Jeremy Laura: Can Detroit get back on track? Panthers do the LTIR shuffle And get a Jones

Sell FLA Lyon for their BU, and the Wings go and acquire Arvid Soderblom

Sell FLA Lyon for their BU, and the Wings go and acquire Arvid Soderblom
- HenryHockey

I do think Lyon is the most attractive name they have. No clue on return

We can’t mortgage the future. GRG is loaded w/possibilities. Not sure how a call-up would work: waive someone and do it? How else?

We have a ton of space, but like you said; Prices are as high as eggs n gas, so any move would have to be a MAJOR impact player who would immediately elevate this team into SCPO stratosphere……and NOT a rental.

Yeah, we’re riding the struggle bus. Listening to Chiclets and Eliot, lots of praise for Larkin at 4N - dude is spent. That’s the price he pays, along w/the criticism. Thankfully he’s not Tkachuck (sp?) and we’re not in an injury situation. He knew 4N was going to drain him. We’d no clue about injuries hitting us and a D lapse. Exceptional players find a way. He needs to re-charge his tank and we need to find a way to be stronger defensively across the board. Making a trade for the sake of a trade, or mortgaging our future isn’t the way to go.

Hind-sight is 20/20, but the Todd Mac move should’ve happened much earlier. Make a smart trade that has long-term impact without sacrificing the prospect pool.

Game on!!!

Nice post Jeremy,

But at this point of the season the opportunity is still there for the Wings to get in. When you look at the standings, who can seriously challenge for a spot at this point:

Ottawa has a good chance, but they are trending down.
The Rangers are turning over their roster as if they know they can't make the playoffs.
Boston is fading, with big holes on the defensive end, and not enough offense other than Pasternak.
The Islanders are 5 points out, and can't seem to consistently score either.
Philly and Montreal are on streaks at the moment, but can they sustain anything long enough to get a spot?

The Wings (and CBJ) have tough schedules, but have shown the ability to beat top teams. I think the Wings have an inside track to the playoffs.

Nice post Jeremy,

But at this point of the season the opportunity is still there for the Wings to get in. When you look at the standings, who can seriously challenge for a spot at this point:

Ottawa has a good chance, but they are trending down.
The Rangers are turning over their roster as if they know they can't make the playoffs.
Boston is fading, with big holes on the defensive end, and not enough offense other than Pasternak.
The Islanders are 5 points out, and can't seem to consistently score either.
Philly and Montreal are on streaks at the moment, but can they sustain anything long enough to get a spot?

The Wings (and CBJ) have tough schedules, but have shown the ability to beat top teams. I think the Wings have an inside track to the playoffs.
- jkumpire

Both teams have shown the ability, for sure, to go on a run. I think that adds to not wanting to mess too much with the chemistry. It may be a white knuckle finish!

We can’t mortgage the future. GRG is loaded w/possibilities. Not sure how a call-up would work: waive someone and do it? How else?

We have a ton of space, but like you said; Prices are as high as eggs n gas, so any move would have to be a MAJOR impact player who would immediately elevate this team into SCPO stratosphere……and NOT a rental.

Yeah, we’re riding the struggle bus. Listening to Chiclets and Eliot, lots of praise for Larkin at 4N - dude is spent. That’s the price he pays, along w/the criticism. Thankfully he’s not Tkachuck (sp?) and we’re not in an injury situation. He knew 4N was going to drain him. We’d no clue about injuries hitting us and a D lapse. Exceptional players find a way. He needs to re-charge his tank and we need to find a way to be stronger defensively across the board. Making a trade for the sake of a trade, or mortgaging our future isn’t the way to go.

Hind-sight is 20/20, but the Todd Mac move should’ve happened much earlier. Make a smart trade that has long-term impact without sacrificing the prospect pool.

Game on!!!
- mcmastermike1968

Yeah, there are kids in GR climbing up the board. Buium had (at last check) hit 19 assists, Lombardi and Mazur putting up goals etc. would love to see a one game call up, not sure how they facilitate it. Edmonton has asked Evander Kane for his “no trade list”. When his head is on right, brings a lot. The off ice stuff has been a nightmare. Not sure if he’d take a trade to Detroit or what EDM is looking for. Definitely looking for either a hockey trade or stand pat at this point. Nice drop in!

I have no real thoughts to share. Just that sinking feeling of knowing that the only moves Stevie is likely to make will be to sell off some guys with… less than an exciting return. Not sure where we go from here, but it’s sure feeling like the same old type of season. Competitive enough to put ourselves out of a shot at a lottery pick (not that Bettman would ever let us grab a first overall anyway), but obviously being no where near the level required to compete for the cup. I’m on board to trade everyone from the NHL squad outside of the “untouchables.” Which also makes me question how much longer Larkin could remain a wing. Maybe I’m just being a pessimist.

I have no real thoughts to share. Just that sinking feeling of knowing that the only moves Stevie is likely to make will be to sell off some guys with… less than an exciting return. Not sure where we go from here, but it’s sure feeling like the same old type of season. Competitive enough to put ourselves out of a shot at a lottery pick (not that Bettman would ever let us grab a first overall anyway), but obviously being no where near the level required to compete for the cup. I’m on board to trade everyone from the NHL squad outside of the “untouchables.” Which also makes me question how much longer Larkin could remain a wing. Maybe I’m just being a pessimist.
- Ryan_Nicklaus89

You’re not a pessimist, and the more teams they add the more teams will go through this. They want 2 more, which put 18 missing the playoffs. At some point something needs to give

You’re not a pessimist, and the more teams they add the more teams will go through this. They want 2 more, which put 18 missing the playoffs. At some point something needs to give
- Jeremy Laura

Did he mention "expansion" to 34 teams?

Wings need to at least make a trade to strengthen the RS D. Even a good LD would do and move Chiarot to the RS. There is NOONE in GR to aid the D. Getting a C is also necessary but is prohibitively expensive.

Did he mention "expansion" to 34 teams?

Wings need to at least make a trade to strengthen the RS D. Even a good LD would do and move Chiarot to the RS. There is NOONE in GR to aid the D. Getting a C is also necessary but is prohibitively expensive.
- HenryHockey

Yes. They want to keep the conferences balanced. Houston and Atlanta seem to be continual favorites. There are a million other things at play (i.e. clubs carrying a lot of debt) but they want more teams with more franchise fees being paid

Did he mention "expansion" to 34 teams?

Wings need to at least make a trade to strengthen the RS D. Even a good LD would do and move Chiarot to the RS. There is NOONE in GR to aid the D. Getting a C is also necessary but is prohibitively expensive.
- HenryHockey

I completely disagree that no one in GR can help the D. For the team not to take a look would be foolish, especially with the market ask.

You’re not a pessimist, and the more teams they add the more teams will go through this. They want 2 more, which put 18 missing the playoffs. At some point something needs to give
- Jeremy Laura

They should already be considering playoff expansion even if the league size remains at 32.

We've had a 16-team bracket since the league had 21 teams. For most of league history roughly 2 out 3 teams got in. 20 playoff teams would be more in line with historical precedent.

Utah HC announced they’ve signed pending free agent defenseman Olli Määttä to a three-year extension. The contract is worth $10.5MM with an even $3.5MM base salary and cap hit each season, PuckPedia reports.
Maatta has appeared in 51 games this season with Utah, where he has two goals, 12 assists, 14 points, 101 blocks, and a plus-7 rating. This was after he had zero points and an even plus/minus rating in seven games with the Red Wings this season before the trade. Overall, the change of scenery has done Maatta wonders, and it helped play a role in him getting this multi-year extension from Utah.

The D that got away has done better.

They should already be considering playoff expansion even if the league size remains at 32.

We've had a 16-team bracket since the league had 21 teams. For most of league history roughly 2 out 3 teams got in. 20 playoff teams would be more in line with historical precedent.
- Sven22

It would be tough to do expansion unless the reduce the games in the first couple rounds. The schedule is brutal. It was floated to, like the NFL, add two more regular season games. If they keep adding games the mid season tournaments need to be re evaluated (opinion).

If you guys haven’t read it, Ansar Khan does an interesting breakdown on his own thoughts on free agency. Will leave the link, most of you probably don’t need it:

https://www.mlive.com/red...s-others-not-so-much.html

If you guys haven’t read it, Ansar Khan does an interesting breakdown on his own thoughts on free agency. Will leave the link, most of you probably don’t need it:

https://www.mlive.com/red...s-others-not-so-much.html
- Jeremy Laura

Donato, Luke Schenn, and Fredric should not break the bank.

Not sure what Yzerman may do before the trade deadline, but may pick up a defenseman if the price is reasonable. Even if he does, there are still too many holes on defense.

Donato, Luke Schenn, and Fredric should not break the bank.
- HenryHockey

They shouldn’t, but it sounds like Donato has multiple suitors so, bidding war. Luke is a piece that whoever gets Brayden seems to want. You never know. Gudas was an interesting twist

Not sure what Yzerman may do before the trade deadline, but may pick up a defenseman if the price is reasonable. Even if he does, there are still too many holes on defense.
- Bigfrog

One intriguing line was that it sounds like Khan is wondering how soon ASP will come over (depends on post season). His skating is insane, but he would have to have a brute on his left. Lombardi scoring more, so is Mazur. I think we may see kids grab jobs this summer

Panthers didn’t need LTIR to add Jones. The deal was done and Tkachuk went onto LTIR the next day.

I don't see any good trade options right now. It would be nuts to trade any of our top prosptects. The best option for Yzerman right now if he wants to shake things up on defense is to call up Tuoistomo and/or Wallinder. Sit Gustaffson and Holl (both are crap). Let the kids play and see how they do.

Would like to see Lombardi or Mazur also get a few games. It would be fun to see a 3rd line of Berggren - Lombardi - Soderblom.

It would be tough to do expansion unless the reduce the games in the first couple rounds. The schedule is brutal. It was floated to, like the NFL, add two more regular season games. If they keep adding games the mid season tournaments need to be re evaluated (opinion).
- Jeremy Laura

Sorry for the off-topic discursion (which I'm prone to) but I think there are creative solutions for this. Here's one I just came up with:

Play in round
7 vs 10
8 vs 9

Series is “Best of 4.” The higher seeded team starts up 1-0, so they only need 2 wins to advance. Lower seeded team needs 3 wins.

Game 1 hosted by lower seed. Games 2-4 hosted by higher seed.

Advantages:
- 10 teams per conference make the postseason
- Top 8 seeds mathematically guaranteed at least 2 home playoff games. Seeds 9-10 guaranteed at least one.
- Play-in round lasts a maximum of 4 games with only one travel day, so teams with a bye aren't waiting a ridiculously long time.

Yes, the schedule would be really tough for a hypothetical 7-10 seed that has to go straight from a down-to-the-wire regular season playoff push to a 4-game series to the conference quarterfinals without a break. But also, if you don't want to go through the meat grinder, maybe try to finish in the top 6 next time.