SloMotion

Yeah, I guess I'm naive at times to think these guys won't chase the big contracts, especially the O/L who are mostly overworked and underpaid, but I guess what I'm asking is what kind of guy does the board think Nicks is? Is he a loyal, humble kind of guy that loves his QB as many O/L do, or is he a money-guy who wants some of the spotlight?

I would hate to see Nicks become a Cowboy, especially since I'm just starting to get to know the players and O/L is my passion.

Hey, how much hockey do you watch there in Finland? We got Valtteri Filppula playing LW in Detroit and he is tearing it up!

FinSaint

To answer your first question, I don't know if any of us really know Nicks' true character, but he did have some sideline altercations with the O-L coach during the season, so I'm not sure how good their relationship is, and if Nicks wants to continue working with him.

As for the second question, yeah I do watch a lot of hockey - more than football that's for sure. I used to play myself for quite a few years, but I quit at the second highest junior level, because I broke my hand pretty badly and to be honest the pro level was never going to be there for me with my skill-set.

Nowadays I only follow the NHL, because the Finnish national league - while not being all that bad - is just not entertaining enough to keep my interest. I do follow how my old team is doing from time to time, but I never go to see any of their games or watch them from the TV.

But, yeah Detroit is and has been a really good team and an annual contender for quite a few years now - ever since the Bowman years I guess - but I don't like Detroit that much mainly because they've had so many Swedish and Russian players in that team and very few if any Finns.

Actually I think they were the last team in the league to have a Finnish born player in their active roster. And that "Red Army" line-up you had back in the '90's with all the Russians and with your team colors being predominantly red like the former Soviet Union team colors were... man there were just too many bad mental images associated with that of the Soviets doing whatever they wanted to the Finnish national team.

I mainly watch the Sharks' games - I know you like that as a Redwings' fan - because they have a history of very few non-North American players on their rosters and they play the same type of fast breakout style entertaining hockey as do the Redwings, and in no small part because their HC is the former assistant HC of the Redwings. Also, they have a Finnish goalie, which seems to be more of a rule than an exception in the NHL nowadays, at least in the Western Conference.

Filppula is ok, but from a Finnish team I despise with vigor and, therefore, I can't find myself rooting for the guy. I know there's going to be some re-alignment for next season involving Winnipeg and Dallas, but I also recall that there was some discussion of Detroit also wanting to chance over to the Eastern Conference. Do you know if anything will materialize on that front?

Do you go to any Redwings games?

"I'm not bashing people, I'm bashing their opinions because in my opinion their opinion is wrong" - Danno

SloMotion

The more I see about this, it seems Brees is going to be instrumental in ironing stuff like this out in order to keep that O/L together. I hope so, it's in his and the team's best interest ... but you know, if a guy's gonna' chase the big bucks, you gotta' move on I guess.

Didn't want to hijack the thread with hockey talk, so I'm starting a 'hockey' group, lol! Everyone welcome, and besides, it's the off-season, let's broaden our horizons, eh?

subguy

Nicks is our second most key signing. I think that great run and pass blocking lineman are a difficult find. Especially if you look at the protection Drew received this season. It is very important to maintain this level of protection for Drew to be a effective. I think Nicks and Drew will be signed, beyond that who knows? Second hope is when we sign Nicks to a huge deal is that he continues to perform at the same level in the future. Also knowing we have given linemen big money in the past Nicks is going to want it, I would much rather see him to continue to protect Drew than Romo.

Mardigras9

Money talks, that's the problem. J Jones is a D-Bag, but he has the money and that makes him dangerous.

RaginCajun83

This is why signing Drew quick is so important, after he is locked up then Loomis can franchise Nicks which would buy more time to sign him long term and then make sure Colston doesn't leave .... why would he want to, you have the best QB in the league throwing to you and a shot at multiple Superbowl rings, who in their right mind would want to leave?

I hate Jerry Jones, never liked him and never will

Rugby Saint II

Jerry Jones is at the senior bowl. I go as often as I can but this year I am getting deloused instead. Good God that man ruins everything he touches. Skeletor with money is all he is.

Luda34

Drew not going anywhere Nicks should be the top signing