http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3591433

Looks like they couldn't trade him and needed to get under the cap. I'd like to have him back with the Wings but not at the $5.75M he is due to make this year.

Can't afford him. We could have prior to bringing Stuart back, but not an option now. They already will probably have to trade Lilja to open some playing time for Meech or Erickson.

Is there a market for Lilja, and if so, are you sure he's the defenseman you want to trade from our group. Obviously Lidstrom and Rafalski are going nowhere. Same with Stuart and Kronwall. That leaves Chelios (not getting traded unless its to Chicago, and even then extremely unlikely), Lilja, Lebda, and the youngsters vying for the third pairing and probably just 1 bench spot. If it was my choice, I'd probably agree to trade Lilja, but you've also got to look at what you can get in return for the others.

If he clears waivers do the Ducks still have to pay him? If so, would he then be able to take a deal at the minimum while still getting paid by the Ducks?

Good thing we signed Rafalski instead of re-signing Mathieu...

Is there a market for Lilja, and if so, are you sure he's the defenseman you want to trade from our group. Obviously Lidstrom and Rafalski are going nowhere. Same with Stuart and Kronwall. That leaves Chelios (not getting traded unless its to Chicago, and even then extremely unlikely), Lilja, Lebda, and the youngsters vying for the third pairing and probably just 1 bench spot. If it was my choice, I'd probably agree to trade Lilja, but you've also got to look at what you can get in return for the others.

Out of Lilja, Lebda and the youngsters I would trade Lilja. Lebda has a lot more talent and speed than Lilja and he makes less mistakes. You could probably get more for Ericsson, but why? Anyone you get would need playing time, something that is already an issue. Plus you need someone to take over for Nick and Rafalski fairly soon. I'd just see who is ready to contribute and trade Lilja if Meech/Ericsson are ready to play (they'd be scratches most nights but you still need capable backups).

Lilja also makes the most money, so it makes sense to move him and have a couple million for the deadline in case of injuries.

^^you can get rid of Quincey too

I love Schneider, but there's just no room for him.

I still maintain that the Wings would have won two years ago if he didn't go down in the Conference Finals.

If it came down to getting Schneider for cheap or keeping a guy like Quincey or Chelios, I'd take Schneider even if it's for one season. I wouldn't get rid of a quality youngster for him though.

If it came down to getting Schneider for cheap or keeping a guy like Quincey or Chelios, I'd take Schneider even if it's for one season. I wouldn't get rid of a quality youngster for him though.

Problem is neither Quincy nor Chelios's salary would pay for Schneider, even if you found someone to take their salary. Even a cheap deal for him will be 3+ mil a year. We don't have that money.

You'd definitely have to move Lilja or you'd have no shot at clearing space. I would try and gauge Matthew's interest and if he wants to come back I would move Lilja and bring him back (provided he'd play for Lilja's salary).

And he takes a role on our third line? He's not splitting up Lidstrom and Rafalski, they played great together and built a lot of chemistry. Kronwall and Stuart and another great pairing that wouldn't be broken up.

He deserves to be waived for being named "Mathieu".

And he takes a role on our third line? He's not splitting up Lidstrom and Rafalski, they played great together and built a lot of chemistry. Kronwall and Stuart and another great pairing that wouldn't be broken up.

Nothing wrong with him being on our third line. It would allow us to play him more minutes and have less wear and tear on our first two lines. They aren't exactly youngsters.

There isn't enough money to sign him. It's that simple.

If he clears waivers do the Ducks still have to pay him? If so, would he then be able to take a deal at the minimum while still getting paid by the Ducks?

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but does anybody know?

To be honest, I don't know how exactly it works in the NHL. But from what I remember, the Wings have very little room to work with.

Nothing wrong for us, but a guy like Schneider is not going to take a role as a third line defenseman when he could easily sign with another team for a lot more money as a first line guy.

Nothing wrong for us, but a guy like Schneider is not going to take a role as a third line defenseman when he could easily sign with another team for a lot more money as a first line guy.

That is not an entirely accurate statement. Depending on how many years Schneider decides he wants to play, I could see him playing a smaller role for the minimum IF (and that's a big IF) he wants to win the cup. The Wings are easily the favorite to win it all and who knows how bad he wants it. I just have a feeling that isn't the case.

Didn't he win one with us? Or was he with us just through the years that we kept getting bounced in the first round like fools. (No offense to Fool)

Didn't he win one with us? Or was he with us just through the years that we kept getting bounced in the first round like fools. (No offense to Fool)

The Wings won it in 01-02 and Schneider came here in 02-03.