The Andreas Lilja Dilemma

by Casey Richey on Sep 8, 2009 8:00 AM CDT in Opinion Comment 12 comments

Andreas Lilja's post-concussion problems have been giving headaches to more people than just himself. Following the brutal beating at the hands of Nashville's Shea Weber in a demoralizing 8-0 loss in February, Lilja has yet to return to the ice for a game and has had constant ups and downs with recovery. As one of the biggest physical players on the team, Lilja was crucial to defense by way of shot blocking and clearing the crease of any blue-paint planted forward. If and when he returns to the line-up, the Wings would have a very solid 7 man rotation on defense.

But that's a big "when" and an even bigger "if" in the post-Eric Lindros NHL. Concussions aren't taken lightly, nor should they be, so Lilja's season and potentially his career are in jeopardy if the headaches and other symptoms associated with the injury don't stop any time soon. Adding to the complexity of the situation is that Lilja is in the final year of his contract, making $1.25 million and several young replacements waiting in the Wings.

There are several routes the Wings can take but they are all contingent upon whether or not Lilja is able to make a full recovery by the start of the season. We'll examine both routes and make a few assumptions in the process, because after all don't we all like to pretend we can be Ken Holland sometimes?

If Lilja is healthy:

Returns to the starting six defenders, no doubt in my mind
Likely would be paired with fellow Swede Jonathan Ericsson. That's a very physical third line pairing, averaging 6'4", 210 pounds.
Brett Lebda would be the odd man out. To me, Ericsson has shown more in his very short time with the Wings than Lebda has in about 300 games.
Detroit calls up a cheaper replacement for Lebda

If Lilja is unhealthy:

If the problems continue, Andreas could wind up on the long term injured reserve list. If he's on the long-term IR, he's salary doesn't count against the cap until he returns.
If the problems force him to retire, he could be placed on the long term IR and his contract would still not count against the cap; allowing the Red Wings to call up a replacement or sign for one.
Lebda and Ericsson would likely stay as the 3rd line defensive pairing while a Grand Rapids guy like Jakub Kindl would make the jump to be the 7th man, seeing occasional or frequent play depending on injuries or lack of production from other players.
Detroit could sign another a defenseman if Lilja's salary didn't count against the cap, as mentioned above.

So that's the long and the short of it. Detroit has several options to consider in order to deal with the situation. I would not fault him for retiring (even if temporary) due to complications from the injury. I personally would like to see him back in uniform at the start of the season because he is an invaluable asset on the penalty kill and the defending the stars side.

Let's hear what you have to say on it.

UPDATE: Ansar Khan of MLive.com had this article up today and this quote comes from it:

Unless Lilja makes a quick recovery, he will start the season on long-term injured reserve, taking his $1.25 million salary off the cap. The Wings currently are slightly over the cap. They must be compliant by the start of the regular season.

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The Lilja Conundrum

If Lilja can’t go – I don’t think they’ll make a move to replace him at all. Ken Holland has said he’d prefer to go with seven defensemen this season (as opposed to 8 like last year), and if Lilja’s injuries prevent him from playing, the other seven (including Ericsson) will suffice. Not to mention, there are salary cap issues at play that would prevent the Red Wings from acquiring another player without shedding more than just Lilja’s cap number.

I agree about Lebda, though. If Lilja can return to the lineup, it’s more likely that Lebda is the odd man out than Meech. Lebda has more NHL experience, has a slightly higher price tag and would garner a higher return in a trade. There’s also the fact that Derek Meech plays forward when asked, which is nice when you only carry 22 players as opposed to the league maximum of 23.

Like you said, when Lilja returns, he’s in the top six – no question. Its guys that are barely in the top six now that suffer (Lebda). Johnny Ericsson is going nowhere. There’d be no reason to call up Kindl if he’s just going to become the 8th guy and sit in the press box – and the Wings salary situation won’t allow for it anyway.

by mpetrella on Sep 8, 2009 8:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The only reason I mentioned Kindl was if Lilja is unhealthy and unable to play at all and his salary would not count against the Wings’ cap while on LTIR and from some of the reports I had read about Kindl’s play, he could be a top 6 in the near future. But like you said, there would be no sense (and no ability) to put him in the press box. I would not be surprised if Lebda or Meech is moved at some point this year.

I agree that Meech has more value for the dollar though with his ability to play forward. I like Lebda but there needs to be improvement in my opinion.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Sep 8, 2009 10:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I have always liked Lebda for what he CAN do. But he just doesn’t do it enough. He shows flashes of greatness when he speeds up the ice and joins the play, but he just makes a lot of poor decisions, and lately has just been kind of vanilla. He is replaceable. I was always down on Lilja because of his turnovers and lack of speed, but this past season he was the Wings most consistent defensman. I would almost say he was their “best” defenseman this past year. He did his job perfectly. He chipped in more offensively too last year. He didn’t commit near the turnovers that he had in the past. He defensive game was better than anyone I thought, even Lidstrom. He for sure was much better than Rafalski.

I think the Wings best option for him, is to place him on LITR if he doesn’t get any better. If he is ready to go, then they can afford to lose Lebda and Meech. The Wings have enough depth at both positions to lose Meech. They don’t need both though. They have plenty of forwards now so they don’t need to use Meech there.

Either way… Lilja, Lebda, and Meech are all replaceable so whatever happens will be fine.

by dewman8810 on Sep 8, 2009 11:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No dilemma, TRADE HIM!!!! For late round draft picks.

Liljs is nicknamed Kilja for a reason. Stepping on the puck in the Stanley Cup Finals in game two of the third period with a one goal lead giving a breakaway to Petr Sykora in 2008, turnovers to Selanne in the conference finals, playing on the PK and the PK falling into a stupor with him blocking shots instead of clearing the puck like Chelios would have done!!! Do I need to write more? There are over one hundred examples of bad play.

by Marcmargolis on Sep 8, 2009 1:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Give Lilja a break already!!!!!!

Paul Coffey put the puck in his own net in a playoff series. And you know what? He is still in the HOF. Defensive breakdowns happen. Even Lidstrom has them on occasion. That being said…..I worry very little about the Wings D corps. With or without Lilja the Wings have it covered. I do think they want the leagues leading shot blocker from 2 seasons ago in their lineup though. I think a lot of Wings fans have become spoiled by success and expect unrealistic things out of players. If you have ever played the game in an organized fashion, you already understand how sometimes the puck just does not bounce your way. If you have never played…and you continue to unduly criticize someone for something you do not have a clue about…..I think they have a baseball blog somewhere that is missing you right now.

by riki42972 on Sep 8, 2009 1:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

On Occasion?? Are you a Ducks fan or a Blackhawks Fan? YOU Are not a Wings Fan!!!

I have had the pleasure of watching all of the Redwings games over the past fifteen seasons and Andreas Lilja is the worst player that has worn the Redwings crest in that time!!! Turnovers that cost you a chance at the Stanley Cup are not on occasion, they are unforgivable!!! Lilja has had three such turnovers, one cost the Redwings a series. The Selanne turnover in 2005, the Sykora turnover in 2008 that almost cost game 2, and the numerous others… You are no longer allowed to be a Rediwngs fan you sir are an idiot!!!

by Marcmargolis on Sep 9, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, but I again say that you would be more of an idiot if you continue to think that Chris Chelios is a better option at this point. Chelios looked lost many times last year. I also have to completely disagree about Lilja being the worst Red Wing of the last 15 years. That has to go to Boyd Devereaux. According to your assessment of these “unforgiveable” turnovers… then Brian Rafalski, Niklas Kronwall and Brad Stuart have no business being Red Wings. Brad Stuart had two bad turnovers to Max Talbot in Game 7. Kronwall and Rafalski constantly turn over the puck when they pass from behind the net up the middle. Rafalski can’t force a guy to the outside to save his life. The Staal shorty was a perfect example of that. Also watch the 8-0 and 8-2 losses to the Preds and Jackets last year. Rafalski constantly set goals up on a platter to Rick Nash, and also let the great Joel Ward of Nashville to blow past him with no room on the outside. Lilja was worlds better last year than any other year he played. No question he was turnover prone, but he really turned up his game last year and was very good for the Wings. I just think the idiot is you, because none of the things you post really ever make sense.

by dewman8810 on Sep 9, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cool it pal

No reason to call anyone an idiot. He makes a valid point that mistakes are made pretty often in a sport like hockey.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Sep 10, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's not get crazy, here

I’m sorry, but Lilja is not the worst player to don the Winged Wheel in the past 15 seasons. I have to agree with dewman8810. Boyd Devereaux was much worse.

As much as I love Cheli and respect his play for us, he doesn’t fit with the current Wings.

Our defense sucked last season. Not just one guy. The entire freakin’ team. We were 25th on the PK, for God’s sake. We can’t blame every loss on just one guy. Believe me, I have not been a big fan of Lilja, but I do think he has been improving and we could use him on he blueline. I’d rather see him back there than Lebda.

by Seaner in Sharkville on Sep 15, 2009 1:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he is able to come back, I say we trade him for picks. A 4th and 7th rounder maybe. Who knows how he will be when he comes back. We are set on D for the future with Ericsson, Kindl (Who is pretty good from what I have seen), Kronwall, and Stuart. In two-three seasons, our top pair will be Ericsson and Kronwall. Not a bad top pair if you ask me. Stuart and Rafalski won’t be bad either (assuming Lidstrom has two-three seasons left in the tank) as the second pairing. Then you have Kindl and someone we pick up between now and then on the third line with a Griffin floating in and out as the 7th man. Get some draft picks for Lilja and do what we do best: Develop from within.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 8, 2009 4:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Margolis, if that’s true then Rafalski has to go and stuart, who’s turnover in game 7 cost us the game has to go also. Lilja has made errors, yes. But he’s done more good than bad. he’s a good shot blocker and brings a much needed physical presence.

by Rollinwing on Sep 9, 2009 7:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Only Reason Lilja is in Position to Block Shots

Is a direct result of the puck he just gave to the opposition. I dare any of you genius’s that believe this no talent has talent to actually pay attention to that aspect of the game. Andreas Lilja does not play PUCK CONTROL, he play Puck in the cotrol of the opponent. Yes I do agree that Lilja’s play did improve last year, but there was no place to go except up. His game sucks, I wish him well as a defenseman with another team such as Anaheim or Chicago. I think Datsyuk, Franzen, Zetterburg, etal would love the opportunity to play opposite Lilja in a game to tap him for loose pucks and defensive zone turnovers!!!

by Marcmargolis on Sep 11, 2009 2:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs