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Detroit Red Wings Rumors: Scouting Christian Ehrhoff

ByJohn Curran|

Since 2011, there have been rumors surrounding the Detroit Red Wings’ interest in defenceman Christan Ehrhoff, but for one reason or another, Ehrhoff and the Red Wings have never been able to find a mutual interest in one another. After being bought out of his contract in Buffalo, Ehrhoff spent an unsuccessful and injury-riddled season in Pittsburgh last year. So now once again, Christian Ehrhoff finds himself an unsigned free agent.

The Red Wings were reported to have been kicking the tires on him.  Should Ken Holland look into signing Ehrhoff? Even after already signing Mike Green?

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Why the Red Wings should sign him:

At 33 years old and 6’2″ 205 lbs, Ehrhoff would add valuable veteran presence to any blue-line in the NHL. Despite his size, Christian is not known for his physical play, but is regarded as a skilled skater who moves the puck well. In addition to moving the puck well, he can quarterback a power-play and still log a lot of minutes in a game.

Before landing in Buffalo, Ehrhoff had the two best statistical seasons of his career with the Vancouver Canucks in 2009-2010. In 159 regular-season games with Vancouver, Christian had 28 goals and 66 assists with a +55 rating. Even during his three seasons with the Sabres, he still managed to have decent numbers, despite playing on past sub-par Buffalo teams (no offense Sabres’ fans).

Why the Red Wings shouldn’t sign him:

This is where things and opinions get interesting. The first strike against Ehrhoff would be that the Red Wings already addressed their defensive needs by landing their much coveted right-handed shot in Mike Green. This is not to say that Ehroff and his left-handed shot couldn’t possibly help the Detroit blue-line, but with defensive prospects ready to come up from Grand Rapids, and veteran d-men like Kindl, Smith and Quincey all battling for a spot, it might not be the best time to bring in another blue-liner.

Strike two against Christian Ehroff would be that he is a bit injury-prone. Hockey is obviously a physical game, leaving most players to be injury-prone at some point in their career, but spending 4-5 million dollars per season on a player who missed 33 regular-season games as well as the first-round of the playoffs last season would be a risk.

Imagine if you asked out your crush, and they told you that you weren’t good enough, or that you weren’t their type. Would you sit back and watch them date somebody else, then ask them out again a year later after they were single again?

Strike three against signing him is also the biggest in my opinion, and that is the fact that Ehrhoff turned down a longer-term, and higher-paying offer from the Red Wings last summer by taking a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins because “winning was the priority.”

Imagine if you asked out your crush, and they told you that you weren’t good enough, or that you weren’t their type. Would you sit back and watch them date somebody else, then ask them out again a year later after they were single again? Some people might, and some people might not. If he wants a cheap one-year deal, maybe it’s worth entertaining.

Personally, I don’t think Ken Holland and the Red Wings are the types to go chasing somebody who turned them down. The fact that Christian Ehrhoff currently remains unsigned could be a statement to how much his stock has dropped in a year’s time. I’m sure he will find employment somewhere, but I doubt it will be in Hockeytown.

Just released: According to Ehroff’s agent Rick Curran (no relation of mine), Christian is willing to take another one-year contract next season. This information only strengthens my belief that Ehroff will not land in Detroit anytime soon.

Next: Ken Hollands Best Free Agent Signings: #5-8

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