thought that instead of a mediocre defenseman who has underwhelmed both offensively, and defensively, they thought of him as a future cornerstone of our blueline and in some cases have even compared him favorably to Keith Yandle? Then, it absolutely WOULD be like scratching Kronwall for Marchenko wouldn't it? And that's how your argument is wrong.

Because Brendan Smith, despite his past and/or current performance, is a frickin' defensively stalwart.

[kickazz 5,459]

Awwwww s***. You've bitten off more than you can chew on this one. While your logic is solid, you argument is vulnerable in one key way. What if a bunch of people on LGW think that Brendan Smith is WAY better than he is? I mean, what if they thought that instead of a third pair defenseman with upside, he was a "dynamic two way defenseman"? What if they thought that instead of a mediocre defenseman who has underwhelmed both offensively, and defensively, they thought of him as a future cornerstone of our blueline and in some cases have even compared him favorably to Keith Yandle? Then, it absolutely WOULD be like scratching Kronwall for Marchenko wouldn't it? And that's how your argument is wrong.

Because Brendan Smith, despite his past and/or current performance, is a frickin' defensively stalwart.

Actually your refutation is flawed because you're claiming that peoples feelings (including yours) towards a player trumps my argument. People's feelings wont change my mind. Statistics will and practicality will. Quiet simply logic will.... Smith has 11 points in 57 games and is -2 and Kindl has 11 points in 33 games and is +1. Almost HALF as many games as Smith. Kyle Quincey has 13 points in 53 games; more PPG than Smith. Does this mean Quincey is superstar Keith Yandle mode and Smith is semi Keith Yandle? He^l Quincey isn't even known for offense!

I mean we can even take this to last season and compare Danny Dekeyser to Smith. Dekyser is a defensive minded defensemen yet he tallied more points in less games than your "two way playing stalwart" Smith.

You need some legitimate data to claim a hypothesis to be true. Not feelings.

Regardless with the above mentioned stats I stick to my opinion on the matter. Marchenko could very well replace one of the left handers if Babcock thinks its viable. At this point the only one I can think of is Smith as the other defenseman (except ericsson) have played pretty well, including Smith. But Kronwall wont be the one to go. Neither will Dekeyser or Quincey pairing. Obviously not Zidlicky. Maybe Ericsson? Doubt that.

Edited March 6, 2015 by kickazz

[kipwinger 8,520]

Actually your refutation is flawed because you're claiming that peoples feelings (including yours) towards a player trumps my argument. People's feelings wont change my mind. Statistics will and practicality will. Quiet simply logic will.... Smith has 11 points in 57 games and is -2 and Kindl has 11 points in 33 games and is +1. Almost HALF as many games as Smith. Kyle Quincey has 13 points in 53 games; more PPG than Smith. Does this mean Quincey is superstar Keith Yandle mode and Smith is semi Keith Yandle? He^l Quincey isn't even known for offense!

I mean we can even take this to last season and compare Danny Dekeyser to Smith. Dekyser is a defensive minded defensemen yet he tallied more points in less games than your "two way playing stalwart" Smith.

You need some legitimate data to claim a hypothesis to be true. Not feelings.

Regardless with the above mentioned stats I stick to my opinion on the matter. Marchenko could very well replace one of the left handers if Babcock thinks its viable. At this point the only one I can think of is Smith as the other defenseman (except ericsson) have played pretty well, including Smith. But Kronwall wont be the one to go. Neither will Dekeyser or Quincey pairing. Obviously not Zidlicky. Maybe Ericsson? Doubt that.

I concede. You got me.

[Vladiator 116]

kipwinger .. could you PLEASE change your avatar. Yeah we get it. Getting sick of reading threads and seeing that. I like that band and I've seen them in concert ...just didn't go there to see that.

[kipwinger 8,520]

kipwinger .. could you PLEASE change your avatar. Yeah we get it. Getting sick of reading threads and seeing that. I like that band and I've seen them in concert ...just didn't go there to see that.

No. If the image of raw, unadulterated, masculinity makes you squeamish, look away.

[Vladiator 116]

No. If the image of raw, unadulterated, masculinity makes you squeamish, look away.

Maybe a vote is necessary? I'd hate to whip something out and prove you wrong on every level.

Not happening but you set yourself up for that one!

[krsmith17 7,191]

Marchenko will NOT replace Smith in the lineup. He will not replace any of the top 6 defenseman unless there is any injury. No chance!

You point out that Smith has subpar point totals but you're somehow enamored by Marchenko's 2 points in 13 games? Which is a lower points per game average than Smith. Smith also produced 5 points in his first 8 NHL games. The point is, 8 games or 13 games, it's way too small of a sample size. Marchenko isn't as good as Smith today and I doubt he will be in the future.

You don't replace a guy in your lineup that has a higher ceiling for a rookie, just because of his handedness. A few weeks ago, we didn't have a single right handed shooting defenseman on our roster, then we added one that proved to help, now we've upgraded that position with Zidlicky. Marchenko is not going to play on the power-play, so other than keeping plays alive in the offensive zone (which way be a slight advantage on the right side) he doesn't provide anything more than any of the other 5 lefties.

Let's just say that Babcock loses his mind and decides he's going to scratch Smith in favor of a rookie with a dozen games under his belt. Zidlicky isn't a top pairing guy anymore so he wouldn't get paired with Kronwall. Although Marchenko has looked decent in his few shifts with Kronwall, he is not in any way a top pair defenseman. Do they split up their best shut down pair just so they can get a rookie in the lineup? I doubt it. So what? We put two righties on the third pairing? Obviously not as that would defeat the purpose...

Again, there is no way Marchenko is in the lineup unless there is an injury to one of our top 6 guys. Kindl will be our number 7 and Marchenko will continue his development in Grand Rapids.

[number9 3,297]

Really like the way Zis played. Hopefully he can move up to the 2nd pair.

Kronwall - Ericsson

Dekeyser - Zidlicky

Quincey - Marchenko

[amato 3,210]

i really like the idea of a dekeyser-zid second line.... but dekeyser-quincey has played well together, so it might take quincey having a game off unfortunately.