Rice

Right, which he has stated he is ready to do this summer.

The reason he hasn't signed with the Wings is because he can make a lot more money in Russia. We've been hearing about his potential because he has the potential to become a good scorer in the NHL. He needs a shot.

Biron is a UFA as well. He'd be a much better option than McLennan.

There are a lot of fallacies in your post but I'll address the biggest one -- this one. Grigorenko isn't with the Wings yet because he hasn't been signed. The Wings own his rights but he hasn't been signed to a deal yet. He's had a solid year in the RSL and he needs to be given a shot in the NHL. The key to winning a Cup is developing talent from your own system. What do the Wings have to lose? It's not like Grigorenko is going to garner much value. Give him his shot.

UFA age drops to 28 next season, as eva pointed out. He will be a free agent. I'm sure the Sharks want to re-sign him but I'm also sure that Edmonton wanted to re-sign Smyth. I'm just throwing his name out there. Anything can happen.

Hannan plays a much different role and a less redundant one. He's a defensive defenseman. Schneider sucked last year in the playoffs but put up good numbers. You have to look at more than the stat sheet. Schneider plays point on the first PP unit. One of the biggest reasons behind dumping Schneider would be getting Kronwall more PP time and developing into a top defenseman. Lidstrom and Kronwall would run the first unit. Markov is capable of playing point on the PP. Him and Lebda or Kindl could do it. Hannan is a UFA after this season. Where do you get the idea he'd sign for $2.5-2.7 million? He's going to want more than he's making now and he'll get it. That's my guess at least. Our PP is average this season. I'd rather take a hit on the PP (or maybe not) by putting Kronwall on the first unit and acquiring a defenseman whose game is more suited for the playoffs.

Chelios is going to be re-signed. Schneider will probably cost more than $3.5 million. However, we have enough cap room to upgrade not just replace salary. Hannan is appealing and would cost around that most likely.

Let him walk. I'd prefer a stay at home guy who will block shots.

Well, that's bulls***.

Yeah, what a "DUMB ASS" for actually not taking s*** from someone.

Markov -- badass.

I doubt Zetterberg can win the Selke now with his injury. Brind'Amour will probably get it. I agree with everything else, except maybe DiPietro being third in Vezina voting.

- White Yzerman - White Lidstrom (signed and framed) - 2000 All-Star Yzerman That's it. I'm going to get a Zetterberg one eventually and maybe a Bertuzzi if he re-signs.

I like the Rangers and Sabres.

You could tell he was rusty but I thought he looked good. He was a physical presence and can still drag guys along with him when he has the puck. As he said in an interview, he only played for 10 minutes with Datsyuk and Holmstrom before the game. I'm looking forward to him getting used to the system and getting into game shape.

Five years ago who would've thought fans would be booing Fedorov and cheering for Bertuzzi at JLA?

It was on last Sunday at 10 pm. I'm not sure what time it's on again.

Oh, because you're fully aware of what happened behind closed doors, right? I have a feeling the Wings were much closer to getting Luongo than most people think.

To be ready for the playoffs he needs to get a few games in.

I'd much rather have Colorado. As BlueMonk said, Calgary matches up really well against us. Colorado has a pretty non-existant defense and weak goaltending (knock on wood).

Kronwall. I expected him to break out this year.

Babcock is obviously trying to get these guys rolling and competing for a spot before the playoffs. I like it.

You know Datsyuk?

I hate Tootoo. Always have.

He doesn't really sound depressed, it just sounds like he just wants to get through the inteview...like most players do.