The alleged, I'll emphasize alleged, concerns are legitimate.

Work ethic during the offseason. He spent too much time not working out. What he did to get healthy, I'll give him credit for that.

Dedication on the ice to play team defense for 60 minutes is what worries me. Last, he was injured last year so durability is always a question that applies, especially for smaller, faster players.

They are legitimate concerns that he has to address and I did say that I think he will be better and will improve. He just has to go out there to do it.
- martok2309

Did he show up to camp out of shape? There might be a perception out there because of his tweets about that but nothing to actually back it up.

He played team defense while he was injured just fine. In fact we found out at the end of the season that was how he was mainly being used and what he was asked to work on. I have an easier time chalking up his defensive woes this year to his inexperience and a more complicated defensive system than I do calling it a lack of dedication.

I just don't think bold strikes like that fit when there is as many questions against those kind of labels as there are for them. Way to soon and way to big of a dime to drop on a 21 year old player that has showed us more to the contrary of what that kind of statement implies.

Did he show up to camp out of shape? There might be a perception out there because of his tweets about that but nothing to actually back it up.

He played team defense while he was injured just fine. In fact we found out at the end of the season that was how he was mainly being used and what he was asked to work on. I have an easier time chalking up his defensive woes this year to his inexperience and a more complicated defensive system than I do calling it a lack of dedication.

I just don't think bold strikes like that fit when there is as many questions against those kind of labels as there are for them. Way to soon and way to big of a dime to drop on a 21 year old player that has showed us more to the contrary of what that kind of statement implies.
- Steve-B

His defensive zone work was lazy and uninspired at times. This is why he was moved to the fourth line and/or wing.

It's not like I'm saying he's like Chris stewart, just saying those are the concerns and you're skpiing over where I said he is capable of addressing them and making us forget about him.

He certainly made me forget about them during the Anaheim game where he owned in all three zones. He plays like that 82 games a year (and more for the playoffs, then there's no way you can trade him unless it's a package that blows us away.

His defensive zone work was lazy and uninspired at times. This is why he was moved to the fourth line and/or wing.

It's not like I'm saying he's like Chris stewart, just saying those are the concerns and you're skpiing over where I said he is capable of addressing them and making us forget about him.

He certainly made me forget about them during the Anaheim game where he owned in all three zones. He plays like that 82 games a year (and more for the playoffs, then there's no way you can trade him unless it's a package that blows us away.
- martok2309

Fair enough, I think it's the statement by it's self that I have more of a problem with. You didn't elaborate enough for me on those points after dropping that bomb and "Some serious questions" implies just that. "A few concerns and some areas Duchene needs to grow in" would of probably been a fair assessment. IMO though.. Work ethic, dedication, and serious questions.. are all fairly hard strikes on a players character without an elaborate explanation.

Duchene is one of my favorite players and although you see me suggesting hes traded at times it's seeded more with how I think hes going to be managed than the player himself.

Edit : Basically I just think those were harsh words, lol

Fair enough, I think it's the statement by it's self that I have more of a problem with. You didn't elaborate enough for me on those points after dropping that bomb and "Some serious questions" implies just that. "A few concerns and some areas Duchene needs to grow in" would of probably been a fair assessment. IMO though.. Work ethic, dedication, and serious questions.. are all fairly hard strikes on a players character without an elaborate explanation.

Duchene is one of my favorite players and although you see me suggesting hes traded at times it's seeded more with how I think hes going to be managed than the player himself.

Edit : Basically I just think those were harsh words, lol
- Steve-B

Harsh words doesn't mean they were incorrect. It just came off harsher than I intended.

As for how he's going to be managed, if I were to pick between the coach doing that and the player, I'll choose the player. The player has more potential than the coach, especially in this case.

I'll be curious to see how long Sacco lasts with Army and Quinn pushing him from behind. It'll be a fun dynamic.

I think the Av's would be crazy to trade Duchene. He's good now. He's 21. He's gonna be terrific in a couple of yrs. But if you want to trade him. Please give Garth Snow a call. I'm sure something could be worked out.

Harsh words doesn't mean they were incorrect. It just came off harsher than I intended.

As for how he's going to be managed, if I were to pick between the coach doing that and the player, I'll choose the player. The player has more potential than the coach, especially in this case.

I'll be curious to see how long Sacco lasts with Army and Quinn pushing him from behind. It'll be a fun dynamic.
- martok2309

The statement holds some truth, but I can't exactly say that I agree it's correct if there are better statements that could give a fair assessment. When based largely on speculation and allegations I would rather keep as far way from using statements like that as possible. He does not deserve it yet in any capacity and there are plenty of people who would form an opinion of a player based on even less than a simple statement made in a blog.

It's all just my opinion though, maybe working with 18-21 year olds fresh out of boot camp made me a little more tolerant of the strife of youth than some people. The higher the kids confidence level is the farther they have to fall, and I think that's where Duchene is.

One thing that needs to be emphasized is that we have not seen any real character flaws in him like out drinking late or showing up out of shape. I think we have seen some immaturity, confusion and frustration on his part while his ego is being put in check. Hopefully this last season will just be a wake up call.

As far as Sacco goes, I guess that will depends on how well he uses his new found coaching staff. If hes demands more control then he won't be around long. If he gives them enough room to really do what they are good at. He will reap the benefits and so will the players.

That is one thing I have never been sold on with Sacco when it comes to his actual leadership abilities. Although you can only tell so much from someone who seems to speak in grey colors when hes in front of the media.

At least with the coaching additions it gives us a little more hope as to how well the players are handled.

Aaron are you getting the Suter/Parise stuff from Dater's twitter? Usually MHH scrolls that stuff but I don't see it. I am not a big twitter fan myself..

One thing about Dater is that he never seems to get his info that far out. Ive always kind of thought that we should go after one of them in order to polish the nickle per say. Then make an attempt at the other..

If anything is being whispered around now about picking one to go after it would make sense. Pay for one of their rights before July first then hope that is enough of a draw for the other one. That is a hell of a lot cheaper than trying to buy both of their rights and a lot better strategy than just waiting until July, 1st.

Just a thought, If I can come up with sh*t like that then so can they.

A big factor in all of this is finding the right pieces to compliment Dutch, the kid has had a revolving door of wingers around him. Some stability of a line to build some chemistry with and you see his point totals just skyrocket. I would love to see him play with Semin, that could be one fast slick 1-2 punch

A big factor in all of this is finding the right pieces to compliment Dutch, the kid has had a revolving door of wingers around him. Some stability of a line to build some chemistry with and you see his point totals just skyrocket. I would love to see him play with Semin, that could be one fast slick 1-2 punch
- DDM-Coga

I totally agree but Mueller needs to be on another line if that is the case.

I wouldn't mind Landeskog - Duchene - Semin at all. Mueller likes the left side better and putting Mueller on O'Reilly's line could give him an offensive weapon. I just want Duchene to be surrounded with more talent than an aging ineffective winger and a injury question mark at the same time.

I think Landeskog - Duchene - Mueller would be a good amount of talent. There is a big part of me that is curious to see what McGinn and Duchene could do together as well because of their speed.

If we picked up Semin/Parise I would put him with Stastny because of Mueller to be honest and try McGinn or Landeskog on Duchene's LW side.

McGinn is Landeskog light to be honest.. IMO he has the same kind of heart, maybe not as good in all facets of the game but he is faster and has a better shot at this point than Landeskog. If given the chance he could be a very good fit with Duchene.

It was a couple short looks but for whatever reason McGinn and Mueller had quite a bit of chemistry when they were on the ice together a few times. I think it was mostly on the powerplay but it's intriguing none the less.

Aaron are you getting the Suter/Parise stuff from Dater's twitter? Usually MHH scrolls that stuff but I don't see it. I am not a big twitter fan myself..

One thing about Dater is that he never seems to get his info that far out. Ive always kind of thought that we should go after one of them in order to polish the nickle per say. Then make an attempt at the other..

If anything is being whispered around now about picking one to go after it would make sense. Pay for one of their rights before July first then hope that is enough of a draw for the other one. That is a hell of a lot cheaper than trying to buy both of their rights and a lot better strategy than just waiting until July, 1st.

Just a thought, If I can come up with sh*t like that then so can they.
- Steve-B

Nashville GM has already stated he won't trade the rights to Suter. So that leaves Parise and i'm not sure Lou will do that either but if he does, plenty of teams will be bidding for his rights...including the Wings.

Nashville GM has already stated he won't trade the rights to Suter. So that leaves Parise and i'm not sure Lou will do that either but if he does, plenty of teams will be bidding for his rights...including the Wings.
- dcz28

No one can have ANY GOOD FREE-AGENTS except the wings!

No Sh*t Sherlock half the teams in the league would want Suter or Parise's rights. I know one thing.. Detroit isn't in any better of a position than Colorado when it comes to dealing for rights without a first this year.

Most people took the statement about Suter to be more of a deflection meaning that he wouldn't trade his rights unless it became clear he would lose him to free-agency. Detroit is a Division rival so I think if Suter's right were dealt it wouldn't be to Detroit.


If you were a GM would you let on instantly that you had no hope of signing your star defender? Ha.. Uh NO

No one can have ANY GOOD FREE-AGENTS except the wings!

No Sh*t Sherlock half the teams in the league would want Suter or Parise's rights. I know one thing.. Detroit isn't in any better of a position than Colorado when it comes to dealing for rights without a first this year.

Most people took the statement about Suter to be more of a deflection meaning that he wouldn't trade his rights unless it became clear he would lose him to free-agency. Detroit is a Division rival so I think if Suter's right were dealt it wouldn't be to Detroit.


If you were a GM would you let on instantly that you had no hope of signing your star defender? Ha.. Uh NO
- Steve-B

I never said either would end up in Detroit...just that Holland for the first time has said he would be willing to trade for rights. As for not having a 1st rounder, GMs would have to be nuts to trade that for rights unless it was conditional on the player signing with that team. Plus draft picks are not the only thing that could be traded for rights so not having a 1st rounder means nothing.

What i got from Poile's comments is that Suter will see what offers he gets and likely give Nashville a chance to match or beat it. If he came out and said he wasn't going to re-sign him, i don't think that would hurt the value for the rights at all and might even increase it by starting a bidding war to get first crack at getting him inked or trying to convince him to sign. I think Poile wants to try to keep him until he signs with someone else because he knows Weber might follow next summer if Suter leaves.

I would be shocked if the AVS shell out more than $5m per year to any free agents.

I would be shocked if the AVS shell out more than $5m per year to any free agents.
- BraxtanFILM

Yeah I'd agree, say they would offer Parise or Suter 6.5-7.5, would you be okay with that?

Yeah I'd agree, say they would offer Parise or Suter 6.5-7.5, would you be okay with that?
- Avs-Ice

Depends on the length, if they get one of those 10 year front loaded contracts, maybe the security of a long term deal is more appealing then a shorter higher yearly salary, depends on the player. Brad Richards for example.

You are giving Dater too much credit. He is spoon fed stuff by the Avs in his role as beat reporter--which explains him saying a trade was imminent. When left to his own devices he is notoriously off. Last year he spent weeks pimping a Vokoun free agent signing which made no sense. Why sign an old goalie who couldn't get to the playoffs to grow with a young nucleous? Avs were right in gambling on Varlomov and Dater's weeks of speculation about Vokoun never rang true.