Nielsen was a SOLID 200 feet 3rd line center for years but age has caught up.
- Shady1962

Now, I’ll say this; he’d be a very good coach. He thinks the game as well as anyone, and he’s always mentioned as a mentor for the kids. He does have a place, but like all of us: I ain’t as good as I once was....

Fil’s contract expires this year. All waivers would do is get him to either the taxi squad or GR. Hirose hasn’t even scored in GR. Smith is good when he’s on, but when he goes cold he gets in trouble. The kids need more minutes than they’ll get up here. I would like to see Svech play, but for me Hirose just never got back to where he was his first season.
- Jeremy Laura

Fil had a good run with the Wings, he’s scoring a bit (2 or 3 G, couple of assists), reads the game well, but lost a step. Again, like Frans, good to help the kids learn, but to expect anything more than that now is mis-placing one’s trust.

The Anaheim Ducks have recalled Trevor Zegras from the AHL, opening the door for the star centre to make his NHL debut this week.
Would love to have this guy!!!

The Anaheim Ducks have recalled Trevor Zegras from the AHL, opening the door for the star centre to make his NHL debut this week.
Would love to have this guy!!!
- HenryHockey

I wish. Zegras is a stud. He wrecked shop at the WJC.

Winter of 1988, Lake Placid, NY. Went to see the WWF. Afterwards, we went to this small bar right by the speed-skating rink. Had a few when in walked Hulk, Jake The Snake, Mean Gene, The Animal....I had on a U of M hat and my Air Force jacket which started a conversation with George Steel. An amazing guy, smart - Lord he was smart. Andre’ The Giant walked in & bought the house a round. My ARM disappeared in his hand. “George” said he was from Royal Oak. Real name was Bill Myers, had a degree from Central Mich U & MSU, think (can’t remember right now) his undergrad was English and his grad was in Literature....could be wrong.

Those guys were amazing to meet. Gentle, respectful, funny....a night I’ll never forget.
- mcmastermike1968

It was a lot more fun back then. What a great night that must have been!

Fil had a good run with the Wings, he’s scoring a bit (2 or 3 G, couple of assists), reads the game well, but lost a step. Again, like Frans, good to help the kids learn, but to expect anything more than that now is mis-placing one’s trust.
- mcmastermike1968

For sure. It’s another expiring contract. Yzerman did a short deal and I’m sure Fil will retire. I’m grateful that so many are coming off the books

For sure. It’s another expiring contract. Yzerman did a short deal and I’m sure Fil will retire. I’m grateful that so many are coming off the books
- Jeremy Laura

He bought us time for the kids to germinate a bit. It’ll be nice to have those expiring contracts coming off the books. Will be interesting to see what moves are made. I would opine that, barring a barrage of high-end UFA signings, it’ll be 2-3yrs before we’ll be a true force. But....we REALLY need some muscle.

It was a lot more fun back then. What a great night that must have been!
- Jeremy Laura

Everything was so much better then. I was younger, gas was cheap, life was good!!

Was incredible to see some of my “heros” so up close & personal...and to see how truly humble & human there are/were. Andre’ was simply awe-inspiring. Talked to everyone, laughed....Fezzick was too cool. Steele was shocking. You’d think he was some goon, but what a truly cool dude. He had some heart issues later in life, think he had Crohn’s Disease (I do, as well...sucks, big time) AND dyslexia. Almost died once. Turned his life over to Christ and passed away a very happy man. He’s got a book, “Animal” I think is the name, about his life. Heard it’s a good read.

For sure. It’s another expiring contract. Yzerman did a short deal and I’m sure Fil will retire. I’m grateful that so many are coming off the books
- Jeremy Laura

Big UFA's are Hamilton, Nugent-Hopkins and Landeskog. I don't see Stevie goalie shopping unless Bernier doesn't re-sign. Avs will likely re-sign Landeskog. I don't know how the Oilers can have the cap space to improve their goaltending and re-sign Nuge. Hamilton is the guy Holland should target if he wants to go the UFA route. I don't see him staying in Carolina.

He's a stud #1 defenseman and he'll be 28 years old in June. Wings have a boat load of cap space and can outbid other teams. I don't know if Dougie would be interested in Detroit or not. Are there any good museums? A top 3 of Hamilton, Hronek and Seider intrigues me. Problem is they're all RD.

Big UFA's are Hamilton, Nugent-Hopkins and Landeskog. I don't see Stevie goalie shopping unless Bernier doesn't re-sign. Avs will likely re-sign Landeskog. I don't know how the Oilers can have the cap space to improve their goaltending and re-sign Nuge. Hamilton is the guy Holland should target if he wants to go the UFA route. I don't see him staying in Carolina.

He's a stud #1 defenseman and he'll be 28 years old in June. Wings have a boat load of cap space and can outbid other teams. I don't know if Dougie would be interested in Detroit or not. Are there any good museums? A top 3 of Hamilton, Hronek and Seider intrigues me. Problem is they're all RD.
- gergeswillems

How bout trading for Sanhiem? make a deal for him over the summer.

How bout trading for Sanhiem? make a deal for him over the summer.
- HenryHockey

I like Sanheim but I doubt Philly would trade him.

How bout trading for Sanhiem? make a deal for him over the summer.
- HenryHockey

Mantha and Cholo for Van Reimsdyke (retain $1M) and Sanhiem THEY MIGHT TO SAVE CAP SPACE

Interestingly, Cholo has 2 goals and 3 assists in 5 games in GR. Ras is 2 and 2.
- Jeremy Laura

I've been hoping that Cholo would finally start to break through and earn a spot on the Detroit roster. My first and only trip to LCA last year I was was able to get a free bobble-head statue of him as there was a guy handing them out standing next to me. So I grabbed one for my son who loves it. They were gone in 60 seconds as soon as the guy started handing them out ! If Cholo can keep putting up points and not be a defensive liablility he should earn a call-up. I know defenseman take longer to develop... but he's 23 now and he's running out of time. Time to step up and make a statement.

Ras and Smith both should be getting more looks in Detroit (especially Ras). Even though he's only 21... Not sure there's much more he can learn in GR. Smith just needs a little more consistency. Even if he's not scoring his tenacious forechecking can cause some turnovers and he adds the much needed sandpaper / toughness this team badly needs.

I like Sanheim but I doubt Philly would trade him.
- gergeswillems

Am curious to see what transpires as the season ends, the TDL passes, burdensome contracts go away, etc... Detroit will have some serious cash available. At some point, playing for a legend like Yzerman has to draw some interest. I'm just wondering what the impact of coaching will be on those who may otherwise be interested in HockeyTown. There has to be some change on the horizon, starting with coaching.

J, and others on here, have addressed coaching (some more vociferously than others....) and what a shambles it has become. There must be some change there in order to give the team a more stable philosophy and game-plan going forward.

Until coaching changes are made, I worry that we'll continue to flounder at the bottom of the stack......

I like Sanheim but I doubt Philly would trade him.
- gergeswillems

Dude's a stud. Would be great to have someone like him come along. Imagine the rack of RHD?!?! Now, what could/should be done to stabilize LHD and the final set-up for a good goalie combo?

Dude's a stud. Would be great to have someone like him come along. Imagine the rack of RHD?!?! Now, what could/should be done to stabilize LHD and the final set-up for a good goalie combo?
- mcmastermike1968

Remember when the Red Wings couldn't get a RD to save their lives? Now it's like every defenseman is a RD. I still think trading Mantha is the way to fill the LD spot but I don't think Yzerman is ready to go down that road. YET.

Am curious to see what transpires as the season ends, the TDL passes, burdensome contracts go away, etc... Detroit will have some serious cash available. At some point, playing for a legend like Yzerman has to draw some interest. I'm just wondering what the impact of coaching will be on those who may otherwise be interested in HockeyTown. There has to be some change on the horizon, starting with coaching.

J, and others on here, have addressed coaching (some more vociferously than others....) and what a shambles it has become. There must be some change there in order to give the team a more stable philosophy and game-plan going forward.

Until coaching changes are made, I worry that we'll continue to flounder at the bottom of the stack......
- mcmastermike1968

We don't know if Blashill will be gone for sure. We all assumed last season would be his last. So I won't assume anything when it comes to him. Yzerman keeps saying he's happy with the job he's doing.

I'm hoping Yzerman is more aggressive this summer. Not fast tracking the rebuild like Buffalo did. But it's like we're spinning our wheels in the ditch a bit. Yzerman hasn't made that big trade yet. Just minor moves so far.

Remember when the Red Wings couldn't get a RD to save their lives? Now it's like every defenseman is a RD. I still think trading Mantha is the way to fill the LD spot but I don't think Yzerman is ready to go down that road. YET.
- gergeswillems

I concur! I would give up Mantha for a very good LD. And I mean defensively first!

Franz cleared waivers....
Anyone surprised?

Franz cleared waivers....
Anyone surprised?
- HenryHockey

- gergeswillems

I feel if LA keeps playing well that maybe they might be interested in acquiring Mantha.

Would 1 of these trades be desirous?
Mantha for Turcotte + Kempe and a 4th
Mantha for Björnfot + Kempe and a 4th
LA HAS a great deal of C prospects, so I think the 1st one is more likely. Björnfot is only 19 and they have him up on their roster already so I doubt they will part with him.

I feel if LA keeps playing well that maybe they might be interested in acquiring Mantha.

Would 1 of these trades be desirous?
Mantha for Turcotte + Kempe and a 4th
Mantha for Björnfot + Kempe and a 4th
LA HAS a great deal of C prospects, so I think the 1st one is more likely. Björnfot is only 19 and they have him up on their roster already so I doubt they will part with him.
- HenryHockey

I'd take both trades but I can't see LA making either trade. I really like Turcotte. 👍

Remember when the Red Wings couldn't get a RD to save their lives? Now it's like every defenseman is a RD. I still think trading Mantha is the way to fill the LD spot but I don't think Yzerman is ready to go down that road. YET.
- gergeswillems

I do! RHD was an automatic ticket to super-star paydays. Our system needs balance, or at least some guys who are comfortable playing the off-D. Ideally, a strong LHD who's willing to struggle through a re-build. Gonna be harder than woodpecker lips to get the attention of someone like that...….

We don't know if Blashill will be gone for sure. We all assumed last season would be his last. So I won't assume anything when it comes to him. Yzerman keeps saying he's happy with the job he's doing.

I'm hoping Yzerman is more aggressive this summer. Not fast tracking the rebuild like Buffalo did. But it's like we're spinning our wheels in the ditch a bit. Yzerman hasn't made that big trade yet. Just minor moves so far.
- gergeswillems

Like you, am hoping the rebuild is methodical, planned, and beneficial. Watching what The Captain's done in the past, I'm sure it will be. At some point, however, he has got to realize that a rebuild isn't just about players; it's about coaching and culture (maybe even more important than players in some respects...). He's brought in some character (Ryan, et. al.), and he's knows how it used to be in the stalls, so I'm positive the Yzerplan is being worked. I just don't think Blahhell is the guy to lead to the team, and have serious doubts about Bylsma as well. Something is just off; combination of players and plans. Waiting to see how the TDL and off-season go, holding out hope, still trusting.....