I would appreciate the Wings more if they weren't so.... (basketball, baseball)

[beenhereandthere]

European. Execpt for 2002, just about all of the top players and scorers and defensemen are, European. I just don't think it's good, in order to attract the more causal fans to hockey. It's almost like NASL on skates when you have a roster of, what 10 to 12 Europeans like Detroit does? I think it's even more.
If I'm not mistaken, the leagues in Europe have a limit of how many North Americans can be on a teams roster, so why not have the same in the NHL, like say 5 (I could even live with 10). There are plenty of North Americans playing in the AHL, would could fill those jobs and still play some top notch hockey.
Unfortunately, the NHLPA would never go for that.
I know this may belong in an already existing thread, but I just wanted to highlight it.

[Adrian71]

It doesn't bother me. If the best players are in Europe and Russia, then that's where I want to go to get players.

[Driller1]

I am a sucker for an accent!!!!!!! Love them!!!

[S6Sputnik]

Originally Posted by beenhereandthere

I know this may belong in an already existing thread, but I just wanted to highlight it.

I doubt it!!

[Adrian71]

Originally Posted by Driller1

I am a sucker for an accent!!!!!!! Love them!!!

Ha! Can you imagine having to coach all these guys, many of whom speak English only as a second language? It must be tough.

A couple of games ago during a team timeout, three or four of the Swedes on the Wings team were talking in front of the bench. Mike Babcock was craning over to listen in, and he looked totally confused. After the game, a reporter asked what was being said in that little huddle. One of the players -- I think it was Holmstrom -- said they were all speaking to each other in Swedish. No wonder Babcock looked so confused!

I'm amazed to hear Lidstrom talk ... he hardly has an accent at all anymore. He almost sounds like a born and bred Midwesterner!

[1eyedjack]

Hockey is not alone. Look at all the Foreigners in baseball, basketball, golfs Ryder cup.What once was dominated by Americans is not anymore. The NFL is the only main American played sport anymore. Even look at the Indy 500 compared to what it used to be.

[TheJickler]

Originally Posted by beenhereandthere

European. Execpt for 2002, just about all of the top players and scorers and defensemen are, European. I just don't think it's good, in order to attract the more causal fans to hockey. It's almost like NASL on skates when you have a roster of, what 10 to 12 Europeans like Detroit does? I think it's even more.
If I'm not mistaken, the leagues in Europe have a limit of how many North Americans can be on a teams roster, so why not have the same in the NHL, like say 5 (I could even live with 10). There are plenty of North Americans playing in the AHL, would could fill those jobs and still play some top notch hockey.
Unfortunately, the NHLPA would never go for that.
I know this may belong in an already existing thread, but I just wanted to highlight it.

That's just, like, your opinion, man.

I don't mind either way, to be honest. There are obviously lots of great players from North America as well as Europe. I am a little surprised that this is the first cup team with a European captain, though. I say there should be no limit on how many Europeans should be on any roster.

[MICoastieMom]

Pul-leeze! Give me a break! Just because the Wing's organization has an eye for potential talent, and the coaching staff to help it flourish! The man who won the Conn Smythe trophey last- Henrik Zetterberg was something like the 290th draft pick! Look at Kris Draper! The Wings paid one dollar for his contract! A buck!!!!! And the careers of Joey Kocur and Darren McCarty- they were both on the way out and got a reprieve from obscurity by the Wings. How about all you naysayers ponying up and giving some credit where credit is due?!?!?

[BigSwede]

I wouldn´t mind if only the best europeans stayed in the NHL it isn´t good for our leagues that so many players leave to end up in the AHL.
In Sweden they usually replace the juniorplayers who leaves too early with third rate finns or czechs.
I began watching the NHL because I like tough,physical hockey so the third and fourth lines must be occupied by north american players.
And the league also must allow them to do their job.
So get rid of the instigator and fire Bettman.

[Mi_Mom]

Originally Posted by Driller1

I am a sucker for an accent!!!!!!! Love them!!!

Ha! Exactly my thoughts! They have some amazing players to come out of there.