Players with the most on the line

by Casey Richey on Sep 22, 2009 1:03 PM CDT in Opinion Comment 7 comments

Continuing with the season preview theme, here are three players that have a lot on the line with their performance. Note I don't mean they are all necessarily at risk for being off the team, just a lot to prove.

1. Brett Lebda- With Jonathan Ericsson making the jump from Grand Rapids to Detroit and Jakub Kindl making similar progress, Lebda will need to prove he is worth his salary. The problem for him is that even if he can show some improvement, he might be traded away to free up some roster space for a cheaper replacement in Kindl. Lebda has the potential but doesn't always live up to it, reason for me to believe he will be gone sooner rather than later-assuming those waiting in line for the 6th spot continue to develop.

2. Tomas Holmstrom- Although a fan favorite in Motown-and only in Motown probably-Homer's production has declined and his health has been problematic to say the least. I'm not saying his health issues are unfounded and minute because I know I could take one game of the abuse that he takes, let alone an entire season. But at a certain point, lack of production will cost you a roster spot. Add to the increasing speculation that Holmstrom might be dealt at the deadline, he has a lot to prove about his health and skills. Will the Red Wings be able to find someone that can do what Holmstrom does in front of the net? No, not even close. But they could find another player to fill the $2.25 million void.

3. Darren Helm- "The Kid" will be under pressure to follow up on his exceptional playoff performance. Luckily for him, and Wings fans, his skill is high and I don't see it dropping off all that much. With his contract up at the end of the season, Helm could showcase his talents for potential offseason suitors or give himself leverage for a hefty raise in Detroit. Helm has big expectations on his shoulders but could fit nicely into the scoring plans, despite that pressure. Contract years can make or break a young career but hopefully he'll handle it like he handled that epic lone man penalty kill. He has the least to lose but a lot on the line in terms of contract gains.

Poll

Who has the most on the line with his performance in the upcoming season?

Lebda

364 votes

Holmstrom

263 votes

Helm

71 votes

698 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 7 comments |

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Comments

Zetterberg

As surprising as it may seem I’d include Zetterberg in this list as well. Hank needs to perform at his highest level this season to prove that his shiny new contract isn’t in vein AND that he is the one to fill the shoes of Lidstrom as captain when Lids retires. Staying healthy is also something that Zetterberg’s had held against him the past season or two. While he shouldn’t be #1 on the list of players looking for something to prove, he should definitely be mentioned.

by Zegarek88 on Sep 22, 2009 2:10 PM CDT reply actions

i would actually agree..

to an extent. He’s established and consistent though, reasons i didn’t feel he should be on the list. But yes, he and Johan have a lot to prove with their contracts and Zetterberg has leadership to prove if he wants that “C”

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Sep 22, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Lebda really has the most to prove. He’s been here for quite a few years and he hasn’t improved much. I thought his best years were his first two years. Holmstrom does somewhat, but only to himself. He has already pretty much said if he doesn’t stay healthy this year, then he will probably retire. Helm is only 22. The Wings rarely use guys that young. I don’t think there is that much pressure on him to be a top contributor. He’s only played 23 regular season games, but has excelled in the playoffs. I can’t see him failing in the regular season.

I think they should trade Lebda. He is a good 5th or 6th defenseman, but he has shown that he really isn’t getting any better. Ericsson has barely played and looks great and Kindl is close behind. These guys are the future.

by dewman8810 on Sep 22, 2009 4:07 PM CDT reply actions

trade lebda, maybe holmstrom depending on his play and what we can get in return…if not maybe he will retire next season depending on how beat up he is. if he retires, then its gonna be a rebuilding off season, with all the players whos contracts are up after this season you can only imagine ken holland has something planned

by Fiend on Sep 22, 2009 4:31 PM CDT reply actions

Helm?

I would say Howard has more to prove considering the goalie prospects we have. Helm is already becoming a fan favorite for his incredible speed, and the wings forward prospects are pretty mediocre after Helm, Leino and Abdelkader.

by rc2id on Sep 22, 2009 5:37 PM CDT reply actions

Agreed

This is Howard’s time to prove he is an NHL goaltender. I don’t think he is, but that is to be seen. I like the idea of Thomas McCollum as the goalie of the future, not Howard. The trend in the NHL is that the bigger goalies are more successful. McCollum is big, Howard is not. I just think Howard is just too small to be an effective starting goalie.

by dewman8810 on Sep 23, 2009 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions