You know, I know the Wings are not what they used to be -- but most of that is due to the Loss of Lidstrom. I have been a Wings fan since 89', and Yzerman was my favorite player but once Lidstrom arrived he brought a stability on the back end that turned the team into greatness... he was so good, that we may never see a player like #5 again.

That is the real reason for the decline in my opinion.

Now in fairness, I think the youth really took a step forward last year... people forget at the 52game mark, the Wings lead the Atlantic -- the issue afterwards, Howard crapped the bed and the 50 million dollar man kept going back to him instead of playing the kid but finally learned his lesson by playoff time.

I believe that the Wings may just have more quality depth coming vs relying on Z/Datsyuk, which could be scary, but it takes time for that youth to step up and the Wings are in the middle of that.

The additions of the veterans this off season, for me at least, will take some pressure off of Datsyuk/Zetterberg and Kronner.

The Weiss decable was bad for Z/Datsyuk but good for our youth, so it may be the best blessing in disguise of em' all.

looking forward to puck drop.
- BooBoo997

Great read.

I love the offensive depth this team has.

Nyquist/Z/Abby
Tatar/Richards/Jurco
Helm/Sheahan/Pulkinnen
Miller/Glendening/Ferraro

And that's with Datsyuk out to start the season.

Great read.

I love the offensive depth this team has.

Nyquist/Z/Abby
Tatar/Richards/Jurco
Helm/Sheahan/Pulkinnen
Miller/Glendening/Ferraro

And that's with Datsyuk out to start the season.
- RedDog18

I was talking to Wings' fans yesterday regarding your roster and how "home grown" it is. I love the philosophy of building and developing your talent. I imagine Richards drops to the third line when Datsyuk comes back.

Who will step into Z's role as a leader though? Z is one of the best captains in the business, in my opinion, and I am sure there is somebody in that young core that can take over when he's gone, but I don't know enough about the team dynamics to know who that might be.
- SolidGoldBricks

I give the same name every time I hear this question lately. Danny Dekekeyser. That guy will be a stud on defense and will only get better. To me he will be a perfect option to take over. Larkin might make sense but he doesn't have very long to prove himself worthy

I give the same name every time I hear this question lately. Danny Dekekeyser. That guy will be a stud on defense and will only get better. To me he will be a perfect option to take over. Larkin might make sense but he doesn't have very long to prove himself worthy
- HomestyleMelt

I like where your head it at. Dekeyser has been really fun to watch so far in his career.

I was talking to Wings' fans yesterday regarding your roster and how "home grown" it is. I love the philosophy of building and developing your talent. I imagine Richards drops to the third line when Datsyuk comes back.
- Panthers88

I've heard the plan is to have Dats/Z on the top line together. The Richards signing gives them the depth at C to do this. This was the dream when Weiss was signed.

I've heard the plan is to have Dats/Z on the top line together. The Richards signing gives them the depth at C to do this. This was the dream when Weiss was signed.
- TheCaptain19

I've heard mixed reports on what the plan is. There are some rumblings about moving Datsyuk to wing full-time. If they do that I don't see how Pavs and Z can play together. IMO Hank shouldn't be playing center at this point in his career.

I do like the depth the Wings have at C now. Datsyuk-Richards-Sheahan-Glendening looks incredible. Throw in Helm when needed and you've got a great looking group down the middle. And there's always that Larkin guy waiting for his chance...

I've heard mixed reports on what the plan is. There are some rumblings about moving Datsyuk to wing full-time. If they do that I don't see how Pavs and Z can play together. IMO Hank shouldn't be playing center at this point in his career.

I do like the depth the Wings have at C now. Datsyuk-Richards-Sheahan-Glendening looks incredible. Throw in Helm when needed and you've got a great looking group down the middle. And there's always that Larkin guy waiting for his chance...
- RedDog18

We might have to take you guys seriously this year!

We might have to take you guys seriously this year!
- Panthers88

I have a vested interest in your team. Both Trochek and Grimaldi played their youth hockey in Metro Detroit. I've known both kids and families for a long time and you've got a couple of great kids in those two. It's amazing that those two have been able to play together for so long and now have a shot to do it in the NHL.

Im not too worried about replacing Datsyuk and Zetterberg. None of our prospects may be as skilled as them, but we have so many offensively gifted kids that they can hopefully replace them as a group. That being said, I believe (and have believed for a long time) that Mrazek is the real future of this team. I think he will be the greatest goalie we've had in decades, even better than Hasek. Hes acrobatic, mentally tough, and is already one of the best puck-moving goalies in the league.

Im not too worried about replacing Datsyuk and Zetterberg. None of our prospects may be as skilled as them, but we have so many offensively gifted kids that they can hopefully replace them as a group. That being said, I believe (and have believed for a long time) that Mrazek is the real future of this team. I think he will be the greatest goalie we've had in decades, even better than Hasek. Hes acrobatic, mentally tough, and is already one of the best puck-moving goalies in the league.
- ajhill4594

the one thing that worries me going forward is our lack of a true #1 defenseman. Kronwall isn't a true #1 IMO. We don't have one in our pipeline either. Most stanley cup winners have one that can control the game and play 25+ minutes in the playoffs.

Chicago has Keith, LA has Doughty, Boston had Chara when he was dominating, Tampa has Hedman.

Defensmen like that very rarely hit free agency too.

the one thing that worries me going forward is our lack of a true #1 defenseman. Kronwall isn't a true #1 IMO. We don't have one in our pipeline either. Most stanley cup winners have one that can control the game and play 25+ minutes in the playoffs.

Chicago has Keith, LA has Doughty, Boston had Chara when he was dominating, Tampa has Hedman.

Defensmen like that very rarely hit free agency too.
- porkchops1977

Kronwall still has some years left though. We can take a dman is the first round for the next two years and hopefully find someone solid. Wasn't subban 22nd or something?

I give the same name every time I hear this question lately. Danny Dekekeyser. That guy will be a stud on defense and will only get better. To me he will be a perfect option to take over. Larkin might make sense but he doesn't have very long to prove himself worthy
- HomestyleMelt

Ugh, what flavor kool aid are you drinking?

Dekeyser is terrible. Hes smart, but he has no grit, no strength, no shot.

Hes very very weak.

I hope he can bulk up.

Ugh, what flavor kool aid are you drinking?

Dekeyser is terrible. Hes smart, but he has no grit, no strength, no shot.

Hes very very weak.

I hope he can bulk up.
- thehooligan

He's a DFD what do you want from him. His shot isnot terrible either...I've never really heard many ppl say he's terrible so...

He's a DFD what do you want from him. His shot isnot terrible either...I've never really heard many ppl say he's terrible so...
- HomestyleMelt

hes not terrible by any means

no i dont think hes a #1 defender in the making, but hes a top 4 guy. We dont have a true #1 but the problem is, we dont draft high enough to get one, and they never hit open market, even if they did the asking price would be thru the roof.

You know, I know the Wings are not what they used to be -- but most of that is due to the Loss of Lidstrom. I have been a Wings fan since 89', and Yzerman was my favorite player but once Lidstrom arrived he brought a stability on the back end that turned the team into greatness... he was so good, that we may never see a player like #5 again.

That is the real reason for the decline in my opinion.

Now in fairness, I think the youth really took a step forward last year... people forget at the 52game mark, the Wings lead the Atlantic -- the issue afterwards, Howard crapped the bed and the 50 million dollar man kept going back to him instead of playing the kid but finally learned his lesson by playoff time.

I believe that the Wings may just have more quality depth coming vs relying on Z/Datsyuk, which could be scary, but it takes time for that youth to step up and the Wings are in the middle of that.

The additions of the veterans this off season, for me at least, will take some pressure off of Datsyuk/Zetterberg and Kronner.

The Weiss decable was bad for Z/Datsyuk but good for our youth, so it may be the best blessing in disguise of em' all.

looking forward to puck drop.
- BooBoo997

For all the accolades and praise Lidstrom received, I still think he was underrated by most. He is easily the best defenseman I have ever had the pleasure of seeing play. An amazing player.

so... how about that final grade sheet? Curious on your thoughts on the Habs.

so... how about that final grade sheet? Curious on your thoughts on the Habs.
- mlindsay

Easy Price plays like a MVP again playoffs he plays average bubble team

He's a DFD what do you want from him. His shot isnot terrible either...I've never really heard many ppl say he's terrible so...
- HomestyleMelt

I believe he uses a wet noodle for a stick, thats how bad his shot is. Never gets to the net either.

so... how about that final grade sheet? Curious on your thoughts on the Habs.
- mlindsay

This evening!