I apologize for my disappearance over the last few weeks. I’ve been busy with my new job and life. And getting a much-needed break from blogging, I suppose.
I can’t say much now, but I’m glad to see the Wings bring back Brad Stuart. The four-year deal really solidifies the defense for the coming post-Lidstrom reality. Stuart fits in well with the team and brings a nice element of physicality that goes great with Kronwall.
Of course, this, together with the Lilja signing, perpetuates the developing logjam on the blueline. It’s great that the Wings have seven NHL veterans on the blueline again, but players like Derek Meech and Jonathan Ericsson remain stuck on the outside looking in.
Meech is out of options and will have to remain as the 8th man (or be let go), but it looks like Ericsson will have to return to Grand Rapids with the experienced gained from being along for the ride on a Stanley Cup run. Hopefully he won’t go the Kyle Quincey route and have a bad year as a result of being demoted.
At this point, the Wings are doing everything right: bring back the Cup-winning team. If a favorable opportunity arises to bring in new talent, I’m not opposed to the idea, but the last thing I want to see is a disruption of team chemistry in an effort to sign an unnecessary big name. They can do it again with the same group of guys.
