DSM

I just don't get the hype. To me the guy seems like a more productive and expensive version of Jakub Kindl. He's coming off a pretty bad season, where he may or may not have had issues adjusting to a new coach and was a league worst minus-39. It'll likely take a few good assets to acquire him, and he's under contract for the next 5 years with a $5mil cap hit. I just don't think he'll make the team any better, and if he continues playing like he did this past season, he'll be an expensive plug to work around. What are everyone elses thoughts? *Oops, title was supposed to finish with ""Edler to Red Wings" rumors?". I must've hit some limit. I can't find how to fix it... :/

As you probably now know, the Canucks will be using a compliance buyout on David Booth, making him a UFA this summer. His game has declined since leaving Florida, but in my opinion, he could be an affordable low risk reclamation project for the Red Wings with some upside. In Vancouver he went through some big injuries, but also couldn't find the form that earned him his $4M+ cap hit while playing in Florida. Last season, he was a serviceable bottom six guy for the Canucks, but his buyout has more to do with his price tag. At the right price and for 1/2 years, I think he could be an interesting addition to the Red Wings. - On a small note, he's a Michigan native. - He has the kind of versatility that the Red Wings like in a bottom six guy. Good size (6'2", 212), has good speed, likes to forecheck, can kill penalties and likes to go to the net. -However, the most intriguing factor... When he was on his game in Florida (07/08 to 10/11; 84 goals and 72 assists in 255 games), he played mostly on a line with current Red Wings center Stephen Weiss. The upside here is that re-uniting Booth with Weiss could give Weiss a boost and put his awful 13/14 season in the rear view mirror, while Booth could give them another option in the top six for cheap. If not, Booth would pretty much be a slightly better version of Patrick Eaves, which certainly wouldn't hurt. Maybe 1 or 2 years between $1-1.5M per? Opinions? Opinions?

Blaming the team and injuries for Gustavsson's crappy late season play is moot. As I've pointed out, other backup goalies put up way better numbers playing infront of teams that were bad all season. In fact, here are Gustavssons numbers from January first till the end of the regular season. 10GP 5-2-2 3.04GAA .896SV% Also of note: He allowed four or more goals in five of those ten games. Pretty not so good. For comparison, here are the numbers that got Joey McDonald demoted to the AHL this season: 7GP 3-3-1 3.16GAA .885SV% Not very far off....

More evidence that Holland should have waited till July 1st: With Gustavsson re-signed, there remains 13 goalies heading for UFA status that appeared in 20 or more games this past season (Not counting Giguere since he is retiring). If you throw Gustavsson into the mix, he ranks 7th out of the 14 in GAA, and 9th in SV% Of note, three goalies that would have likely came cheaper than $1.5M for one year did BETTER than Gustavsson in both categories. Thomas Greiss (2nd GAA, 3rd SV%), Al Montoya (3rd GAA, 4th SV%), and Justin Peters (5th GAA, 5th SV%). Curtis McElhinney also edged out Gus at 8th in SV%, but took 8th in GAA. Those three goalies all played for teams that didn't make the playoffs. I hope Gus buys Holland and his agent a nice steak dinner. In my opinion, he would not have found a better deal than what he got here on the open market. He would've been competing for a job with the better and more durable options I mentioned and also against more experienced options that had worse numbers like Bryzgalov, Thomas, Nabokov and Emery. You could even throw Vokoun and Dubnyk in the mix... To me, the eye roll this caused me today ranks up there with when I read Holland is in talks with Cleary.... Bad move.

Ugh. Waste of about $750k in cap space in my opinion... There are going to be much better (and much less injured) backup goalies available on July 1st that would have likely cost much less than Gustavsson's $1.5M cap hit... I don't get the draw to this guy... In his two years since joining the Red Wings, he's had ONE good stretch of play, which was from October to December this past season. Every other time, he's either injured or play mediocre to not so good. I would've rather had Greiss or Montoya, who would've been cheap and durable for one year. Both also had way better numbers this past season.

http://kuklaskorner.com/tmr/comments/disgruntled-red-wings-prospect-adam-almquist-says-hes-considering-returning I have to think that Almquist has a pretty high chance of skating in the NHL next season. He could re-sign with the Red Wings, hit camp and if he doesn't make the club, he hits waivers. If that becomes the case, I doubt he'll ever step foot in GR again. Like Quincey six years ago, a rebuilding club or club that has trouble attracting quality UFA's would more than likely have an opening and take a chance on a young guy that was an AHL post season all-star, second (I think) in AHL dmen scoring, and has a Calder Cup under his belt. Just my thoughts.

Just figured this could be an interesting duscussion on differing opinions over what the Red Wings could do heading into the offseason. Here are the questions: 1. How do they approach the following impending UFAs/RFAs? (This is assuming that they are obviously going to re-sign important RFA's like Tatar, DeKeyser, Sheahan, etc.): UFA's: Legwand, Alfredsson, Quincey, Samuelsson, Bertuzzi, Cleary and Gustavsson RFA: Emmerton 2. Should they use their last compliance buyout? If yes, on who? 3. Out of waiver exemption for next season, should Ferraro, Callahan and/or Almquist have spots on next years roster? (This is assuming that Sheahan has pretty much played himself onto next seasons roster) 4. Still having waiver exemption, should Jurco and/or Mrazek be given spots on the big club, or start the year in GR? Any others? 5. What UFA's should they target on July 1st? =============== My opinions: 1. They should definitely re-sign: -Legwand - He's been decent for the team, especially when playing on the 2nd or 3rd line, where he would play if everyone were healthy. Plus, he keeps them deep down the middle if Weiss (who not counting the upcoming playoffs, will have only played in 1/3rd (43) of his teams games (130)) continues to battle or injuries and/or struggles when playing (3 goals, 5 assists in those 43 games...). -Alfredsson - Obviously only if he wants to come back. -Gustavsson - I'm of the opinion that Mrazek should have one more year in the minors before being thrust into the backup position. IF Gustavsson is willing to accept an affordable deal for another year, then I'd go for it. Problem is, I can see him wanting to go to a team where he could compete to be a starter, or get a large long term offer from a team hoping he has some starter potential. He obviously isn't getting any younger, and is probably well aware that Jimmy is the starter here for the foreseeable future and that Mrazek will be knocking on the door very soon. So, I can see him looking for a better opportunity. I'm on the fence about: -Quincey - He has been better as of late, but with 4 regular dmen tied up until 7/1/16 at the earliest and DeKeyser and Smith upcoming RFA's that probably aren't going anywhere, him becoming a UFA is their only option for opening a spot for an upgrade. This is where Kindl's contract is going to shoot Holland in the foot if he doesn't get back to playing like he did last season.... -Bertuzzi - At this point I could take him or leave him, but wouldn't be opposed to him signing cheap (buryable if needed) 1 year deal to be a part time 3rd/4th liner. They shouldn't re-sign: -Samuelsson - This should be a no brainer... Flame me, but I was hoping he'd be healthier this season and provide some offense from the 3rd line, but we got more of the same. The writing is pretty much on the wall. We already knew they wanted to use a compliance buyout on him last June and he's been a frequent healthy scratch and even cost the team a massive cap penalty after he was waived. His career is likely over as well. -Cleary - Re-signing him for this season was obviously a mistake, but I think Holland has realized it now. Before his current injury, he (along with Bertuzzi and Samuelsson) was a healthy scratch for a long period in faver of giving the young guys ice time. -Emmerton - Not that it's a really big deal, but since he was a regular on the team the previous two seasons and has appeared in a decent chunk of this season, I figured I'd include him. That being said, he has obviously lost his spot as #4/5 center to Glendenning, and Sheahan and a healthy Helm have pushed him even further down the depth chart. Glendenning and Sheahan will obviously be on next years team, which will make the team real deep down the middle (not even counting Legwand). He'd end up playing most (if not all) of the season in GR, taking up a spot for a young guy to develop. Plus, Ferraro is pretty much Emmerton 2.0 and will most likely be competing for the same time with the big club. I can see the Wings not tendering a qualifying offer, so Emmerton can look for an opportunity elsewhere. 2. Yes. As much as I'm a fan of his, I'll be surprised if the team doesn't use their second compliance buyout on Tootoo. He obviously fell out of favor this season, and his cap is what has made him virtually untradeable and able to clear waivers. Going into next season with a glut of waiver exempt forwards and Ferraro, Callahan and Jurco likely vying for spots on the roster, Tootoo will likely be in the same spot. Burying him has cost the team almost a $1M in cap space, and the buyout is the easiest way to avoid it. Whether in the big club or GR, Callahan can fill Tootoos role for a fraction of the cost and no cap penalty, and still has some upside. I know some will still be begging for it to be used on Franzen, but I just can't see how it could happen. They won't be able to replace his size or production for anywhere near his cap hit. 3. In my opinion, Callahan probably has the best shot to get a regular spot. He's played well above expectations in GR, and adds an element the team doesn't have much of. He's continually improved in GR and probably still has a lot of upside. I think this also makes him worth claiming if he is waived. Ferraro on the other, doesn't seem to add anything different. His game still seems to be a work in progress, and he didn't look as good in his NHL stint as Callahan did. He would also most likely go unclaimed on waivers. Almquist is interesting, but I don't see where he fits in. Unless they make a trade, the only potential opening on D is Quincey becoming a UFA. However if he doesn't re-sign, I can see the team signing another UFA D-man. In either case, the only realistic possibility is that he could beat out and make Lashoff expendable at camp. Given his production this season at the AHL level, Almquist would most likely be claimed by another team if waived. 4. I think Jurco's future is definitely with the big club, but I can see him atleast starting with GR next season. I however don't think Mrazek should be promoted just yet. I worry about what may result if Howard goes down long term with an injury and Mrazek is forced to carry the team. Plus, they'll be slim on depth beyond him. I think they would be better off signing Gustavsson or a UFA goalie for a year, and still having Mrazek in GR. Plus, he'll be cheaper when his entry level deal expires if there are still questions over what he can bring in a full season. 5. Forwards: I know everyone will be praying for Holland to go after some of the bigger names available (especially Vanek), but I would be OK with the team re-signing Alfredsson and Legwand and going forward with what they've got. Obviously, with a healthy Helm and Weiss, and Tatar, Nyquist, Sheahan, Jurco, Glendenning and Andersson still maturing, they could have a very formidable offense. Holland could try going after Vanek, but as the only real "superstar" forward, he'll be very pricey. Plus, it's been widely speculated that he'll most likely sign with Minnesota this summer. If Alfredsson doesn't return, I wouldn't mind them targeting some short term veteran help up front like Iginla or Jagr. I don't think the team needs to load up on any big long term UFA signings. Defense: I can only see them going after someone if they don't resign Quincey. I like Niskanen (if he's still available). He's a RH shot, and would add some more offense from the backend that the team has lacked since Lidstrom left. Otherwise, with Kronwall, Ericsson, Kindl and Lashoff locked up for the next couple of years, DeKeyser and Smith most likely in the long term picture, and Almquist, Marchenko, Sproul and Ouellet all likely to be NHL contributors is the next couple of years, I can't see them making any big long term signings on the blueline. Goal: If Gustavsson doesn't re-sign and they have some cap space, I think they should go after a good starting caliber or 1B goalie for a one year deal. There will be lots of good options for this available: Thomas, Brodeur, Bryzgalov, Elliott, Montoya, Peters, etc. who could fill in for a year before bringing up Mrazek. This will give them someone capable of filling in (as well as Mrazek) if Jimmy gets hurt or struggles, rather than heap the load on Mrazek. Who's next?

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24547615/islanders-acquire-rights-to-jaroslav-halak-from-capitals Snow flips the Caps a 4th rounder he got from dumping Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Peter Regin to the Hawks earlier this season. I haven't really looked, but there are apparently tweets out there stating that Snow has already had chats with Halak's agent and that there is mutual interest. Doubt Halak was anywhere on the Wings radar, but not a bad deal for the Isles... If he truly does sign. Ryan Millers agent is probably happy since it leaves Jonas Hiller as his clients only real competition in this summers UFA market.

Not like Niemi has a choice, although since Miller is apparently after a CA address, he could make some concessions. Letting Boyle go, and especially if they use a compliance buyout on Havlat, they'll have enough cap space to carry both. However, it sounds like they would like to keep Stalock as backup, so if they do grab Miller, they would likely trade Niemi. Niemi doesn't have any sort of no-movement clause, so peddling him to an interested team that might have trouble attracting a starting goalie in the UFA market (Winnipeg, Vancouver, NYI if they can't get Halak locked up, Calgary) wouldn't be difficult. I still strongly believe that Miller will end up with the Ducks, albeit short term. He can give them a proven starter while they continue to develop Andersen and Gibson into their goalies of the future. The Ducks are also one of the only teams that will be in the goalie market that will be favorited to make a Cup run next season. No chance that Miller comes to the Wings. At this point, I doubt he would be an upgrade over Howard, and the teams could better use their cap space for other needs. I also doubt Miller would want to come to a team that barely made the playoffs the season before and already has a starting goalie. Howard would also be tough to move coming off a down season, with five years left and a big cap hit.

When I watch him play and read up on all of his scouting reports, he looks/sounds like a younger version of Johan Franzen, with an added mix of dumb penalties and cheap shots. He gets slapped with with the same inconsistent label, and has all the tools to be a power forward, but doesn't always use them. He also dropped off in the playoffs this season with only 4pts in 13 games. That being said, I certainly wouldn't complain if he was added to the Red Wings. Never hurts to have another winger with some finishing ability. Problem is, what would it cost to pry him from the Pens? Part of the reason behind Shero's dismissal is the Penguins inability to draft/develop, leaving them with a lack of strong organizational depth at all positions. I've got to think that they'll be looking for pro-level prospects that are close to contributing at the NHL level. They're potentially losing Niskanen, Orpik and Engelland as UFA's, and the don't seem very high on guys like Despres and Samuelsson, so I wonder if they'll want Sproul or Ouellet (or both?) in exchange. Then again, maybe Almquist could be a valuable trade chip?

Andersen is actually locked up for two more seasons. The only reason he got the starts late in the season was because Hiller dropped the ball pretty hard after the trade deadline and having been solid from December on. Had Hillers play trailed off before the deadline, Anaheim would've definitely been in the Miller sweepstakes. I doubt Bryan Murray would be comfortable going with Andersen as starter for next season. He's only been in NA for two years, and hasn't yet played a full NHL season. He also wasn't exactly solid in the playoffs, twice getting yanked against the Stars. Fasth looked almost ready for a starter role last season, but the Ducks kept Hiller around and Fasth struggled before getting injured and eventually traded. Miller wants to go to CA, and the Ducks will have the cap space to bring him in. Even if Andersen is capable of starting, it certainly won't hurt having two goalies capable of starting. The can battle it out in a 1A/1B type deal, while Gibson polishes his game in the AHL for a couple of years. I would be genuinely surprised if the Ducks don't get into the bidding for Miller.

They won't be as loaded next season. Fasth is in Edmonton now, and Hiller will likely look for another gig after having being relegated to back up for two rookies in the playoffs. Gibson is definitely their future in goal, but is only 20 and has only half an AHL season of work under his belt. He also wasn't as sharp as they had hoped in games 5-7 against LA. He'll likely get a couple more years in the AHL before getting the full time gig in Anaheim. Miller actually seems like a good fit for Anaheim. It's speculated that he wants to go to CA since his wife is an actress, and he can be a veteran stop gap backed by Anderson, while Gibson develops. The Ducks also give the same opportunity to compete for a Cup that the Blues afforded him. San Jose is another possible destination. Still in CA, and the Sharks are looking to make changes. Stalock in a pending UFA and might go elsewhere, and Niemi struggled in the playoffs. Ott could walk too...

I think the main reason they shouldn't, is because they would be wasting their time. The Red Wings would most likely have to offer him a salary over $10M/year to compete with other interested teams and to entice him to want to leave a team it sounds like he is very happy to be a part of. Plus, Bergevin has already stated that he would likely match any offer sheet that comes PK's way. IF the Wings were somehow able to sign Subban to an offer sheet and have Montreal not match, they'd have to cough up four 1st rounders. That would likely do more longterm harm than good. The Red Wings two "elite" forwards are on the wrong side of their prime, and it's getting harder in todays league to replace players like that through Free Agency and trades. Missing four chances to grab a couple of potential "elite" forwards, would make it that much more difficult to replace them.

I agree. Boyle really can't be called "elite" anymore. That being said, I feel like I would rather see the Red Wings grab Dan Boyle or Marek Zidlicky for a year or two, instead of coughing up what Niskanens camp is likely looking for on a long term deal. I'm not sold on Niskanen for the $5.5mil he is likely to get on the open market. This was his "break out" season after being average for a few seasons. I can already envision the coal dragging he'll get here if he regresses to his pre-13/14 form (see Quincey, Weiss, etc.). If that happens, the Wings are stuck with an expensive hard to move dman, which will create a logjam for when Sproul/Ouellet/Marchenko/etc. are ready to be regulars. Grab Boyle or Zidlicky for a year at around $4mil. If they don't work out, you let whoever it is walk as a UFA the next summer and either promote from within or get another short term UFA.

I looked back and found a report from Helen St. James that said Gillis wanted an established good young player (preferably a center), a top prospect and a 1st rounder in exchange for Kesler. She said it likely would've taken Tatar/Nyquist, Mantha and a 1st to make it happen. That's a lot of future to mortgage to get a 2nd line center for a team that was on the playoff bubble. Can't really toss Holland under the bus for not getting him, since no other GM was able to...

I would be all for it. I think his age is a moot point, and adding him won't interupt the "Youth Movement". The fact that Glendenning, Nyquist, Sheahan and Tatar will be line-up regulars next season is a pretty good "Youth Movement". Having Iginla come in short term will instantly make the Red Wings a harder team to play against, but won't hinder the further youth movement, or the ability to retain good young players with a questionably large longterm UFA overpayment. As far as the d-baggery, I compare it to getting Chris Chelios. Most fans didn't like the idea of trading for him because of similar reasons, but after he was acquired, he was quickly warmed to. He's got some intangibles that would make him a benefit to the Wings. Despite his age, he can still skate and is coming off a 30goal/61pt season. Also, once again despite his age, he's quite durable. He's missed only 20 games since the play resumed after the 2005 lockout. He was virtually injury from 07/08 up until missing three games with a lower body injury this season with Boston. He'd make the Red Wings tougher to play against, give them a goal scoring winger and another leader off the ice. If Holland found some way to retain Alfredsson for one more year, and also bring Iginla in for a year or two, the Red Wings could have a very dangerous offense. It would also give him the flexibility to promote and re-sign young players that are also in the mix. I think what it would ultimately boil down to, is if Iginla would want to come to Detroit. He's obviously after a Stanley Cup, so he'll want to go to a team that gives him a chance to win one now. Then again, a lot of the big contending teams aren't going to have a ton of cap space going into next season after re-signing RFA's and such. For some reason, I can see Iginla going to Anaheim to replace Selanne.

Wrong. I don't have time to look around for it, but IIRC it was reported that Holland did express interest in Kesler, but was shot down by (now jobless...) Mike Gillis for not having the assets he wanted in return. Apparently what Gillis wanted most was a young, but established #2 center capable of stepping in right away and be around for a few years. The Red Wings didn't have a center that fit the bill. As far as overpayment, if you think Legwand was overpaid for, getting Kesler would've required ANY team to overpay. As far as Spezza goes, I would pass. While he's a great player, the Red Wings don't need another playmaker up front. They need finishers for the ones they already have. Plus, the Wings would have to cough up some decent assets to compete with other trade happy teams that will be willing to overpay for him. On a final note, it sounds as if the Senators want to send him West anyway. At the same token, you're whining about overpayment while talking about a player who would essentially be a one season rental. A one season rental that would cost the Red Wings some valuable assets. How many here will be screaming "overpayment" if like Legwand, Spezza doesn't pan out here and becomes a UFA next summer after coughing up what would likely be a combination of 1st rounders(s) and good prospects to Ottawa for him? If the Red Wings really want Spezza, wait till he becomes a UFA next summer.

Including the KHL?

Read somewhere else that they may keep Nabokov as backup if they can get a decent starter. Apparently they will be moving on from Poulin and Nilsson, who never materialized as starter material as they had hoped. Nabokov would likely be their top choice for a backup if they can get Halak signed up. If Nabokov hits the market, would he want to come to Detroit this time? My thinking is that he'd either retire, go back to the KHL or sign on as a backup with a team that has a legitimate shot at a Cup. A la Vokoun with the Pens.

In one article I read, it sounded like they will be letting him walk.

Another name that can most likely be added to the list is David Booth. It's been heavily speculated that Vancouver will use their final compliance buyout to get out of his $4.25M cap hit. He's a Michigan native guy that has struggled with injuries, but had a relatively healthy season this year. Before missing most of last season, he was producing at a 20+ goal, 40+ point a season rate. He has good size (6-2, 212) and is good on the forecheck. One interesting note: His most productive years were with Florida (07/08-10/11, 84 goals and 156pts. in 255 games) spending a lot of time on Stephen Weiss' wing. If he's bought out, he could likely be had for a year for cheap. Maybe the Wings could give him a shot in hopes that some familiarity could give him and Weiss a boost? If not, he could be easily moved via waivers or let go after his year is up.

I would think in that situation, they would bring in someone with experience as #3 on the depth chart. They've done it in the past with guys like Joey MacDonald, Adam Berkhoel and Marc LaMothe. I've got to think that Mrazek will get one more year in GR. I'm sure he's ready, and like some have said probably doesn't have much left to prove at the AHL level. However, another big year in GR can probably only make him that much more confident with his game. Plus, with a small NHL sample size on his resume, it'll keep him cheap when his entry level deal expires (like they got with Nyquist). I worry that if he comes up to the NHL next season and has a big year, his value will go way up and may entice teams to send him outrageous offer sheets. Back to Gustavsson. Even after his strong play against Boston, I still think the team can do better for a one year backup. Gustavsson missed more time with injuries this season than most of the goalies available this summer as UFA's did combined (not including Vokoun and Khabibulin obviously)...

I don't hate him. I've learned to accept him for what he is. A streaky inconsistent forward who could stand to use his size more, but still produces at a 20+ goal a season rate when healthy and on the right streak. He isn't the only player in the NHL like that, and won't be the last. What I find funny is that some of the same people on here that "hate" him were also gung-ho for Kenny signing Clarkson or trading for Drew Stafford, who both have the same inconsistent label... I still however think that he's a bargain for what his cap hit is and his production would be tough to replace for the same price. If they did use a compliance buyout on him this summer, he'll probably immediately be close to the top of a lot of teams UFA wish list. I just don't see who they could get to replace him without giving up valuable assets in a trade or overpaying for a UFA.

At that point if you are one of the 29 other GM's in the league, what would you honestly trade for Thomas McCollum? Mind you at this point, he has had ONE solid AHL season and would have your alloted ten games on his resume. If I desperately needed a backup for my AHL team, I might give Holland a conditional 7th rounder. The condition will be that Detroit gets the 7th if McCollum wins the Conn Smythe trophy that season. LA got a 3rd for Scrivens, and Edmonton got a 4th for Bryzgalov during this season. Doing the math, McCollum gets an equal AHL plug or a nice hand written thank you note if another team actually wants to trade for him. Every other team will already have a Thomas McCollum in their system. If he does somehow need to be moved off the Red Wings roster, it will be via waivers. In all reality, if Mrazek doesn't get penciled in at #2 next season, the spot will be held by either Gustavsson or another proven NHL goalie.

I only wonder if one of those guys would sign here if they knew they may not have a bigger guarantee for the back up spot. I just don't know if I could keep my fingernails if your McCollum scenario became reality. If (God forbid) Howard goes down long term, we'd have to pray that Mrazek can handle the big load in his first full season. If not, they'll have to scramble to pull a goalie from another teams scrap head. I'd feel better with someone that has been atleast an established AHL starter and may have have some NHL experience playing 3rd fiddle over McCollum. Someone like Joey MacDonald, Scott Clemmenson, Jason Labarbera etc.