16/17 offseason

[DickieDunn 2,571]

The only point that I agree with you is that I don't want any of the UFA Center's except Stamkos or Richards shortterm and for less money. They're all either useless or too old. I also don't think that Holland will be able to trade for a good 2nd line Center. But we'll see...

edit: I'd really like Brouwer though. Big, tough and versatile as he can play center. If he doesn't necessarily seek longterm, I'd like Holland to explore that.

You say you want Richards but not others because they're too old and worthless in the same post. If you want Richards back at any price you're ok with old and useless.

[poel 28]

You say you want Richards but not others because they're too old and worthless in the same post. If you want Richards back at any price you're ok with old and useless.

I want Richards if Holland doesn't manage to trade for a Centerman. And I'd want him because he played very well lately plus he knows the players and system already. Richards is an excellent teamguy and we need a strong 2nd/3rd Center to shoulder a little bit for Z. If Z has to do all the work in the defensive zone he's not gonna play a good season.

[DickieDunn 2,571]

He wasn't a strong 2nd/3rd center last year. He will be worse next year. Too old and too slow. Virtually any young player playing in his place would be as good or better.

[kickazz 5,459]

Richards isn't an upgrade over Larkin. We'll have to see how they are on faceoffs come september. I'd assume a guy with Larkin's work ethic will do what he can to increase his faceoff %

Edited May 27, 2016 by kickazz

[krsmith17 7,191]

Although I don't think we should, we likely will use Zetterberg as our number one center again. And if that's the case, there's absolutely no way we should re-sign Richards or any other UFA center this summer, unless his name is Stamkos.

Determining what is best for the team this coming season as well as future seasons, there's no question Larkin should be our number two center going forward. A 20 year old Larkin is much better than a 36 year old Richards. What Larkin may lose in the face-off circle, he more than makes up for in virtually every other area of the game. Who gives a s*** if he loses one more faceoff in a game if he provides more everywhere else?... Just shelter his faceoffs outside the defensive zone.

Which player would you rather have as your number two center?

Player A: 49.6% FO% / -7 GvA:TkA / 0.41 Pts/G / 2.4 S/G / 0.2 Hits/G / 0.2 Bks/G / 307 iCorsi

Player B: 41.0% FO% / +4 GvA:TkA / 0.56 Pts/G / 2.8 S/G / 0.8 Hts/G / 0.3 Bks/G / 390 iCorsi

I don't think there's any way Larkin's faceoff percentage doesn't improve, along with every other area of his game, while Richards will likely regress in most areas. Basing who we use as our centers next season only on faceoff percentage is short-sighted. There are so many other factors to consider, and Larkin has the edge in every one of them...

Edited May 27, 2016 by krsmith17

[DickieDunn 2,571]

Stamkos at anything close to reasonable.

Backes for 4 years or less.

There are a few other guys who could bring some size and toughness and not just be punchers if they signed for a shorter term deal.

On defense, get a real legit top pair guy or go with what they have. We don't need another #4 caliber D.

[romagoth 47]

You say you want Richards but not others because they're too old and worthless in the same post. If you want Richards back at any price you're ok with old and useless.

Very unlikely Richards comes back. There was an article about him a week or so ago where he said Detroit was probably not a good fit for him. I find it hard to believe he would come back to a team that is probably not any better than they were last year.

But, who knows with Ken Holland anymore.

[Krayzie_Bone 58]

The last thing we need us another defenseman thatturns it overall day like smith and green. Erickson is pretty much a wasted contract and he turns it iver a lot also. Kronwall is still good but has noticeable fallen off. A solid stay at home defenseman would be amazing. P.S.i would bet big money kenny brings back richards. He always gives them one more year when its obvious to everyone they are done.

Edited June 9, 2016 by Krayzie_Bone

[kickazz 5,459]

P.S.i would bet big money kenny brings back richards. He always gives them one more year when its obvious to everyone they are done.

How much ya betting? Kenny said he won't offer Richard's a contract so you're likely to lose the bet

[pondrocket 35]

Without fixing the D, none of the free agents the Wings need will choose to come to Detroit. Trade for one, find the pieces to trade for one or just continue the slide we have been on for 8 years.