Dabura

At the end of his letter, Bettman noted that the NHL constitution also prohibits league members from resisting or trying to prevent termination in the league through the courts. I hope he dies of cancer.

Stuart walking would, if anything, make it even less likely that either of these guys will be with the Wings this season. Stuart would leave a significant hole in the roster, one that wouldn't be filled by Sundin or Rolston, and one that might ultimately cost a pretty good sum of $ to patch up.

Well, like I said, I'm cool with regular season experiments. But for what it's worth, Helm playing on the fourth line in the playoffs and Meech playing on the second D pairing in the playoffs are two pretty different things. But again, that's the postseason -- regular season's fair game for tinkering.

I should have been clearer, then: I'm looking ahead to the postseason. So, management will need to bring someone in by the trade deadline. I'm fine with experiments in the regular season. Ideally, I'd like to see that spot solidified as quickly as possible, but who knows how it'll play out.

I'm all for "giving them a shot," but to me, that means easing them in -- i.e., not just throwing them into the top-4 mix because "Hey, why not!"

I think Meech has great career potential. That said, I'd like to see him garner more experience in the NHL -- namely, on the third pairing -- before stepping into that #4 spot. But I wouldn't flip out if he played with Nik this year.

Admit what? I dislike Crymson as much as the next person, but he's right. Under the current rules (or lack thereof), there's the potential for exploiting equipment to such an extent that a guy like Giguere (good goalie, not great) can become a Conn Smythe winner practically overnight (i.e., without improving his game in any substantial way). Moreover, that not all goalies use enormous equipment is not proof that there isn't a problem.

I think everyone's clear on that now, thanks. As for Smith -- no. His skating is a big issue, injuries are taking their toll, and he's never played a terribly smart game. Let it be known, though, that if Stuart doesn't re-sign, management will need to bring someone in to replace him, as none of the guys that make up this "logjam" people keep referring to are ready for top-4 minutes in the big league.

Just wanted to add... People's obsession with Burke stems from his no-nonsense style of management. He's kind of like the George W. Bush of GMs; if he wants something, he goes for it with all of his energy, sometimes even ruthlessly. When that something that he wants happens to be something the overall organization and fans want, he's a phenomenal guy to have on-board. The problem is, as is the case with GWB, his schemes often blow up in his face.

The truth.

One thing to remember: Malkin has essentially stated he wants the most he can get out of his contract -- i.e., loads of $. If the Pens must "choose" between Hossa and Malkin, that's definitely going to be taken into consideration. And not just in terms of the team's financial situation, if you know what I mean....

Not surprising at all. As I've said before, the Pens will probably retain Hossa and get a huge return for Malkin, which, for those of you saying the Pens are screwed on D, could very well include a first-rate blue-liner. I hate to burst anyone's bubble, but the Pens are in fine shape. Hossa biting on this deal would not make them "the new Lightning of the cap world."

qft

Dandy & Sammy = The new Z & D Bank on it.

That's why it's a pipe dream.

I'd say keep ZDH together and put Hossa on the second. Then you've got the best line in hockey followed up by Valtteri Orr flanked by a gritty 6'3 fast-as-hell goal-scoring machine on his left and an even faster, clutcher, more experienced 6'2 two-way sniper who almost singlehandedly took the Wings to seven games on his right. *********

Same! I went absolutely nuts on that one. ....in my living room.

If he gets back to averaging near a point per game, then he will have, I think, established himself as one of the top power forwards in the NHL. That title inherently commands big bucks, and I would imagine he could fetch at least $5 million -- that is, if the Wings haven't already inked him. Like I said, it will be veeery interesting watching this one play out. As for Sundin...I think the only way he comes here is for cheap and for one year, maybe with some incentives thrown in for good measure. Would he up for that? My gut says no, but I've got to think it's tempting. He would certainly be a monstrous addition. There's no question there. Imagine the potential scoring lines.... ZDH Mule - Sundin - Flip That's just...wrong. Gah!

Between Z and Mule, I think the real question mark is the latter. Hank will get something around 7, but I'm really interested to see what Mule ultimately gets.

And something along those lines would obviously be preferable. All I'm saying is that I can see Kenny going for Campbell, not that I necessarily think he should.

I could see him spending 5 on another defenseman, especially if it meant making the top-4 airtight. Much, much stranger things have happened in the world of Red Wings hockey.

All valid points. The things is, I suspect Kenny's point of contention with Stuart has more to do with the # of years than with the amount of money. In other words, it's likely a question of commitment: If the guy's not too hot on being here in the first place, why keep him here for a long time? Point being, I think Kenny would be willing to pay good money to patch up the top 4, and the fact that he doesn't want to give Stuart what he's asking for could very well mean just that -- he doesn't want to give Stuart what he's asking for. And when you get right down to it, the Wings will be out a top-4 dman, which is a big concern, especially considering the fact that their top-4 was pretty much the difference-maker in the SCF. With this in mind, I wouldn't be surprised to see Kenny go for Campbell. He'd be a phenomenal -- albeit expensive -- addition, and wouldn't necessarily have to be the #4 guy.

A friend just suggested Larry Murphy might get the nod. My initial reaction was laughter, but now that I think about it....

Well, to be fair, I don't see anyone comparing him to the likes of Henrik Zetterberg. I'm generally pretty hard on Sammy (and for good reason, imo). However, I've always maintained that a lot of his perceived shortcomings aren't really his fault. He's not a goal-scorer, but he's counted on to put up big numbers. Makes no sense, but is true. He has a lame shot, but he plays the point on the PP. Makes no sense, but is true. He wasn't made to play an especially rough game, but he's become increasingly willing to get in people's faces, both in the corners and after the whistle. Kind of hilarious, but is true. I'd like to see what he could do on a checking line for a full season.