Today’s earlier blog, though not by design, seems to have “awoken the beast” or at least “poked the bear” in regards to my beloved readers and commenters. There is, as always, a fine line between blowing off steam and splitting the atom, metaphorically of course. Steam can burn, and cause serious pain. When you split an atom you wipe out everything in a one mile radius plus fallout. It is a small but important distinction.

So, as I’ve learned from most of my questionable decisions, lets move forward! This post and comments section are dedicated to creative solutions as it relates to on ice personnel. Steve Yzerman has already shown an ability and a penchant for low risk deals with potential upside. And so, it is on a smaller level I hope to bring out the best in your armchair GMs. There are a few rules I’d like you to follow. First, keep the salary cap in mind. All suggested trades will be weighed against cap friendly to ensure at least some level of cap compliance. Second, keep in mind term. Try to avoid bringing in anyone on a longer contract if they’re in the 30 and up category. Not ideal for a rebuild. Third, and most important, be respectful of each other. If you don’t like a suggestion or see an obvious flaw, respectfully point it out without making it personal. This is meant to be fun, and would be interesting if any of these suggestions came to be. I will offer a couple of trade scenarios of my own to start:

Of my favorite teams to look at, Carolina has at least a couple of defensemen that would be worth at least a look. At one point, they were still looking to add some more scoring. Dougie Hamilton would be a prize, for sure. Though it would take a lot to pry him away. A more realistic target may be
Joel Edmunson. At only 26, Joel is a steadying presence that can free up a more offensive minded defense partner. The only way this is a possibility is if Carolina isn’t keen on an extension, as his 3.1mil current contract is up at the end of this year.
The return
Evgeni Svechnikov. Also RFA at the end of this year, there has to be some sort of appetite to see if being around younger brother and scoring phenom Andrei. Svechnikov alone wouldn’t get the deal done however. If healthy, Mike Green may be the sweetener this deal takes. If Carolina is in contention again, bringing Green on board for the 2nd power play may be an attractive move.

All three of these players are on expiring contracts, and so there is a possible fit. Money in and out would work out, even if Detroit had to retain some of Mike Green’s salary.

The other trade is one that wouldn’t have any bearing on the current team. And that would be the acquisition of Puljuljarvi’s rights from Ken Holland. Ken has “his” picks that he still may like in the Wings organization.
The return
Michael Rasmussen. Ras is on an expiring contract, but may be attractive as a 3rd center option in Edmonton. Yzerman may have to send Oliwer Kaski as well. The newly signed defenseman hasn’t been given a shot in Detroit, and may have some value to Ken Holland.

There they are. Some minor tweaks that could lead to good things for Detroit. Julius Honka may also be worth looking at, and Jim Nill would certainly be familiar with some of Detroit’s assets still.

Please, have fun with this. Treat each other well and enjoy!

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