BringHomeTheCup!

I don't remember exactly what the problems were. The only one that comes to mind is quite ridiculous, but here goes. If my memory serves me Markov was doing an interview before a playoff game, while smoking a cigarette. As I recall, this wasn't the first time this had happened, and it did sit well with Babs. But from what I can gather, simply based on payroll, the Wings don't have the cap room to spend on Markov and Matty. While Kenny has already stated that getting Matty to sign is his #1 off season priority.

This is ridiculous. Even if Alfie did it on purpose, it wasn't meant to hurt Scotty. Seriously folks, do you think Alfie could have picked a worse place to hit Scotty if indeed the intent was to injure him? Here is something no one else has mentioned, or at least I haven't seen. Could Alfie possibly have meant to hit Scotty, but not with intent to injure him, but rather the simple intent of hitting him to negate the icing? Look at the clip again folks, it's not as bad as you think!

That is an awful example. Once a guy named Bryan Berard almost lost his eye when he was hit with a stick during a follow-through. So there should be a limit as to how high a follow-through can be. Look at how dangerous they are. Come to think of it, they should be completely banned.

I can think of 3 HUGE things... 1. Stanley Cup rings 2. Leadership 3. Consistent play

I love Sergei Fedorov. No other player in the NHL is nearly as complete of a player as Sergei is. Does he play up to his potential? No. Does he give 100%? No. But I don't care, he is a playoff STUD. He is more versatile than any other player in the NHL. Seriously, how many players with equal or better offensive talent, can drop back and be on the #1 D pairing, and not be a liability? Or how many number #1 Dmen could pose half the offensive threat he does? NONE. I'd love to see him back in town. You'd see tears of joy. However, he is, plain and simple, making too much money. It's quite possible that Kenny could bring him back for a fraction of what he is currently making. But who knows if he would want to come back? Who knows if he will retire or not? There isn't anything in the league Sergei hasn't seen, won, or been through. After this big contract has expired, he could make an equal paycheck playing in Russia. The only thing that would keep him in the NHL is a legit shot at another Cup.

Whomever brought up the Malarchuck incident as a defense for not allowing kicking, that's ridiculous. Had the cut been a result of a kicking motion towards the puck, then ok, valid argument. But it had nothing to do with this discussion other than it was an injury caused by a skate. It was a freak accident that in way could have been prevented. That's like trying to argue for softer boards because Draper got his face smashed when Turtle hit him from behind. The boards had nothing to do with what happened. Much like a kicking motion had nothing to do with Malarchuck. This is a rule that is questionable. Players get 'kicked' all the time. Just watch any srum in the corner. Players fighting for control of the puck with their skates. It happens. This rule is designed to allow the ref to call a match penalty when a player intentionall try to injure another player by kicking him.

No, Markov can't sign with anyone other than Detroit until July 1st, that is when his comtract is offically up. As far as Jiri is concerned, his contract is also up July 1st, and obviously he won't be re-signed. However, Kenny has publicly stated that retaining Matty is the number 1 priority this offseason. That coupled with the salary cap will make it very difficult for Kenny to fit Markov back in the fold. I've read on several rumor sites that Markov isn't wanted back, nor does he want to come back. Regardless if that is true or not, he would have to take a paycut to stay, and I don't mean the usualy 'hometown discount'. There is no way Kenny will pay him the same ticket he got last season. That is why I suggested Greg DeVries. He WILL be much cheaper, and plays a very similar style. Markov is better on the offensive side, but we don't really need much help in that area, particularly if Matty comes back. Where DeVries could shine is on the defensive side. We do need help there, no doubt. Also DeVries is a GREAT shot blocker, and he isn't afraid to drop the mitts. Detroit had the least fighting majors in the NHL last year. IMO someone needs to step up and make a statement about protecting hte Eurotwins, and that can't be Homer.

Samsonov has NEVER put up more tha 75 points. In fact, if you take away the two season he played steadily with Thornton, he has put up more than 50 points once in his career. He'd be a soild 3rd liner on this team. Anything else is a long shot. I don't understand why there is so much lvoe for this guy. What has he EVER done?

He is way too expensive. He will get at least $3.5-$4 per. For that kinda money, which I don't think Kenny has to spend on any one single player not named Matty, I think the Wings could do better. Say, maybe lock up Hank with a nice 7 year deal.

Well, first here is a correction, Samsonov didn't get traded from Edmonton to Montreal. He signed with Montrel as an UFA. Here are a few reasons why I don't think trading for Samsonov would be a good idea. 1. He is being paid more than the Wings can really afford to spend on one player of his caliber this offseason. Samsonov is a talented player, but I he isn't a steady first line scorer. 2. He brings a lot of baggage. He is a very emotional player, much like Alexi K. He would either be a shadow in the locker room, or a cancer. I don't think that is something Kenny is willing to take a shot at. 3. Samsonov could have been had for nothing last season, but no one wanted to stake a claim to him. That says a lot about him. He was on waivers, and not only could he have been had, the Habs would have had ot pick up half his salary. That means Detroit didn't want him for free at about $1.75. So tell me why would Kenny now want to give up something, and pay him full dues? 4. He doesn't fit in with Babs system. Much like Rex, Samsonov would most likely get very little ice time. Unless you are a superb talent like Hank or Pav, or play the shut down role like Drapes, you aren't going to see much ice time on a team coached by Babs. 5. He hasn't put up 50 points since 01-02, 20 goals since 01-02, or 20 helpers since 03-04. His best years, and really his only 2 productive season were with Joey T. If you don't know the type of playmaker Thornton is, look up his stats. I could put in 20 playing with Thornton. I'm not sure why you think Samsonov is a 'pure goal scorer' or a 'top notch playmaker'. He may have put up great numbers with the Vipers (if you consider 29 goals, 35 assists, for 64 points in 73 games 'great') but the guy has NEVER in ANY professional league put up 100 points. EVER. He has never in ANY professional league for even 1 season averaged a point per game (in 01-02 he came close averaging .95 PPG, playing with Thornton.). Samsonov had a lot of potential coming into the NHL. He just never developed. He never will. Next case please.

My last post was misinterpeted. What I was saying was this. That every time it's suggested that Kronwall should be traded, everyone talks about how much talent he has, and that's the reason we could get such a big return on him. Add in that he is locked up for 5 years, if the kid really does have such an upside, Kenny could move him without any troubles. I think that people give him too much credit. He is a decent Dman, I think his career potential is a steady 3rd or 4th Dman. He hasn't shown the killer instinct that is needed to play his style of hockey, and be a top 2 Dman. I wouldn't mind him being traded, say for a guy such as Ruslan Salei. My ideal trade would be for a solid second line winger. No one huge, maybe even a solid prospect and a pick type deal. I think the biggest assest we could attain by dealing Kronwall is cap space. Last thing, to all of you who say Kronwall is just 'unlucky' and his luck will change. He is what's call injury prone.

My view is this, Nick was the only reasonable choice for Captain. Here is why. I think that the management would have liked to have been able to give the C to Hank. I personally don't think that would have been the best route to take, but I think they want to make Hank and Pav the center of this franchise, and Pav just isn't they type of leader you need to be to wear the C. Guys like Draper, Chelios, and Matty all could have served as Captain and done just as well as Nick. I think they chose Nick because he is a lot like Hank in his demeanor, and it will make the transition from Nick to Hank as Captain an easier one. Keep in mind that no matter who was to wear the C after Stevie, he would have paled in comparison. Stevie is quite possibly the best Captain, not only in the history of the NHL, but in all North American sports.

This is a popular opinion in just about every 'trade Kronwall' thread: He has such a huge pool of potential, but no one would want him. I ask you this, if he has so much potential, and he is locked up long term, for a reasonable price, why wouldn't anyone want him?

The questioning of Maltby being signed is puzzeling to me. The guy is EASILY a first unit PK'er on any team in this league. Put him and Drapes together, and you have to BEST forward PK unit in the league. Yeah, the guy doesn't score as much as he did. Yeah, his +/- isn't what is could be. But the guy contributes in placed where it really matters. Having Maltby on the roster is nothing but a positive. It isn't as if he is a washed up vet who just can't hack it anymore. This is a guy who knows his role, and does it very well. I remember watching a VS broadcast of a Wings game midway through the season. They showed an intersting stat. It was something like over the past 5 seasons, no one has drawn more penalities than Maltby. He is huge for this team. He has all he intagibles that are necessary to be a great player in this league. He isn't a problem in any way, shape or form. The guy is a inergal piece of the Wings success. The guy is one of the VERY FEW guys left on the roster who is willing to drop down and block a shot. I'd be willing to bet if we had a few more guys that played like he does, we would have went further in the playoffs this year. Wether that is taking the CF to a game 7, or even winning the Cup, I truely believe it would have happened.

I am a firm believer that the Wings need to get a tough guy, but one who can skate, so it can be a regular in Babs line-up without hurting the team. A guy like Gary Roberts would be ideal. He isn't afraid to drop the gloves and dance, and he can score. Another name is Laraque. He is so solid, and he is a lot more talented than he gets credit for. Unfortunately, it looks like Pittsburg will retain both these guys. I would love to see someone of the same caliber come here. It's something we've lacked since DMac left. And no, Shanny just wasn't the same. He was never, nor ever will be a guy on the team that you are afraid of if you are the opposition. Yes, he is a solid fighter, and a tough player in his own right. But nothing like what DMac was. BTW, just to kill this before it starts, no we shouldn't go after DMac. His best days were behind him before we bought out his contract.

This site SPECTORS is the best site I've found. He is pretty accurate on his postings, and has an AWESOME Trade Rumors section that is also pretty credible.

In short, as long as he can be signed for a resonable price. And remember, if we resign him, we lose a first rounder. That's a lot to give up on something you arne't sure about.

You just spent a half hour reading 7 pages of these, and didn't once think, "Who does that?' but several times though 'Phew! I'm not the only one!!'

Why is everyone so down on Maltby coming back for 3 years? He is a character guy. The type of guy who makes things incerdibly easier for Nick as captian, and he is coming at a small price tag. He doesn't score much anymore, but he does draw a TON of penalties, and coupled with Draper is money in the PK. Which brings me to my next point. Why the hell would you get rid of Draper?! He is also a great locker room guy, a leader on the team, and by far the best 2-way player on the team. He is a shutdown guy, and no one on the Wings is better in the faceoff circle. It would make no sense to get rid of these guys. They are both quick, smart, solid 2-way players. What is not to like about them? Even if you put them on a 4th line, they are still going to make a sizable impact. They are the type of players and people that make good teams great. Without those two guys, there is no way we make it past the second round this year, if that. One word describes them both: integral. That is, they are integral to the success of the Wings, both playoff and regular season. BTW, before you can think about crowing Cleary the 'new Maltby', he should at least prove that this season wasn't a fluke. There is more evidence that points towards Dan-o not being as good next year, than there is that he will. Besides, it never hurts to have a few of those guys on your team.

I don't know why I always find myself reading these threads. Everytime I read them, I am left wondering if anyone understands how things work, or if you are just basing your thoughts based on your latest offseason in NHL 2007. There are so many things wrong with what everyone is suggesting Kenny should do in the offseason, I just don't have the time or energy to think about half of them. So, I am just going to give you a few quick thoughts. First, everyone is forgetting DMac. No, I don't think Detroit should try to sign him, that's ridiculous. His buyout, I believe we have one more year left on the cap hit from this buyout. It isn't much, but it's still a hit. Second, we are taking a cap hit on all the bonus money paid to Dom. I think he is owed somewhere in the ballpark of $600k. Third, Kenny is a smart GM, best in the league. He is going to leave himself some breathing room underneath the cap. The cap is estimated to be $47 next year, look for Kenny to spend about $40-43 of that to put his team together. Finally, as far as signing a big name UFA. It isn't going to happen. With names like Lidstrom, Zetterburg, Filppula, Draper, and Holmstrom, all up for free agency (some RFA) Kenny doesn't have the long-term room to sign a Smyth, Drury, or Giguere and keep these guys. Nor does he have the short term cap space. Kenny has at best, $13 to spend to fill out his roster, and he needs about 7 more players to do that. EDIT: Also, Grigs will either be an every day player, or go back to Russia. The contract he signed has an out clause that basicly allows him to opt out if he is assigned to Grand Rapids.

It sounds complicated, but once you get the general idea, it's pretty simple. The entry draft is used to draft players who have never played professional hockey before. Generally speaking, these players must be 18 years of age. The teams then own the rights to sign that player. They can either sign that player, or trade the rights to another team. Free agency is a little more complicted. You have 2 types of free agents, Restricted Free Agents (RFA), and Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA). RFA's are players who have played out the length of their contracts, but haven't played enough games and/or aren't old enough to be UFA's. In order for a player to be a UFA they must be (I think) 27 years of age, or played something like 8 or 10 profession season. When a player has reached either RFA or UFA status, any team is eligable to sign that player. In order for a team to sign a RFA, they must present him with an offer sheet. This offer sheet, if accepted, is signed by the RFA. Here is where it gets a little tricky. For example, we will use Jiri Hudler, this off season he is a RFA. Let's say the St. Louis Blues present an offer sheet to Hudler, and she signs it. Since his former team is the Red Wings, the Wings would have the option to match the offer sheet, which is equivelent to Detroit offering him the same contract. In this case, Detroit would have signed Jiri Hudler to a contract based on the terms of the offer sheet. If Detroit were to decline to match the offer sheet, then St. Louis would have signed Jiri Hudler to a contract based on the terms of the offer sheet. In this case, St. Louis would then be subject to 'compensate' Detroit for signing Hudler. The amount of compensation is based on the value of the contract, and if I am correct is limited to draft picks. When a player is an UFA, any team can sign him without providing any compensation to his former team. I hope that all makes sense. If you want a good site to hear about rumors, and signing, check this out, My Webpage

First, for those of you who think Philly would part with Biron, HUH?!?! They just traded for him, and signed him to an extension, why would they want to move him? That doesn't make sense. Secong, for those of you who say Giggy will re-sign with the Ducks for about $4-5, I highly doubt that. His market value will be about $6-7, he will get pretty close to that. Finally, with the roster needs that Kenny has, there is no way he can afford to spend much mroe than $2.5-3 on any single player.

Hah...healthy Kronwall. That's as oxymoronic as 'military intelegence' or 'U.S. Department of Justice'.

I remember hearing at the same time that it was speculated that Calder had a broken hand, that Franzen did as well.

Are you talking about Jason Williams? The guy who has 122 CAREER points? Nearly half of which were scored in one season (05-06 58pts.)?