rick zombo

I like to call him Mikael "I scored the teams only two goals in the series clinching game 6 against SJ in last year's playoffs and I only make 1.5M and I can play defence" Samuelson

Not signing Markov to a two year deal @ 2.5M per, last summer. Otherwise, I think Kenny's done a good job.

The point is, that Hudler hasn't been given anywhere near the minutes that Briere has over the last 3 or 4 years. Remember, this kid scored 15 goals last year (4 less than Lang) playing with table-scrap ice time. Not saying that Hudler will be as good as Briere, but the point is, no one could have redicted that guys like Briere and St. Louis would explode the way they did over night either.

Not too bad. I just think if Hudler is going to stick with this team he needs top six minutes. Think about it. He's all offence. Put him on the 2nd line for his shot, let Zetterberg cover his ass, send Franzen in to the corners to get the puck, and then to the net for rebounds.

Franzen will be on the top 2 lines. Filpulla - Datsyuk - Homer Franzen - Zetterberg - Hudler Samuelson - Cleary - Grigorenko Maltby - Draper - Drake Kopecky

I'd take Avery back. He's developed a scoring touch.

What's so lame about this is that ESPN makes fun of hockey's popularity all the time. When the NHL finally gets a superstar with the ability to transcend the sport he plays, ESPN kicks him in the sack. Then they continue to ridicule the NHL in spite of themselves. Pathetic.

Yeah, Lidstrom's number's and play would suffer because he'd have to follow Souray around bailing him out defensively at even strength.

They are one big gun away from being a top 4 contender. They are two or three key injuries away from missing the playoffs. There is some uncertainty, but that 5M in cap space, some good tradeable prospects, and draft picks should help them fill any major holes that surface.

The Boston Gardens was a blue collar colleseum. The "TD Banknorth Garden" is poop. That has a bit to do with it.

The Wings may have been in a weak division last year, but they had the hardest run of any of the conference finalists in the playoffs. They beat Calgary and then San Jose, and barely lost to the Ducks. So the "competion" arguement as well as "the Wings only win bla bla becasue they are in the central" arguement doesn't work. That being said, I still think Nashville will be a team to contend with. St.Louis improved to the point where they can ice an NHL team (as opposed to the AHL hockey they played last year) but they won't scare anyone. Chicago are Chicago Columbus are a long way off.

Every shootout goal should not be counted unless the player somehow ends up two feet of the ice and upside down in the corner. From now on.

Or that they're trying to pressure-cook him a bit for this upcoming season in GR. To see how he responds to the challenge. If you listen to Nill's previous comments about Howard, it sounds like they are relatively happy with his development to this point.

What's silly is when people like you and Eva assume that some knowlegeable hockey fans view Smyth as being grittier and more hard-nosed than Yashin, simply because he's Canadian and Yashin is Russian.

C'mon Eva! You know what I'm talking about. I'm not a Don Cherry type, and I would support and defend signing Yashin. He does have a bad rep that is unwarranted. And I was never a big Smyth supporter. I would rather have Yashin on this team for one year at 3M than Smyth for multiple years at 6 or even 5M. But if both players were offered similar contracts I'd take Smyth over Yashin. He's a "proven" leader (world championships, world cup, olympics, and was a big part of Edmonton's cup final appearence) Not saying Yashin is incappable of accomplishing some of these things (he's only 33) but so far he hasn't, so that's all you can go by. Right?

Statistically you can maybe compare the two. edit: But I think the general the feeling is Smyth brings more intangibles: he plays a griititer style of hockey, and plays with more passion. Stuff that doesn't show up as a number on a stat sheet. I think it's safe to say this. Correct? But I support aquiring Yashin. Many people seem to overlook the fact that he carried that Islanders team on his back for the first half of last season before he got hurt. Hello? Jason Blake? 40 goals? How do you think that happened? He would help the Wings. The rest of the team is defensively responsible enough to pick up his slack. (he can't be any worse than Lang for turnovers, and he'll score more). Do it Kenny!!!!!

I have no problem with Yashin's supposed "character issues". Think about it, most of the outside hockey world has said similar things about Hasek. Yashin's offence would be a huge upgrade over Lang on the 2nd line. And he has one asset that Wings' forwards lack. A world class rocket of a shot. He scores a lot form the slot. edit: he can play LW. Zetterberg - Dastyuk - Homer Yashin - Filpulla - Franzen Samuelson - Cleary - Grigorenko Draper - Maltby - Drake Hudler Kopecky The only problem is his defensive play. I can't see him and Babcock getting along basically for this reason, and this reason only. And he probably wants 4M/yr.

- Datsyuk will lead the team in scoring. - Franzen will score 20. - Hasek will be ahead of Quincey for points (3 assists) Other than that, your list looks solid.

Yeah for sure I agree about the giveaways, and the scoring-by-committee. But I still think a proven, experienced, guy is needed on the 2nd line. The good news is though, that this player doesn't have to be overly gritty (Drake helps increase team toughness), but this player needs to be good offensively.

Let's see: Rafalski > Schneider Drake > Calder Now all they need to do is sign someone to replace Lang's numbers and they will be fine.

Sign Yashin to a one year deal for 3M. There would be enough money left at the deadline to trade for an impact player.

Someone mentioned Mike York. Detroit has had interest in him before. It wouldn't suprise me if they signed him at all. He'd be a good bargain. Has tremendous speed and good two-way ability. He's mostly a playmaker, but I think he'd work well as a 2nd line center/winger. Also, despite his size, he's not fragile. And sign Hasek and Sutton. Filpulla - Datsyuk - Holmstrom York - Zetterberg - Franzen Sameulson - Cleary - Grigorenko Maltby - Draper - Kopecky Hudler Lidstrom - Rafalski Sutton - Kronwall Chelios - Lebda Lilja Hasek Osgood. That would be fine. The defence would maybe be the league's best. Then add some size up front at the deadline.

It's no secret the Bruins may be looking to trade Murray. http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/bos070704.html He makes over 8M a year. But in my opinion that might be OK. The best part is that his deal is up at the right time, when Zetterberg will be offered an extension. Would you folks take Murray at 4.15 M a year for the next two seasons? I think his production may increase playing on Datsyuk's wing. He's got a terrific shot. I don't think Boston wants much in return either. It's seems like more of a salary dump than anything.

Alot of castoffs end up being solid role player type guys. See Draper and even Cleary. But not too many provide top six forward scoring ability. So the Wings need to focus on defence and goaltending. Sign Hasek and a rugged defencemen like Andy Sutton. 6M should cover it. I have a good feeling about Grigorenko and Filpulla. Franzen will score 20 goals this year, and Cleary will play well given the minutes. Hudler can work the 2nd PP unit, and put up some good regular season #s. And there will enough cap space to get an impact winger at the trade deadline. Also, keep an eye on the RFAs that go to abritration and are rejected by their respective teams. There might be some top 6 calibre players available.

It's THE TORONTO STAR people. That's the source of this rumor. Not founded on anything. Kenny hasn't done anything and will not do anything to hurt this team.