Official 2018 Off Season *Rebuild* Thread

[Neomaxizoomdweebie 3,083]

2 hours ago, Dabura said:

This is why I'm so excited about the next couple of drafts. The Wings have learned to scrape by in drought conditions, but now they're finally in for some heavy rain. 21(+) picks across two very deep drafts means a hell of a lot more to the Wings than it would to most other organizations. The 2018 draft alone could totally reshape our talent pool. We could double the number of Rasmussen/Cholowski/Hronek-tier prospects in our system practically overnight.

I guess extending that playoff streak doesn't seem so bad now, huh? It was all part of the long con.

[DickieDunn 2,571]

13 hours ago, RightWeiner said:

I can't imagine many scenarios where that would make sense for us. 

Might as well just keep AA and draft a defencemen.

 

...and I'm not even a huge AA fan.

even if trading AA and that pick gets a #2 or 3 d-man, later 1st rounders don't generally amount to much on average, and that caliber of a d-man is more valuable than a 15-20 goal winger.

[LeftWinger 4,953]

This is the first year that I feel there is nothing out there UFA that we need to pursue, outside of JT of course. Holland had mentioned not explorer UFA, but I'm sure he'll throw an offer at him.

Maybe he'll bring Vanek back, which wouldn't be the worst thing. Him and Nielsen had pretty good chemistry before he got hurt.

But, if we got nobody and just upgraded our kids (or Svechling in the draft) then this will most definitely be a first for me not being upset if we get nobody July 1st. 

Again, if Holland does land JT  or even if he has others in mind, I also won't be upset.

[RightWeiner 17]

5 hours ago, DickieDunn said:

even if trading AA and that pick gets a #2 or 3 d-man, later 1st rounders don't generally amount to much on average, and that caliber of a d-man is more valuable than a 15-20 goal winger.

In the average draft...

This is supposed to be one of the deepest in years. 

I think trading a 1st in this draft would be extremely short sighted. It would have to be an absolute homerun.

[Neomaxizoomdweebie 3,083]

On 4/16/2018 at 1:05 PM, DickieDunn said:

AA and Vegas' 1st might get a d-man.

*fixed

[Neomaxizoomdweebie 3,083]

Some light end of season reading:

https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/04/17/penalty-box-history-nhl-playoffs

 

Also, if anyone hasn't heard, the Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City was blind sided last year by the NHL into having to spend $200K to upgrade both ice rinks to NHL standards. There was talk that the Wings would have to move the Prospect Tournament and Training Camp somewhere else if the remodel wasn't completed. That would be a shame as having it there in such a small, quaint atmosphere, getting that close to the players, just wouldn't be the same if it was held at LCA. It is a truly a unique experience. Imagine the Wings playing a scrimmage game at your local indoor ice rink, and bumping into and taking pictures with guys like Kris Draper, Chris Chelios, and Ken Daniels walking around. That's what it's like there. Even the worst seats are only feet from the ice surface, and you not only get to see all of the roster players (no healthy scratches) you also get to see all of the prospects.

Luckily, it appears that arena is moving forward with the renovations, which would make sense considering the city generates far more than $200K each year from the Wings being there. And the Wings have agreed to stay there for at least the next 5 years if the renovations are made. This is good news as I plan on attending both the Prospect Tournament and Training Camp this year, and maybe take in some Upper Peninsula while I'm up there. They are currently taking Private donations as well. You can read about it here:

http://themalikreport.com/2018/04/16/a-bit-more-about-centre-ice-arenas-fundraising-drive/

[LeftWinger 4,953]

It also needs to be said that the Wings aren't the only NHL team that holds prospects camp there.  I think they host 4(?) team's prospects in the tourney that comes there every year. So it would most definitely be beneficial that the arena do the upgrades. Costly, yes, but worth it IMO.

[RightWeiner 17]

AA for Geekie

[krsmith17 7,191]

33 minutes ago, RightWeiner said:

AA for Geekie

I'd do it without hesitation.

Doubt Carolina would though...

[Dabura 12,207]

2 hours ago, RightWeiner said:

AA for Geekie

2 hours ago, krsmith17 said:

I'd do it without hesitation.

Doubt Carolina would though...

Yeah, I really doubt Carolina would go for that. Between Skinner and Lindholm and Rask and Aho and Teravainen, they have plenty of young AA/Mantha-caliber forwards already. What they need is a true gamebreaker, which Geekie could end up being. It would sort of be like us trading Rasmussen for Kasperi Kapanen. Besides, Geekie shoots right-handed, so the Wings wouldn't have any interest in him anyway.

[krsmith17 7,191]

13 minutes ago, Dabura said:

Yeah, I really doubt Carolina would go for that. Between Skinner and Lindholm and Rask and Aho and Teravainen, they have plenty of young AA/Mantha-caliber forwards already. What they need is a true gamebreaker, which Geekie could end up being. It would sort of be like us trading Rasmussen for Kasperi Kapanen. Besides, Geekie shoots right-handed, so the Wings wouldn't have any interest in him anyway.

This is a huge reason I'd have interest in him...

We need to inject (draft / trade for) some right-handed forwards into this lineup...

[Dabura 12,207]

34 minutes ago, krsmith17 said:

We need to inject (draft / trade for) some right-handed forwards into this lineup...

"No." - Red Wings

[RightWeiner 17]

3 hours ago, krsmith17 said:

I'd do it without hesitation.

Doubt Carolina would though...

 

47 minutes ago, Dabura said:

Yeah, I really doubt Carolina would go for that. Between Skinner and Lindholm and Rask and Aho and Teravainen, they have plenty of young AA/Mantha-caliber forwards already. What they need is a true gamebreaker, which Geekie could end up being. It would sort of be like us trading Rasmussen for Kasperi Kapanen. Besides, Geekie shoots right-handed, so the Wings wouldn't have any interest in him anyway.

Is he that highly regarded? I'll be honest, I'd never even heard of him before this year.

He was passed over in his draft year and when he was finally drafted last year, it wasnt until the 3rd round. 

Not to mention he actually had less points this year than last. Exceptional playoffs of course.

You guys are acting like he's a blue-chipper though.

[Dabura 12,207]

1 minute ago, RightWeiner said:

Is he that highly regarded? I'll be honest, I'd never even heard of him before this year.

He was passed over in his draft year and when he was finally drafted last year, it wasnt until the 3rd round. 

Not to mention he actually had less points this year than last. Exceptional playoffs of course.

Fair point. I wouldn't say he's as highly regarded as Rasmussen, but it's the same idea: Rasmussen and Geekie are still unknowns with the potential to do great things five years from now, while AA and Kapanen are older and more known and likely wouldn't really give the Hurricanes or Wings anything they don't already have or couldn't get by other, cheaper means.

But then, I'm not the Hurricanes' GM, and I've certainly been wrong about countless things in the past.

[RightWeiner 17]

1 minute ago, Dabura said:

Fair point. I wouldn't say he's as highly regarded as Rasmussen, but it's the same idea: Rasmussen and Geekie are still unknowns with the potential to do great things five years from now, while AA and Kapanen are older and more known and likely wouldn't really give the Hurricanes or Wings anything they don't already have or couldn't get by other, cheaper means.

Right but I think there's a lot different expectations from a Top 10 pick and a 3rd round over ager. Geekie is a year older than Rasmussen and in Junior that means alot. 

[Dabura 12,207]

1 minute ago, RightWeiner said:

Right but I think there's a lot different expectations from a Top 10 pick and a 3rd round over ager. Geekie is a year older than Rasmussen and in Junior that means alot. 

For sure. Maybe Rasmussen was a bad comparable. But you get where I'm coming from, yeah?

Worth noting: I've liked Geekie for a while now, so I'm probably a little biased. Maybe the Hurricanes see him as just another prospect, nothing special.

[LeftWinger 4,953]

Looking at the roster, if we don't re-sign Booth or Green that leaves 2 open spots up front and 2 open spots on D for kids to make the roster 13 and 8. We also need a B/U goalie.  Do you think Holland just puts Coreau there or does he look to UFA? Are there any NCAA goalies out there that are undrafted or unsigned?

13/8/2 with Witkowski being able to rotate if needed. Bringing up 4 kids would be a good thing if we don't land JT or if Holland doesn't bring back Vanek.

 

Edited April 21, 2018 by LeftWinger

[RightWeiner 17]

2 hours ago, LeftWinger said:

Looking at the roster, if we don't re-sign Booth or Green that leaves 2 open spots up front and 2 open spots on D for kids to make the roster 13 and 8. We also need a B/U goalie.  Do you think Holland just puts Coreau there or does he look to UFA? Are there any NCAA goalies out there that are undrafted or unsigned?

13/8/2 with Witkowski being able to rotate if needed. Bringing up 4 kids would be a good thing if we don't land JT or if Holland doesn't bring back Vanek.

 

1. Green will be re-signed. Holland has essentially said so and the feelings seem mutual.

2. Coreau will not be re-signed. Holland has essentially said this and has said he will explore the UFA goalie market.

3. Rasmussen, Hicketts, Svechnikov and Turgeon are the guys we're likely to see next year. Some for more, some for less.

Almost all these topics are covered in Holland's end-of-season presser. Surprised you haven't watched  it with all these questions.  I recommend you check it out. Hear it right from the horses mouth. 

Now obviously all that could change depending on what happens at the draft and leading up to the season. 

[THATANK911 17]

On 3/25/2018 at 4:50 PM, HadThomasVokounOnFortSt said:

So I didn’t know where else to put this so right here since these last handful of games mean nothing besides tank train. Apparently the Wings had a “competitive” practice today lol.

Witkowski skating in his figure skates beating up his team mates. Bash saying "the bad news is Witkowski those are your team mates" "Good news is those are your team mates"

[LeftWinger 4,953]

So, if Green is coming back, that'll leave ONE spot unless XO is dealt/waived. Still TWO up front.

What players do you guys think are going to make the jump.  I know the Ras situation, I figure he will get a spot up front, sending him back to Jrs. will just hold him back from further development. If Holland is true to his word about the kids coming in, then Ras should be on the opening night roster. Hopefully proving me wrong with his play!

Any goalies out there intrigue you guys? I'd like to see us sign one that will at least push Jimmy either to step it up (ya right) or push him right back to the bench.

[RightWeiner 17]

1 hour ago, LeftWinger said:

So, if Green is coming back, that'll leave ONE spot unless XO is dealt/waived. Still TWO up front.

What players do you guys think are going to make the jump.  I know the Ras situation, I figure he will get a spot up front, sending him back to Jrs. will just hold him back from further development. If Holland is true to his word about the kids coming in, then Ras should be on the opening night roster. Hopefully proving me wrong with his play!

Any goalies out there intrigue you guys? I'd like to see us sign one that will at least push Jimmy either to step it up (ya right) or push him right back to the bench.

Dekeyser, Ericsson, Daley, Kronwall, Ouellete, Jensen, Green, *Witkowski, *Hicketts *Hronek

How is there a spot?

Rasmussen, Svechnikov, Turgeon up front.

Is there an echo in here?

[LeftWinger 4,953]

I feel I shouldn't even get into a debate with the 4lifer, but when was the last time Witko played D, he was more used as a forward in the latter stages of the season. You don't HAVE to have him on D. As a matter of fact on CapFriendly he is listed with the FWDS.

IF you kept him as a FWD that would make 12 spots up front (without Booth) and 6 spots on D, 5 if you trade XO. Most teams carry either 13/14 forwards or 7/8 D. If you trade XO and sign Green there is 6 D, TWO spots open. Still TWO spots open up front if you go 14/7.  ONE AND TWO if you go 13/8.

Hicketts and Hronek are not guaranteed a spot but they are included when I say have the kids compete for a spot or spots.

If we sign ALL our RFA's here are the guaranteed players:

Zetterberg, Abby, Helm, Glenny, Nyquist, Witko, Larkin, Mantha, Frk, AA, Nielsen, Bertuzzi.

That is TWELVE (12) Forwards WITH Witko. Leaving 1 or 2 spots depending on 13/8 or 14/7.

Kronwall, Ericsson, Daley, DD, Jensen, XO.

That is SIX (6) D. Opening up TWO spots if you go with the 13/8 combo. Re-sign Green, it is still ONE spot open if you go 13/8 combo. If XO gets traded or waived we're back to TWO spots 13/8.

So if we don't get Dahlin, and we DO re-sign Green and DON'T trade XO, if Holland goes with 8 D, that is still ONE open spot for our draft pick (if its a D) and our younger players to compete for.

If Holland goes 14/7, then the D is full (with Green and XO staying) but then there are 2 spots still open up front.

 I do like the forwards you suggest to fill up the lines.

and BTW, the only echo in here is your IP Address...

Edited April 22, 2018 by LeftWinger

[LeftWinger 4,953]

Roster 13/8 WITH Green and XO

Bertuzzi - Z - Nyquist

AA - Larkin - Mantha

OPEN - Nielsen - FRK

Abby - Glenny - Helm

Witko

 

Kronwall - Daley

DD - Green

Ericsson - Jensen

XO - OPEN

...any combo of taking away XO or Green makes TWO open D spots.

Roster 14/7 WITH Green XO

Bertuzzi - Z - Nyquist

AA - Larkin - Mantha

OPEN - Nielsen - FRK

Abby - Glenny - Helm

Witko - OPEN

 

Kronwall - Daley

DD - Green

Ericsson - Jensen

XO

...again, any combo of taking away Green or XO would leave a spot to compete for even with only having 7 D.

[LeftWinger 4,953]

That is why I said, the likes of Daley, E, Kronwall, DD and if Green is signed, aren't going to lose their jobs, I'd even go as far as saying Jensen is pretty safe, let them sit 99% of the pre-season games let 4-6ish D-kids compete for one or two spots against XO, if any one or two of them out play XO, keep the kid and drop XO in some form.

Pre-Season D

XO - Draft Pick

Cholowski - Hronek

Hicketts - Sarijaarvi/other draft pick

Edited April 22, 2018 by LeftWinger

[marcaractac 3,963]

Holy wall of LeftWinger posts