Hockeysfuture ranks you 11th and they say your top prospects are:
1. Brendan Smith, D; 2. Gustav Nyquist, LW; 3. Petr Mrazek, G; 4. Tomas Tatar, LW; 5. Calle Jarnkrok, C.

Not a bad list, but I think if they were in any other organization they wouldnt be ranked so high, its just the Wings ability to develop that makes them so appealing bc you know they will reach their potential
- DDM-Coga

Im not sure if they rank us 11th based on the fact that we have a good development program, they are just rating the prospects, i dont believe we have the top prospect pool in the league, but i also dont agree with us being "below average in comparison to the rest of the league"

Id say 11th sounds about right based on just prospects, but when you take into consideration the development that takes place in detroit, we could be higher. Most people on here will be slightly biased due to being fans, but we arent below average.

Pretty soon that may change, most of our best scouts followed Jim Nill to dallas. That was a HUGE loss, and we will pay for it eventually thats for sure.

As for bobby ryan, i think i would have to agree parting with prospects to get him over signing alfie would have probably been smart for the long hall. Whats the point in hanging on to a few "potential bobby ryans" when you can actually get a bonified 30+ goal scorer who hasnt even reached his prime. No matter what i trust holland so i wont question it

First you take our Captain, now you think you're entitled to our new superstars???!



This is gonna be a good rivalry throughout the season as it is, I don't think you need to fan the flames with Sens fans more, especially after today's press conference.

As someone who's seen both Tatar and Nyquist play regularly, neither of them is close yet to the value of Silfverberg, who will be a 25-30 goal player in a few years. Noesen is a fair comparable though. Silfverberg has one of the best and accurate shots in the league and was playing pretty respectably on our 2nd line most of last year, unlike Tatar who has been sheltered for a lot of his NHL games so far from wings games I've seen.

I think you're all suffering from the same condition most teams fans do, overvaluing your own talent stock and undervaluing that of others. There's a reason we got Ryan (imo we overpayed for him, the first round pick was overkill in order to get the deal done on July 5, thanks to you) and it's cause most of our prospects are way ahead of other teams in terms of development. We didn't have the luxury of sheltering them last year given all our injuries, and it will pay off for us by accelerating this 'rebuild' we're on by at least a year, maybe more.

Looking forward to October.

I think the Sens package was more appealing, the one that you proposed wasnt bad and has fair value. But its always tricky to rate Red Wing prospects, they are great bc they are being developed in your organization, and come along slowly until they prime to make the roster.

wait till next year when you guys sign the Sedin Twins, or a recalim project like Heatley or Vanek.
- DDM-Coga

Sens definitely gave fair value, a lot say they ripped off the ducks but that's a pretty great trade both ways. As far as top tier prospects I don't think the wings are too loaded, but they have a wealth of very good prospects and you only need so many of them to turn out for it to be considered successful.

Pass on the Sedins, good players but (frank) I can't stand them.

Going back I just wish they would have packaged the first rounder they gave up for Quincey with another piece or 2 and went after a better player.

Hockeysfuture ranks you 11th and they say your top prospects are:
1. Brendan Smith, D; 2. Gustav Nyquist, LW; 3. Petr Mrazek, G; 4. Tomas Tatar, LW; 5. Calle Jarnkrok, C.

Not a bad list, but I think if they were in any other organization they wouldnt be ranked so high, its just the Wings ability to develop that makes them so appealing bc you know they will reach their potential
- DDM-Coga

old list in my view. smith, nyquist, tatar are not prospects anymore. they are on the nhl roster full time now.

1.Jurco 2. Mrazek 3.Oulette 4. Jankrok 5.Sproul

So a first, Nyquist and Frk for Ryan. lol

no way

So a first, Nyquist and Frk for Ryan. lol

no way
- Jurco_28

You have a little too much faith in prospects. They have POTENTIAL, never proven themselves. Bobby ryan is a PROVEN 30+ goal scorer. that deal for frk nyquist and a 1st is not unreasonable. Its less than what OTT offered to get ryan, which is why hes there.

Would the Ducks have been just as interested in Detroit’s offer consisting of a combination of the players above compared to Ottawa’s offer that was successful?

Uh, no chance! Forget stats. Have you seen Silfverberg play? You're offering inferior pieces, and probably an inferior pick. We'll take what we got. You got Alfie, what are you complaining about?

Would the Ducks have been just as interested in Detroit’s offer consisting of a combination of the players above compared to Ottawa’s offer that was successful?

Uh, no chance! Forget stats. Have you seen Silfverberg play? You're offering inferior pieces, and probably an inferior pick. We'll take what we got. You got Alfie, what are you complaining about?
- yzermaneely

were not complaining, its just the hypothetical of, if we could have traded for ryan instead of signing alfie. and i agree, silfvenberg is better than the prospects we have been referring to. Im just stating all these people scoffing at "2 prospects and a first" for ryan as if our prospects are bonified all stars is a little much. i believe both OTT and the ducks completed a fair trade and got what they needed out of the deal. OTT needed a young stud and some moral for a team who just lost their captain and the ducks knew ryan was going to leave when UFA hit, so win win on both sides.

Would the Ducks have been just as interested in Detroit’s offer consisting of a combination of the players above compared to Ottawa’s offer that was successful?

Uh, no chance! Forget stats. Have you seen Silfverberg play? You're offering inferior pieces, and probably an inferior pick. We'll take what we got. You got Alfie, what are you complaining about?
- yzermaneely

and you sir have a inferior brain. have you seen Nyquist play?

no complaining either.

good hockeybuzz post by you though

wings management was also observing Ryan in the playoffs vs. detroit. They didnt like the way he played at all. No show in the playoffs and one of the reasons they lost to detroit.

ya and i'm sure he wished he kept that 1st. the prospect pool is nothing special, below average if you follow the whole league.
- kovey27

Doesn't matter if he wishes he kept the pick your statement was that he didn't trade 1st round picks which was proven false.

Funny the Wings are rated above average on most prospect sites so again you show your lack of information on the Wings. Even on hockey's future they rank them above average and they are not a site I trust on Wings prospects lists as they are often out of date like they are now listing players that played the entire short season in the NHL as prospects still for many teams.

All i am going to say is, we picked up 2 keys pieces this offseason. I am happy with what we have. I believe those 2 could push us furter than we went last year... That is if the same playoff wings team shows up this year.

Anybody who says the Wings have not drafted well in the last 5-6 years do not know anything about the Wings scouting and drafting or the organization. They are arguably the best in the NHL... as is their front office. I will say losing Jim Nill and one of their top scouts will be hard to replace. The Wings are stacked right now with excellent prospects at just about every position except goaltender. The fact the Grand Rapids Griffins won the Calder Cup is evidence of that. The farm systems is the deepest it's been since the early 90's. Considering the fact the Wings have had very few first round picks (let alone high first round picks) over the last 13 years they've done a tremendous job.

Most of the hockey prospect sites had the Wings ranked 5 or 6 last season out of 30 clubs. Those sites are now out of date. Hockey Prospectus has them ranked 7th this season. Just found this one that has them ranked 4th... Don't know much about this site though or how reliable it is. Just posting it for reference.

http://bleacherreport.com...-all-30-nhl-teams/page/28

Anybody who says the Wings have not drafted well in the last 5-6 years do not know anything about the Wings scouting and drafting or the organization. They are arguably the best in the NHL... as is their front office. I will say losing Jim Nill and one of their top scouts will be hard to replace. The Wings are stacked right now with excellent prospects at just about every position except goaltender. The fact the Grand Rapids Griffins won the Calder Cup is evidence of that. The farm systems is the deepest it's been since the early 90's. Considering the fact the Wings have had very few first round picks (let alone high first round picks) over the last 13 years they've done a tremendous job.

Most of the hockey prospect sites had the Wings ranked 5 or 6 last season out of 30 clubs. Those sites are now out of date. Hockey Prospectus has them ranked 7th this season. Just found this one that has them ranked 4th... Don't know much about this site though or how reliable it is. Just posting it for reference.

http://bleacherreport.com...-all-30-nhl-teams/page/28
- Vladdie_Kon1

Except Goaltender???..you must have forgotten Petr..unless you are thinking 2-3 top prospects..but how many does one need at one time? Maybe 2..others will just rot..

Except Goaltender???..you must have forgotten Petr..unless you are thinking 2-3 top prospects..but how many does one need at one time? Maybe 2..others will just rot..
- MedicineMan

I agree, Wings are good in goalie prospects for now with Mrazek, Paterson and Coreau.


I think the biggest hole in the Wings prospect group is center. Not in terms of depth right now because they have some with Jarnkrok, Sheahan, Ferraro and Nylen but Sheahan and Ferraro are going to run out of waivers exemption soon enough. Biggest concern is more about top end center prospects that have the potential to center the #1 line and replace Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Jarnkrok and maybe Nylen depending on how he develops in the next few years are the only ones that might have that potential. In the next few drafts, the Wings are going to have to try and find more first line center prospects and that is no easy job where the Wings usually draft. Elite centers are very hard to draft unless you draft in the top 5 and very hard to trade for too since plenty of teams don't have one. Also think that is a key position to winning cups.

Except Goaltender???..you must have forgotten Petr..unless you are thinking 2-3 top prospects..but how many does one need at one time? Maybe 2..others will just rot..
- MedicineMan

I basically was was referring to goaltenders beyond (or younger ) than Mrazek in the system (draft picks, etc..).... we already know Mrazek is a great prospect. In fact, I'd say he's more than capable of taking the backup job from Gustavson in Detroit. He's earned the opportunity to do that.. we'll see if Holland will let him. I have more confidence in Mrazek than Gustavson (who isn't that athletic for a goalie of his size). After Mrazek though.... who else comes to mind ? If I recall correctly, they got a guy from Sweden who is suppose to be good (but I can't remember his name).

Before Mrazek the goaltending in Grand Rapids was just plain awful and very inconsistent. McCollum and Pearce simply could not stabilize that position for crap. McCollum never came close to what the Wings brass were hoping for a 1st round draft pick and now he's no longer in the organization. Glad the bad goaltending is gone.... but if Mrazek goes to Detroit and takes the backup job I'm not sure who the Wings would have to be #1 in Grand Rapids.

I agree, Wings are good in goalie prospects for now with Mrazek, Paterson and Coreau.


I think the biggest hole in the Wings prospect group is center. Not in terms of depth right now because they have some with Jarnkrok, Sheahan, Ferraro and Nylen but Sheahan and Ferraro are going to run out of waivers exemption soon enough. Biggest concern is more about top end center prospects that have the potential to center the #1 line and replace Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Jarnkrok and maybe Nylen depending on how he develops in the next few years are the only ones that might have that potential. In the next few drafts, the Wings are going to have to try and find more first line center prospects and that is no easy job where the Wings usually draft. Elite centers are very hard to draft unless you draft in the top 5 and very hard to trade for too since plenty of teams don't have one. Also think that is a key position to winning cups.
- dcz28

What stinks is that who knows how long until the Wings actually get a chance to pick a talented top 10 center of that caliber... It's been MANY years. It's not like Holland will ever pull the trigger and make a trade for a star center in this league (even if a team would trade one). All we ever hear is "I like our team".

I basically was was referring to goaltenders beyond (or younger ) than Mrazek in the system (draft picks, etc..).... we already know Mrazek is a great prospect. In fact, I'd say he's more than capable of taking the backup job from Gustavson in Detroit. He's earned the opportunity to do that.. we'll see if Holland will let him. I have more confidence in Mrazek than Gustavson (who isn't that athletic for a goalie of his size). After Mrazek though.... who else comes to mind ? If I recall correctly, they got a guy from Sweden who is suppose to be good (but I can't remember his name).

Before Mrazek the goaltending in Grand Rapids was just plain awful and very inconsistent. McCollum and Pearce simply could not stabilize that position for crap. McCollum never came close to what the Wings brass were hoping for a 1st round draft pick and now he's no longer in the organization. Glad the bad goaltending is gone.... but if Mrazek goes to Detroit and takes the backup job I'm not sure who the Wings would have to be #1 in Grand Rapids.
- Vladdie_Kon1

Ok..I thought so..your other analysis was pretty in-depth.

Mrazek is in a tough spot since the kid has shown that he may be able to make the jump (compared to Howard who basically was McCollum with a little better stats..nothing spectacular). He really could use the extra time in GR to mature and develop. I could see him getting some time this year if Jimmy gets hurt, but they will bring him along slowly until he is out of the wavier option (what, when Jimmy has 2 years left on his contract?). He will then push Jimmy for the starting spot at that time and will leave Kenny the option to either trade Jimmy or re-up him if Mrazek turns out not to be the real deal...they won't have him up to sit on the bench for 3-4 years as a back up...

I basically was was referring to goaltenders beyond (or younger ) than Mrazek in the system (draft picks, etc..).... we already know Mrazek is a great prospect. In fact, I'd say he's more than capable of taking the backup job from Gustavson in Detroit. He's earned the opportunity to do that.. we'll see if Holland will let him. I have more confidence in Mrazek than Gustavson (who isn't that athletic for a goalie of his size). After Mrazek though.... who else comes to mind ? If I recall correctly, they got a guy from Sweden who is suppose to be good (but I can't remember his name).

Before Mrazek the goaltending in Grand Rapids was just plain awful and very inconsistent. McCollum and Pearce simply could not stabilize that position for crap. McCollum never came close to what the Wings brass were hoping for a 1st round draft pick and now he's no longer in the organization. Glad the bad goaltending is gone.... but if Mrazek goes to Detroit and takes the backup job I'm not sure who the Wings would have to be #1 in Grand Rapids.
- Vladdie_Kon1

I can't see Mrazek with the Wings this season unless it's for an injury call up. Yes he's more than capable of being the Wings backup right now but they will ride the last year of Gus for now and give another year of Mrazek being the man in the AHL seeing a lot of action instead of sitting on the bench most of the season in Detroit. Next season I think he will be the backup in Detroit and Paterson will turn pro which should give the Griffins steady goaltending with him and Coreau who both looked solid at the Wings prospect camp this summer. McCullom is still signed too but only for Grand Rapids...I guess the Wings have another year to see if he can pull it together and monitor him closely without having to use a contract on him.

What stinks is that who knows how long until the Wings actually get a chance to pick a talented top 10 center of that caliber... It's been MANY years. It's not like Holland will ever pull the trigger and make a trade for a star center in this league (even if a team would trade one). All we ever hear is "I like our team".
- Vladdie_Kon1

Wings need to get lucky to draft another elite center where they usually draft (15 to 30th). Pretty rare you get those that late in the draft and they usually go in the top 10 or top 5. Most teams that have them don't trade them and don't let them hit the UFA market either unless they are passed their prime. Lots of teams looking for them too. Holland might have to trade up in the draft at some point to get one unless they have one really bad season or get very lucky and one develops into one drafted later. Best bet to me would be to trade up at the draft for once and get one. With the Wings depth and prospect depth, it could be possible to make that happen...or maybe they could trade for an unproven prospect who they think will be a #1 from another team but that also likely wouldn't be cheap but Holland will likely have to do something. Without an elite #1 center or an elite #1 defenseman, you don't win a cup.

I can't see Mrazek with the Wings this season unless it's for an injury call up. Yes he's more than capable of being the Wings backup right now but they will ride the last year of Gus for now and give another year of Mrazek being the man in the AHL seeing a lot of action instead of sitting on the bench most of the season in Detroit. Next season I think he will be the backup in Detroit and Paterson will turn pro which should give the Griffins steady goaltending with him and Coreau who both looked solid at the Wings prospect camp this summer. McCullom is still signed too but only for Grand Rapids...I guess the Wings have another year to see if he can pull it together and monitor him closely without having to use a contract on him.
- dcz28

Just read that McCollum just signed a 1-year deal with Detroit on 7/22/13. So it does look like he's coming back for one more year. I thought he was already done and gone. So.... looks like the same goaltending tandem in GR this season. At least McCollum did play good last year... but he got totally overshadowed by Mrazek. I just don't have much confidence in Gus... I don't see any consistency and I'd be happy to see Holland give Mrazek a shot to take his job this season... he won the Calder, what else can he do to prove he's earned a shot ? I definitely don't want to see Holland let Mrazek rot in GR for 3 more seasons.

Just read that McCollum just signed a 1-year deal with Detroit on 7/22/13. So it does look like he's coming back for one more year. I thought he was already done and gone. So.... looks like the same goaltending tandem in GR this season. At least McCollum did play good last year... but he got totally overshadowed by Mrazek. I just don't have much confidence in Gus... I don't see any consistency and I'd be happy to see Holland give Mrazek a shot to take his job this season... he won the Calder, what else can he do to prove he's earned a shot ? I definitely don't want to see Holland let Mrazek rot in GR for 3 more seasons.
- Vladdie_Kon1

I don't have much confidence in Gus either but hopefully in a contract year and with a full camp and season, he can get himself on track and be decent at least to give Howard more of a break. Injuries are also a concern with Gus. Mrazek being in the AHL is still the best option for him and the Wings. He will get plenty of action and give the Griffins a winning chance especially with so many young defensemen making their pro debut. Also the Wings can't carry 3 goalies so Gus has to play somewhere and even if they waived him for Mrazek to be the backup, some of his cap hit would still remain on top of having Mrazek's cap hit. Best to just keep Mrazek sharp for injury call ups for now unless Gus completely blows this season. Like I said I think Mrazek is the backup for the Wings next season once Gus is off the books unless he struggles this season in the AHL.

While I don't think the Ryan trade was as one-sided as you do, Murray was in a precarious situation with Bobby in that he was almost certain going to leave in 2 years unless he got Getzlaf and Perry money and the Ducks couldn't afford that. Unless Ottawa's ownership finds some money, Bobby will be gone from there when his contract is up.
Mark, if Detroit was willing to part with a decent, young center, Holland could have had Ryan. That's what the Ducks originally wanted for him from The Sens. In fact. I'll bet Murray would have traded Ryan for Darren Helm straight up. But the main reason the deal was done with Ottawa was Noesen. The Ducks really like him and were going to draft him until the Sens got him right before the Ducks did.
- duxcup07

_____________________________________________

As much as Detroit has a good scouting team, Senators are also in the top 5 scouting teams in the NHL. As a Sens fans, I can tell you that originally what the Ducks wanted on top of the draft picks from Ottowa was Zibanijad. But Murray refused to part ways with Ducks and hand over Zibanijad. Silfverberg was another top prospect who has quite the potential. As much as you are right about Neosen being another reason why Ryan was traded to Ottawa. I do not believe that Nyquist would of had the same pull on the ducks as Silfverberg. Silfverberg's shot is a lazer and he could finish really well as a rookie last season. Expect him to score close to 30 goals next season with the Ducks.

If you really know Bryan Murray as a GM, he would have never traded Ryan for Helm... helm is not even close in production and his value is quite lower than Ryan's.

_____________________________________________

As much as Detroit has a good scouting team, Senators are also in the top 5 scouting teams in the NHL. As a Sens fans, I can tell you that originally what the Ducks wanted on top of the draft picks from Ottowa was Zibanijad. But Murray refused to part ways with Ducks and hand over Zibanijad. Silfverberg was another top prospect who has quite the potential. As much as you are right about Neosen being another reason why Ryan was traded to Ottawa. I do not believe that Nyquist would of had the same pull on the ducks as Silfverberg. Silfverberg's shot is a lazer and he could finish really well as a rookie last season. Expect him to score close to 30 goals next season with the Ducks.

If you really know Bryan Murray as a GM, he would have never traded Ryan for Helm... helm is not even close in production and his value is quite lower than Ryan's.
- PtotheY

Uh pretty sure he is talking about Bob Murray not Bryan.

Y'all got Alfie we got bobby, fair trade lol