Ken Holland: Open to trade to replace Rafalski

[Datsyerberger 279]

Well, personally, I'd much rather have Campbell as a potentially very cheap to acquire back pocket option if nothing more desirable works out than to be off chasing completely unrealistic Doughty/Weber/Larsson/etc pipe dreams and be stuck with a weak crop of d-men this year if the FA signings don't go as well as some people here seem to think they'd go, but maybe that's just me being willing to compromise after taking a bigger look at the salary picture.

Personally, I'd prefer to land one of the righty shot FAs and and shop around for a decent d-man that may be on the way out, but those are in somewhat limited supply and expecting to sign any more than one of the FAs is unreasonable. Facing a prospect of having Ericsson back as #5 and Kindl #6, can't say I'm terribly comfortable with that.

Regarding Campbell's numbers, yep, definitely down this year, but on the other hand he was significantly more defensively responsible.. then again, he was being to asked to play in a 2nd pair role and not the higher offensive responsibility roles of years past. He's still one of the top 20 P/G d-men since the lockout (maybe top 15, not sure if I'd push it that far though without doing the math first) and fits our style well. Doesn't have quite as much offense as Rafalski, but a more rounded game, which may be a better match for what we're looking for at the moment if we can't get anything better.

Contract is definitely not the worst in the league, not even close, really.

Edited May 25, 2011 by Datsyerberger

[newfy 695]

When I think about it, Mike Green wouldnt be bad a replacement at all for Rafalski. Yeah Green isnt good defensively, but he is no worse than Rafalski and still has plenty of time to improve his defensive game.

Green is one of, if not the best offensive defenseman in the game and could be a good trade option. I would still rather just sign Wiz and Bieksa or Pitkanen however, you dont need to give up assets for either of them

[pucktividi 472]

Does Holland have footage of Lou Lam flirting with guys in a bathroom stall or something?

lol no,but the Devils have cap problems as well and Hudler could have good chemistry playing with his countryman Elias

[egroen 384]

If you're thinking Campbell, you may as well go for Kaberle - will cost less, not lose any assets, won't help out a division rival and without a no-trade clause for similar production and crappy defense.

[Guest Crymson]

Brian Campbell's contract is probably the worst next to Dipietro's.

Dude, at least DiPietro gets put on LTIR and saves the Islanders cap space. Campbell just floats around and sucks, and his cap hit stays on the books.

Contract is definitely not the worst in the league, not even close, really.

Please list those contracts that are worse.

[egroen 384]

Please list those contracts that are worse.

Redden, Souray, Gomez, Drury, Finger, Lebda, Huet

[AtomicPunk 296]

Deleted cause I forget things.

Edited May 25, 2011 by AtomicPunk

[Guest Crymson]

Redden, Souray, Gomez, Drury, Finger, Lebda, Huet

Souray is in the minors. Redden is in the minors. Finger is in the minors. Huet is in Switzerland. None of those four have a cap hit. Lebda's contract sucks, but it's small. The only ones comparable are those of Gomez and Drury.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Redden, Souray, Gomez, Drury, Finger, Lebda, Huet

Only 3 of those guys still play in the NHL, Campbells contract is just awful. I'd only say of that list, that Drury and Gomez are worse.

[egroen 384]

Only 3 of those guys still play in the NHL, Campbells contract is just awful. I'd only say of that list, that Drury and Gomez are worse.

If Campbell's contract was worse, he too would be in the minors or overseas.

It's not that bad (especially nowadays with the cap at $60m+).

[Guest Crymson]

If Campbell's contract was worse, he too would be in the minors or overseas.

It's not that bad (especially nowadays with the cap at $60m+).

A mid-level defenseman taking up more than 10% of a team's cap space is nightmarish. I suspect that Chicago doesn't dump him into the minors because the organization is still not solid financially.

[Donaldjr2448 43]

I can just say that there is no way in Holy Hell that Weber ends up in Detroit! As many of you know I use to live in Nashville and there would be a riot on Broadway if Weber ended up with the Wings! It would mirror the feeling we would have if Lidstrom was traded to the Hawks!

Nashville fans HATE us, and I do mean HATE us, eventhough they swing from our nuts and want to be us sooooo bad! Anyway, I digress on that; but there is no way Weber ends up here. I would love it to happen, but I just do not see Nashville letting Weber go anywhere and especially to Detroit!

[pucktividi 472]

from the HF boards,lol

[e_prime 1,936]

I went to the bar this afternoon and came home to a multitude of Mutli-Quotes. Sorry, but it must happen.

Maybe be can re-sign Lang and trade him to Wash for Green straight up, thus completing the cycle, haha

golden stev. golden.

True North has deep pockets and wants to keep their stars, I don't see them even letting Bogo go now, I'm sure even he is off the table, but I think there's ZERO chance they trade Enstrom, unless it's for a kings ransom... he's young, cheap still and has tons of upside, plus already showing skill as you stated... no way WINNIPEG lets him go...

Sorta like us landing Yandle. Why IN GODS NAME would THE LEAGUE give away Yandle.

Hudler and something (pick, prospect) for Brian Campbell. Much more realistic than anything else I've seen suggested here.

Things to consider:

Campbell has roughly the same impact on the cap as a matter of percentage that Rafalski did when the Wings signed him. Both have NTCs.

Their offensive skill sets are very close; Campbell is a bit larger and a little more well-rounded.

Campbell is locked up long term, but not to as old of an age as Raffi was on his current deal. The Wings have a history of doing well with players into their mid 30s.

Chicago needs cap space. Campbell could be available on the cheap.

Meanwhile, there are also some righty shot options in FA who could be cheaper additional acquisitions, giving us a blueline that includes Lidstrom, Campbell, Kronwall, Stuart, a righty shot and Kindl/Ericcson/Smith

Campbell? Really? You guys are talking about Brian Campbell?

I was listening to NHL Home Ice on XM this morning and they were saying someone is going to offer Bieksa between $4.5-$5m per year!!!! WOW

Sounds about right. Front load it... it's okay.

Where should I start?

1. DRASTICALLY overpaid (by a lot more than 1.5m)

2. Has 3 YEARS left on said overpaid deal AND a NTC

3. Has been injured and missed almost a quarter of the season the last 2 years

4. in-division/in-conference trade

5. Specifically trading to the Hawks

6. ANOTHER left handed shot

1. Agreed.

2. That's his contract.

3. Facts.

4. Fact.

5. Fact.

6. Fact.

7. It's Brian "Ridiculed by this board less than two years ago for being a pathetic player" Campbell

Well, I've already demonstrated that their cap numbers are roughly equal relative to age, prime Rafalski and prime Campbell are relatively close in terms of ability/role (#2 offensive d-man), they're both cup winners, and Campbell has shown to fit very well into a puck possession team. Given that a deal could probably include Hudler, which would ensure that we still have plenty of room to sign another d-man, giving us a D group of Lidstrom, Kronwall, Campbell, Stuart, Rightyshotgritty#3/4, Kindl, and whatever else is spare parts, and that Hudler and a 2nd is a cheap price for a d-man of Campbell's caliber, but realistic in this scenario, I'd like you to present an argument for why we're way off. Since I've already demonstrated the cap numbers, I suggest you start elsewhere.

..and so, we've got our new Rafalski in another Brian. Often thought as over-payed, an offensive defenseman at his core, subject to much ridicule, and often times soft with the puck. really? Really? REALLY?

I'm shocked by this Brian Campbell idea...

Couple of things...

- He has a $7.1 million cap hit until the 2015-2016 season, that is 5 years not 3, with a NTC.

- His cap hit would make him the highest paid played on the team.

- He scored 5 points during the Blackhawks cup run, in 19 games. Brent Sopel scored 6.

- Rafalski has consistently outscored him each season with no friggan ligaments in his knee.

- Campbell's career year doesn't even top Rafalski's seasons at age 34, 35, and 36.

I don't even want to go on but the idea is bad, bad, bad. We need to dump Hudler yes, but this is not the solution. Having Hudler back next season would be a better option. Hoping for Hudler to return to form (2008) or possibly even reach a higher potential is a smarter move than pushing the panic switch, and helping out our division rivals. This trade does not help the wings. They will have better options.

If trading is the way to bring in an elite puck moving defensemen, lets shoot higher and use Filppula as bait. Hudler would be better used as a salary dump to move up in the draft then in a package for an drastically overpaid player.

I love you.

Green is a 13th forward who happens to play along the blue line.

Campbell is atrociously overpaid and sucks in the defensive end. He was also very mediocre in the offensive category this season. No.

I'll say it again: Campbell is paid more than Rafalski and brings less to the table. He had a whopping 27 points to Rafalski's 48, and he played in more games. So, if I have it straight, you want to TRADE ASSETS for an obscenely overpaid defenseman who will cost more than Rafalski and will bring less to the table. And you want to acquire somebody whom the Hawks would be thrilled to give up.

I don't get it. I really don't.

Campbell's offensive skillset is considerably inferior to that of Rafalski. He has only once outscored the latter, despite being five years younger; even this year, when Rafalski was dealing with numerous injuries, he outscored Campbell by 20 points despite playing fewer games. Further, Campbell is mediocre defensively.

AND HE HAS POSSIBLY THE WORST CONTRACT IN THE LEAGUE.

really? you say? honestly? I AGREE!

Redden, Souray, Gomez, Drury, Finger, Lebda, Huet

yes. yes. yes. yes. yes. yes. yes. Campbell. WORSE! He plays in the ACTUAL NHL!

Plainly and simply. SOME OF YOU HAVE LOST YOUR GODDAMN MINDS.

[PredsFanTheBayouState 263]

I can just say that there is no way in Holy Hell that Weber ends up in Detroit! As many of you know I use to live in Nashville and there would be a riot on Broadway if Weber ended up with the Wings! It would mirror the feeling we would have if Lidstrom was traded to the Hawks!

Nashville fans HATE us, and I do mean HATE us, eventhough they swing from our nuts and want to be us sooooo bad! Anyway, I digress on that; but there is no way Weber ends up here. I would love it to happen, but I just do not see Nashville letting Weber go anywhere and especially to Detroit!

just say wanna as a preds fan:i dislike the red wings,but i don't hate them,yes,i am jealous of red wings and all 11 of their stanley cups.

shea weber is committed to the nashville predators,like nick lidstrom is committed to the detroit red wings

[e_prime 1,936]

just say wanna as a preds fan:i dislike the red wings,but i don't hate them,yes,i am jealous of red wings and all 11 of their stanley cups.

shea weber is committed to the nashville predators,like nick lidstrom is committed to the detroit red wings

You hope.

[Jersey Wing 1,521]

I would trade Hudler for Bogosian and then trade Joey MacDonald for Mike Green

Hey, whoops, sorry about that. My cousins from Toronto are over and their son who is a big Maple Leafs fan jumped on and started typing trade ideas...

[hooon 1,089]

Jesus why is Campbell's name even anywhere remotely near this discussion right now?

Edited May 25, 2011 by hooon

[Z and D for the C 712]

from the HF boards,lol

LOL, I thought that was joke a joke photoshop. But, it's legit.

[e_prime 1,936]

Jesus why is Campbell's even anywhere remotely near this discussion right now?

...and there are people out there complaining about the FA market? All of a sudden Campbell is a good move?

[Konnan511 1,736]

Where should I start?

1. DRASTICALLY overpaid (by a lot more than 1.5m)

2. Has 3 YEARS left on said overpaid deal AND a NTC

3. Has been injured and missed almost a quarter of the season the last 2 years

4. in-division/in-conference trade

5. Specifically trading to the Hawks

6. ANOTHER left handed shot

You've had some asinine posts lately, but this one is spot on, and thusly, you get a plus for summing up everything perfectly.

[superstarsingh 23]

Anyone who thinks trading for Campbell is the proper thing to do has deep psychological issues and a severe lack of hockey sense. I say we trade Filppula and/or Hudler for Bogosian. I would LOVE Enstrom but that is not happening. Hell, if we just signed Wiz and perhaps a depth signing comparable to the Salei signing I would be happy. Bieksa will get a contract he does not deserve but that is what happens when you play on a team that goes to the SCF.

[South Dakota wings fan 7]

Bogo could be had for a reasonable price, since it would just be trading for rights... we REALLY do need at LEAST 1 more right handed dman though, it he trades for Bogo and signs Bieksa, I'd be ok with that for the off-season...

I still want to see them sign Bieksa and Montador(a more modest contract and fills the bottom pairing need) and really hit FA hard next year when we most likely will need a true number 1 d-man or decide on going by committee... *cough* Brent Burns *cough*... also keep in mind, we will need to re-sign Kronwall and Stuart next year (2012)

There's not much out there in trade market for d-men either right now... sign Bieksa and Montador, give Kindl an everyday spot and some PP time and call it a day...

If Ericsson thinks he deserves more than 2m, he can walk...

I hadn't thought of Brent Burns, but he would fit nicely. Wonder if he could be had for Filppula straight up? Mike Green wouldn't be awful because he wouldn't be expected to be the #1 D-man in Detroit. Although his concussion history might scare them off. Wisniewski isn't a bad right handed option as a UFA either. I just don't see them getting Bieksa. Bogosian is fine too.

Draft. Draft. Draft.

Trade up for Adam Larsson

Please do it Kenny.

I've seen Jamie Oleksiak play in person in the USHL, who is now at Northeastern. I would love to see the Wings draft him. He is 6'7" tall, has a mean streak, continues to improve his game, and is ranked #13 in the north american d-men in this coming draft. You can't teach size or a mean streak! He could be another D-Hatch!

[Guest Crymson]

I hadn't thought of Brent Burns, but he would fit nicely. Wonder if he could be had for Filppula straight up? Mike Green wouldn't be awful because he wouldn't be expected to be the #1 D-man in Detroit. Although his concussion history might scare them off. Wisniewski isn't a bad right handed option as a UFA either. I just don't see them getting Bieksa. Bogosian is fine too.

Minnesota is already in bad shape. They won't be giving up their #1 defenseman, who is both young and homegrown to boot, unless they're presented with an offer they can't logically refuse.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Minnesota is already in bad shape. They won't be giving up their #1 defenseman, who is both young and homegrown to boot, unless they're presented with an offer they can't logically refuse.

Ya, not to mention he's UFA next year, rather try for him at that time then to give up assets now.