VM1138

The only two main threats I see in the West are Dallas (who are scary good again), Calgary (as the upstart team that the Wings face first round), or Chicago. Being that Chicago will probably make playoffs, let's hope the Wings find a way to beat them repeatedly into the ground.

Lilja hasn't been an 'enforcer' for about 3 years. I'm not sure why people think he is now. Avery goign to Dallas could be trouble. Their team was formidable enough, and they're only getting stronger, like I predicted. We will face Dallas again this year in the playoffs, mark my words. We're the only two teams who were great, and are ONLY getting better.

Lest we forget....Stuart was reported gone a mere hour before his re-signing was annoucned, so I'm only considering players "off the table" when they sign with another team, ala Rolston.

If we got Jagr....wow, that would be pretty damn cool. But after losing out to ALL of our main optinos (well, except for Bertuzzi), I'm not expecting anyone anymore. EDIT: And a previous poster has a point, Sundin probably isn't going to Vancouver if he still hasn't accepted their offer of a kajillion dollars a day.

I would love for Satan to come here, but I highly doubt it's an option. But then again, with all of our primary options now off the table supposedly....

Well, folks, we've had two important signings today (Stuart and Conklin), but I think I speak for all of us when I say we're still itching for that BIG NAME, whoever he may be. And so far none of the big dogs have gone anywhere. So how long do you personally expect it to take for Hossa, Sundin, Rolston, Bertuzzi, Bouwmeester, etc. to sign? Myself, I can't guess a time frame, but I do think Rolston will take a while, being that he's had at least 10 offers to weed through and negotiate. But what about the others? Any gambling posters out there?

Right. We're looking for a short-term deal, so no Hossa. Sundin and Rolston are the best big name options out there, with Bertuzzi being the most likely candidate, whether we like it or not.

Why? Hossa would be nice, but maintaining our league-best defense is critical to repeating.

It'd be a surprise. I don't think ANYONE here has thought Hossa would come here since maybe the day after we won the Cup.

Inferior replacement to Marian Hossa.

Washington just went from a team with a great future to Tampa Bay v.2.0

Well, to be fair, you guys needed him to save your offense. We just need him to be a little better than Drake.

So basically he puts up Drake-like numbers in the playoffs? Sounds like a good replacement for Drake if you ask me, especially with his offensive upside. And jeez, he bested Drake in a single playoff round?

Conklin is pretty good, and isn't he fairly young? He did a great job with Pittsburgh and I read many complimentary articles about him over the past season. Good backup, cheap, I approve.

It's kind of cool and sappy to think that this journeyman who has been plagued with bad teams, has finally found a home where he fits into a role perfectly, and where he can stay for years.

He held up pretty well in the playoffs. I'm not too concerned about him getting hurt anymore.

Rolston would be a better fit for many teams, so it's normal for him to have more offers, I just hope he goes for the Wings.

Quickest way to kill what's left of your career. Whatever happened to players wanting to go to a Cup contender? Vancouver can only boast Luongo and the Sedin twins, the latter of which are basically second liners.

Are you kidding? No way we sign Hossa, Jagr, Demitra, Avery, Federov. And no one has had any rumors about the WIngs even mildly being interested in anyone else, though I would like to see Satan here. I could also settle for Naslund, only if Holland has a feeling Naslund won't be lazy and suck.

That St. James article doesn't make sense. 4 million + is too much for the Wings, yet they are trying for Sundin who is garnering offers of 10 million? Something doesn't add up.

Hopefully Sundin recognizes that a team offering 10 million has no chance of winning the Cup, and is bargaining out of desperation. That's absolutely ridiculous. .

Disappointing....no Sundin or Rolston probable? Looks like it'll be a slow off-season for the Wings. Glad we re-signed Stuart anyway.

Tampa seems to have a good fanbase. I say move the Panthers and let Tampa Bay pick up the pieces.

Yup. Mark my words, it'll be Quincey. Sad, because he played well for us in 2007, but last year didn't really impress with his short stint.

Now Toronto could have a decent goalie tandem. Joseph played well in his role this year and I fully expect him to challenge for top spot again.