Free Agency

by TipOfTheZberg on Jun 13, 2011 10:05 PM CDT

I forgot my password for this site. I got it now and I noticed the Wings aren't getting alot of news lately so I'll just say some interesting stuff.

The Detroit Red Wings have roughly 20 Million in their hands. Firstly I do think Nick Lidstrom will return for a few reasons, Kenny Holland knows he is going to be active on the Free Agent market this year and has the potential to secure a big name defenseman. Some names that come to mind Joni Pitkanen, James Wisniewski or Ian White. Lidstrom's salary could be a low 1-2 million dollar range or upwards of 4 million. So I am going to say Nick re-signs for 4 million at the most. We are now left with 16 million dollars and I think we need to find two defencemen. Personally if Ericsson already turned down a resonableoffer earlier this year then he is not worth the money. He is asking for more than 2 million and I don't think he has proved he has the skills to have the much of a pay raise. I also feel that Brendan Smith is no where near close to being ready for the big leagues, he needs more seasoning, and Jakub Kindl is not quite ready, get him on as the 7th defenceman this year.

So, we need two defencemen with 16 million to spare. Two big names that stand out to me is Ian White and James Wisniewski. Both made around the same amount of money (lower 3 million range) last year and are probably going to get quite a few offers from teams. Personally, I would only take one of the two, both are big body defencemen that can contribute on the offense. Ian White would be my choice because he probably wont get as much attention as Wisniewski this offseason, and we can probably sign White for a reasonable 4 million. So that's 12 million left for another defencemen and possibly a forward. The second defenceman I would like to see in a Wing jersey is Anton Babchuck. He is a right handed shot, 6'5, 212 lbs and is at the prime age of 27, had a very good season offensively with a not-so-good Carolina Hurricane team and he will come at a decent price. Sign this guy to a 3 million dollar deal.I nearly forgot about Ruslan Salei. I thought he had a very good year considering his age at 35. He played his shutdown defenceman role effectively and when Kindl was threatning for the 6th spot Salei turned up his game, come playoff time I thought he was rock solid for us. At the most sign him 1 million.

We currently have nine forwards (excluding Hudler) on our roster. The free agents are Miller, Modano, Draper and Eaves, we have 8 million to play with and 3 roster spots. Re-signing Kris Draper and Patrick Eaves is the best thing to do. Get those two at 1 million combined at we have 7 mil and 1 roster spot left. I think Mo retires and Miller could make a good 13th forward, he is not top 12 material though, is inconsistency is the main reason why I say that. I want to look at some left wingers in the free agency to see if we can get a solid bottom six player or potential top 6 player. Erik Cole stands out the most because we could at best get him for 4 million which leaves us with 3 mil left, 3 million we will need next year when re-signing Kronwall and Stuart. I also think Hudler should be traded for draft picks, get rid of him I dont want useless bodies on my team.

As for goalie I think Macdonald deserves a new contract. He played amazing for us this year and bailed the team out when Ozzy and Jimmah were both hurt. If Ozzy comes back at a cheap price then I would gladly take him. So what do you think about this new roster?

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Franzen-Filpula-Bertuzzi

Cole(switch him from 3rd to 2nd from time to time)-Helm- Cleary

Abdelkader-Draper-Eaves (Miller)

Lidstrom-White

Kronwall-Babchuck

Stuart-Salei (Kindl, Smith)

Howard- Macdonald/Osgood

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Comments

I don't think we improve much with this

We didn’t win the Cup this year obviously, and I think we’re a big time 1st/2nd line forward and a couple of solid defensemen away from doing so. With Holmstrom becoming a dead weight in 5-on-5 and Filpula still just shy of where we need him to be as a 2nd line center, a standout forward is a must. Just wanted to bring that up.

Living in Chicago is great... apart from the Blackhawks fans.

by Cornelious on Jun 13, 2011 10:47 PM CDT reply actions

agree

we should definitely make a run at Richards not the 7 million he wants but at least offer a 6 to 6.5 million dollar contract for 5 years

However i think spezza would be the best fit he is just reaching his prime and is arguably just as good if not better than Richards already

after that we could go after 1 or 2 of the following… Erhoff, white, babchuck, wiesniewski

as for draper id rather see him go thats just me

by SLAUGHTERHOUSE on Jun 13, 2011 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I like Spezza

but I think he’s going to be out of Kenny’s price range and while Richards may cost a little less, I think he’s going to overrate himself because the forward market is thin this year compared to other years.

by styks on Jun 14, 2011 1:11 AM CDT up reply actions

No on Spezza.

He’s a great talent, but he has his issues. He disappears for long stretches and is TERRIBLE defensively. Brad Richards is a much better option, and Richards has a Stanley Cup.

by dewman8810 on Jun 14, 2011 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe thats just because he was young

as he matures and gets more into his prime that could change and by the time he is 31 (like richards is now) he could be special playing with Dats or Z i don’t have to tell you this as a wings fan because you probably already know but Babs gets everything out of any players and Spezza reaching his full potential playing with 2 other stars could be scary for the league. ( ie. Miami Heat even though they just lost )

by SLAUGHTERHOUSE on Jun 15, 2011 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Please do not compare us to the Heat right now. Not that I am against the Heat (don’t really care), but they just lost the title after putting together a super team. Best not to put that kind of karma on the Wings. lol

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 15, 2011 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions

your probably right.. lol

i don’t really know how to apologize to the hockey gods so help me.

by SLAUGHTERHOUSE on Jun 15, 2011 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions

You buy three Avalanche jerseys (Roy, Limieux, and Foote), lay them on the ground, light them on fire, and then send standard prayers to Al.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 15, 2011 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions

there have been lots of

lousy players that have their name printed on Lord Stanley’s Cup…being on a single championship team doesn’t mean that Richards is a HOF player so don’t overrate him because of it

by styks on Jun 15, 2011 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't like your analysis at all

Salei was not a ‘shutdown’ defenceman at all. He was average at best and it seemed he couldn’t be trusted down the stretch. Ericsson was on the ice more often than Salei and I don’t think he’s all that great on defense. I wouldn’t mind Salei coming back for the same price, but he’s a 3rd line guy. You don’t expect him to be ‘shut down’ material.

There’s no way that Nick Lidstrom takes $1-2 million and even $4 million is ridiculous. Nick Lidstrom is the best defenseman to ever play the game and at 40 years young, he again a finalist for the Nick Lidstrom, I mean Norris, Trophy. He’s not worth $4 million. Ken Holland will pay him what he’s worth, $5-6 million.

Miller is a grind line player. Absolutely worth being top 12 material. Every team needs a Miller on their roster. He blocks shot, he kills penalties, he makes smart passes, he finishes checks, he hustles, he makes the most with the least. Drew Miller is what Red Wing hockey was all about in the 90s (minus the fighting). Drew Miller, Patrick Eaves, Justin Abdelkader, and Darren Helm are the soul of this franchise. They play hockey the way that Draper, McCarty, and Maltby played. Hard nosed, fast, efficient, zero flash, high energy, smack-talking hockey. They’re the blue collar group. If anyone is the 13th man, it’s Draper or Holmstrom only because of age and lack of legs (Draper isn’t even a great faceoff guy like he used to be). They can’t skate with the young bucks anymore. I love Draper and think he’s an asset to the locker room, but I’d rather see him partial retire and be a player-coach rather than a player.

I’d rather see this:

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Cleary
Franzen-Filppula-Bertuzzi
Abdelkader-Helm-Hudler (I’d like Hudler traded, he’s not the same as before the KHL)
Eaves-Tatar-Miller

Lidstrom-Stuart
Kronwall-White
Ericsson/Smith-Babchuk/Salei

Howard-Conklin/MacDonald

by styks on Jun 14, 2011 1:10 AM CDT reply actions

Few Things

1) We should have $21 million to play with, if the rumored salary cap is correct
2) Lidstrom will get no less than $5 million, unless he is really committed to letting us sign a big name guy (SHEAWEBER!) to play next to him next season. And that is if he returns.
3) If Lidstrom does not return, it would appear that Holmstrom will not either. His ~$2 million cap hit would not come off the books (35+ rule) and we would need another forward (bringing the total to 4)
4) As said in other threads, Bab~~cock~~chuck plays a style of D that doesn’t seem like it would mesh well with our forward line. He relies too much on the rest of the team staying out of his way while he plays defense and our team is one cohesive unit out there. In simpler terms: he’s an individual, not a team, player
5) Erik Cole isn’t going to sign with any team where he plays on the third line. It won’t happen. He’s a top line guy on 25/30 teams which also means he is worth more than $3-4 million. He’s out of the question.
6) Mursak MUST be with the team next season. He is too talented to put on waivers. We may not miss Ritola too much, but Mursak (and Tatar and Emmerton, who I believe are still two-ways next season) is too good a prospect to risk putting on waivers.
7) Whether he is ready or not, I get the feeling Brendan Smith will be the 7th defenseman this season.
8) I fully endorse Ian White. However, he is a 2nd pairing guy, not a top pairing. We are down to just Lidstrom up there, possibly even less, and Stuart-Kronwall is not a top pair. We absolutely have to make a run at Wisniewski. Thankfully, he is from Canton/Plymouth which will hopefully give us an edge in that sweepstakes.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 14, 2011 6:44 AM CDT reply actions

I kinda feel like we should offer Weber 8-10 mil a year just because if Nashville has to resign him thus you kinda cripple their cap

by jonathan.onne on Jun 14, 2011 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions

and if he signs he cripples ours

by SLAUGHTERHOUSE on Jun 14, 2011 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Not to mention the future draft picks we have to give up. No thanks not worth it.

Besides how many free agency signings have we made that have paid off at that dollar amount?

by PeeK7 on Jun 14, 2011 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah its like 3 1st rounders or something crazy like that

by SLAUGHTERHOUSE on Jun 14, 2011 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Your first round draft pick for the next 4 or 5 years, I believe, for a player of his caliber.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 14, 2011 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions

damn thats crazy

by SLAUGHTERHOUSE on Jun 14, 2011 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions

honestly...

If Lidstrom comes back the most likely scenario is the wings sign either Wisniewski or Pitkanen. Miller, Eaves, Ericsson & Osgood or McDonald are brought back. Mursak will be on the team. Emmerton will have a chance but most likely not make it and be claimed off waivers because he is out of options. We have Janik coming into a 1-way deal so he will be the 7th D with Smith/Tatar getting the call ups if needed.

Help Malik get to Traverse City for the Red Wings’ summer prospect tournament from July 7-14. Visit The Malik Report or donate here directly

by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 14, 2011 7:15 AM CDT reply actions

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Cleary
Franzen-Filppula-Bertuzzi
Mursak-Helm-Hudler
Eaves-Abdelkader-Holmstrom/Miller

Lidstrom-Stuart
Kronwall-Wisniewski/Pitkanen
Ericsson-Kindl/Janik

Howard-Conklin/MacDonald

Help Malik get to Traverse City for the Red Wings’ summer prospect tournament from July 7-14. Visit The Malik Report or donate here directly

by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 14, 2011 7:21 AM CDT up reply actions

*Howard-Osgood/MacDonald

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by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 14, 2011 7:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Holmstrom on the 4th line? Mursak getting into the third line? Stuart over Wisniewski? All incredibly unlikely.

Also, Janik is a 31 year old lifelong minor leaguer. He has no future in the NHL and I doubt we would care if he got claimed off waivers. I was under the impression Emmerton had one more year as a two-way. I’m also not sure if I am reading it wrong or what, but Tatar is a forward, not a defenseman as it seems you implied.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 14, 2011 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree on Janik and Mursak

but I understand why Homer is put on the 4th line. He’s a liability on the ice in 5 on 5. His minutes are going to be PP minutes only and a shift or 2 with Daytsuk. So it makes sens slotting him on the 4th line since his minutes will be so low. In reality, Pave and Hank will double shift as centers.

I also think Stuart will top with Lidstrom to provide some ‘force’ to the pairing. He paired very well with Nick during the regular season with Nick playing positional defense and Stuart pushing guys off the puck. I like the ‘bash brothers’ mix when Stuart and Kronwall are paired but I think its smart to separate your hitters a little bit.

by styks on Jun 14, 2011 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions

Wisniewski is as good a hitter as those two are, though. And more talented. Putting him on the top line makes more sense. You keep Stuart and Kronwall together, two guys who have great chemistry, put your top two defenseman on the top line, AND put some force on the ice next to Lidstrom.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 14, 2011 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Lidstrom and Stuart were a great pair why break that up. Holmstrom played on the 4th line at times. Mursak has speed to pair with Helm and was when he was up. this isn’t a “this is how the lines should be” thing i’m showing as best I can who i think will be on the team. The Wings don’t rank players as much as other teams, just because Stuart is a 3-4 defenseman doesnt mean he shouldn’t play with Lids if they work well together.

Emmerton is out of options if he is sent down he will have to clear waivers. and I don’t even have Tatar on there

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by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 14, 2011 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Fair enough. Usually when people set up a team like that, they are implying that that is where each player should be in terms of lines, so that is what I assumed you had done.

As for Stuart, he did play well with Lidstrom. But… so does everyone. It’s like Hudler. He’s absolute crap any time he doesn’t play with Datsyuk. Then he is mildly ok. Does that mean he should take minutes from Cleary or Zetterberg playing with Datsyuk? No freaking way. If we do get Wisniewski, I would definitely pair him with Lidstrom in the beginning. He would be our 2nd best defenseman and we should show him that confidence before we start juggling lines and looking for the best pairings. If it turns out Stuart is a better match with Lidstrom, we go with that. But we definitely would need to play Wisniewski with Lidstrom to begin with. That said… Wisniewski next to Kronwall would be scary.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 14, 2011 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions

I really think that any way you go you can mix and match with Lidstrom-Stuart-Wisniewski-Kronwall and they would all be amazing. Its the 5/6 that I worry about, I already trust Kindle more than Error-sson.

Emmerton is projected as middle or the pack guy and has a solid 2-way game. it would be worse to lose him than it was Ritola for sure

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by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 14, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

So I’ve been right in thinking that he is worth hanging on to. Question is: will Holland choose him over Drapes at training camp.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 14, 2011 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Also… that sucks about Emmerton and throws everything off for me. I have no doubt he’d get claimed off waivers. Is he worth making the 13th forward? My Griffin knowledge isn’t the best.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 14, 2011 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions

I implied that

Smith will be the first call for defense and Tatar will be the first for Forward

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by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 14, 2011 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions

That’s what I figured. I just read it wrong.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 14, 2011 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions

I’ll be honest: I’ve got a hard time agreeing to any of this when you’ve got Nicklas Lidstrom at $4M per year and Anton Babchuk at $3M per year.

Lidstrom (should he decide to come back) will get around $5-6M per season (likely closer to $6M), so that leaves $14M for the rest of the team. Ericsson is going to be paid $2.5-$3M per season, either by the Wings or someone else, so that leaves $11M to sign 1 more defenseman and fill out the forwards.

Eaves alone could get close to the $1M you’ve got committed to him and Draper. Draper might be back, but it will be for around $1M. Modano is gone. Miller will get a long look.

We also have to account for Hudler right now, because he has not been traded and there are no indications he will be dealt. Besides, as JJ has pointed out numerous times, what do you think you’ll get for him? Draft picks? Despite his struggles this year (and I am a Hudlerphobe, for those wondering), he is a proven 20-goal scorer in the NHL. He is also entering his contract year, and for a guy that has shown he’s willing to follow the money, there could be extra motivation to show that he’s a) worth what the Wings are paying him currently and b) due for a big raise.

If I were you, I’d revise some of my numbers. I like the idea of what you’re doing, but there’s no basis for those numbers in reality.

Winging It In Motown

@Amerinadian19

by Amerinadian on Jun 14, 2011 11:31 AM CDT reply actions

I say Lidstrom gets 6 mil

and I have a hard time swallowing 6 mil thrown at Wisniewski. 3.5-4 maybe but I’m sure his payday will rocket considering there aren’t many options out there.

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by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 14, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

someone else i'd throw out there to replace Big E if he leaves

Andy Greene. He’s 28, can put up some numbers as well as be defensively responsible. Born in Trenton, played at Compuware. He only made 750k last year hes a late bloomer, undrafted (ala Rafalski). his first full season 2009-10 he put up 37 points. he chipped in 23 last year on a horrible Devils team

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by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 14, 2011 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions

What other choice do we have, though? There are only 2-3 defenseman UFAs out there that could fit our top line and everyone will be gunning for them. We may have to overpay, or trade away assets to get another guy.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 14, 2011 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Thats what makes it hard

were going to overpay one way or another lets just hope that we overpay the right guy. I don’t see Wisniewski, Ehrhoff, Bieksa, Pitkanen, Jovanovki, or White being worth what they probably will get. I’m glad Kenny is smart enough to not stick us with a Brian Campbell contract

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by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 14, 2011 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Or a Cristobel Huet contract.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 14, 2011 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions

How to be a GM:

1. Reference Dale Tallon’s FA signings
2. Do the exact opposite

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by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 14, 2011 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't think we'll have to overpay

Lots of teams will be gunning for their services, but not lots of teams who have the pedigree and so many of the pieces in place to compete. We want a guy who wants a cup as much as he wants a payday. If Wisniewski runs off to make $6M, it’s going to be for a team worse than Detroit. Same goes for White. I’d rather have two mid-level $3M defenseman who are worth their salary than a $4.5M guy making $6M.

by J.J. from Kansas on Jun 14, 2011 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions

very true

and if Ericsson goes off to Toronto to catch up with his buddy Lebda we can use that money for one of those guys.

Help Malik get to Traverse City for the Red Wings’ summer prospect tournament from July 7-14. Visit The Malik Report or donate here directly

by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 14, 2011 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Couldn’t we go with a $6 million guy making $3 million?

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jun 14, 2011 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions

If we can pull that

Then I will jump for damn joy.

by J.J. from Kansas on Jun 14, 2011 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Lidstrom won't be signed for less than $6 million.

Kenny Holland wouldn’t low ball him.

by dewman8810 on Jun 14, 2011 7:23 PM CDT reply actions

Joni Pitkanen... eh, no.

by dewman8810 on Jun 14, 2011 7:23 PM CDT reply actions

Wiz Train Leaving the Station

Is the start of a bandwagon when it jumps off the blogs and into the paper?

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2011/06/james_wisniewski_the_best_opti.html

I think there will be three guys in the open market above the others: Wisniewski, Ehrhoff, and Pitkanen. Of them Wisniewski has the RH shot and is the one most likely to sign for the Wings at a slight hometown discount (more realistic salary closer to $4m than $6m). But has the biggest risk factor in that until this year he never played 1st line minutes or commanded the #1 power-play. So is this a 1 year wonder situation, or realization of his potential? Why Ken Holland gets the big bucks.

by cokolman on Jun 14, 2011 10:50 PM CDT reply actions

If we don’t draft Lidstrom’s son next year I quit.

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by DeathtotheHawks on Jun 15, 2011 8:19 AM CDT reply actions

Am I the only one who doesn't want Hudler to go?

I know he had a bad season, but I think he can turn it around…

"Goaltending is a normal job, sure. How would you like it in your job if every time you made a small mistake, a red light went on over your desk and 15,000 people stood up and yelled at you."
-Jacques Plante

by DetroitSports on Jun 15, 2011 5:56 PM CDT reply actions

But yeah, I'm pro Ian White

I would also like Wisniewski, but I don’t think think we’ll get both. Also, I don’t see Lidstrom getting signed for $4 million. Thinking 5, at the minimum…

by DetroitSports on Jun 15, 2011 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Brooks Laich and Ville Leino

by WE ARE L4SERS on Jun 15, 2011 9:00 PM CDT reply actions

This would be my roster for next year

http://www.capgeek.com/cap_calculator/roster.php?id=1408

by WE ARE L4SERS on Jun 15, 2011 9:37 PM CDT reply actions

4 million for Laich?

Seems a bit steep…

Detroit4Lyfe

by Rob Rogacki on Jun 15, 2011 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions

eh not really

maybe 3 – 3.5 but 4 is possible

by SLAUGHTERHOUSE on Jun 15, 2011 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm glad I got a decent disscusion going atleast..

I don’t think Brad Richards would be a good addition to the team and all it would do is stack our offence up, (see 2009 with Hossa) a huge chunk of free cap space would go to a top 3 forward which we dont need. We need depth scoring on the bottom six, I see now that Erik Cole probably wouldnt like 3rd line minutes, I really like Joel Ward (1.5M last season) and Jussi Jokinen (1.7M). One of these guys can play 3rd line minutes but can also play on the 2nd line if a player isnt performing well or when injury occurs.

I’m only saying Lids for 4M because I’m just trying to picture a deal Lids could make with Kenny, this off-season could very well put us back in Stanley Cup mode as we saw in 2002, we need lots of cap space and I’m just hoping some deal where Lids isnt taking up too much cap space is made…

uhhhhh yeah

by TipOfTheZberg on Jun 15, 2011 10:40 PM CDT reply actions

if wishes were horses

then pigs would ride

by styks on Jun 15, 2011 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Wings have plenty of forward depth… At least when you consider Emmerton, Mursak, and potentialy Tatar are ready to contribute. The problem Wings have to decide to fish or cut bait… Because if they are placed on the waiver wire there are plenty of teams that will pick them up (Quincey again).

1 – Franzen, Datsyuk, Cleary
2 – Holmstrom, Zetterberg, Bertuzzi
3 – Hudler, Filppula, Eaves
4 – Abelkader, Helm, Mursak/Emmerton/Mill/Draper

Right now I see Eaves getting resigned due to his very good PK play. Also Miller, Draper, Mursak, & Emmerton are a tossup for the final 2 or 3 spots. There is no room for Tatar, who is going down to GR. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nyquist make a serious challenge for a roster spot, but he too will be in GR.

It’s the blue line where the big changes will be… I see the Ericsson going for the money, and Salei moving back to the pacific coast. This will leave at least 2 and maybe 3 new faces, with Kindl taking a more prominate role. And watchout for Smith who will make a big push for a roster spot, and unlike Tatar & Nyquist has a very good chance to make it.

by cokolman on Jun 17, 2011 12:34 AM CDT reply actions

ithinkthe wings will keep ericssion and kindil and smith will macke the roster this year and eaves and mursack aswell ithink 2players who might get cut ourmiller and draper and hears why draper is to old and miller is to small and the wings need more size at the wing as we all saw in the 2rd of the playoffs this year .so iyhink they the wings will try to find big wings with beruzzitype size and one whoe does not mind to drop the gloves from time to time so players will stop tackeing cheap shots at datsyuk and zetterbreg

by kwfords on Jun 20, 2011 2:39 PM CDT reply actions