ComradeWasabi

He left Nashville for more money in Russia, so even if the Preds didn't have his rights, why would he come here for less?

Who?

I'm not sure, but I haven't heard anything to indicate that he's healthy or not.

I don't know if he'd pass a team physical right now, but I'd certainly like to see him as a fourth-line pivot and PK man. It would allow Draper to use a bit more of his speed on the wing and give the fourth line two legitimate faceoff-taking centres.

True enough, but I just can't imagine someone taking on Campbell's salary after such a mediocre performance when it really counted. He had an alright season, not much good in the playoffs, though. With the salary cap threatening to decline severely, with his defensive shortcomings being so glaringly exposed.. it's just difficult to fathom a GM out there being foolish enough to trade for him. Chicago can't even take back significant salary, either; they need every bit of his 7 million and Huet's 5.6 to keep their RFAs.

He went to Russia. /thread

There isn't any way that I can see for them to retain Keith, Toews and Kane. The Huet and Campbell contracts are both absolutely awful signings, especially a year removed from the deals actually being inked. As it is, next summer, Huet is almost certainly going to be traded. Chicago will have to adopt Detroit's strategy of relatively cheap veteran netminding as obviously they can't afford to pay Huet 5.6 million. If they can get rid of Campbell and Huet they should be in good shape, but that's going to be difficult with those salaries as high as they are and the salary cap going down like it will.

Only way out of their jam is to ditch Campbell, and he's not going to bring any interest from anyone at that salary.

Flip is a great skater and passer. He certainly demonstrated that he was capable of being a setup man this last post-season when paired with Hossa and Mule.

My only criticism of Val at this juncture is his continuing lack of willingness to shoot the puck. Apart from that, I could not be happier with Flip's play, and I say that as one of the few who were defending him throughout the regular season instead of crucifying him.

Hudler's small and very soft, so where does that leave us? I'd like to have Kotalik if we don't have Hudler, but there's no reason for him to sign here for less than what he's worth.

Get real, Hjalmarsson is an average stay-at-home defender at best. Barker, Keith and Seabrook are all fairly strong but none of them had a good WCF. Campbell was better for us than he was for you. Your D is nothing to be bragging about, bud.

This could give the Ducks a legitimate second-line scoring threat. Ryan/Getzlaf/Perry, Lupul/Koivu/Selanne is quite strong. Their defense definitely took a big step backwards, though.

Dunno how he was signed that cheap but I'll certainly take it, no complaints here!

Koivu, Kovalev, Tanguay all gone. Smooth move, Gainey.

Jurcina back in Washington, I'm actually quite surprised.

100+ points, almost for sure. Either 3 or 4 30-goal scorers; I wouldn't be surprised if both Z and Mule broke 40. The seed is an interesting question. I imagine they'll be first, second, or fourth. Chicago has a legitimate shot at the division this year which would almost certainly put the Wings in fourth. If they win the Central, then there'll be competition from the Northwest for the number one seed, but the Pacific division winner is probably certain to hold third. There you have it. You heard it here first.

He hasn't really been an all-star since the 90s. He's a consistent 70+ point right-handed centre, last year excluded. He's not really that great defensively I don't think, and he's lost a step in the last couple years it seems. Not what this team needs.

They aren't related I don't think... correct me if I'm wrong??

That would put Homer on the top line again which I suppose wouldn't be that bad. ZDH Franzen - Flip - Leino Hudler - Helm - Cleary Gator - Drapes - Malts Still looks good to me.

Datsyuk - Zetterberg - Franzen (this line was what sparked Franzen in the first place) Hudler - Flip - Cleary Leino - Helm - Homer Gator - Draper - Maltby Pretty much the same as what's been listed except I want to keep Pavel and Z together for obvious reasons.

Sorry about your luck there Rick. It's gonna be a long 8 years..

Honestly, the Wings might not be able to keep Huddles for more than maybe 1.5 million or they simply won't have the space to sign anybody else. Not having Huds at $2mil+ opens them up a little bit to at least acquire a couple of Dallas Drake-type veterans, and at this point, that might have to be the course of action they take with the cap looking as tight as it is. Point being, this team will not be as good or as deep as it has been the last two years.... but hopefully the sting of losing game 7 at home and the adversity they will face this year will bring them together and they can get back to the type of play that won them a Cup two seasons ago.

3.5mil for 3 years? That's pretty good. Then again, he belongs in Philly with the rest of those goons.