MadMan Mark

Nothing but upsides to this signing.

I think they lose one of the three of Kane, Toews, or Keith. Where is the money going to come from? In addition, their D has issues, and that didn't even get addressed this off-season. . . I don't see how they can ignore it again. Their goaltending took a step down with Huet from Bulin, IMO. I don't want to get too specific, but if the cap stays the same and they can't move Campbell or Huet you have $19M of $56.8M tied up with Hossa, Huet, and Campbell. Kane gets $3.7M now and Toews gets $2.8M. How much of a raise do each get? And, I think Toews should be earning more than Kane. Keith is at $1.475 now, how much more does he get? And then there is payment to be made to all the other RFA's they just signed as well as the many others that will still be under contract, Sharp at $3.9M for example. Keep in mind that Chi is exceeding league limits for bonus payouts and any overages will go against next year's cap. ($5M in bonuses to Kane and Toews) Hawks do not have the money to sign them all. If they do, I will be the first on the board to admit I was wrong. However, I'll trust the economics and the numbers that are in front of me. Not even Bowman can fix this mess.

I'm surprised their numbers aren't 69 and 96. . . before I get blasted, it's a joke

Not enough production for the money he's looking at ($5M). I agree with an earlier post, Wings won't be making any moves until after July 30 (Hudler's arbitration hearing). I don't think that hurts us much as someone we may sign in lieu of Hudler will most likely still be there. I'm still looking at Malhotra as a possibility. . . just my opinion.

Huet has never won anything and the Hawks D is still average at best, albeit overpaid, too. Hawks are going to score goals similar to last year, but they are going to give up as many, if not more this year. Huet had A good game in game 5. . . and lost. Quite honestly, I think if the Wings are successful in tightening up the D and improving the PK, the Wings take the Central again. I will be concerned if the Wings have a slow start and face an uphill, difficult battle for the division. . . I just don't see it. Babcock usually has this team prepared and the tone for the year is set in Oct and Nov. While everyone is trying to figure out their chemistry, Wings rack up the wins and the points. I do not think the Hawks are in the same class as the Wings. I thought they might in the near future, but they s*** the bed with their numerous signings this off-season, IMO.

I have said it all along, the Hawks did not improve on their mediocre D and definitely lowered their standard with Huet from Khabibulin. I'm not sure how the rules work in the NHL regarding RFA's, but once the season starts, I do not believe a team can negotiate with an RFA. UFA's are a different story, as were the examples of Zetterberg and Franzen. Some one please correct me if I am wrong. If I am correct, tension definitely will be building in Chi as the year progresses. Just like Babcock said regarding Toews and Kane. If they are not playing Detroit, he wants them to score and score often. That will drive their prices up, making it less likely they are able to sign with Chi again.

What I found most interesting about yesterday's press conference was how Hossa said Chi is young and hungry. He also equated that youth and "hungry" attitude to translating into a Cup. Still, IMO, Chi has a one-time shot at the Cup and that is next year. However, their D and their goaltending are mediocre, at best. When they fall short of the WCF this coming year, start losing players do to lack of funds, and medicocrity sets in once again in Chi, how long until Hossa wants out to go find another Cup-hungry team. Seems to me he wants a team around him to carry him to the Cup. He had that in Detroit and did nothing to help his cause once the post-season began. I predict another Cup for Detroit before Hossa ever sees one, if at all. I wonder how happy he'll be in Chi in the coming years when Kopecky is not re-signed after this 2-year deal. I wish him luck, but hope the Wings stick it to Chi time and time again this year. Go Wings!

can't find the terms of the deal, but SJ was already pressed against the cap and only had 17 players signed before this signing. . . cap hell, sucks to be you. Don't worry, Chi will be joining SJ in cap hell next year.

I tell ya, I questioned their "friendship" when they both signed. . . now they HAVE to do a press conference TOGETHER? Something is not right ha ha

If Huds remains with the team, we will lose 1 D-man during training camp, unless Lilja goes on LTIR. If Huds is gone, we are still in the position we are now, and look to add someone at a great price right before camp. I am liking the Grier signing more and more as it brings a hitter to the Wings. If it looks like Huds will not be a Wing, can Wings trade Hudler to someone else and they deal with his arbitration issues, or are the Wings locked in to an arbitration decision with Hudler before he can/might be moved?

I sure am getting a kick out of watching the Sharks in this off-season. They have 10 forwards, 7 D-men, and 1 goaltender. . . and nomoney to spend. I seriously doubt they are involved in the Heatley talks. They would have to part with more than a Thornton or a Marleau and they still don't have a full team signed. My big question is who do they get as a backup to Nabokov? He went down last year and Boucher picked up the slack. Sharks need to go very cheap on the backup and pray 2 things. . . 1. Nabokov does not get hurt and 2. Nabokov has enough gas in the tank for the post-season. SJ returns to the rest of the pack in West this year and is lucky to compete for their division title. Just another example of horrible foresight from a GM.

Keep in mind that Chi also has $5M in bonuses to be paid out, which is above the league limit of 7.5% of the cap. Any overages get applied to next year's more-than-likely shrinking cap. I hope the Hawks fall on their face this year and then return to the basement of the Central for many years to come.

Depending on the pairings, I like Russia vs Sweden in Gold Medal game. Interesting that you put Kovalchuk on same line as Datsyuk. . . perhaps a thing to come in Detroit's future? Ha ha

14 games in a row on the road is bad, but keep in mind, they get their Olympic break right in the middle of it. . . they'll be home just like everyone else, with the exception of those players competing.

I count 11 back-to-back games, how does this compare to other seasons? In addition, 2 of the 5-game West Coast swings occur in 5 weeks. . . nice scheduling, however, the Olympic break will help greatly. . . after the Olympics, Wings go to Western Canada once (3 games) as far as an exteded trip goes. I still say the division is won during Oct and Nov. . . Wings definitely need a fast start this year.

that would be a huge waste of money, Forsberg is finished in the NHL

Good point, I wonder when the Chi brass will realize Quenneville has never won a series against Detroit.

Hawks have the personnel on the ice for a good year this year. I do not see them lifting a Cup with Huet in goal. IMO, this is a one and done attempt for the Cup by the Hawks. Hawks have major cap problems come next year. I'm sure they'll get their qualifying offers out to the RFA's on-time. However, with players now under contract, how do you sign all these free agents when you have no money? The other teams know the shape the Hawks are in and will take advantage of their horrible situation. It is a foregone conclusion that no team in their right mind will pick up Campbell or Huet at that cost. Toews, Kane, and Keith will want and should get substantial raises. I just don't think Chi has the money anymore. They will be pressed against the cap at the trade deadline, so the team they put on the ice inOct is pretty much what you will see come playoff time. Just like any team, a key injury will implode this team. The difference with other teams (other than SJ) is they will have room to adjust. Keep in mind that the Hawks also have large over the limit bonus payouts that will be applied to what many consider will be a lower cap next year. The Hawks weakness is there goaltending and defense, and I don't feel it got any better this off-season. Wings still win the Central and continue to slap the Hawks around, if they meet in the playoffs. Remember, without Lidstrom and Datsyuk, the Hawks were dispatched in 5 and Hossa only had 2 goals in the series.

and the outcome is no goals and a piss-poor performnce for the series. Boo him all year, that way he won't score. . .

This wil be an immediate reminder to the Hawks just how far away they still are. Go Wings!

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/07/07/...tension_flyers/

Interesting situation, to say the least. . . I find it amusing those who think he is going to the KHL for a year and then come back to Detroit and get paid what he's worth. The offer may be less next year from the Wings if he has a crap year or gets hurt, then his guaranteed KHL contract covers him for another year. Personally, let him go. I just find it odd that if you file for arbitration, an indication that you want to stay in Detroit, why would you sign with another league? Let the Wings fill holes with less expensive talent and make a move or 2 at the trade deadline. Next year's FA period is a whole new ballgame.

I think the best pick up is Malhotra. We have seen him play enough and I think his style fits. The price fits with what we have available.

We have speed already, let's get a big forward who likes to throw his body around a bit. Bertuzzi is not a bad option, for the right price. Please do not bring back Lang, especially after an Achilles injury. . . that would be wasted money.

For a guy who thought his best chance was to win a Cup with Detroit, Hossa s***-the-bed in helping his own cause. I think he's a great player, but the spotlight was squarely on him in the Finals and he disappeared almost as much as Malkin did the previous year.