Ram

I just don't see why you are surprised at all by this. It's a business. Both teams and the National Hockey League. They did this for their bottom lines. The city did this, for their bottom lines. Period. The same way you bust your tail going to work each day to keep your life going - TML, DRW, NHL, UM, the City of Detroit, etc., are doing the exact same thing. They need this. You said it yourself. They're going to get every last penny they can out of this event. And this is how it is done. Sure it blows for people like us. I couldn't dream of getting season tickets. But it's strictly business and it's the way the cookie crumbles. Go Wings!

Can't wait to see these guys.

To me, being held in the rafters in the Joe is an extreme honor that the organization bestows to only its most dedicated players. Simply put, Sergei was one of my childhood heroes - he was simply amazing to watch. I idolized the way he played hockey, and his stats are a testimony to that. There is no doubt that the HOF will look at what he accomplished as far as numbers go and determine he is a strong candidate to get in. But being in the rafters in the Joe is not all about numbers. It's about why you were a most meaningful piece to the important puzzle that makes up this beloved organization. Sergei means a heck of a lot to this team's history and the people that adored him in this city. But the rafters are reserved for royalty. Just what I think. Go Wings.

I simply have to disagree with the "no risk" assessment of signing Semin to a one-year deal. No risk after this season, but plenty of risk for this season!

7 bills? Glad he's not coming. It was just like a, let's pull the trigger on this guy because we can, not because we have to. Ride that cap space Kenny, we'll get something done!

I thought it might be somewhat an issue because Scotty is a part of the Blackhawks organization, but it will be great to welcome him back. And perhaps be a bit more light-hearted considering the game doesn't mean anything. This alumni game is becoming just so much bigger than any of the others ones have ever been. Great stuff.

Currently: Linus Omark and Claude Giroux. All time: Mike Bossy

Those are two major pieces and a first, but I seriously thought it would be more. Wings simply would've been overcharged and could not do it

Good for him. Hope he enjoys himself. No one wants to be a lifetime AHLer right? Might as well mix it up.

I mean, I completely understand that the fanbase can be discontent with the way this offseason has gone and the fact that the DRW are simply not as reliable as they used to be being a locked elite team. But come on now, that's the way the NHL has gone since the lockout, and frankly, that's sports in general. I have to agree with the old bit that we are spoiled as DRW fans these past two decades. With salary caps, long term contracts, and the sport even changing in itself, it's just extremely difficult to keep a first place team on the ice year after year. I am just as unhappy to say this is the roster the squad has moving forward, but it is what it is. We're talking about Kenny Holland and the Detroit Red Wings here. He's not going to just pull the trigger on some drawn up deal that took a few minutes to think up. He is going to do what is best for the organization in the long run and do what he can in the short run. He has proven that. He has fudged up as of late, sure. But the cards are stacked against you right now. You can't win them all. Parody has taught us you don't need a dream team to win in all. The Wings aren't set up to win the President's Trophy next year. They will roll with what they got and if they have a terrible year, so be it. Maybe a wake call and finishing 12th in the Conference will be a wake up call to everyone in this town to cherish what we have had these past twenty years. Cheers. LGW

I am ALL ABOUT getting the Grind Line together and even more about the Russian Five, though the latter I'm sure would be a lot more difficult to pull off. But regarding that, I think they will have some sort of Vladdy tribute either way, since he is still active in the area and what not. It's gonna be awesome!!!! As far as jerseys go, I'm pretty certain that the jerseys in the pictures will not be the ones the teams wear, but I could be wrong. The teams wear the same jerseys for the actual Winter Classic game and the Alumni Game, correct? Though this year's events I also assume are a bit unprecedented for the event, considering there are NHL/Alumni/NCAA/OHL/AHL games going on at two different venues. I think that for jerseys, the NHL likes to have a separate event to unveil them and then shortly after, release them to be purchased by the public, usually a few months before the Winter Classic, so that people will anticipate, purchases, continue to purchase, etc.

Joey Koc either trains from now until game to fight Domi or just boozes day of in whooping preparation? I love that they are playing two games, shows the amount of history and respect each team conveys. Looking for Drapes and Malts to go all out and bury numerous times, trying to get signed for the playoffs. I can't wait!!!!! (Gotta take that entire Winter Classic week off!!!!)

I just don't think Kenny/Mr. I see him in a DRW jersey, plain and simple. I think if all other options fall through and become exhausted, then maybe they go get him. But the fact that no one has picked him up yet - there's a reason for that.

I want Bobby Ryan.

Good luck Huds!

I am simply keeping my mouth shut and waiting till 1am on Tuesday morning before I trash the entire organization or praise it. There's just has to be more coming.

Eklund is a nut. His batting average is like .050, if that, but it's like if he gets one thing right, it's like he hit a walk off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning in Game 7 of the World Series. No thanks on Kovy.

Shanny is a lock for the Hall of Fame, and to be honest, don't think it is a major deal he didn't get in in his first year of eligibility. Sure he probably should have got in before Mats, but does that taint his hockey legacy or his longstanding career in the NHL? I really don't think so. So he waits one more year. No big. As far as him being in the rafters, don't think it will happen, simply because it is an honor bestowed on few and far between. He meant a lot to the organization, but will never hold a candle to what Steve and Nick did, IMO.

A little bias, because Helmer's my favorite guy on the squad, but I do think this is worth the signing. He has only gotten better, and unless becomes injury prone, I don't see why he will continue to do so over the next few years. Maybe not huge numbers, but the guy busts his ass every night, does he not? Teams benefit from players like that. :thumb up: Edit: Reply is #43 !!! It's meant to be!!!