Trade Target: Forwards
The trade deadline is closing in fast, and the Wings have money to burn for what presumably will be Lidstrom's last run at the cup (it won't be). We all know that Kenny hasn't had this type of money to spend at the deadline in the cap era, and it's probably burning a hole in his pocket as we speak.
That's not to say that Holland will spend just for the fun of it. "In Kenny we trust" has always been the motto for Detroit fans and we know that whatever move, or moves he makes on or before the deadline will be well thought out.
Click the jump to see some options
I'd like to think that the conversation in the picture above is Holland asking Lidstrom what he wants him to do at the deadline. I'd also like to think that Lidstrom's response is to do whatever it takes without giving away our future (and that he will be back to defend the cup.)
All stats and scouting reports provided by Hockey Forecaster These are in no particular order.
Tuomo Ruutu – Carolina Hurricanes
Age: 28
Cap Hit: $3.8M
Years Left: 0 (UFA)
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 205
Shoots: Left
Seasons: 7
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 50 | 15 | 11 | 26 | 38 | 2 |
ASSETS: He competes hard and is not afraid of the rough going. In fact, he enjoys stirring up opponents. Plays with both skill and confidence. Can both set up plays or finish them. Skates well and can line up at any forward position.
FLAWS: Injuries are always a concern. Will sometimes cross the line with questionable hits. Lacks overall consistency.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Scoring forward with agitating qualities and versatility.
Ales Hemsky – Edmonton Oilers
Age: 28
Cap Hit: $4.1M
Years Left: 0 (UFA)
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185
Shoots: Right
Seasons: 8
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 34 | 4 | 13 | 17 | 8 | 1 |
ASSETS: Has excellent instincts and offensive creativity. Owns an effortless skating stride and incredible puck skills. Possesses outstanding playmaking ability.
FLAWS: Gets hurt way too often. Doesn't shoot the puck enough, even when in prime scoring position. Isn't physically strong enough to dominate in the corners.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Dangling, playmaking winger with injury issues.
Teemu Selanne – Anaheim Ducks
Age: 41
Cap Hit: $4.0M
Years Left: 0 (UFA)
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 196
Shoots: Right
Seasons: 18
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 46 | 15 | 29 | 44 | 40 | 7 |
ASSETS: Has one of the best combinations of quickness and hands in the NHL. Is an exceptionally smooth skater. Is also underrated in terms of leadership. Still lethal on the man advantage unit, he can pick a corner or blow by a defenseman. The 'Finnish Flash'.
FLAWS: Has lost some of his playmaking skills over time. Can struggle to produce good numbers when playing in a defensive-minded system.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Veteran goal-scorer and future Hall-of-Famer.
Zach Parise – New Jersey Devils
Age: 27
Cap Hit: $6.0M
Years Left: 0 (UFA)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 195
Shoots: Left
Seasons: 6
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 47 | 15 | 24 | 39 | 24 | 2 (3 SH) |
ASSETS: Never stops hustling and possesses the drive, heart and skills of a winner. Has speed to burn defenders one-on-one and owns a true goal-scorer's shot that he loves to unleash at a moment's notice. Is a supremely intelligent player. Scores goals in the clutch.
FLAWS: Not big, he needs to continue to withstand the constant pounding that comes with being a scoring star at the highest level. Could use a tad more work on his playmaking skills. Knee problems are a concern moving forward.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Elite scorer with a great work ethic.
Bobby Ryan – Anaheim Ducks
Age: 24
Cap Hit: $5.1M
Years Left: 3
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 209
Shoots: Left
Seasons: 4
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 46 | 17 | 12 | 29 | 35 | 0 (1 SH) |
ASSETS: Owns great size and strength, outstanding scoring prowess and a wealth of poise and determination with the puck. Is capable of setting up linemates or light the lamp himself. Has great one-on-one moves, can pass, shoot and hit.
FLAWS: Needs more work on his play without the puck. Still takes a few shifts off, which he must eliminate in order to become one of the best players in the NHL.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Elite offensive winger.
PA Parenteau – New York Islanders
Age: 28
Cap Hit: $1.25M
Years Left: 0 (UFA)
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 193
Shoots: Right
Seasons: 3
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 47 | 9 | 33 | 42 | 41 | 4 |
ASSETS: Has excellent offensive instincts, which he exploits brilliantly on the power play thanks to deft puck control and passing ability. Can line up both at wing and center if need be. Is a proven scorer in the minor-pro ranks.
FLAWS: Is somewhat undersized and needs to keep adding more muscle, because he can be knocked off the puck. Not an especially great straightline skater, he must also continue to work on his play without the puck.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Skilled forward.
Drew Stafford – Buffalo Sabres
Age: 26
Cap Hit: $4M
Years Left: 3
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 214
Shoots: Right
Seasons: 5
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 47 | 8 | 15 | 23 | 36 | 2 |
ASSETS: Owns an impressive size/skill package. Can score goals and also play a physical game from the wing position. Is at his best when he drives through heavy scoring areas and uses his size, puck skills and sneaky-fast shot.
FLAWS: Must prove he can play a consistent brand of hockey in all three zones. Takes shifts off from time to time.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Inconsistent scoring winger with size.
James van Riemsdyk – Philadelphia Flyers
Age: 22
Cap Hit: $1.65M
Years Left: 4 at $4.25M
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 200
Shoots: Left
Seasons: 2
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 37 | 11 | 11 | 22 | 22 | 2 |
ASSETS: Boasts an outstanding combination of size, speed and skill. A surprisingly good passer, he owns plenty of scoring prowess thanks to a good accurate shot and his willingness to drive to the net to score goals. Has a great reach.
FLAWS: Is still a little raw in his defensive game. Could stand to use his size more to his advantage, and even become a little nastier. Needs to keep the intensity level on high at all times.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Talented scoring winger with upside.
Jeff Carter – Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 27
Cap Hit: $5.3M
Years Left: 10
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 199
Shoots: Right
Seasons: 6
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 30 | 10 | 7 | 17 | 12 | 5 |
ASSETS: Has excellent offensive acumen and great size for the center position. Displays great skating ability and a hard, accurate shot. Also kills penalties with aplomb.
FLAWS: Can at times go into prolonged scoring funks. Doesn't always dominate physically, despite great size and strength. His setup skills aren't on par with his goal-scoring ability
CAREER POTENTIAL: Excellent scoring forward with versatility.
Rick Nash – Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 27
Cap Hit: $7.8M
Years Left: 6
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 219
Shoots: Left
Seasons: 8
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 49 | 17 | 16 | 33 | 28 | 3 |
ASSETS: Has outstanding goal-scoring instincts and a huge frame, which he uses to keep puck control. Also skates amazingly well for his size. Can dominate a game with his athletic ability.
FLAWS: Can go into scoring droughts, quite often when he tries to do too much on his own--instead of trusting his teammates. Is still a little lacking in his play without the puck.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Elite scoring winger.
Antoine Vermette – Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 29
Cap Hit: $3.75M
Years Left: 3
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 198
Shoots: Left
Seasons: 7
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 48 | 6 | 14 | 20 | 12 | 0 (1 SH) |
ASSETS: Has excellent two-way instincts, excellent wheels and tenacity. Is dedicated to playing at both ends of the ice and displays loads of perseverance. Effective on face-offs, he can play any role on a team.
FLAWS: The jury is still out on his ability to make an offensive impact at the National Hockey League level. Is woefully inconsistent in the attacking zone. Misses a lot of good scoring chances.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Inconsistent, yet speedy two-way forward.
Vaclav Prospal – Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 36
Cap Hit: $2.5M
Years Left: 0 (UFA)
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 191
Shoots: Left
Seasons: 14
| GP | G | A | P | PIM | PPG |
| 48 | 9 | 21 | 30 | 16 | 2 |
ASSETS: Sees the ice well and gets the puck to an open man effectively. Usually plays with intensity and doesn't back down from challenges. Can play both wing and center.
FLAWS: Lacks consistency in all facets of the game. At times, his instigating qualities can be detrimental to his team. He's also a below-average skater.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Veteran playmaking forward
So... What do you think? Should Kenny go for broke?
Let’s keep the conversation to forwards in this post. I will be doing another list with defenseman, and possibly goalies in the next few days
I get to see alot of Morrow, being that I live in the Dallas area. Hes the real deal. He's the player that has been described in alot of these posts. I fear what it would take to get him here though. Babcock knows his play very well and he respects Coach too. He's a grinder, no whining, no excuses kind of player. He reports for duty no matter what line he's asked to be on.
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He would fit in nicely, but it would probably take way more than he is worth to get him @WingNut83
If we can't get Parise until the summer. I think Ruutu is the best option, he probably wouldn't cost much and fills the need of a Dallas Drake type with the ability to score as well. If it doesn't work out hes a UFA that can walk. I think they should make a 2nd move but I will wait for the defenseman post
Excellent write up. For a possible short term rental I really like Vinny Prospal. By all accounts he's a team guy that everyone seems to love and has a penchant for a big goal or two.
I still think Parise is my match made in heaven. I just don't know if we could afford beyond this season and given what we'd likely have to give up to get him, I'd want him to re-sign with the Wings.
I remember a few years ago when Prospal was available, both Brian Burke and Ken Holland declined on acquiring him as they felt he was too slow to play in the Western Conference. I think he ended up in Philly that year, but my guess is that they weren't fond of him then, I dont they will be now. Besides, is he an upgrade over Hudler or Bert? Not really.
If more size and grit (Goon) are what we are looking for to add to the top 6, we have to understand whether our PK (22nd in the league) is up for it or not. Bear in mind this puts TPH on the ice more in shorthanded minutes than PP and 5/5. seeing where he sits with points on this team and in the league, you could assume goal production would go down. Thats a big price to pay to keep people off of Howard. The best way to do that is to keep the puck on the other end of the ice as much as possible. Flip, Happy, Hemsky/Ruutu?
I feel like we could use one more solid scorer to round out the roster. A dependable, consistent guy or there's not much point. The issue is, we have the cap space, but not the roster space. We're already scratching some good talent. I know we anticipate a few injuries come playoffs, but we have the depth to cope. I don't see much of anybody to trade off from offense to avoid trading away the future.
Also, I feel like we need a bit of a goon. I know, it's not our style and it pains me to say it, but I'm really tired of guys getting away with running over Jimmy.
I don't want a goon, but I do want some sandpaper. Shanahan was a Sniper that wasn't afraid to get in your face or drop the gloves. I think that Bert and Commie can be our patrol when we need it. You have to remember that just because the Wings don't fight, doesn't mean they can't or won't. The Blues game was the perfect example, they were physical and they kept their cool enough to agitate the crap out of St. Louis so that they could draw the penalties. In the end that smart physicality is what won the game.
Ruutu and Stafford fit the bill of gritty forwards that can score, something I feel we need more of@TheOtherMcCarty
@Jordan_Reis
100% agree. Smart physical play is Detroit's style and exactly what we need. Staying out of the box for stupid fights like @WingNut83 says is much better.
I like the votes for Ruutu, but I'm still afraid of losing guys like Mursak who will be vital in a year or two
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I completely agree with Ruutu; You'd get [Bertuzzi, Datsyuk, Franzen], [Filpulla, Zetterberg, Ruutu], [Hudler, Helm, Cleary], [Holmstrom, Abdelkader, Miller/Eaves]
I feel like Kenny is not going to make a big deal this trade deadline. He will probably do something but not to shake up the roster. We are playing our best hockey in a long time. We are winning games, have great depth, and injuries have been minimal (knock on wood). I can see him picking up a gritty veteran from somewhere to be an asset in the playoffs. Save the big moves for free agency.
I think you could be right JohnxJohn. The reality is, if we acquire a top 6 forward, it would be to replace either Bert or Hudler on one of the top 2 lines. Babs LOVES Bert with Mule and Pav while Fil-Z-Hudler is the best 2nd line in the game. Why mess with chemistry? Because, Hudler/Bert don't really fit on the 3rd line with Helm and Cleary and they'd be a waste of the 4th.
JVR would be interesting as he's young and big and I know Philly really wants a d-man for him. I wouldn't be adverse to moving Rig or Kindl and either acquring another d-man for the playoffs or calling up Smitty.
For the money... I think I'd take PA Parenteau. Nice stats and excellent value with room to improve on a good team.
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How about Ryan Smyth? Free Agent after this year, so no long term commitment. Can get in on the forecheck. Is probably the 2nd best in the league at screening the goalie. Can cycle. Is a veteran who would fit nicely on this club.
I've expressed my desire for Ruutu before as well. I think anybody we acquire would need to be a bit gritty with the ability to score. Also, nothing past this year for contracts. Lets keep our space available for UFAs like Parise and/or Suter.
I noticed no Semin on this list. Not that he's gritty, but he can snipe and if we strike out on a few of these guys above, he may be a decent backup plan due to his ability to score from anywhere.
Smyth, now thats a nice blend for the needs of the team. Frees up the Mule and Cleary as shooters for deadlier PP rotations. Thats on the cheap too.
I totally forgot about Semin! I hadn't thought about Smyth, but that would be a pretty viable option too @DetCapC19
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ill take any of them except for hemsky. im not a fan of his one freaking bit.
I like how the entire Colombus Blew/Jack Its roster is on the table for being dealt. Man, that franchise is really in the dumps. Here's to hoping the Pittsburgh Penguins Model for Success works out for them.
That's how I view the Oilers. Stockpile as many #1 picks as you can and eventually you will be good. @brendanksullivan
Selanne is not available. But I like ruutu I think he would be a good fit in our bottom six with the ability to step in to the top two lines at any time
