LeftWinger

...it is well known that Claude phoned Draper and attempted to apologize and Draper refused to hear it. That is what set Claude off to say these snide remarks, just because Draper didn't accept it, doesn't mean he didn't apologize for the incident... ...I hope McCarty gets his career handed to him from an up and coming youngster in the AHL, then maybe everyone on this forum can stop the dillusions that McCarty is actually good. He stinks, he always has and always will! His career is defined by one goal, one goal that really wasn't as significant as it is perceived to be... ...at this point in their careers, Claude wouldn't have to turtle, he'd probably kick McCarty's ass! He nearly did back in the day when they went toe to toe on the face-off. He didn't turtle and the fight was a draw. Hang em up McCarty, you suck... ...hey Draper...

....He's ALREADY a Legend on both sides of the border...

...the only thing McCarty can pound anymore is himself!

...yeah, isn't that wht Brian Burke taught us all? It Genetics! Shame of Carle's parents for poorer genetics than Kopecky's parents!

...I'll Be THERE! Go Hossa!

...dude you are comparing McCarty to Chelios and LIDSTROM? So according to you, just because McCarty WAS part of the core team of the 90's he deserves to be on this team as much as Lidstrom? Would I wish that Lidstrom never wear a Wings jersey again? No, I wish and hope that Lids plays beyond Chelios' years! This team WITHOUT McCarty STILL wins the Cup, without Lidstrom? or Even Chelios (until he hurt himself) I am not one to hand out rostor spots to people because of what they USED to be!!! And yeah, that means Chelios to, if he can't play anymore, he should retire. Although Downey DID get his name on the Cup, he earned and deserved McCarty's starting spot in the playoffs last year! ...using McCarty in the same comparison with Lids and Chelios is like comparing apples and spaghetti! The ONLY comparison between Lids and McCarty is that they were on they same team, and that's where it ends!

...why would he want a lions helmet signed by anyone? I am sure he has a few Barry Sanders items, but winners want to be associated with winners...

...everyone STILL hate Lemieux? Jesus H. Christ, he's already apologized to Draper. By gones are by-gones. Although it would be sacreligious to have him on the Wings or even in GRR, I do believe it'll be a good story all is said and done if he makes a come-back to the NHL. ...uh, mirror his comeback? McCarty LUCKED out that he "cameback" with a team destined to be a Champion. McCarty had NOTHING to do with winning the Cup. This team would've won with or without McCarty. He gave absolutely nothing to this team, it wsa nothing but Illitch trying to help out a former player and a great PR move... ...I say good for him to want to do someting he loves (as well as good for McCarty to want to come back.) But all this wishing him to break his neck and other ill feelings, that is simply childish. McCarty has cheapshotted PLENTY of players in his career, are we wishing ill-tidings on him? No, why? Because he's a Wing (was, he is now where his talent level belongs, in the minors.) I say here's to hoping McCarty NEVER where's a wings uniform again, and here's to BOTH of them playing the game they love at the level they deserve, the minors...

...now they need to fire the entire staff, and cut every last player and have open tryouts! I am sure there are some guys somewhere who will come in for pennies on the dollar of what these Lions are making and play a lot better and with more heart! ...Hey Ford, first off, fire your ENTIRE staff, call Moehler (sp.) back and put this add in the paper: Wanted: Football players who want to WIN. High School Diploma a must, some College a plus! Starting Salary $275,000 per season. Tons of room for Advancement! Our goal is to gain the respect of the rest of the NFL and win the Superbowl. So if you are a motivated indivdual who can throw a football, catch or kick a football, block a player or tackle and run fast, then give us a call! WE WANT YOU!! (734)555-LION. Or stop by our Allen Park Faciltiy. Do NOT call if you've had Previous NFL experience or ESPECIALLY IF YOU'VE PLAYED FOR US BEFORE! New Hires ONLY!!!

...speaking of the last day of camp.... I'M GOING TO THE MONTREAL GAME ON WEDNESDAY!!!! YEEEEHAWWWW! ...ok sorry 'bout that... ...and if the rostors are right, I will see HDH and Leino play!

...not to derail the topic but ...add to that: Lidstrom - Rafalski Stuart - Kronwall Lebda - Ericcson (Chelly, Lilja, Quincey, Meech, et al.)

...now, we're talking! Why does it have to be "The Franz?" ...I'd galdly give up Sammy's, Hudler's and Lilja's salary in order to keep Hossa, then just let the kids play. Abs and Helm are more than ready to come up! Sammy and Lilja won't get you much, but Huds might garner a nice draft pick or two!

...the only way you get both is if Hossa takes Franzen-type money (maybe a little more) other than that, you cannot keep them both. If that is the case, keep Franzen. #1. He's IS the power forward EVERYONE has been bitching about not having (just look what he did when given top line minutes!) #2. This is one of the rare high draft picks that have worked out for us in the last 10-15 years (or more.) #3. You can sign him for 6-7 years at his lower salary and have room to add at trade-deadlines and UFA season. #4. Hossa will ask for at least what Lidstrom is making (especially if he turns out huge for the team.) That'll handcuff you for the next however many years before Lidstrom retires. ...here's to hoping Hossa wants to settle in with a more than adequate salary, but if he wants more than $5MM then let him go! Franzen will cost you less in the long run and allow more wiggle room if needed after this season, Hossa will suck up whatever cap space you have and won;t allow you to even fart, let alone make that trade when needed... ...my choice, Franzen, show him some loyalty and save for our future! edit: That is if it comes down to those two, see my next post for other options!

...if there was a hangover, then it was remedied on July 2nd when they signed Hossa! This team should be twice as excited as they were last year, not too often does ANY professional team win a championship AND THEN GET BETTER THE NEXT YEAR!!! ...sure it's hard to repeat, but if any team can do it, this one can! ...besides, Nick Lidstrom but the entire team/staff a months supply of Chaser before game 6, all but erasing the chance of any hangover!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Now that makes the MOST sense out of this entire topic! ...not unless he's gonna play for free!

...very good read! Lets get the season started! Lets Go Red Wings! ...btw, received my Hossa T-shirt in the mail the other day (the one that was posted on here from eBay.) It looks totally awesome! Wore it a little this morning (taking kids to school and some shopping) I got a few "heys" in the store! I would say the fans are ready for the season to get started!

...bottom line in this arguement. Ask ANY coach or GM in the league (or ownder for that matter) if you had only one choice, only one pick of Lidstrom or Ovechkin, who would you want on your team? They ALL would pick Lidstrom. PERIOD. ...ok, with Ovechkin you get 100 points a year, but that's ALL you get, you get nothing else. What do you get with Lidstrom? Ok, well maybe you get 50-60 points per year ALONG WITH the ability to play 35 minutes per game, the ability to shut down ANYONE, INCLUDING the mentioned Ovechkin... ...I don't think I am going out on limb here, but Ovechkin won't last anywhere near as longs as Lidstrom has lasted in the NHL. So with all the combined things that Lidstrom brings to the table, it is easy to see that ANYONE in the NHL world would give up the 100+ points per year for Lidstrom...

LOL! Maybe HE"S on the squad!?!?!?!

Chris Osgood stops a shot by Steve Rymsha, of Huntington Woods ...I guess Steve Rymsha, of Huntington Woods is on the squad for sure and just waiting for things to clear up, also! ... ...seriously, bump McCarty! I hope he spends the entire year in Grand Rapids, or better yet, Flint or even better in some beer league in Moosejaw, Sasqatchewan...

...well, I am not going to the Airport to meet him, I already work there and if I find out which flight he is coming in on, I would definately try to go up the jetbridge and say hey to him! (if he is even flying Northwest that is) There is a chance he will be flying KLM to JFK and then Illitch will private jet him from JFK to Oakland County Airport, who knows!?!?!? ...but to answer another person's comment, I will be working so won't have a jersey but if I do find out the flight I will definately take a hat and a sharpie, possibly a camera! Wish me luck!

...he'd have to sign for about $4.5 million to stay... ...on a tyhe original topic, I work on Friday and will be checking to see which fligt he will be arriving on (he will more than likely connect through Amsterdam to Detroit, either on KLM or Northwest (most people traveling from Europe to Detroit do) and I will hopefully have a break and be able to go up and meet him in person! Ahhh, the perks of being an airline employee! ...unless he comes in after 1:30 pm, then I will NOT be there, I work the EARLY shift and even though I love the game, I don't plan on hanging out at the airport past my shift just to see this guy. I hope he comes on flt. 39 from Amsterdam it gets there around 10:00 to 10:30 am!

...well, wouldn't it HAVE to be Meech because Quincey isn't even signed yet so he is not affecting the cap, right?

...Kenny should have re-thought his statement and added, "Not unless Mats will sign for $250,000." Then we could sign Mac to the 2-way, sign Chelly to whatever he is gonna sign (still don't know how he is gonna fit Mac, Quinc and Chelly under, but, eh! Who cares!) for. Sign Quincey, trade whomever your gonna trade, then press play! ...yeah, if Mats would take 250 or less, sure Kenny would sign him up! How much more money does Mats need? He's already a millionaire, how about taking a Dr's salary to win your first Cup? Yeah, right!

...would this include outlawing ebonics in the NBA?

...don't laugh! I guarantee, if Osgood takes a poop/injured this year, Holland will NOT go into the playoffs with Conklin/Howard...