John Curran – Octopus Thrower Staff Writer
If I were Ken Holland this off-season, I would do exactly what I believe/hope Ken Holland WILL do this off-season, and that is “stay the course”. I would continue to develop and rely on the youth of the Detroit organization.
I would inquire to possibly acquiring Mike Green from the Caps or re-signing Zidlicky. The free-agent market is thin this year when it comes to d-men. As intriguing as the Phaneuf to Detroit idea is, I would not overpay (Anthony Mantha). Both Alexey Marchenko and Xavier Ouellet impressed me and look ready to make the leap to the NHL. I believe Marchenko can be the right-hand shot the Wings blueline desires.
The whole Johan Franzen situation could be a bit tricky. When the Mule is healthy and streaking, he’s great, but when he’s not, he’s almost invisible on the ice. I don’t think it would hurt to see what kind of trade value a healthy Franzen could bring, perhaps another more consistent veteran winger. I believe that Franzen will remain in Detroit though.
Jan 9, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Daniel Cleary (71) collides with San Jose Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle (22) and goalie Antti Niemi (31) during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen Weiss could be another player to dangle. In a perfect world I would love to package him and Brendan Smith for Phanuef, but there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that Toronto’s new coach would take that deal. The longer the Wings keep Weiss, the less it will cost them to buy him out.
Lastly, I would offer Dan Cleary a nice cushy front-office job with the club. Nothing but respect for Cleary here, but there are too many kids who could benefit from his roster spot.
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