Tough decisions

The Detroit Red Wings are in the middle of their preseason schedule trying to finalize their regular season roster. Ken Holland, Jim Nill, and Mike Babcock have some tough decisions to make. The fact is that they have to probably cut 4 or 5 players who could play, and more importantly, contribute on this team. In my opinion Holland has to make a trade or two, getting rid of a couple of players from the championship team. This might sound foolish, but the problem is he's done a great job drafting, and there are some young guys knocking on the door. Darren Helm and Johnathan Ericsson need to be on this team. Lets rephrase that they should be on this team. Both players are young and exciting. They also each bring elements to the ice that this team needs. Helm is a speedster who can really play both ends of the ice, and Ericsson is a large defenseman who has a 100mph slap shot.

So who goes? Like I said there are too many qualified guys already. If I were the general manager I would keep these forwards.

Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Hossa, Franzen, Filppula, Holmstrom, Hudler, Draper, Cleary, Kopecky, Helm, and Downey.

That makes 12 forwards with a 13th going to either Kirk Maltby or Mikael Samuelsson. One of these 2 need to be traded. I would try to move Samuelsson. He is more attractive because of his offensive ability. Helm just adds too much speed and tenacity to have him back in Grand Rapids. Sure he might play more there, but I think his ice time would grow in Detroit.

Here are the defensemen I would keep.

Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Stuart, Lilia, Ericsson, Chelios, and Meech.

Brett Lebda has shown what he will be, and Kyle Quincey can't crack this lineup. Trade both of these guys for draft picks. Could you imagine a pairing like Lilia and Ericsson, pretty imposing. Ericsson needs the minutes, and the Wings might send him down to start the year, but they can't deny his talent anymore. He's good enough to make a Stanley Cup contender, and that's saying a lot.

Hopefully these two will start the year in Detroit, but either way the Wings are destined for another lengthy run for the Cup!