I don't really want to post-mortem the loss or dwell on it for too long. What can/should the Wings do this offseason heading into next year?
I, for one, think some changes need to be made.
First, I think Jimmy has established himself as a very capable goalie. I have no worries about him being the #1.
If possible, I would LOVE to move Rafailski and Hudler. I do want to see Lids back, but at a more reasonable cap hit. How bad ass would it be if he tells Kenny he'll take the veteran minimum so that a stud could be added to the lineup to make a run next year? I need to look at the UFA list to see who we should target, but I am fine with giving Kindl and Smith chances to earn the open spots. Also, I am okay with giving Big Rig a new contract, if he is willing to give a hometown discount.
Besides Huds, I think we should look into moving Cleary, if possible, and have Drapes call it a career. Give Mursak and/or Tatar chances to make the team.
If Ozzy is healthy, I am fine with him as a back-up.
Free agent thoughts will develop as I mull everything over... still a little shell-shocked, but proud, of the Detroit Red Wings.
I am a wee bit inebriated, but damn excited for this team's future.
I think priority one needs to be dumping off Hudler's cap hit on whoever will take it.
It's time for Rafalski to go, but that will have to wait until next year. I think they should pick up one of Wisniewski, Pitkanen, Ehrhoff, or Brewer.
I really don't mind Holmstrom as a PP specialist, he's still great in front of the net and his cap hit isn't ridiculous. They just need a real first liner to fill in for him.
Obviously this all depends on Lidstrom.
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From a GM, "Detroit is the best team we've played this year. It's not even close. Their puck control is incredible...You have to hope your goalie has a great night to give you a chance."
I think we need to get younger (obviously) and especially more balanced in terms of grit and skill.
sign a guy like murray, bring in MacIntyre and in terms of speed how about this Grabner kid?
Pretty sure Grabner will not be available. NYI would be stupid to let him go. I agree with the Murray thing, though. But, if Lids does retire, we need a well-balanced d-man to replace him.
Someone make an end of the year report card or grades thread.
I envy you guys, you can actually speculate about these FA's unlike other teams and have them come over with a realistic shot. Grabner and other RFAs though aren't a realistic target, I thought Turris and possibly Boedker on Phx with the way they've been handled were targets but they'll likely be re-signed. On the Islanders, Bailey as an RFA is more likelty to move than Grabner, kid's got potential too but probably not worth offer-sheeting.
1. Move Rafalski? He has an NTC, is an over-ager with a big cap hit and is living in his home state. Not happening.
2. Move Cleary? Has to waive his NTC.
3. Move Hudler? Doable. Yes.
4. Keep Osgood? Why? Hell no. He's done.
I think priority one needs to be dumping off Hudler's cap hit on whoever will take it.
There is one thing I would like to see Holland do that I don't think he has ever really done.
-Move up in the draft-
If there is one thing as a spoiled fan that I don't want to see come to an end, it is our consecutive playoff streak. Also, I think we have all realized at this point that in this new capped NHL, as long as you make the playoffs, you can win it all.
Why do I want Holland to move up in the draft, well we are getting a bit older, and our stars will eventually fade, they probably got at least 2 solid years left in them, but their window for another cup is getting less and less. Detroit is the exception, but for the other 29 teams and virtually every new cup winner post lock-out, the recipe for success is getting your top 5-10 draft picks and getting them to outperform their ELCs like Chicago, Pittsburgh, and even Anaheim with Perry/Getzlaf were able to do.
Holland needs to find a way to move up in the draft and get us a top 10-15 pick without us missing the playoffs so we can retool on the fly and keep the streak going and maybe win another cup.
I think our 1st round pick is in the 22-24 range this coming draft.
I see 3 potential targets that we can package Hudler, our 1st rounder, and maybe even another draft pick to try and get a top 12 pick this year.
1) Atlanta (8th overall)
2) Boston (Toronto's 9th overall pick)
3) Carolina (12th overall)
I think Hudler may have value out east on teams that have weak pps (Carolina had a horrible regular season PP when I checked last, so maybe Hudler would be appealing to them, and with Skinner already looking like a sure thing, they might be willing to part with that 12th overall pick), especially if a team thinks they can get a Leino type situation out of it again. If Boston doesn't win the cup, they might be willing to trade that pick for something to help push them over the edge. I think the right package and those teams might be willing to part with their 1st rounder. At this stage of the game I would welcome getting a pick in that range and seeing if we can draft a significant piece for the future
- Lidstrom should retire at a high. He has had a super career, and this season was good for him. I don't think he should wait until he has a flop year to retire.
- New Captain should be Kronwall (imo.) Though they'll probably give it to Zetterberg.
- We need power forwards who can maintain possession in the O-zone, win puck battles, and come out skating from the initial face-off. Sorry, but "finding your legs" (as Pierre put it) at the end of the 2nd period isn't good enough for the NHL playoffs.
- Legitimate backup goalie for Howie. We don't need a rookie goalie backing up a goalie who is still new to the league.
- Trim the fat, and replace it with red meat. Time to evaluate the roster and get rid of the guys who aren't pulling their weight, or at least motivate them to start doing it. I think Osgood and Modano should be cut. I also think Bertuzzi should be evaluated (though I hate to say it, I'm a fan of his..) but his play is very spotty, and he doesn't commit to puck battles or the offensive rush as much as I think a player like him should.
- Helm and Eaves should be given a guy who will make them the 2nd line for the Wings, not the 4th. They're great on the PK, but they deserve more ice time. They do good things, and actually SKATE for the entire 60 minutes.
I'm sure there will be a change or two, but most likely there won't be any big changes. I'm not sure who, but either Babcock or Holland seems to not want to break up the Swedish-connection clique.
Doesn't matter. He is going to be on the team anyway (he is out of waivers, I believe).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bottleknocker
- Lidstrom should retire at a high. He has had a super career, and this season was good for him. I don't think he should wait until he has a flop year to retire.
- New Captain should be Kronwall (imo.) Though they'll probably give it to Zetterberg.
- Helm and Eaves should be given a guy who will make them a 2nd line for the Wings. They're great on the PK, but they deserve more ice time. They do good things, and actually SKATE for the entire 60 minutes.
They're just my opinions. If you disagree, then post your opinions. Don't just throw it back in my face man.
I'm not saying that we need a complete wipe of the roster. I only noted a couple guys. I'm not saying those guys are horrible, either. But it seems like this team can make it deep into the playoffs, but then loses it's steam. It's been happening for a couple years now. You would keep everything the same? Obviously there has to be some tweaks here and there.
Just throwing some ideas around. Don't think that I am going on a rampage or anything. Just brainstorming.
If Lids retires and Weber hits the market as a RFA (I know, probably unlikely), would you make the offer and sacrifice the picks? I would in a heartbeat.
Last edited by Bob Probert Owns You: 05-12-2011 at 11:51 PM.
If Lide retires and Weber hits the market as a RFA (I know, probably unlikely), would you make the offer and sacrifice the picks? I would in a heartbeat.
You're most likely talking about four first rounders for Weber.
Say they sign him, D, Z, and Franzen start going down hill fast and none of their prospects turn into stud forwards. What then?
If Lide retires and Weber hits the market as a RFA (I know, probably unlikely), would you make the offer and sacrifice the picks? I would in a heartbeat.
for sure Weber is the only somewhat "replaceable" option for Wotan. No one will ever replace him but if he retires there wont be a better option for years to come so I'd do it in a heartbeat too.
If Lide retires and Weber hits the market as a RFA (I know, probably unlikely), would you make the offer and sacrifice the picks? I would in a heartbeat.
Yep, I would too.
He's a leader, a great offensively strong defensemen, and plays the body every chance he can get. He also rarely makes mistakes. He'd be solid on the Wings. I think he suffered on the Preds because their offense was all over the place, especially on the PP.
I mean.. during the national anthem, most players have their heads down in quiet reverence, some look at the flag and mouth the words of the anthem, others rest their foreheads against their gloves and mentally prepare themselves.
Weber stares dead on at the opposing team's like he is going to murder one of them. The Wings need a little dirt and grind to their roster.
If Lide retires and Weber hits the market as a RFA (I know, probably unlikely), would you make the offer and sacrifice the picks? I would in a heartbeat.
Not yet. I'd wait and see how a season goes without Lidstrom. Burns and Suter are both UFAs in 2012, and considering the teams they play for, its quite possible they'd both hit the market.
