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The Red Wings would be better off if Jonathan Ericsson signs elsewhere if...
If the Red Wings don't sign Jonathan Ericsson before he becomes an unrestricted free agent Friday, I think they'll be fine, but only if they add two veteran defensemen via free agency.
The Islanders thought enough of Christian Ehrhoff that they traded a fourth-round pick in next year's draft just for his rights. But the Red Wings have a lot more to offer him. He'd be the ideal replacement for Brian Rafalski. He is a very skilled player, in addition to being strong in his own end - and he is only 28. Why would he prefer the Islanders over the Red Wings?
Tomas Kaberle would also work. And depending on what type of money Ericsson is demanding in comparison, I think the Red Wings would be better off with James Wisniewski. Let's put it this way: He doesn't cough up the puck in his own end like Ericsson. And he's a physical player with a right-handed shot for the power play.
The key is signing two. The Red Wings can't afford to not re-sign Ericsson, and get only one veteran defenseman otherwise. If they lose Ericsson, they must get two.
Jakub Kindl is ready, but it would be a stretch to expect Brendan Smith to be, too, at this stage - given the Red Wings' propensity for veteran defensemen.
The Islanders thought enough of Christian Ehrhoff that they traded a fourth-round pick in next year's draft just for his rights. But the Red Wings have a lot more to offer him. He'd be the ideal replacement for Brian Rafalski. He is a very skilled player, in addition to being strong in his own end - and he is only 28. Why would he prefer the Islanders over the Red Wings?
Tomas Kaberle would also work. And depending on what type of money Ericsson is demanding in comparison, I think the Red Wings would be better off with James Wisniewski. Let's put it this way: He doesn't cough up the puck in his own end like Ericsson. And he's a physical player with a right-handed shot for the power play.
The key is signing two. The Red Wings can't afford to not re-sign Ericsson, and get only one veteran defenseman otherwise. If they lose Ericsson, they must get two.
Jakub Kindl is ready, but it would be a stretch to expect Brendan Smith to be, too, at this stage - given the Red Wings' propensity for veteran defensemen.
Labels: Christian Ehrhoff Brian Rafalski Tomas Kaberle James Wisniewski Jakub Kindl Brendan Smith
posted by Pat Caputo at
12:15 AM
1 Comments:
Yeah, Book, Ericcson hasn't come around like we would have wanted. I wouldn't overpay for him, unless Holland is confident he's going to take a big step forward. Right now, he's not even close to a top 4 defenseman. I'd take Salei over him, truth be told.
Ehrhoff is a solid move. I liked Bieksa, but Holland obviously wants an offensive minded type. Ericcson shows flashes of that offensive, but he's caught too often, and gives the puck away.
They need one big defense signing, any way you look at it.
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