I was one of those guys who would stay up and watch the Wings on the West Coast. Sometimes, the games might go off at 1am. I hadn't been to bed yet, but I would be starting work at 3am. Might get an hour and half nap before heading out. Wife thought I was crazy, but off to bed she would go, kids in bed, and me in my favorite time, watching the Wings and hockey.
- Wingsfan61

Been there! My wife was actually better about West coast games than I was for a while. She’d wake me if we won, and let me sleep if we didn’t. I married up!

Good to have our Red Wing guy back !

Jeremy Laura: Why I love hockey - one day at a time
- Jeremy Laura

Glad to have you back, sir. Hope all is going as good as possible and that you choose to stick around.

Quick question....

If the wings could add a FA defenseman, trade for a goalie and possible use a couple of early picks to shed some dead weight, do you think they could surprise next year?

I know it’s been rough but I personally feel that they are only a few pieces away from being relevant, again.

Welcome back.

If the wings could add a FA defenseman, trade for a goalie and possible use a couple of early picks to shed some dead weight, do you think they could surprise next year?

I know it’s been rough but I personally feel that they are only a few pieces away from being relevant, again.
- Manthamania

I said this on another blog: As for goalies.......spitballing here.....what if MAF is moved by Vegas to sign Lenher??? Would Detroit take on his full salary if they include a prospect or a 1st? I would like to see that! MAF and Hague, or Krebs, or a 1st for the Oilers 2nd !

(I really like the thought of MAF + Niclos Hague (21yo, 6'4" D-man) for the Oiler's 2nd )

Absolutely made my day to see you are back Jeremy. The post is inspiring. I have only been Occasionally “flitting” into HB since your last post, generally disinterested. So thrilled that you are back and this group can carry on with our Wings banter. Sincerely - Welcome back.

Good to have our Red Wing guy back !
- Tee56

Thanks!

Glad to have you back, sir. Hope all is going as good as possible and that you choose to stick around.

Quick question....

If the wings could add a FA defenseman, trade for a goalie and possible use a couple of early picks to shed some dead weight, do you think they could surprise next year?

I know it’s been rough but I personally feel that they are only a few pieces away from being relevant, again.
- Manthamania

If they can seal up the back end a bit, they could make some big steps. Even if they double their standings points they would still be in last place. It’s hard to imagine goaltending being any worse, for sure.

I said this on another blog: As for goalies.......spitballing here.....what if MAF is moved by Vegas to sign Lenher??? Would Detroit take on his full salary if they include a prospect or a 1st? I would like to see that! MAF and Hague, or Krebs, or a 1st for the Oilers 2nd !

(I really like the thought of MAF + Niclos Hague (21yo, 6'4" D-man) for the Oiler's 2nd )
- HenryHockey

Fleury would be an impressive “get” for sure. It’s incredible to see how good he’s been in Vegas. I’m wide open on all of this. Yzerman has waited to do most of the signings at this point. It feels like something is in the works. You never know

Absolutely made my day to see you are back Jeremy. The post is inspiring. I have only been Occasionally “flitting” into HB since your last post, generally disinterested. So thrilled that you are back and this group can carry on with our Wings banter. Sincerely - Welcome back.
- Wingdings

Thanks for that! So good to hear from you!

Hi Jeremy, I've stopped watching hockey. My interest has mostly disappeared.

If I watch any sports, it's turned to khl and women's volleyball. Both are interesting and neither supported the BLM.

Fleury would be an impressive “get” for sure. It’s incredible to see how good he’s been in Vegas. I’m wide open on all of this. Yzerman has waited to do most of the signings at this point. It feels like something is in the works. You never know
- Jeremy Laura

Interesting read on The Captain's actions....I've a feeling DET is going to be a salary-dump team this year, as long as the salary dumped fits our needs. Thus, the lack of signings thus far...waiting to see what potential dance partners are standing at the back of the room waiting for the right song to play....(dang high school dances!!!). I think any signing will be short-term and fit a need for DET....and I still think Svech is on the block. Thoughts??

Glad to see you back Jeremy

Interesting read on The Captain's actions....I've a feeling DET is going to be a salary-dump team this year, as long as the salary dumped fits our needs. Thus, the lack of signings thus far...waiting to see what potential dance partners are standing at the back of the room waiting for the right song to play....(dang high school dances!!!). I think any signing will be short-term and fit a need for DET....and I still think Svech is on the block. Thoughts??
- mcmastermike1968

Honestly, I feel like he’s way more “wide open” than Holland. I’m not sure if he’s doing one negotiation at a time because he has a really specific overall number, or if he’s got teams asking. He did a pretty good job in TB keeping numbers reasonable.

I feel like Svech and Ras (one or both) have been available for a while. Svech just hasn’t had enough healthy time to establish his place/value. Yzerman isn’t going to rush into anything, that seems clear

Glad to see you back Jeremy
- Gertner

Thanks for that, I really appreciate it!

Hi Jeremy, I've stopped watching hockey. My interest has mostly disappeared.

If I watch any sports, it's turned to khl and women's volleyball. Both are interesting and neither supported the BLM.
- MisterBrown

My honest hope is that, at some point, politics will stop trying to take over everything. ESPN had to change some of their format because they were losing viewers over the political “chiming”. Sports had been an escape, for a lot of us. I’m all for equal time for people’s opinions and differences, but that’s not what’s happening. It hurts, a lot.

More goalie speculation:
I read today that Calgary might be interested in King Henrik's services.......
What if Henrik would allow a trade to Calgary, and if Stevie became the middle man in the acquisition. NY trades King Henrik to Detroit w/ the Canes 1st and $3M retained for the Caps 2nd. Stevie turns around and trades Henrik to Calgary w/$2.5 retained for say Sam Bennett or.........he could do the same offer to the Canes for Riemer and a minor pick. There is assets to be had with that cap space! And this deal is for just 1 year of that space!

More goalie speculation:
I read today that Calgary might be interested in King Henrik's services.......
What if Henrik would allow a trade to Calgary, and if Stevie became the middle man in the acquisition. NY trades King Henrik to Detroit w/ the Canes 1st and $3M retained for the Caps 2nd. Stevie turns around and trades Henrik to Calgary w/$2.5 retained for say Sam Bennett or.........he could do the same offer to the Canes for Riemer and a minor pick. There is assets to be had with that cap space! And this deal is for just 1 year of that space!
- HenryHockey

If Yzerman can turn something into another first this year, it’s a plus. I’m not sure what all the moving parts would be. Johnny Hockey’s name comes up every year, it seems. I appreciate the effort on this one!

If Yzerman can turn something into another first this year, it’s a plus. I’m not sure what all the moving parts would be. Johnny Hockey’s name comes up every year, it seems. I appreciate the effort on this one!
- Jeremy Laura

It's time once again to play "Kenny Holland's favourite cliches!"

1. It's a man's league
2. Kids are not the answer
3. Tie goes to the vet
4. We like our team
5. I kicked some tires but it just wasn't the right fit. It didn't make sense
6. Getting an injured player back before the deadline is the same as making a trade
7. We need to get lucky in the draft
8. Our power play is our enforcer
9. Rebuilds take 10 years
10. We're rebuilding on the fly
11. Less can be more exciting
12. I can't just go to a Hockey Store and buy a #1 defenseman
13. I have to put a team on the ice
14. When you have a power forward like Abdelkader you have to lock him up. They're rare
15. Trades are hard
16. I don't understand why UFAs won't sign here
17. All you have to do is get into the playoffs and anything can happen. Look at Edmonton
18. We need to go on a run
19. Vets have earned stock in this league
20. You can't win the Stanley Cup every year

It's time once again to play "Kenny Holland's favourite cliches!"

1. It's a man's league
2. Kids are not the answer
3. Tie goes to the vet
4. We like our team
5. I kicked some tires but it just wasn't the right fit. It didn't make sense
6. Getting an injured player back before the deadline is the same as making a trade
7. We need to get lucky in the draft
8. Our power play is our enforcer
9. Rebuilds take 10 years
10. We're rebuilding on the fly
11. Less can be more exciting
12. I can't just go to a Hockey Store and buy a #1 defenseman
13. I have to put a team on the ice
14. When you have a power forward like Abdelkader you have to lock him up. They're rare
15. Trades are hard
16. I don't understand why UFAs won't sign here
17. All you have to do is get into the playoffs and anything can happen. Look at Edmonton
18. We need to go on a run
19. Vets have earned stock in this league
20. You can't win the Stanley Cup every year
- gergeswillems

Ok, THIS is the stuff that makes me miss the board!

It's time once again to play "Kenny Holland's favourite cliches!"

1. It's a man's league
2. Kids are not the answer
3. Tie goes to the vet
4. We like our team
5. I kicked some tires but it just wasn't the right fit. It didn't make sense
6. Getting an injured player back before the deadline is the same as making a trade
7. We need to get lucky in the draft
8. Our power play is our enforcer
9. Rebuilds take 10 years
10. We're rebuilding on the fly
11. Less can be more exciting
12. I can't just go to a Hockey Store and buy a #1 defenseman
13. I have to put a team on the ice
14. When you have a power forward like Abdelkader you have to lock him up. They're rare
15. Trades are hard
16. I don't understand why UFAs won't sign here
17. All you have to do is get into the playoffs and anything can happen. Look at Edmonton
18. We need to go on a run
19. Vets have earned stock in this league
20. You can't win the Stanley Cup every year
- gergeswillems

Been watching Holland since he took over from Day 1 in that job...

You got them all. At least that I can remember.


The ones that pissed me off the most are:
1) Tie goes to the vet (which is why it took forever and a day for Tatar and Nyquist to FINALLY play in Detroit) most of the good prospects in the past were almost in their mid-20's before they could step on the ice at the Joe Louis. This is the dumb mentality that delayed the rebuild for 5 years.

2) We like our team (read: I don't want to make a trade or demote crappy veterans and actually give a good prospect an opportunity) See quote above

3) All you have to do is get into the playoffs and anything can happen. Look at Edmonton (disclaimer: you actually have to have depth and/or be able to roll 4 lines to go that deep in the playoffs). Edmonton also had Pronger (douche bag), Michael Pecca and a red-hot goalie (Giguere) that helped carry them to the finals that year.

Been watching Holland since he took over from Day 1 in that job...

You got them all. At least that I can remember.


The ones that pissed me off the most are:
1) Tie goes to the vet (which is why it took forever and a day for Tatar and Nyquist to FINALLY play in Detroit) most of the good prospects in the past were almost in their mid-20's before they could step on the ice at the Joe Louis. This is the dumb mentality that delayed the rebuild for 5 years.

2) We like our team (read: I don't want to make a trade or demote crappy veterans and actually give a good prospect an opportunity) See quote above

3) All you have to do is get into the playoffs and anything can happen. Look at Edmonton (disclaimer: you actually have to have depth and/or be able to roll 4 lines to go that deep in the playoffs). Edmonton also had Pronger (douche bag), Michael Pecca and a red-hot goalie (Giguere) that helped carry them to the finals that year.
- Vladdie_Kon1

Holland is a used car salesman. He has an uncanny ability to justify each one of his moves (or non moves) and make it sound like it was the best possible thing for the Red Wings. He'll do the same thing in Edmonton.

Like when he lowballed UFA Marian Hossa and said "I have to earmark $3 million for Jiri Hudler." No you don't! You re-sign Hossa and let Samuelsson, Hudler and Kopecky walk.

Hudler ends up playing in Russia for a season and Holland brings back Jason "I stink" Williams. Hossa helped Chicago win 3 Stanley Cups. That worked out great for the Red Wings! 🤮

Holland is a used car salesman. He has an uncanny ability to justify each one of his moves (or non moves) and make it sound like it was the best possible thing for the Red Wings. He'll do the same thing in Edmonton.

Like when he lowballed UFA Marian Hossa and said "I have to earmark $3 million for Jiri Hudler." No you don't! You re-sign Hossa and let Samuelsson, Hudler and Kopecky walk.

Hudler ends up playing in Russia for a season and Holland brings back Jason "I stink" Williams. Hossa helped Chicago win 3 Stanley Cups. That worked out great for the Red Wings! 🤮
- gergeswillems

The non move that wrecked my got was Rick Nash. CBJ wanted Filppula and Helm. Could you imagine seeing Nash and Pav on a line?!!

The non move that wrecked my got was Rick Nash. CBJ wanted Filppula and Helm. Could you imagine seeing Nash and Pav on a line?!!
- Jeremy Laura

Holland would never trade Helm because Helm's wife babysat his kids. That's a non starter right there.

Holland would never trade Helm because Helm's wife babysat his kids. That's a non starter right there.
- gergeswillems

That’s more valuable than being a good guy in the room