Things you would like to see for 2015-16 Season

[krsmith17 7,191]

I'd do that in a heartbeat, unfortunately I don't think that gets it done.

I'm thinking it would cost more like Nyquist, Mantha and our 2015 1st for any of those guys...

[kipwinger 8,520]

I don't see Trouba going anywhere. They're far more likely to trade Byfuglien given his age and contract status. You'd have to really overpay to get Trouba given his potential upside and the fact that he'll be an RFA for quite a while yet.

I don't think Seabrook is going anywhere either.

I don't see us getting a top two defenseman, unless it's Byfuglien. The next best options would be to sign Franson/Green, or trade for the Wiz. Otherwise there just isn't much available without paying a significant price.

[Helmethead 235]

What would it take to get Buff? He's Buff and he's got the stuff.

[number9 3,297]

Byflugien is HUGE. Def want.

[krsmith17 7,191]

I may be in the minority here, but I have zero interest in Byfuglien...

[Helmethead 235]

We can get Buff. Remember...Wayne Gretzky was Traded!

Why kr? He's Buff and he's got the stuff.

[number9 3,297]

The question is... How much stuff will it take to get Buff?

[kipwinger 8,520]

I honestly think that any two of these moves makes sense, but you'd have to identify which roles you want guys playing in, and be willing to cut bait on a few of our current guys. I absolutely DON'T think that we need a bona fide top pair guy to be effective.

Look at what Yzerman was able to accomplish by bringing on Garrison, Carle, and Stralman. None of them are superstars, and he probably overpaid (a little) for two of them. But his defense improved dramatically with them on board.

Ideally (I know, it's a low probability), we'd bring on two of these guys. One in the top four (Buff or Franson) and one in the bottom pair (Green or Wiz). Kronwall and Dekeyser are obviously set. Then let Quincey, Ericsson, Smith, Kindl, Ouellet, Marchenko battle it out of the three remaining spots. Trade the leftovers for picks (minus the ones you used in any initial trades).

[Helmethead 235]

Yes. But Tampa has what we don't have. A stud horse dman in his prime. Viktor Hedman. They can get away with having 2nd pair ponies to surround the stud horse. We used to have such a stud horse in Lidstrom. We even paired him with a Clydesdale in Ian White. He was that awesome. We need a horse. Stud horses are not available. So we need to trade for a horse. Who can this be? I still say Buff. Cuz he's got the stuff.

[kipwinger 8,520]

Despite the narrative, I don't think Hedman is significantly better than Kronwall. He may be one ray, but not yet. Kronwall is hugely underrated by wings fans.

[Helmethead 235]

Aw man. I love Kronner. But seriously? He does not compare to Hedman now. Maybe a few years ago. But watching these playoffs has made me realize that Hedman is one of the best dmen in the league. Kronner is the perfect #2 guy. Hedman is elite and is only improving. Sometimes I think you just like to be different just for the sake of being different. If you truly believe that Kronner is just as good or better than Hedman, that is your right. I can't really say anything more. I will agree with you on one thing though. Kronner is still very underrated.

Edited June 15, 2015 by Helmethead

[kipwinger 8,520]

Aw man. I love Kronner. But seriously? He does not compare to Hedman now. Maybe a few years ago. But watching these playoffs has made me realize that Hedman is one of the best dmen in the league. Kronner is the perfect #2 guy. Hedman is elite and is only improving. Sometimes I think you just like to be different just for the sake of being different. If you truly believe that Kronner is just as good or better than Hedman, that is your right. I can't really say anything more. I will agree with you on one thing though. Kronner is still very underrated.

Kronwall consistently performs at a level consistent with "#1" defensemen around the league. Across the board. Quality of competition, time on ice, points, corsi, etc. He's easily a top defenseman in the league. Easily.

A couple times a year folks question whether he is or isn't, and a couple times a year I've got to tell people to unpack the numbers. The difference between Knonwall and Keith or Hedman is much smaller than the difference between the rest of our defensemen and their counterparts on other teams.

The reason everybody keeps saying that we need a "horse" is because it's awesome to have one. And we used to have one. And who wouldn't want one? But in reality, we needs guys like Garrison, Hjalmarsson, Stralman, and Oduya. Keith and Hedman (and Kronwall) are awesome, but they're comparably good. Where our defense falls short, is everywhere else IMO.

[Helmethead 235]

There is no question we need 2 legit top 4 dmen to take the next step. Who these 2 dmen are? I don't know. If Ericsson is on your top pairing then your defense needs an upgrade. I actually like Ericsson. Just not in the top pairing.

[kipwinger 8,520]

There is no question we need 2 legit top 4 dmen to take the next step. Who these 2 dmen are? I don't know. If Ericsson is on your top pairing then your defense needs an upgrade. I actually like Ericsson. Just not in the top pairing.

I agree with that. That's my point. We need an upgrade (or preferably two) in the 2-6 spots in order to get the rest of our guys slotted correctly. Maybe one of these upgrades comes from GR. But you still need another. Doing so helps you sort out where everybody else goes.

[Helmethead 235]

I don't see Ouelette or Marchenko as any more than 3rd pair guys. There's nothing wrong with that. But to be a legit cup contender we need 2 legit top 4 dmen. Kronner and Dekeyser are here. But they need help. We need to upgrade like the isles did with Leddy and Boychuk. I know. Easier said than done. But this is what we need.

[nyqvististhefuture 1,002]

With byfuglien being a ufa at the end of the year I think there's a 0% chance trouba gets dealt! kids gonna be great

What about taking a chance and trading for adam larsson? Wasn't there problems in New Jersey? I know he turned it around 2nd half of the season , maybe we'd get lucky and he can be a top pairing guy

[number9 3,297]

Yes. But Tampa has what we don't have. A stud horse dman in his prime. Viktor Hedman. They can get away with having 2nd pair ponies to surround the stud horse. We used to have such a stud horse in Lidstrom. We even paired him with a Clydesdale in Ian White. He was that awesome. We need a horse. Stud horses are not available. So we need to trade for a horse. Who can this be? I still say Buff. Cuz he's got the stuff.

Sounds like we should... Pony up... And get one already.

[kipwinger 8,520]

Sounds like we should... Pony up... And get one already.

I see what you did there.

[rick zombo 3,739]

Sounds like we should... Pony up... And get one already.

Getting a stud horse dman would really "stable"ize this team. Just don't give up the farm.

[number9 3,297]

Getting a stud horse dman would really "stable"ize this team. Just don't give up the farm.

Don't worry, this isn't Hollands first rodeo. I'm just hoping it tells the old vets to hoof it.

[kipwinger 8,520]

Time to put these horse puns out to pasture.

[number9 3,297]

Time to put these horse puns out to pasture.

Well jeez Kip, why the long-face...?

[kipwinger 8,520]

Well jeez Kip, why the long-face...?

I can't help it, I'm a neigh-sayer.

[rick zombo 3,739]

I can't help it, I'm a neigh-sayer.

LOL. Awesome.

I think this one reins supreme

[kipwinger 8,520]

Nah, I'm not even that strong of a pun maker. I feel like this thread could really have gone super saiyan if Jimmy and BoS were around. When our powers combine...