Other than Stamkos, which FA forward do you want?

[TheDetroitRedWings 286]

I went with Lucic. The guy brings so much to the table with his scoring potential and toughness. Always hated the guy (mostly cause he seems to love dropping the gloves against guys smaller than him). But with Larkin being so young, and still about 15-20 lbs of muscle away from where he'll eventually be, Lucic would be a perfect linemate to help protect the kid and also generate points with him.

There's a lot of good options out there though. And honestly, I'd be pretty happy with almost any of the top names out there. But If I had to choose I think Lucic would fill some desperate needs we have.

[Datsyukian-Deke 722]

You forgot Hudler on the list lmao

[TheDetroitRedWings 286]

You forgot Hudler on the list lmao

I almost did actually just for the jokes. But then decided to keep it realistic. Sorry Happy Hudler lol

[frankgrimes 1,836]

Looch without question. The guy is a beast and will protect his players, if someone decides to take a run at Larkin the thought of answering to Lucic might make him think twice about doing it.

So for me it's:

Looch > Backes > Ladd

Lesser players:

Martin > Brouwer

[xault 272]

Lucic, but I think he'll end up in VAN.

[amato 3,210]

wrong thread sorry

Edited June 29, 2016 by amato

[Jacksoni 418]

Tough call. And I would have liked Daniel Cleary in this poll (for kicks, know he's in our system).

I took Backes. I think he'll be relatively cheap and more importantly he plays with Heart. Gives it all he got and it clearly shows. That's contagious, should rub off on the mid-tier players.

Edited June 29, 2016 by Jacksoni

[kickazz 5,459]

Tough call. And I would have liked Daniel Cleary in this poll (for kicks, know he's in our system).

I took Backes. I think he'll be relatively cheap and more importantly he plays with Heart. Gives it all he got and it clearly shows. That's contagious, should rub off on the mid-tier players.

Lol? You were complaining about Zetterberg the last 4 months yet somehow a washed up Backes who was demoted to third line and produced less than Zetterberg makes a lot of sense.

No to Backes for the following reasons. He'll want a long term deal till he's 37 or 38, he's not as good as he once was, and not interested in a 3rd line center. Would rather have a winger if it's not Stamkos as center.

I chose Kyle Okposo. He's young, tough, and he's a good scorer. We need scoring not heart lol. Have enough washed up folks with heart.

Edited June 29, 2016 by kickazz

[hillbillywingsfan 794]

I voted Lucic only because I still love the tough players like him. Would love to have someone like that on the wings just for the entertainment factor. He is what I always wanted Mule to be on the wings =)

[poel 28]

This poll is useless. Besides Stamkos and Okposo you forgot the best FA's.

- Shipachev

- Radulov

- Boedker

Edited June 29, 2016 by poel

[Jacksoni 418]

Lol? You were complaining about Zetterberg the last 4 months yet somehow a washed up Backes who was demoted to third line and produced less than Zetterberg makes a lot of sense.

No to Backes for the following reasons. He'll want a long term deal till he's 37 or 38, he's not as good as he once was, and not interested in a 3rd line center. Would rather have a winger if it's not Stamkos as center.

I certainly wouldn't offer him more than 3 years, playing 2C or 3C if we fail on the Stamkos sweepstakes. If he doesn't like it, fine deal is off. He is by no means my preferred choice.

You do have a point though. I would lean towards Okposo after all. Thanks for waking me up. <switched vote>

Edited June 29, 2016 by Jacksoni

[trule23 119]

gotta go with okposo even though i say it wont happen. hes always been one of my non red wing favorites

[Hairy Lime 234]

Depending on what he's asking, Lucic. I know many Wings fans hate him, especially after what he did to Dekeyser, but he's brute force, and this team could use a little of that. And a 20/35/55 guy who hits and fights is nothing to sneeze at. But I hear Oilers are very interested.

[marcaractac 3,963]

Backes would be great but his age with the fact he'll likely get a long term deal is concerning.

Staal is looking for a fresh start and I can see a deal with him having less risk in terms of term.

[Hockeymom1960 5,107]

Backes would be great but his age with the fact he'll likely get a long term deal is concerning.

Please note Staals

Staal is looking for a fresh start and I can see a deal with him having less risk in terms of term.

[HadThomasVokounOnFortSt 878]

Lucic to oilers is the heavy rumor

[brett 1,029]

go for Kucherov

Edited June 29, 2016 by brett

[Hockeymom1960 5,107]

I honestly don't care.

Whoever Holland signs will be overpaid, and not produce at the level of their previous seasons.

In other words, "has beens". That's all he's been able to get the last few years.

[amato 3,210]

I voted Ladd because he'll chip in offensively and provide some physical play while he's at it.

Also, combine his disappointing playoff with the stronger free agent market and he should end up signing cheaper than most of that list.

[BobL 28]

Think we could swing Ladd and Okposo?

[PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935]

We need scoring. Ladd and Ericksson. Backes would be good, since he's a center, as long as it's not long term (which it would be).

[Wingnut1989 165]

go for Kucherov

This should be what were doing now after stamkos has resigned to the lightning, I think he could potentially be better then stamkos.

[krsmith17 7,191]

Sucks Stamkos is gone, but I'm just happy he's not going to Toronto...

We desperately need a center and I'm frightened to death Holland is going to overpay for whoever is left over... There are no centers available that I'd want long term but we should probably look at one of Backes or Staal on a short term deal as a stop gap... Not sure if either would go for that though, since both are likely looking for 5-7 year deals. Other than that, the only other name that I'd be willing to pay and give term to is Okposo.

I'd be okay with Backes at a similar contract that Green signed last year and Okposo to $5.5M X 5 years...

[amato 3,210]

There have been reports that staal wouldn't mind a short term contract. Which is pretty much the only reason I suggested him over Nielsen. Not sure what he'd cost.. But there will certainly be less interested teams than for Nielsen so probably less than him.

I'm still not sure if it's worth it but it seems like a move the wings would make.. Based on the market and the fact that we'd save assets for a d man trade rather than trading for a center.

What Staal wants

We know that E. Staal is looking for the following factors, via reports from Shannon and Gulitti:

He wants a top-six role and wants to play as a center.

To help his cause, Staal isnt expecting a long-term contract.

Of course, the most interesting question (Can Staal stomach a huge drop in money?) wasnt answered.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/06/28/heres-what-eric-staal-is-looking-for-in-free-agency/

[Hockeymom1960 5,107]

There have been reports that staal wouldn't mind a short term contract. Which is pretty much the only reason I suggested him over Nielsen. Not sure what he'd cost.. But there will certainly be less interested teams than for Nielsen so probably less than him.

I'm still not sure if it's worth it but it seems like a move the wings would make.. Based on the market and the fact that we'd save assets for a d man trade rather than trading for a center.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/06/28/heres-what-eric-staal-is-looking-for-in-free-agency/

We've given short term contracts and to me are just a waste of money. He won't be an impact player.