SWPro

June 18th, 2016 at 1:20 PM ^

So the move is to deal the contract and either Jurco/Pulkkinen to get him off the books. Try to unload Howard then go after Stamkos or Lucic (maybe Okposo?) and a defenseman?

 

The free agent defenseman crop is not great this year. Keith Yandle is the highest rated available from most outlets (didn't see the Rangers enough to know how good he was).

 

Maybe Calgary will trade Dougie Hamilton for Howard straight up? Plz?

Joined: 06/08/2013

MGoPoints: 1516

pacient

June 18th, 2016 at 2:17 PM ^

No thanks on Lucic. He's not the same player he was in Boston, plus he's a huge d-bag.

I hope Holland does everything in his power to sign Stamkos. Wings haven't had a goal scorer like him since Fedorov in the early 90s. 

As far as defenseman go... according to the Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun, the Jets might trade Jacob Trouba. I hope Holland is working the phones as we speak. I would trade almost anyone (besides Larkin and Mrazek) for him. The team really needs a top level d-man.

Joined: 06/15/2016

MGoPoints: 69

Optimism Attache

June 18th, 2016 at 6:34 PM ^

Agree. Very gifted player. So fun to watch. And has been a really generous person. Having been to Russia and even lived in a former USSR country for a spell, I completely respect someone who focused on his goals and made the very hard decision to leave, no matter how much money he made.

Joined: 09/13/2011

MGoPoints: 23980

meechiganman14

June 18th, 2016 at 1:26 PM ^

Truly one of the most fun players to watch all time. Pavel was the worth the price of admission, so impressive to watch in person. Most predicted this would happen, but still sad just the same

Joined: 06/12/2012

MGoPoints: 509

bacon1431

June 18th, 2016 at 1:43 PM ^

One of the most lovable athletes I can remember. Don't know if there's anybody that doesn't admire him. Forever a great and Wings fans across North America will miss him dearly.



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Joined: 07/26/2008

MGoPoints: 25281

1VaBlue1

June 18th, 2016 at 1:45 PM ^

I can't blame anyone for wanting to go home - where he grew up.  Nor can I hold anything against him for that.  I wish him good luck, but I'll miss the hell out of watching him play.  While he's taken a step back, it was inevitable, at some point, that he would.  I think he see's the end coming as clearly as Stevie Y and The Perfect Human did.  He's leaving on his terms, and there's something to be said for that.

Now if we can get Holland to actually do something to improve the team.  I'm not ready for the return of the Dead Things, yet...

Joined: 01/31/2016

MGoPoints: 127046

pbmd

June 18th, 2016 at 1:51 PM ^

Fake decision
Indicated many weeks ago
Great player - not a realistic part of any future success for red wings
Unfortunately he created a bad situation for management on the way out the door
Looking out for himself -as he should



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Joined: 04/24/2010

MGoPoints: 1225

coldnjl

June 18th, 2016 at 4:07 PM ^

I don't understand why people may want to part with picks or prospects just to move a contract when we are far from being a contending team. Trade away what is necessary to turn the corner for a CHANCE at a top player.

Joined: 12/31/2009

MGoPoints: 13934

SWPro

June 18th, 2016 at 5:12 PM ^

I'm real hesitant with picks but at some point you have evaluate the lower half of your existing roster and ask if those guys have a chance to move up. If they don't you should consider moving them.

 

Jurco and Pulkkinen have been had chances to make the roster and haven't made it. Does that mean they will never be strong NHLers? No of course not but eventually contracts are going to come up and a decision is going to have to be made one way or another.

 

With the Dats contract and no Dats we almost can't do anything in free agency. If we can give up those two guys and get rid of Dats and Howards contracts we're going to free up $12.5M in cap space. With that much money we should be a lead contender for any free agent out there.

 

 

Joined: 06/08/2013

MGoPoints: 1516

Lou MacAdoo

June 18th, 2016 at 11:10 PM ^

It'll be sad not seeing him on the ice. He's the greatest player I've seen. Incredible dangles, sniping ability, vision, anticipation, hand eye coordination, balance, and on and on. The highlights videos on YouTube will always be there which will help. Unfortunately, I doubt the wings ever sign another player like him.



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Joined: 10/16/2011

MGoPoints: 6398