Racki: I’m actually glad that Quinn benched him a bit. At not only sends a message to Gilbert (hopefully) but it sends a message to me, the fan, saying “oh yah, I noticed he looks like he’s made of china and afraid of breaking if he comes in contact with anyone”. Sometimes he has shown some battle though, but he really needs to do it consistently. I’d really much rather have a hard hitting, defensive d-man in his place though. Perhaps another Smid type.

I tend to agree at this point. I guess it all depends on what the longterm plan is for Souray and Lubo, but they seem pretty well in placed. Grebs could easily be extended and we could get another nasty D man. We need to be tougher on teams and I’d like to see a bruiser on the blueline as well. That should be fairly easy to acquire if one was to trade Gilbert.

Of guys who are out there and established NHLers, who would fit in place of Gilbert, considering cap and the need to sign Grebs? Nilsson’s salary can be used in my estimation as he’s proven to be completely useless. Waive him, trade for a late pick whatever, he’s gone when everyone is healthy IMO.