Jeremy Laura: Red Wings prospects tough playoff debut, Yzerman wants to retain Kane

Kane is going to be a key contributor for this next season. It's realistic to expect some performance decline starting around now, especially given the hip, but he's held strong. Like I said before, he's still an insane puck-handler and distributor so he's a must-retain, to me. As we transition some of the kids into more important roles, he'll be invaluable to their growth - just need to look at Kasper.....

The GRG deal......sometimes a leader just needs to let the team figure it out. I'm sure a couple of things were/will be said, but then I'd tell the vets to do what they're getting paid for: FIX THIS NOW. Walk out. Close the door. Keep everyone away as the room is destroyed, egos are soothed, and the team re-sets itself.

Kane is going to be a key contributor for this next season. It's realistic to expect some performance decline starting around now, especially given the hip, but he's held strong. Like I said before, he's still an insane puck-handler and distributor so he's a must-retain, to me. As we transition some of the kids into more important roles, he'll be invaluable to their growth - just need to look at Kasper.....

The GRG deal......sometimes a leader just needs to let the team figure it out. I'm sure a couple of things were/will be said, but then I'd tell the vets to do what they're getting paid for: FIX THIS NOW. Walk out. Close the door. Keep everyone away as the room is destroyed, egos are soothed, and the team re-sets itself.
- mcmastermike1968

I agree on both. I think Kane really inspired Kasper to add even more creativity to his play. Kasper plays a lot more ruggedly in the corners than I expected when he was drafted. He’ll dog pile to get a puck. For leadership, there is that interesting balance. Even though the coach was a player (and Lashoff had been part of GR for big off seasons) there is something different about the player hierarchy and what players can say to each other “in the trenches” as opposed to how coaches can communicate. Finding that balance is so critical for a strong room and a team whose internal demands meet or exceed the demands of the coaches. Nice drop in, always appreciated!

I agree on both. I think Kane really inspired Kasper to add even more creativity to his play. Kasper plays a lot more ruggedly in the corners than I expected when he was drafted. He’ll dog pile to get a puck. For leadership, there is that interesting balance. Even though the coach was a player (and Lashoff had been part of GR for big off seasons) there is something different about the player hierarchy and what players can say to each other “in the trenches” as opposed to how coaches can communicate. Finding that balance is so critical for a strong room and a team whose internal demands meet or exceed the demands of the coaches. Nice drop in, always appreciated!
- Jeremy Laura

Regardless of what happens otherwise, I'd REALLY like to see the actions completed on the folks we need to re-sign to open up what the budget could look like in UFA.....

Regardless of what happens otherwise, I'd REALLY like to see the actions completed on the folks we need to re-sign to open up what the budget could look like in UFA.....
- mcmastermike1968

I’m wondering more now if Ekblad may be available. Another suspension and was in rumor mill before.

I’m wondering more now if Ekblad may be available. Another suspension and was in rumor mill before.
- Jeremy Laura

I mean, listen....the guy carries the mail. It's like he Tiger Williams or Wendel Clark.....I'd set the rules, the sign him.

Kinda feel like I''m one of the Deltas in Animal House...."Ok, Larry Kroger?"... ".....we need the dues..." Seriously, take a flyer on the guy.

I mean, listen....the guy carries the mail. It's like he Tiger Williams or Wendel Clark.....I'd set the rules, the sign him.

Kinda feel like I''m one of the Deltas in Animal House...."Ok, Larry Kroger?"... ".....we need the dues..." Seriously, take a flyer on the guy.
- mcmastermike1968

He adds, and I’m all for that. Trouba had a similar edge and would occasionally throw a “chicken wing”. If AE wanted to come to Detroit, I’d be good with that.