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Why commit to a backup who may not even play the full year, let alone put out a consistent performance for the team?

Ok so it wasn't the Wings, but we got treated to some fantastic goaltending by Tim Thomas. As a hockey fan, it was a joy watching him in the finals. As a Michigan native, also from the Flint area, I can't help but have a special appreciation for this guy. And he'll cap it off next week with a well deserved Vezina.

I'd take Draper back as the 13th/14th forward, that way he won't take away time from the younger players and he'd be a perfect replacement for any injured player.

Draper, Osgood possibly this year. Lidstrom hopefully not now, Holmstrom next year. All of the guys that have made this franchise what it is for two decades now are starting to go away. Not even bringing hockey into the equation, it is sad to see guys that have been a staple of this organization moving on. It's all speculative still, but I just hope they ALL receive the proper appreciation when the time comes. Some of the short-sighted comments already are pathetic.

Love them both, great players and have meant alot to this franchise. But it is time to move on. Good on ya Kenny.

Where did this guy come from? Totally off the radar until a few years ago. As dominate as Roy and Hasek were in their day. Let's hope he can put a few more years in and collect some more hardware.

Operation Kronwall - Havlat Shot:

I do agree that the Wings need to get younger. I did not like Holland signing Modano. But for some reason, for the right price, I would be ok with signing Jagr. I look at the UFAs this year and there is not much to be excited about. If anything, Jagr would be good for the power play. We are really going to miss Rafalski in those situations. Helm and Abdelkader are going to be playing more important minutes and now Mursak will be on the team full time. So it's not as if all our forwards are Methusaleh. Dats and Z and Mule are not very old. Flip and Cleary are not either. Look at how Selanne is playing for the Ducks. Recchi is 43 and played a key role on the Bruins' 2nd line in the Cup Final. If Jags replaces Hudler than I am fine with it. If Jags comes and Hudler is still on the team then I don't know what to think.

I wouldn't re-sign Ozzie but I would re-sign Draper if possible. Helm and Draper seemed to work really good together.

I really think if Osgood says he is ready they should take his word for it. But this would be his last hoo-ra. I just don't think he wants to go out the way he did last year and wants to prove he can get it done one more time. As for Draper I don't see why he wouldn't be wanted. The guy played most of the season last year and played as hard as the young guys. He scored goals, killed penalties and won faceoffs. Really couldn't see why you would want him to retire. I figure Lids, Oz, Drapes and Holmer have one more year left in em. If Holland were so worried about Emmerton's potential, we would have seen him in more games last season. If you want to remove people, it should be the under achievers like Hudler. He just doesn't seem to work hard enough and expects others to make the plays. Combine that with Modano being gone and Kenny should be able to get it done with Draper and Osgood.

Since it wasn't the Wings' year, I'm stoked to see the Cup go to an Original 6 team, and the MVP to a Michigan boy. This is just about the second best outcome I could've hoped for. Congrats, Mr. Thomas.

One of the better playoff performances I've seen in a long long time. Atta boy Timmy!

This news is very bittersweet, it is definitely time for both of them to hang them up, but it's very sad to see them go at the same time - They both should(will) get jobs within the organization and will always be Red Wings... they were true warriors over the years and Draper specifically has been one of the hardest working players to ever lace them up! Thanks for all the great years, memories and cups!

And you are the only one being a pr**k about the situation. Get a clue. *sigh* MacDonald is NHL ready at least for backup and he doesn't have a big health risk. Like most in here (I am guessing) a lot want the youth movement, which I'm for, but Draper has still got it for a 4th line role, even if it is in/out the lineup. All for re-signing him though I understand if they don't. Given how Osgood has been loyal to the organization/vice-versa and how I defend him when people in here act like absolute lunatics towards him, I'm not against bringing him back but again, big health issue etc.

And only a spoiled little f*** on a message board would send off players who have actually contributed to cup wins by this franchise (and been kind and gracious human beings all the while) in such a manner. Time for them to move on? Yea, probably. Time for you to gtfo? Be my guest.

Congrats Thomas and congrats Boston. I thought it was a great series and fun watching. Now.... let the offseason begin!!!!

you first.

Sharapova's legs are worth the price of admission for me.

So Draper and Osgood are "passing the torch" to Jagr? I thought the point was to get younger and better. I'm not buying this at all. It doesn't strike me as a Ken Holland-like move. I would rather have Scottie Upshall by a wide margin with the Jagr money if the Red Wings go the forward route in free agency.

:puke: he has always been a cancer in the locker room. no thank you please!!!!

As would I. Offer him Hudler's pay!

Datsyuk was also -2 in his last three games. Context, and you missed it. Plus, pulling up the last 8 or 9 games of the season is a terrible barometer of someones season for the WIngs seeing as how they were scuffling, hence using the final 40 games of Kindl's season. And yes, +/- does prove things, it's a useful stat. It's not the end all be all stat that some think of it as or the complete worthless stat that other people think it is.

I don't know guys.. I guess if we were going to do a trade with Atlanta, I'd rather have Tobias Enstrom. I think he's a better fit than Bogosian.... but its doubtful they would let him go.

I wanted to thank every member that took part in LGW's "Money on the Board" playoff donation drive that raised a total of $875.40 for the Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation! vladdy16 did an absolutely amazing job keeping track of and arranging everything -- this would not have been possible without her help -- thank you! She sent in the donation to the Foundation on Wednesday this week and I spoke with Sally at the Foundation today and filled her in on how the donation came about and made sure to have it dedicated to the members of LetsGoWings.com. I'm incredibly proud of all of you that took part and I can't wait to have more drives just like this one in the future!