Diluvian04

I think maybe they look at the trade route. Bobby Ryan and Keith Yandle would look very good in a Wings uniform. If that doesn't work then go with second tier players such as Carle or Kuba and pick up one or two of Doan, Semin, Penner. If that doesn't work then the Wings are clearly not looked at as the most successful organization anymore and will then be forced to rebuild on the fly rather than "reload". I know they have a Plan A,B,C, and D but if they have to go to even a plan C then I'll be worried. They were very underwhelming last year at the open of free agency and the fact that they didn't do anything big during the trade deadline was even more discouraging. Dream scenario(without trades) would be to sign Suter, Parise, and Kuba because Kuba and Suter are shot blocking machines which is what Howard needs.

Clemmenson or Ellis I think would be a serviceable backup. Gustavsson is intriguing as well, but wasnt he traded?

Cory Sarich signs with Calgary Flames from Spectors Hockey 2 year deal @ 2 Million per year. On capgeek as well.

Spector's Hockey‏@SpectorsHockey Flames re-up Stempniak, Jones. http://tinyurl.com/74gjltu

Devils re-sign Bernier, Gionta, Carter, Janssen and Harrold http://spectorshocke...n-four-players/ also http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/devils_re-sign_carter_gionta_bernier_janssen_and_harrold/

Bob McKenzie per tweet. Col agree to terms with Steve Downie on 2 year deal $2.55M in frst year and $2.75M in second. $2.65M AAV.

From Mark Spector Sports Minnesota gets Matt Kassian on a 2-year deal Wild hoping he'll help a guy named Zach Parise to protect for the next many years.

Looks like Garrison most likely will not return to Florida. http://www.cbssports...da-or-vancouver

I think we are going to sign Suter simply because of the fact that his name is often spelled wrong as was Lidstrom being pronounced the wrong way.

Damn phone uses auto correct.

As reported on NHL.com

Via twitter from spectorshockey Andrew Kostitsyn will head to free agency. Nashville will not resign.

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed forward David Jones to a four-year contract through the 2015-16 season.

I like that second trade with Stuart for Schultz. The first is good too but I wouldn't mind seeing Quincey inserted in there somewhere in place of Ericsson. I guess I just like Ericsson better than Quincey.

My apologies

http://mobile.sbnation.com/nhl/2012/6/1/3056815/nhl-salary-cap-2012-offseason-free-agency I wonder if Holland is going to go off of this number.

I have a feeling Harding is going to go to Tampa.

I don't think we would be screwed but picking up Suter and Parise would be best case scenario. It's an interesting question to bring up on what we would do if they are not available. Free agency has names such as Carle, Wideman, Semin, and Jones, but my guess is that Holland may have to make some trades. Yesterday on XM 92 There was an interview with Ken Holland where he said that they will be very active in free agency as well as exploring trade options as an alternative. I would look at players like Tobias Enstrom, and Bobby Ryan as possible trades. Just naming a few that I would think would be good Red Wings. I know alot of people don't like Valenti on 97.1 but he mentioned getting Rick Nash and that it would take Nyquist, Filppula, and Brendan Smith to get him. Does anyone think that is a scenario that could work itself out putting division rival aside? I want to say its a fair trade but at the same time the potential for our guys is so great so it could be overpayment. To think of a Zetterberg Datsyuk Nash line would be crazy but risky with so much money tide up in the first line.

This could potentially put Parise and Suter at 8 million per year each. This is why I'm curious to what Kenny is gonna do. To set this amount might mean that it may be around that after the new CBA is agreed upon. I wonder what the floor is.

Well, to look at the positives. We have the money to get both Parise and Suter. A chance to let some of the kids come up and play, We don't have a rule to follow where players cannot make more than Lidstrom. I'm not happy about Lidstrom retiring but he isnt exactly the same guy in 2012 as opposed to say 2008. His experience on the ice will be missed but I would rather him retire now while we have money then later when our assets are maxed. I think Suter will make up the defensive side and Parise will help with the offensive side assuming we are able to get him. Without Lidstrom we are a borderline playoff team with Lidstrom We are a cup contender. To think our team without Lidstrom and no additions is a bad team isn't fair to the rest of the players. Upgrades to a good portion of the team is better than a downgrade to one position. I personally think IF we get some talented players July 1 then we will perfectly fine.

What if they were to offer the C to Zach Parise if he becomes a wing? Think that would offend anyone?

I was listening to XM Radio this morning and I forget the guy's name but I know he is the color commentator for the New Jersey Devils. He was asked about Parise's future with the Devils and what the chances of him coming back now that they are in the Finals. He said he doesn't think it's going to matter either way. The chances were 60% that he would not be back. Only because of the financial situation that the Devils are in. In fact he said most of the players have commented that this will likely be the only time they will ever get this opportunity as a New Jersey Devil. A little depressing but one team's loss is another team's gain. I lost all hope he would become a Red Wing until I heard that from one of there own. It would be great to have him as a Wing!!!

How do you figure? Check out the stats. Some of those guys have more blocked shots. Some have more points. I mean I would like to have Suter but if we don't get him at least there are other options. My point was not to say anyone is better than Suter in free agency but rather there are comparable players we could look at if we strike out on him. For Defensemen there are more options than in Forwards. If we strike out on Parise the big question is what are they going to do? I personally like Matt Carle just as much as Suter. But that's just me.

Jim Diamond of the examiner just said on XM 92 that he is willing to bet that Suter is done in Nashville. Stating that "Nashville through truck loads of money at him to sign and he turned it down" He said Suter has indicated that he has a desire to play elsewhere. If that's true then so much for the speculation of having both Suter and Parise in Nashville.

Hopefully Ken Holland will trade for Parise's rights so we could try and lock him up before July 1. I think Parise is the most important player we need to try and get this offseason. I see a lot of people saying that Suter is but realistically there are players who are comparable to Suter. Wideman, Garrison, and Carle all come to mind. Parise is just that much better than the other UFA forwards. My biggest fear is that we either go with the same old group or sign guys who are half as talented. The Central is too tough to continue with retreads who are older. My last alternative to the defensemen I named would be Filip Kuba. But if we end up with him then we'll know that the wings aren't the #1 destination for these guys anymore.