WingNut 25

The thing killing the 'Yotes is their lease deal. If they miss the playoffs (which is looking increasingly likely) and cannot re-negotiate their lease, I'm saying they move to Vegas. Contraction isn't going to happen, especially with The Great One on board.

After yet another Franzen injury, it is obvious we need to lock up Hossa first.

I think Lilja has been great. His gaffe against the Ducks during OT in the WCF was really awful but it could have happened to anyone. It is history and can't be changed. I think he's had a very solid season and does his job well.

Don't hold your breath for any goalie moves. If Conklin isn't resigned then the Wings will promote Howard. The cap is the simple explanation here.

If you're asking if we could afford Backstrom, then apparently you have not read one news story regarding our own free agents situation.

Goaltending and defense have been the issue. It isn't just the Dmen themselves though. The forwards have not played well and our penalty kill is brutal.

Hossa HAS to be kept. He's the best all around player of the available free agents we will have. We need to trade Filppula because he is not worth the money he's getting. He's holding Franzen's contract. I think we can get Hudler for $2.5 million.

You don't read much then. Hossa and his agent say he loves it here and wants to stay.

Love Franzen, but he is not at Hossa's level. We need to get Hossa locked up and then work on Franzen and Hudler. There is a lot of money coming off the books after next season and I believe Lidstrom will stay and take a lot less to help the future of the organization. I am curious to see if Hudler would take a 1 year deal. This is the first season he's really shown consistent skill and scoring. If they can convince him to take a 1 year deal and do it again, they can lock him up long term the following summer. I keep hearing how Franzen's agent is a bear to deal with, but have yet to see/hear that anywhere but this site.

I love Franzen, but Hossa is a no-brainer. He's far more valuable, especially defensively. The only way we keep Franzen as well is if someone gets dealt before July 1st, thus freeing up the cash needed to sign him.

Good thoughts but not realistic and I'm all about keeping Hossa. He wants to stay and he's more valuable than Franzen.

God I hate stupid posts. Seriously, why in God's name would the Wings need to trade for a Dman or goalie? Please educate us on this. I'm guessing you have no idea what the farm system looks like for us.

Very happy the cap hit will stay around $6 million. Time to work on the others.

Very disappointing loss. Z gets hurt, we were w/out Stuart, Dats and Lids already and the 2nd goal went off Rafalski. Opportunity missed to get closer to San Jose.

Confirmed after the game. Contract extension! Now Kenny needs to get to work on Hossa!

Glad this is over as it truly was media driven (what isn't nowadays though huh?)

Ken Daniels was on Home Ice today and made several excellent points on this topic. It is utter bulls*** how the league has handled this and they better make it right at some point.

Sneaky bastard! Great idea.

Anaheim whined all last season about their European opener and missing Scotty and Teemu.

Sammy is for sure gone after this season. Leino can slide into his slot if he earns it.

Rafalski is too valuable to move. Dumb thread.

Well I was pissed when I first heard this and said to myself, "Every team must be represented huh?" but then it hit me. Since the Wings last game before the break was last night, I guarantee the league asked Hossa or Rafalski (the next likeliest Wings to go) but they turned down the invite because it was so last minute. I'm guessing no one wanted to give up their AS break plans so last minute. That really is the only thing that makes sense to me.

The Freep was saying Stuart was fine, just soreness in his neck and wooziness. Hopefully it isn't as serious as MLive is suggesting.

Man, I could not be more happy that I missed this game. What a s*** game. 6-3 loss, terrible road play, Stuart hurt, Dats hurt, WTF? Has anyone heard what Dats' injury status is?? I saw on the Freep that Stuart is ok. He was just woozy and his neck was sore.

I actually would love to see Filppula traded as he's holding Franzen's contract, IMO. He's way overpaid for his production. Leino, Helm, Abdelkader, etc. can slide into his slot on the roster for much cheaper and allow us to keep Franzen.