Should we upgrade at this deadline and where?

[Winged Wheel Willy]

We all know the situation. Up until the weekend I would've said upgrading the 3rd pair is the most pressing issue. But since Madame Fate has struck, we maybe have to adjust. Where do we stand on this? I'll prob do another poll regarding the price we are willing to pay (picks, prospects). This is just to get a pulse in terms of on-ice-need.

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[Henkka]

Still think defence is more important to upgrade than anything else.

Just to get Holl off from the ice. That would also help Johansson's load, has been struggling lately.

If something is done with forwards, think only reasonable move is long-term for a guy like Cozens.

Kasper - Larkin - Raymond
DeBrincat - Ras - Kane
Söderblom - Compher - Tarasenko
Motte - Veleno - Fischer

Copp - IR (season over)

Chiarot - Seider
Edvinsson - UPGRADE
Gustafsson - Johansson
(Holl)

Petry - IR (returning in March?)

Talbot
Lyon
(Cossa)

Goalies are just fine. Go with Cossa, if there's injuries.

 

[DamonDRW]

let's just not spend assets on this playoff run. we're anyway out in the first round. still to motivate team a bit we might do some useless trade for top-6 D or something like that.

 

[RRhoads]

Unless it is for a player that will be here long term, just trade for third pairing defenseman to get Holl out of the lineup.

Rasmussen is day to day, so I expect him back soon, although you never know with head injuries.

 

[HisNoodliness]

For me I have 2 priorities that I think we need to address going forward. I'd like to address either as soon as possible as long as our solution is still a long term one and the prices are reasonable.

I voted get a top 4D here. We desperately need a responsible top 4 LD that can play with Seider. They should be good enough to allow Edvinsson to play with Seider and serve as the training wheels for ASP when he's breaking onto the team/into the top 4. Regardless even just for this year, putting Chiarot on the third pair and Holl in the press box would be great for this run. I think giving Seider a real partner is the biggest single move we could make to improve the team right now.

I considered voting for the 2C. With Copp out and Compher being relatively ineffective this year, we need a 2C. I like the idea of keeping Kasper as a winger, at least for now. I don't know if I believe in Danielson going forward. A bona fide 2C would make a huge difference for this team and it's a need I still think we need to address.

Both of these issues have reasonable solutions in the system (AlJo, Danielson, Compher, Copp) and so I wouldn't be willing to pay much for anything resembling a stop gap. For a young genuine difference maker in these positions, I'd be willing to pay quite a bit in terms of futures

 

[Snuggs]

Moving/waiving Holl and bringing in ALMOST anyone in a trade would be a upgrade imo. For the buy low guys, I don't think you'd need to spend more than a 3rd round pick to get a good legitimate upgrade for the bottom pairing defense.

I keep circling around Alec Martinez because he's from the area, playing on a crap team on an expiring I believe, logging top minutes on the left side. Might be the cheapest, easiest add for a better partner with Seider.

I want ROR and Schenn from the Predators. They'll help a lot this year and next. RoR is the guy that'll be productive till he retire imo, also Guys like Gudas won't goon us up and someone that punches our captain in the head might actually be dealt with reasonably.

 

[ridilon]

let's just not spend assets on this playoff run. we're anyway out in the first round. still to motivate team a bit we might do some useless trade for top-6 D or something like that.

This is patently untrue. If the DRW make the playoffs they will upset their 1st round opponent. Don't care who you decry no-way it will happen, it will happen, nonetheless.

 

[FMichael]

Improve our bottom pair and/or acquire another legit centerman.

 

[Snuggs]

Maybe just hurdle Luke Schenn and ask for Roman Josi with ROR... Red Wings got the money and I want to see the Kasper savings put to good use. Everyone else wants Seider to have a better partner.

 

[DamonDRW]

This is patently untrue. If the DRW make the playoffs they will upset their 1st round opponent. Don't care who you decry no-way it will happen, it will happen, nonetheless.

the biggest issue is that we already play our best hockey. Even Toronto's best gear is better what we can bring in the playoffs.

 

[Winger98]

I voted a top4 D but I doubt we make any real move. Unless someone gives you a deal you feel you can't pass up, I don't think Yzerman will want to move too many pieces around this late in the season if we're doing well. And all of the good UFA options are on playoff teams. If Gourde is cheap because he's coming back from sports hernia, I can see us taking a flier on him. I think Evans out of montreal is an option that doesn't get talked about a lot, but it would depend on cost. I think it'll be a sellers market for guys like Evans. Kerfoot, too, just for depth.

On the blueline,...Rutta, Martinez, Savard. I'd still like to see Tuomisto get a look first.

 

[izlez]

Trade for rental center depth. Most likely someone that's a 3/4. Maybe someone that's a 2/3.
If it works well this year, try to sign them for another year or 2

 

[19 for president]

Wings two biggest needs are a top 4 dman and top 6 center, with that said I'd be upset if we dealt for rentals in either of these areas. If we are dealing for a longer term solution (say at least 3 seasons) then I'm ok giving up the 1st and some of our b tier prospects, maybe A tier if its for a legit star level player.

If we are just looking for a deadline bump rental I go for a bottom pair RD to replace Holl and a 4th line center that can win some faceoffs. Going down the stretch with 1 guy that can consistently win a faceoff is a bad idea.

I wouldn't want anything more than really cheap rentals as I feel like this team could not overcome a true critical injury. We just don't have the depth there.

 

[Henkka]

Rasmussen is day to day, so I expect him back soon, although you never know with head injuries.

Usually it has been 1 week for concussion protocol, but we've seen faster returns.

He would miss 3 games (MIN and 2x CBJ) if it's one week.

Scott Laughton could be some cheap option from the trade market, to have extra Center. He can also move to wing.

 

[Henkka]

Moving/waiving Holl and bringing in ALMOST anyone in a trade would be a upgrade imo. For the buy low guys, I don't think you'd need to spend more than a 3rd round pick to get a good legitimate upgrade for the bottom pairing defense.

I keep circling around Alec Martinez because he's from the area, playing on a crap team on an expiring I believe, logging top minutes on the left side. Might be the cheapest, easiest add for a better partner with Seider.

I want ROR and Schenn from the Predators. They'll help a lot this year and next. RoR is the guy that'll be productive till he retire imo, also Guys like Gudas won't goon us up and someone that punches our captain in the head might actually be dealt with reasonably.

ROR is a nice idea.

 

[Zetterberg4Captain]

Not upgrading at all after the late season stretch last year and the complete 180 this season under McClellan could be an issue in rhe locker room...these guys wanna play playoff hockey even if just four games...

Time to make a move...should be for a medium to longer term asset though vs purely playoff rental..

Top 6 center
and/or
Top 4 dman

 

[odin1981]

3rd line d man to stop Holl from stepping on the ice. And a 3/4 C on a expiring contract because Ras/Copp injuries. That is the extent of moves I would make this year if I was Stevie.

 

[saska sault]

I voted 2C but a defenseman to get Holl out of the line up is just as important. I could see Yzerman going short term if the asking price in season is too high for his liking for guys that are longer term pieces. Giving up mid level assets/picks for rentals could be a route... veteran guys who have playoff experience and can move up and down the line up and have versatility while also not disrupting the chemistry the top guys already have. The biggest issue is how many teams believe they have a chance to stay in the race.... They don't want to give up their guys and give up on the season. Longer term pieces may be off season moves unless Yzerman overpays which doesn't fit his narrative. Should be fun to see what happens between now and the deadline.

Thank you Todd & team for making this possible. I had zero faith this was possible pre Christmas.

 

[schuelma24]

I'd give up a few low picks (3rd round or later) to get a 3rd pairing D and a bottom 6 grinder who can PK and close out games.

And of course if a blockbuster is available that improves the team for the long term, great. But not expecting it.

 

[redwingsfannn9191]

We shouldn't look for a forward unless it's a 2c that would be here longterm

Same with the defense though, the most I'd pay for a rental would be 4-5th... we should try and get a dman that can help and be here longterm

At this point I'd just call tuomisto a few games and bench holl and see what he has . Anyone would be better than holl

 

[Snuggs]

Yeah, the Tuomisto comment is legit. The kid is 24, RFA, he needs a shot at some point or maybe just ship him off as part of a deal.

Last year things were great this time too; then about 7-15 days later the wheels legit came off the wagon. Hopefully Yzerman throws these guys a bone and adds someone. Can you imagine the mind-set of someone like Larkin if no moves are made and they barely miss out again on the playoffs with bad play down the stretch... something crazy like 3 of the 4 or all fricken 4 from Bruins/Rangers/Senators/BlueJackets jump the Red Wings.

I think 3 of those teams above are going to try and get better, Red Wings should "smartly" try and maintain pace and not just stand pat imo if they're trying to seriously make the playoffs.

A trade today would really help out Saturday when we'll have one of the bigger regular season games of the year(imo) with a great venue to top it off... Almost... feels scripted. ESPECIALLY ESPECIALLY if Blue Jackets can win in regulation Thursday.

 

[datsyukfan]

Yeah, the Tuomisto comment is legit. The kid is 24, RFA, he needs a shot at some point or maybe just ship him off as part of a deal.

Last year things were great this time too; then about 7-15 days later the wheels legit came off the wagon. Hopefully Yzerman throws these guys a bone and adds someone. Can you imagine the mind-set of someone like Larkin if no moves are made and they barely miss out again on the playoffs with bad play down the stretch... something crazy like 3 of the 4 or all fricken 4 from Bruins/Rangers/Senators/BlueJackets jump the Red Wings.

I think 3 of those teams above are going to try and get better, Red Wings should "smartly" try and maintain pace and not just stand pat imo if they're trying to seriously make the playoffs.

I agree that we should be making a couple small moves to get better or a bigger hockey trade to get better now and in future. I have more faith this year than last year simply because of coaching

 

[Michael Brand Eggs]

2c. But if it's not a long-term addition, I think they should stand pat. Which is to say, try for Cozens again, but if it doesn't work, let it ride.

 

[LongTimeDRWF]

Voted improve the 3rd pair, especially if the wings can snag a reliable 5/6 RHD PKer...that can clear the net front, but honestly, we do need to see Tuo up for a bit to see if he can replace Holl.

The wings should send Lagesson down to get some games in and bring Tuo up to get some. Yes, they are in a race, but they still need to get some kids involved sooner rather than later.

I cannot see SY using the TDL as a lever to make "big" swings for this year, he has his long term plan and will stick to it.

Yes anyone making it to the dance this year has a chance, especially this year...but it is not yet the time to push too many chips into the middle and go all in...

 

[Pavels Dog]

Still think defence is more important to upgrade than anything else.

Just to get Holl off from the ice. That would also help Johansson's load, has been struggling lately.

If something is done with forwards, think only reasonable move is long-term for a guy like Cozens.

Kasper - Larkin - Raymond
DeBrincat - Ras - Kane
Söderblom - Compher - Tarasenko
Motte - Veleno - Fischer

Copp - IR (season over)

Chiarot - Seider
Edvinsson - UPGRADE
Gustafsson - Johansson
(Holl)

Petry - IR (returning in March?)

Talbot
Lyon
(Cossa)

Goalies are just fine. Go with Cossa, if there's injuries.

It would take a lot for me to think breaking up Edvinsson-Johansson is a good idea.