frankgrimes

I thought the press conference went very well. Holland explained the situation a few times and from my point of view I understand both sides. The truth is, Pasha will never be the same dangling like he did with damaged ankles is next to impossible, that being said he brought so my joy to my history as a Wingsfan so I will forever thank him for that.

Great deal for both teams it's basically 2 nd rounders

Stamkos would be nuts to sign for significantly less than he's worth. Even it it's over 8 years as a player I'd have a hard time saying no to 1 million that's still 250.000 per year less. Maybe for some of you guys so this isn't a lot of money for me it would be a lot..that's basically one less Ferrari a year! If Holland really wants Stamkos our offer has to be magnificent and therefore better than the ones Toews and Kane signed. Just load up the signing bonus with not so obvious incentives so the NHL can't cry cap circumvention.

I don't blame anybody for this but I do blame the fact of players agreeing to this ridiculous rule.

Yeah the horror of having 2 absolute super stars as the pieces of your franchise.Right now the reality is simple: The Hawks and Kings will be rested! next season to me that's scary for the rest of the league. Maybe I overrated Toews but the guy brings so much more than just points, he just does it all and his leadership is just exceptional.I wouldn't take Malkin over him, only reason I might take Tavares would be age and the cost controlled contract but overall I'd lean towards no. Kopitar is an awesome player and close, so good call.

6 hour ankle surgery is all I can say to that article. Also it doesn't matter how much money someone makes at some point going home is going to be more important than hockey. This guy gave the Wings 14 years without ever complaining, if there were Pasha's and less Kovalchucks there wouldnt even be a Russian factor. No ill feelings from me...only thing is I wanted to see him, Z and Kronner win another keep.

3 cups in 7 years and a top 3 center on their team yes I'd take that handicap.The Hawks gave the blues all they could handle and more so starting next year I fully expect the big dogs of the west to be the big dogs again. If people think Chicago, LA are going to slow down they are in for not a nice surprise...both teams are now fully rested and that is scary.

Well for me it's about the big price not some useless streak and going forward the Wings don't have a number 1 center, defenseman the Oilers do...a guy who might be the next Crosby one day. it's true they haven't had the layoffs but with that talent it's only a matter of time.Also re read the posts about Babs, most were sad seeing him go..you don't lose the best coach in hockey and expect a seem less transition that's not how it works. I hope Holland has a plan B because Stamkos is a pipe dream

They always seem to find players nobody has ever heard of and yet they take of

Re-read the posts? Most people agreed that Babs did a phenomenal job by getting the Wings into the playoffs. Just because some thought Blash would come in and be even better isn't Babs nor Blash's fault. Nobody said they are going to be contenders but the Leafs are doing the right thing right now...Mathews, Rielly is a really good start and they could always use Marner or Nylander to get a top defender I.e. they are assets. Will it work? Who knows but having Mathews, Eichel and Pulju in the same conference is not something I'm looking forward too Would I take their team over the current! Wings ? Of course I would same goes for Buffalo and of course Edmonton with McJesus and Nurse. The Oilers are 1! top pairing guy away from taking of and as soon as that happens it won't be pretty for the rest of the league, that's for sure.

All this speculation is rather pointless. If Holland knows for sure that Stamkos has no interest (no matter the pricetag), in becoming a Red Wing then eating the caphit for one year isn't the end of the world. As great as Ladd, Looch, Backes and Yandle can be they aren't worth anything close to Stammer. If the price for moving the contract is anything more than one of Jurco/Pulkinnen + Second + Pasha then Holland is absolutely right to not do it and eat the cap. Also it's funny that everyone is so focused on the usual suspects Florida/Arizona and Carolina yet Ottawa has an owner who looks to cut costs at every possible way so I'd try to work out a deal with them. Melynk could claim he spent to the cap yet he won't have to actually pay to the cap, sounds like a win-win for me. Also don't forget Pasha has to agree to a move because he has an NTC in his contract but I'm sure he would. I think people are making way too big of a deal out of this. I've been critisized Holland for a lot of things and I believe rightfully so because this team has driven further and further away from the big goal but he is absolutely right to take a stance against getting bent over a 1 year contract in a NON cup contention year. Also I shudder at the notion of making Larkin the number 1 center, the guy isn't ready for it yet, period. I'd rather see him develop at his insane pace but not forcing things, like Smith stated no Stamkos means no number 1 center for the Wings next year, simple as that. Z with his demolished back shouldn't and can't be counted on to carry the load any longer lower his icetime and use him as a great third line center with an ATOI ~ 15 mins. Also I find it funny, how much drama the media outlets are trying to create for the draft. Everyone knows the top 3 are basically set and not a whole lot will change.

Stamkos and Meehan would be stupid to sign anything that fast, there will be private jets landing in his home starting July 1. He can look at every offer => increase the price because the demand for his services is going to be through the roof.

Oh thank you wow, I'm surprised sure, he has a lot of power but that Friisdahl guy is basically the boss of MLSE. Their fanbase will be livid if they pass on the hometown guy Stamkos *g*

Don't think so maybe Bieksa?

Whenever did Babs say something like that? Also that's not Babcock's decision it falls on the shoulders of that Friisdahl guy, MLSE brought in last month.

The only reason Toronto is on the rise is because they've finally come to the realisation that sometimes you need to be bad in order to become good again, i.e. "tanking". I don't think Mathews will ever be as good as McDavid or Eichel but if they draft him the guy is a solid start, that's for sure, add to that Rielly and they are a goaltender away from improving. Nylander that small guy they've drafted could be solid pieces too but way to early to tell. If Stamkos sign there, he becomes the face of the franchise and his private life would be gone and I honestly think Buffalo is way ahead with their rebuild and he could center Eichel or ROR, while being only 2 hours away from home. What the Wings can offer is this: first class organization, no media scrutiny and a guaranteed first line center position. I guess the money will be equal between all bidders.

So basically: Pasha wanted a five year contract, got a 3 year with the option to go home before the 16/17 season and that's exactly what he's doing right now. People shouldn't be surprised that Holland is taking a hard stance through the media, can't just say please take the contract. Of course 7,5 million are a lot of money but the fact is it's only for one year and it's not a cup or bust year for the Wings. Glad he mentioned, that he won't give up a high draft pick or one of the top 2 talents (Larkin, Mantha).

Man the guy gave them some sort of discount, Vatanen could have easily gotten more on the open market.

The last multiple cup winner gone. Although everyone knew this day was coming I'm not surprised, sad yes but also extremely happy for Pasha. He get's to make a lot of money in a league without lockouts, can enjoy the time with his daughter and wife while playing hockey in front of his family and friends. Just keep that highlight reel goals coming Pavel! Words can't describe how much joy I've had watching this guy play and do things other aren't even dreaming of. This is clearly the end of an era maybe we'll see #13 hanging from the rafters in the Gordie Howe arena some day. All the best magic man there will never be another magician on skates like you. Enjoy Russia and your well earned retirement from the NHL.

Although the thought is funny the truth is, Shaw would instantly be the best player on this team and the Hawks have to pay him like a top 6 forward.

Well they can just put him on LTIR and not worry about it. Sorry, my bad I misinterpreted the CBA section where it says, players can't talk to other teams before July 1 because they are under contract. So Holland can for sure talk to other teams and try to move the contract. Of course the Wings would have to give up something and I think it's only fair to start with one of the 2 guys who could need a change of scenery. Oh didn't know that about Cowen.

Thanks was about to post this the cup has been dented, crashed and what not over the years, it happens. I think the cup has weight of 50 lbs while not much it's easy to drop that if you are wasted enough.

No to Vanek, Brown and any of those guys. Vanek has 1! advantage he can score dirty goals the problem is he doesn't work for it and is easy to box out of the crease Brown looks totally out of shape and doesn't hit as hard as he used to so no thanks. Also Vanek has 2 years and 13 million left no thanks. Offer sheet trouba with a massive signing bonus and then extend him for 8x8..doubt Winnipeg would match.

So happy for Tinky Winky, he is a fine player and deserves this. As always there is more to hockey than just box score watching.

Overall this was a first class celebration of a true warrior, hockey legend and an even better man. Gretzky was so crushed, tough to listen to him and Howe's son.