LeftWinger

In my current Franchise mode in NHL23, which I'm in season 2038-39, I drafted Willander way back in the first draft. 29th overall. Unfortunately he never made the NHL in my franchise. He played 11 seasons in GR until he was released and went to Calgary for 2 seasons, now he's in Ottawa to start this season. Maybe in the real world he'll have a better NHL career!

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2023/03/robert-mastrosimone-unlikely-to-sign-with-detroit.html

2nd attempt, just sayin!

So, who's left from the Holland Era? Larkin, Bertuzzi, Lindstrom. Rasmussen and Veleno I do believe.

what is this? Wow!

Done deal.

Looks like prices are going up! Maybe Yzerman should consider trading a couple players. Haag, Sundqvist, Suter, Erne, Oesterle? Would've loved to have Cal Foote on the team, but I'm not sure how his dad would feel about wearing a Wings jersey during the fathers week. Or if I'd even wanna see him in one!

Could Yzerman be a buyer next Friday? https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-red-wings/red-wings-yzerman-eyeing-playoffs-as-trade-deadline-nears

This is basically what I said last week. Making the playoffs, losing in the 1st or not, is experience and it's progress. I'm not surprised he's taking this stance. Like it or not, this is the Yzerplan and this is progress. Its what he preached from day 1. Patience and seeing progress each year. I thinking if Bertuzzi isn't extended by the draft, he'll probably go right back on the block.

I wouldn't be surprised if a verbal agreement was in place that if he leads then into the playoffs, they'll revisit the $9M.

I have a feeling that since The Wings are only 3 points out of the wildcard spot with games in hand on The Isles, Caps and Panthers, we can forget about a Bertuzzi and/or Larkin trade. I feel that Yzerman is going to stand firm with this team (unless he dumps Vrana (unfortunately)) and IF they can squeak into that spot, it'll be a huge learning experience for this young team. Even if they don't make it, the experience they'll get by just being in the race is valuable! Yzerman made his UFA choices last summer with the intent on getting better and making progress. Well, being this close to the playoffs, and possible making it is the progress I believe he was looking for. Extending Maata only proves that he is very happy with this team and the additions he made. Of course, it may mean a 1st round exit, but it's still experience and gives them hunger to do even better next season. So with that, I am not sure Yzerman will be too active come March 3. He may be able to move Haag or Oesterle or even Ned and Erne, but I believe that both Larkin and Bertuzzi will get their extensions and be two of the cornerstones of this team going forward into glory. This is all just speculation on my end of course, but if you're this close to the playoffs, and possibly make it, why trade away one or two of the pieces that got you there? I get it, there is always the chance that they'll walk for free, and the TDL is when their value is highest, but if negotiations stall, they can always be dealt on draft day, or right up to before they become UFA. They return won't be as high as the TDL, but it would still be good, and they won't walk for free. Neither of them have NTC/NMC so there are 31 teams you can trade them to, I am sure someone will pay a good price for either of them at the draft. Give Larkin the 8x$9M and Bertuzzi 4x$6M.

I'm thinking this makes Larkin even more of a $9m player.

Really? I got Mo for $6.8M! He must of done better for you than he did for me!

Ok. I am not about getting fleeced!

This quote is from @kipwinger in the News From Around the League thread. I wouldn't be sad if Bertuzzi and Zadina were dealt. Bertuzzi still has some value and could fetch a pick and a prospect, Zadina I don't think would fetch too much by himself, but in a package, it could return some nice things! I'd still like to see what a package of Zadina and Hronek (with salary retained) would bring back. I know Hronek is finding his own lane now, but his value has never been higher. He is 3rd in scoring on the team and should surpass his point totals from last season. He cold be approaching his prime right now and just may be past it by time Detroit contends. So maybe trade him for a younger D prospect? Take on a bad salary, retain 50% and Yzerman could get a very nice return.