Defence for this year

[Kevin Willis]

How is our defence core looking with Lidstrom retiring? What are the likely pairings?

[drew_28]

It's looking a little shaky... not terrible, but not great.

I'd say it'll be like this:

Nicolas Kronwall and Ian White
Jonathan Ericsson and Kyle Quincey
Branden Smith and Carlo Collicovo

Jakub Kindl, Brian Lashoff are alternates


The real bright spot in this group is Smith. He looks like a great defenseman that could push his way into top four minutes this season or next.

[ajaX82]

It's looking a little shaky... not terrible, but not great.

I'd say it'll be like this:

Nicolas Kronwall and Ian White
Jonathan Ericsson and Kyle Quincey
Branden Smith and Carlo Collicovo

Jakub Kindl, Brian Lashoff are alternates


The real bright spot in this group is Smith. He looks like a great defenseman that could push his way into top four minutes this season or next.

Hard to argue with this. Colaiacovo is hurt right now I think, which means Kindl may get some early burn, but Carlo will be there (and possibly on the #2 pairing with Quincey). Smith is definitely a legit prospect and someone to watch for...I think he will be great!

[Kevin Willis]

Not an experienced core like in previous years. Not as confident about Detroit contending for the President's Trophy this shortened season but hopefully this core matures quickly. Carlos and Ian White are steady defenders though.

Interesting where the points will come from on the blue line.

[Sheeeeed]

Somewhere I read that Babcock projected the defensive pairings to look like this for the start of training camp

Kronwall/Ericsson
Quincey/Smith
Smith/Kindl or Cola

I'm very curious how Brunner will look. He and Zetterberg tore it up in the Swiss league as linemates during the lockout.

[drew_28]

Sheeeeeeed has it right. Those were the pairings in training camp, and i've read the same thing.

Seems strange though that White would drop from top-two role to bottom third... I'd rather see a White/Smith and have Quincey and Carlo fill out the third pair.

I guess only time will tell, Babcock always seems to get the best out of his guys, we may not contend for the President's trophy, but if we can fly under the radar while the media swarms around the Rangers, Penguins and Flyers thats just fine with me.

Can't wait to see Brunner/Datz/Zetterberg line. Scary.

[Kevin Willis]

We might not make the playoffs. We have to redo our defense.

[Kevin Willis]

Yes - we made it!! 22 years and counting...

[ajaX82]

Yes - we made it!! 22 years and counting...

We're in...barely, but in