Nate Francis – Octopus Thrower Editor
I would listen to offers on Anthony Mantha. Blasphemy, yes, but hear me out. The Quebec Junior League is generous with offense but lacking on defense. Should they trade him for that? Absolutely not. But what has plagued the Red Wings since 2011 has been the withering blue line. Losing Brian Rafalski, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Brad Stuart in a span of 2 seasons was a major blow.
Oliver Ekmund-Larsson would be the heist of a century, but I just don’t see it going through. He’s a generational defenseman and it would cost Mantha, probably Nyquist, and several 1st round picks.
Danny Dekeyser helped to cushion it, and Niklas Kronwall has been his steady self. But you need that top pairing d-man. And I would go out and entertain ideas for him. Only if the deal is right. One person who could possibly be had is Brent Seabrook. I would absolutely see if it would work. Oliver Ekmund-Larsson would be the heist of a century, but I just don’t see it going through. He’s a generational defenseman and it would cost Mantha, a proven commodity like Nyquist, and several 1st round picks. The promise of offense can be replaced with a quarterback at the blue line.
Johan Franzen needs to be on the Long Term IR. I love the Mule, but the stories of his head injuries were grim. His long term health–and life–is far more important than a hockey game. I don’t care if he’s making $3.75m a year or league minimum. He’s a human being at the end of the day. Bring him into the fold like Jiri Fischer.
Stephen Weiss may flourish under Jeff Blashill if he goes back to center. Then again, he may never be worth his contract. Deal him away or buy him out. Don’t let a $4.9M cap hit sit as a healthy scratch.
Finally, our favorite topic, Dan Cleary. Happy trails, my friend. Buy a lot of suits and ties. Welcome to the front office.
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