Comments on: Ritola up, Blue Jackets again, Bertuzzi’s our biggest fan

By: Michael Petrella

Michael Petrella — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:51:30 +0000

While I hope the Wings hang on to Miller and Eaves, as well, I can certainly answer the numbers/waiving question for ya, Crater.

Let's pretend for a minute that EVERYONE comes back (except Lilja) healthy (which we know is a longshot), the Red Wings will have only two extra bodies on the roster. Justin Abdelkader, obviously, will be going back to Grand Rapids, as was the plan at the beginning of the season.

The next guy to go might be Brad May because he's on a two-way contract, so he'd PROBABLY be next. Ville Leino has a one-way, so financially, it makes more sense for the Wings to try to shuttle Brad May down to the farm. I don't think any team will throw up much of a roadblock.

Another option is Drew Miller, since he IS on a two-way, but anyone with eyeballs has realized he's fit in really nicely, a lot more than May has. Miller is currently playing second line minutes, that's not the kind of guy that you view as a rental.

But with Abdelkader and May off the active roster, they'll still only have 23 guys (which is the limit), and with all the injuries that have mounted, cap room won't be an issue.

By: Rob Discher

Rob Discher — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:30:58 +0000

Crater – Meant to respond earlier. Couldn't agree more with the idea that Miller and Eaves have EARNED their spots. Ville got the nod based on potential…which a lot of us (myself included) thought was there when we inked him to a legit deal this summer. I'll leave the cap/contract ramifications to him getting waived to Mr. Petrella.

By: Rob Discher

Rob Discher — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:08:16 +0000

"Ritola — Filppula — Miller"…still blows me away that we're anywhere near contention with a second line that features TWO guys who we thought might…maybe…at some point…get called into action this season. Does feel nice to see Flipper back up there though…eases the heartburn a bit.

Christine, I was going to make a revenue stream/web cam follow-on comment to that, but I'll refrain. This is a classy site. Right.

By: ChristineRWBNB

ChristineRWBNB — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:59:06 +0000

If Bert really reads TPL, I'm betting he lays another big, wet one on you! I just wish we could get video…

By: Crater from SoCal

Crater from SoCal — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:33:49 +0000

I was talking about over at my site this morning that Leino is on notice, and that I'm willing to bet if they have to waive anyone it will be him. Miller and Eaves have both earned their spots. Leino forced the management's hand and prevented himself from ripening like their general plan is with most players. I suppose they thought they had another magic fin like Fil. He did in fact only spend 1 season in GR. He wasn't sent into a 2nd line spot his first year on the team though.