rick zombo

OK. Let's say we do that then. You're basically saying forget signing anyone but Lidstrom, Pavel, and Hank for more than 5M. So for the next 4 years, no one in the 5 M dollar range, be it Smyth of otherwise will be added to this team.

nope. looks good.

exactly.

Maybe because centers are more plentiful this FA season.

Totally agree with everything here. What Schneider specifically brings will be almost impossible to replace. But Holland can't offer him Timmonen money or even close to that amount. I just see this as an opportunity to bring in another defencemen that plays a more physical style of hockey, like say, Sarich, for what Schneider was making (3.5M or less) and hope that Lidstrom has another Norris type year and that Kronwall can come in to his own offensively.

But it is unsettling that Bowman denied meeting with Toronto brass, if in fact he had been.

whatever happens, I hopr the Wings brass plan on tweaking this team this summer rather than waiting until the deadline to toss away prospects for a rental.

Adam Hall would add grit.

2.5 + incentives is a fair deal for hasek. Sign Bertuzzi for 2.5 + incentives. Sign Sarich for 3M Sign Kozlov for 4M Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Homer Kozlov - Filpulla - Bertuzzi Franzen - Cleary - Grigorenko Maltby - Draper - Kopecky Hudler Samuelson (trade?) Lidstrom - Sarich Kronwall - Lilja Chelios - Lebda Quincey Hasek Osgood Or something

I don't get it. if Detroit has anywhere near 12M in cap space then that should be enough to sign Hasek (4M), Marlov(4M), and Bertuzzi(4M) <- and these are inflated salaries IMO. So how does 12M only get two players? Again, confused. edit: unless Holland is making these statements as some sort of negotiating tactic. Then, good for him.........

Detroit's first round pick: Tommy Cross. Fine by me. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11054&hubname=

beat me to it

Basically spent on Datsyuk's contract extension.

Holy s*** http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=211182&hubname=

No 2nd or 4th round picks this year. Good job it's considered by many to be a weak draft.

I know you're referring to him liking Lidstrom when you say he's smart. But he really is a smart player. Sounds like he can do a bit of everything: run the PP, hard shot, good skater, pro-size already, looks after his own end first, has a mean streak, uses his size along the boards and to clear the (edit) crease. A complete defencemen. I think Detroit's #1 priority is a big center, but if there are no decent options at #27, then Cross would be perfect. Oh, and I'd take him over Aliu. Although Aliu has great upside, I think Cross would be the more sure-fire bet to be a solid NHLer.

Considering Detroit's last four 1st and 2nd round picks have been Jakub Kindl(CZE), Justin Abdlekader(US)Shawn Mattais(CAN), and Cory Emmerton(CAN), I'd say your logic of drafting a small skilled SWEDE is leaning a little towards the old cliche.

Filpulla has superior wheels, has a better all around game, and is just the better player, plain and simple.

I don't understand. ISS has him ranked #41 and TSN 's poll of NHL GMs has him at #30. How far would he have to "fall" for the Wings to get him with the 27th pick? He'd actually have to rise 3 spots. Correct?

You do realize that Detroit has a 1st round pick, right? Also, TSN has Aliu ranked #30. edit: I could see Detroit taking an American college kid. That way they have the option to leave him in the NCAA until he's ready. Someone like Tommy Cross. Drafting Europeans and letting them develop for 6 years over seas have become more difficult under the new CBA.

Way back in the first round of the 2007 playoffs: the knee on Cheechoo.

Well, hopefully there's still a decent team to move if/when it happens. Looks like another central division title for the Red Wings.

Sutton is one of those guys that would block a shot with his teeth. He's extremely rugged. And he can easily take 4 rounds of playoffs pounding by opposition forwards and still play his game. He can clear the crease. Plays a safe game in his own end. Just a good tough old fashioned hockey player. He's not a speedster, but Detroit aren't hurting for mobility. Sarich is like Kronwall when it comes to being physical. Hitting is his Crack. Except he's way bigger, and usually always healthy. He's nasty to play against, and like Sutton, can last 4 rounds of playoff hockey. One of these guys is needed to round out Detroit's blueline. IMO.

Andy Sutton please. He would be the perfect compliment to Lidstrom, Schneider and Kronwall. Sutton or Sarich. You speak the truth. I'm not saying that Lebda and Quincey aren't good defencemen. I would secretly like to see Schneider price himself out of Detroit: 2007-08 Lidstom - Sutton/Sarich Kronwall - Lilja Kindl- Chelios Lebda Let Quincey play most of the season in The Grand. With call-ups whenever Kronwall breaks part of himself. 2008-09 Lidstrom - Kronwall Kindl - Sutton/Sarich Chelios - Lebda Quincey

Lebda's a good puck moving defencemen. Quicey is a steady stay-at-home defencemen. Neither are scouted as being physical defencemen in the mold of a guy like Sarich or Sutton. And yes I saw Lebda's hit on Langkow. He hurt himself on the play, that should tell you something. Also, Datsyuk threw some decent hits in the playoffs this year, but don't expect him to be listed as a power forward anytime soon.