So realistically, does anyone think that the Wings will add or subtract that many pieces from the 13-14 team to the 14-15? I'm expecting a 90% carryover from this team to next year's team. I just don't see Kenny signing anyone especailly after the emergence of Sheahan, Tatar and Gus
The only significant thing I could see would be resigning Aflie and Legwand causing Jurco to start the year in the AHL.
I'm not expecting a huge turnover. I think we essentially have all of the pieces at forward that we'll see next year, in some combination. Maybe Alfie and/or Legwand come back forcing a kid or two off the roster, maybe they don't, but I don't expect a splash free agent signing or trade in that area.
On the blueline, I think Q is gone at minimum, and we see Kindl probably moved. And backup goalie, of course.
i think a miller-helm-glendening line would be even better
despite the fact abby is bigger and more aggressive then miller, miller is a more cerebral player and is so damn good on the pk he has to be in the lineup
unfortunately for jurco, if healthy abby should take his spot on that kid line and jurco sent back to GR
Since Miller's here, and he's unlikely to be moved, I'd be fine with that, too. I'm pretty up front about not being a big Miller fan, though. I don't dislike him, but I don't like him, either. There's a lot of talk around here about looking for a guy with a bit more grit and the ability to drop the gloves, and where that would fit...well, I think that wing spot on the fourth line is where it fits. Near impossible to find a decent guy who fits the bill, though, without paying through the nose.
I think this is the
big hope with McKee at West Michigan. Learn to be a forward the next few years, do something more than skate around and rack up PMs, and there'll be a spot for him.
I rather watch Mrazek playing 50 ahl games than 20 nhl games. Monster had played great season and deserves a contract.
I'm in the same boat with Mrazek, not a fan of Monster, though. Injured way too much to be depended on as even a backup, it seems. I'd be curious about giving McCollum a look at the backup job.
If we're fine with Mrazek being the backup, let them compete for it in camp. If McCollum looks like he can handle it, put Mrazek in GR to gain some serious every day type experience, and let McCollum back up in Detroit to maybe build a career for himself. A couple of years down the road, move McCollum out, Mrazek in to backup Howard for a year, and then see if he's ready to take the reins in Detroit.
Know what they say about the best laid plans, though.