FunkedUp

To be completely honest, I'd rather have the draft picks, but we'll see...

This is dumb. First off, Maltby is not going anywhere. Secondly, Abby won't be up. Thirdly, I don't believe were going to be better next season. I guess I'll be the realistic one here and tell the truth, which I know can hurt people. The Good: Gaining Helm and Ericsson on the full time list. The Bad: Losing Hossa and Conklin and will probably lose Sammy and Hudler. We're probably going to be losing Lilja as well, whether it's due to a trade or injury symptoms. We will be replacing them with rookies who don't have much NHL experience. Draper and Maltby aren't going to be any better this year, and Holmstrom and Nick are slowing down. Also, Howard will likely struggle, at least for a portion of his time. Even though we have a very strong team, both offensively and defensively, I don't think you could say that we will be better this year than last year.

Damn....a bit bummed about this, but as others has said, this contract is a bit too heavy for the Wings and I'm sure Holland made a call and an offer, but it didn't work out. 2.65 for Pahlsson is a good deal for him, but I'm glad Kenny didn't bite. I know this signing won't make or break a team, but the central division got better last year and there getting better this year. All 5 teams could make the playoffs this season....

Since its now official that Hossa is gone, I feel that we should pursue free agents outside of our organization. I'm thinking Sammy and Hudler will move on, but it's possible that both remain Wings. I feel that the Wings need some sandpaper now that McCarty and Downey won't be back either. This leads me to Chris Neil. I think that he would be a great fit on the Wings. I believe he had more points then Kopecky and he's a tough customer. Neil would be a nice presence on our 4th line. Also, I think we should go after another player...Pahlsson. I think he would be a great fit on our third line and will play a good shutdown role. Some energy never hurts, and thats what we would get from these guys. It's also within the realm of possibility, as I think we could get them for around 1.5 or so. What do you guys think?

That would be sweet. I seem to remember them causing some havoc against us in the 07 WCF. Helm-Pahlsson-Moen I would like that 3rd line.

Damn...There goes my suggestions regarding Neil and Pahlsson. 2 million is too much for Neil and he definitely isn't worth that kind of money, for the wings at least. I still think we should make a push for Pahlsson, but as long as he would come under 2 million. I don't really want to have Sammy or Hudler back unless they sign for roughly the same amount. Sammy will probably take a higher offer, and we should just grab some draft picks for Hudler. Bottom line is that we can all throw out suggestions but none of us have that inside information that would make or break a deal.

Youth is not a bad thing, but you don't want to rush it or put these guys in a bad position. Abby, in my opinion, won't be up this year, but will be the first GR call up. Remember how Helm played in the playoffs in 08, but didn't crack the squad in 09. It'll be similar with Abby who will likely get called up to the playoffs next season. I'd rather have him playing 20 mins a night in GR then 5 or so with the Wings.

ooooo LaRose...completely forgot about him. He would be a great fit and maybe would sign that hometown discount. The thing is that he's really starting to fit in with that Carolina squad and since they had a good run this year, that might mean that he'll stay there. Plus, I don't think Kenny could match the Canes offer... If we can get anyone though, I'd still say Pahlsson. Adding to our team defense is never a bad thing, and a third line with Helm and Pahlsson would be a good one... We shall see though...

It seems to me that we have roughly 4 million to work with, and Abby will be in GR this season. I was suggesting Pahlsson or Neil because we could realistically sign one or both of them without running into serious cap issues. I was trying to be realistic here. Some people are suggesting that we trade Rafalski, Kronwall, Cleary or Filppula or that we sign Jay Bow or something like that. That's delusional, and won't happen.

Also, since the Hawks just added 5.2 million in Hossa...that could mean that Pahlsson is not coming back. Maybe Pahlsson wants to play with a bunch of Swedes?

Yes, it looks that way. He just turned down a 1.7 million offer from the Sens, but it seems to me not very many players like playing there. If Neil couldn't be had at 1.5 or so, then I agree that it wouldn't make sense to pursue him. We are spoiled as Wings fans cause its expected that you take a pay cut to come play for us... Just for kicks... Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Franzen-Filppula-Cleary Pahlsson-Helm-Leino Neil-Maltby-Draper not too shabby...

Que the Chris Neil supporters...

Apparently there are rumors floating around that Hossa will sign a contract with us tonight... I'll believe it when I see it.

Link In addition to the draft and our teams roster situation this upcoming season, this will also be an interesting development. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I don't mind seeing the Wings in a new home, but I don't think it makes very much sense. The lease is quite the deal, and the Joe could be extensively renovated if they want to. But Hey, its not my money Although, It would be awesome to have a new rink by Comerica and Ford Field. I'm sure that area would develope real quickly cause of it and make for some more bars and other spots. The new rink would also be held to high standards...It would have to be worth it. We shall see...

Wow. I thought mine suggestions were outlandish

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Franzen-Filppula-Cleary Samuelsson-Helm-Pahlsson Neil-Draper-Maltby Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Stuart Ericsson-Lebda Meech Osgood Howard 2009-2010 DETROIT RED WINGS FORWARDS -Marian Hossa $7,450,000 -Jiri Hudler $1,015,000 -Thomas Kopecky $500,000 + Samuel Pahlsson $1,500,000 + Mikael Samuelsson $1,500,000 + Chris Neil $1,500,000 DEFENSEMEN -Chris Chelios $750,000 -Andreas Lilja $1,200,000 GOALTENDERS -Ty Conklin $750,000 +Jimmy Howard $716,666 PAYROLL $56,720,653 I realize this is slightly unrealistic, but it could happen and I think it would be one of the best possible line ups. Adding Pahlsson and Neil would give us some sandpaper and not cause defensive liabilities. For some reason I think Pahlsson would fit really well on this team. Only thing is that I've traded Lilja to make room. I really like Lilja, but I'm afraid he might be done. Not to mention, I don't think he'll be that same person when he comes back, and its highly unlikely he'll fight again. Also we have Big Rig to step in. This also makes a 21 man roster, but Meech could play either position if need be. We'd have some more energy if we went this way... All I know is that all this speculation will be resolved very shortly...

As much as I would like to have Neil on our team this next season there is zero chance of it happening. In fact, I don't think we will see anyone from outside the organization at all.

This is expected. I will miss Sammy. He was a good role player on the team and a testament to our depth. I was annoyed with his shots going off the opposing teams shin pads, but he made up for it and was defensively responsible. Those two goals during the 08 SCF were awesome, and I'll never forget his goal against Anaheim earlier these playoffs, even though it wasn't a huge goal. It sounded like the post rang for 30 seconds... Although, I must say that he is probably the worst body checker in the league next to Hudler. I can just imagine an opposing teams defense men picking up the puck in the corner and giving a quick glance to see whos forechecking on him...just to realize its Sammy. He must be thinking "oh thank goodness" Hope he finds what he's looking for and in a way its a shame he can't remain with us. He's a great third line player. Good Luck Sammy

Eye of the Tiger...its perfect for this season.

I've been hearing June 26th or 27. Things will definitely heat up real quick after that figure is announced...

I don't see a remote possibility of any of those players coming here. I don't think Holland is going to bring anyone onto the team from outside the organization. Things will be cleared up this time next week though...

I don't get it.... Conklin is definitely a better netminder then Howard. Conklin has expressed interest to stay and its likely he'll sign at the same salary Conklin - 750k Howard - 716k I realize Howards cap hit is slightly lower than Conklins, but even being so close to the ceiling its trivial. I believe Kenny used his #1 last year to draft a goalie for a reason....we shall see.

Cheli will sign with the Hawks for the league minimum for 1 year. Bank it...

I am sick of looking at trade propsals for these players so people need to stop. Raf - NTC and he's not going to wave it... I don't know why people don't get this. Plus I remember him being pretty high on the defenseman points list in the regular season. Stuart - Is an anchor to our top4 and fits well. Plays a physical game and is a testament to our depth. Draper/Maltby/Holmstrom - Loyality. They all want #5 and aren't retiring until their contracts are up. No way Kenny trades any of them. Filppula - Kenny and Babs love him and have faith. He reminds me of a young Pavel, plus he just led our team in assists these playoffs. 29 other teams would kill to have this defensively responsible player center their team. Let the disagreements begin!!!

Despite Abby's performance I still think he will be in GR next year, but will be the first call up. Judging by what's happening I don't think Kenny is going to bring in anyone from outside our orginization. It really depends on a few players. If Hossa will take Franzen money, then you have to pull that trigger. If not, then so long Marian. To be honest I think Hossa is going to take a gargantuan pay-cut to stay with us, and it will suprise the hockey world. The other question marks are Kopy and Leino. We don't have much cap space so they both won't be getting much of a raise, if at all. Leino has made it clear that he will only play in the NHL or he's heading back to the land of cold and snow. It will be interesting to see what happens. Bottom line is that I think we will see Sammy, Huds, and Chelios gone for sure. Kopy and Leino are toss ups but will come at the expense of the other. Howard will be gone too.