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everyoneneedsasmil
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The Wings are at an empasse this season. They have young talent, they have veteran stars, but they are having a heck of a time putting it all together. A lot of this is due to injuries, but the hits just keep on coming with Big Z out for the season. With the trade deadline coming up and the Wings hanging out in the pack of bottom playoff seeds, what should they do? Should they be looking to buy that one piece or two that might sew up the playoffs, or should they sell off their impending UFA's and elder statesmen?
If I was Holland I would do a bit of hedging. I would look for good players that I could afford in a trade, but at the same time let it be known that I would take offers for my guys. When the phones light up, I decide the course of action by which way gets me more value.
Examples: Ryan Kesler is a legitimate top line center. He's young enough to be worth every penny of his contract the next 2.5 years. With Z out, Kesler could fill a huge need and realistically might be sure we make the playoffs. I could see making a significant offer for him.
On the other side, would another team offer a 2nd round pick for Kyle Quincey? If so, could the team afford to turn it down?
And then the big one. Henrik Zetterberg is out until the playoffs. He is one of the top players in the league when healthy, but he struggles to stay healthy. Datsyuk similarly is one of the best, but he's also getting older. If we're honest, the team is probably still a few years from being real contenders again. By that time, both Z and Pavel could have lost significant production. I think if I'm Holland I at least listen to offers if either name comes up. I would be looking for a ransom, surely, but I would be ready to pull the trigger if one actually comes through.
If I was Holland I would do a bit of hedging. I would look for good players that I could afford in a trade, but at the same time let it be known that I would take offers for my guys. When the phones light up, I decide the course of action by which way gets me more value.
Examples: Ryan Kesler is a legitimate top line center. He's young enough to be worth every penny of his contract the next 2.5 years. With Z out, Kesler could fill a huge need and realistically might be sure we make the playoffs. I could see making a significant offer for him.
On the other side, would another team offer a 2nd round pick for Kyle Quincey? If so, could the team afford to turn it down?
And then the big one. Henrik Zetterberg is out until the playoffs. He is one of the top players in the league when healthy, but he struggles to stay healthy. Datsyuk similarly is one of the best, but he's also getting older. If we're honest, the team is probably still a few years from being real contenders again. By that time, both Z and Pavel could have lost significant production. I think if I'm Holland I at least listen to offers if either name comes up. I would be looking for a ransom, surely, but I would be ready to pull the trigger if one actually comes through.
