Hank

I actually like Helm over both those guys (Maltby and Kopecky). Maltby is great because of his leadership and experience, but Helm has wheels and some nice hands for a checking centre. And with Hossa signing I wonder where McCarty fits in. He was already bumped from the SC finals by Helm so I don't see him cracking this lineup either. If he signs, it'll have to be a two-way contract.

I know some might still hate the thought, but I'd love it if Kenny still found a way to get Bertuzzi on this roster: Bertuzzi-Datsyuk-Hossa Franzen-Zetterberg-Homer Hudler-Filpulla-Cleary Malbty/Sammy-Helm-Drapes Lots of toughness and scoring.

I hope it's true but I'll believe it when TSN reports it.

This was my favorite quote: Hahaha!

Counterpoint - I'd rather watch two North American skaters score goals and then punch someone out. I don't watch hockey for fighting but I'd love it if the Wings had more North American's that could do a little of both. The Wings have so many Swedes they should consider changing their colors to Blue and Yellow.

It's official. Chicago is now going to be one of my favorite teams to watch this year. I loved watching them this past season but my man-crush has soared after this signing. Savard was on XM recently and he spoke about how he loved letting his horses run. If he keeps that mantra, Chicago fans will have a very entertaining year coming up.

Excellent question. I just had an interesting conversation with my dog's ass and he says Ovechkin wants to play in the Chinese Super League. I believe his butt has as much credibility.

Thumb up Eklunds ass (e100000)

Seriously? He was a coke-head? And Stoll too? Where did you hear that? P.S. I've actually been told by former OHL players that Sundin is/was a cokehead. Don't know how true that is though.

Love Eric Cole.

Wasn't it Cory Perry he said that about? And yeah, it was a very assinine comment. I love 'Grapes' but I always think it's funny how he forces CBC to point out all the correct predictions he's made but none of the wrong ones. To say that Perry was going to be better than AO or Crosby is insane. Of course, if Crosby had played in the OHL, he would be all over his sack too.

I'm shocked at this. The Jackets either: a) want to get in the playoffs now and are willing to sacrifice the future for it or b) Brule's stock had fallen drastically since being drafted. When the Jackets first got this kid he was projected to be what Mike Richards is now - a point-per-game, two-way, centre who could score a goal and punch you in the face. But from listening to Scott Howson on XM it appears that his future are better at RW and that his offensive upside might not be what it was projected at 3 seasons ago. Torres will do well in C'Bus, but I would have loved to have him in a Wings jersey.

To be honest, I couldn't care less. None of the North American superstars will ever go over there and if a few Russian's or Europeans head that way so be it. Besides, former NHLers who've played over there recently have said the arenas and conditions in the RSL (or KHL now) are so poor that the league is easily 20 years away from being anywhere near the standard the NHL employs. Let guys like Fedor Fedorov go home. They won't be missed.

By the fourth year, this guy will be grossly underpaid. In my mind, this is exactly what this kid is worth. I watched a fair bit of Capitals hockey this winter and this guy is easily the most exciting defenseman in the league. His stickhandling and skating are phenomenal. He needs to work on his defensive play, but that'll come. Considering that Olesz got $3.1M/year this is a steal.

And this is why Filpulla will get a minimum of $3M per year and will more than likely get a deal nearly identical to this. Probably at $500K more per season. Glad to see the lockout solved the money woes in the NHL. Yeesh. I'll never take the side of the owners again. Message to the PA - 'Get as much money as you can!'

I might even be willing to throw in one of my Pinini sandwiches for him.

What makes Holmstrom so valuable on the top line with Dats and Zetts is that both D and Z can play like centres. Homer's only job is to stand in front so Dats takes the left and Zetts the right and it gives them the freedom and room to do their thing out there. If you move Homer from the top line it might disrupt the chemistry of D and Z.

You took the words right out of my mouth. Although, I don't think Jagr is going anywhere.

Well, Kenny did say he wanted an enforcer.

But with Wellwood already in Vancouver there could be major wars over who eats the last donut.

I am too. For the right price, I'd gladly take big Bert back.

More than likely what's going to happen is Ericsson will start in Grand Rapids because he doesn't have to clear Waivers. If Meech or Quincy aren't performing the way the Wings would like, they'll deal one, or waive one to make room for Ericsson. If Stuart doesn't sign, I think the Wings go with the core they have now and see who's available at the deadline. Even with Stuart gone and Quincy in his place, the Wings have good team defense and should easily win the Central again. There's no rush to sign a UFA to a long term deal that might bite them in the ass.

I actually heard Holland say that exact quote on XM radio not 3 days ago. That he'd be willing to go to camp with 10 NHL dmen (and he included Ericsson in that group) and would let things sort itself out. Whomever was the odd-man out would be dealt.

I'm actually one of the non-Filp homers out there, but I'd agree with this as well. He doulbed his points and with Franzen emerging (who will most likely be Filp's winger) I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that he can get 60 points this season. $4M might be too much but a 5 year deal at $12-15M wouldn't be unexpected.

I agree. If KH can get Filp resigned for under $3M/year his kool-aid is quite tasty.