Good News indeed on Lidstrom!  Since Bill’s post is about “D-Men”, how bout I add some interesting analysis from Spector regarding the “A2Y” Nations favorite Wing’s “D”:

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Helene St. James recently reported newly acquired Red Wing Brad Stuart is taking a wait-and-see approach to potentially re-signing with the club after this season. St. James noted such a return will depend on how he and the Wings perform in the playoffs, as well as noting the depth currently on the Wings blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hat tip to GJ Berg. If the Wings do decide to retain Stuart after this season they might be forced to consider trading a blueliner or perhaps pass on re-signing Andreas Lilja, whom the club is currently negotiating with.

Lilja or Stuart—hmmm, not a tough call for me, and I’ve only seen Stuart play in a handful of games. 

Lilja = Enigma reincarnate.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 03/05/08 at 01:49 PM ET

Honestly, if he wasn’t taking a “wait and see” approach I’d doubt his intelligence.  It would be stupid to sign a contract after you had spent about 20 minutes somewhere, especially if your wife hadn’t had a chance to look around and see how much she liked the area, too.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/05/08 at 02:10 PM ET

Lilja or Stuart—hmmm, not a tough call for me, and I’ve only seen Stuart play in a handful of games.

$1mil per vs $3+mil… Apples to well, almost apples.  Lilian can hit occasionally, block shots and well, not much else.  Stuart can play anywhere at anytime.  He hits and is known to light the lamp occasionally. He’s not a Norris candidate, by any means, but I’m more confident with him on the blueline than with Lilja.

Posted by cementslinger from Midland MI on 03/05/08 at 02:16 PM ET

especially if your wife hadn’t had a chance to look around and see how much she liked the area, too.

Baroque,
Just because Pronger is his wifes whipping bitch, doesn’t mean everybody else is.

Posted by cementslinger from Midland MI on 03/05/08 at 02:24 PM ET

I didn’t mean that - only if you are planning to move somewhere, it pays to have the entire family involved in the decision.

(Maybe if Pronger’s wife had looked around a little more he wouldn’t have signed a long contract which she made him regret.)

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 03/05/08 at 02:32 PM ET

Seems like the Diggers are, once again, taking cues from the same director. Teddy Kulfan, at the Detroit News, has this from Babs:

Defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom appears set to return Sunday to the Red Wings’ lineup.

After another good workout at Wednesday’s morning skate, Lidstrom said he’s closer to a return. Coach Mike Babcock agreed that Lidstrom (sprained right knee) is ready.

”Nick is going to go Sunday (against Nashville),” Babcock said, adding that defenseman Brian Rafalski, who has been out with a groin injury, will play tonight against St. Louis.

“We’re optimistic we’ve had our injury time now, and maybe we can be healthy at playoff time for the first time in a while,” Babcock said.

Lidstrom threw a cautionary note about his Sunday return.

“I still may need a few practices under my belt,” Lidstrom said. “I hope Sunday is the day I come back.”

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 03/05/08 at 03:02 PM ET

I really hope Nick can come back on Sunday.  He’s missed.  Also, I hope Stuart likes it in Detroit because I like the way he’s played so far.  I’m sure his family would have to agree to it though, but I like what he brings to the table.  If he can pick up Lilja’s shot blocks, then by all means, sign him ASAP!

Posted by Bryan from Athens, OH on 03/05/08 at 03:16 PM ET

especially if your wife hadn’t had a chance to look around and see how much she liked the area, too.

gawd made women to listen to men...not talk.   You’re allowed to type though B; that’s my special man gift to you.

Seriously, I agree that a player of his caliber or a person in his situation generally should definitely wait and see. I have not yet seen him play (stupid papers) but everyone seems to favor him over Lilja.

Although I used to advocate for Lilja’s shot blocking, I’m not sure that better positioning, quicker foot speed and a meaner attitude wouldn’t make up for that. That is, I don’t think there would a difference in shots given up, even during the penalty kill.

Posted by Osrt on 03/05/08 at 03:50 PM ET