CenterIce

Holland has said that if Hossa and/or Hudler signed, he would have had to move players. So, there is no cap space. If they signed Zherdev, they would have to unload some contracts.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=442505

Stuart, Ericsson, someone else? I prefer a defenseman. We all know of Babcock's preference for a righty, but I don't think they have anyone who would fit. Any thought?

You also have to consider that this is all regarding a CBA that we are in year 5 of 6. A new CBA could change all this.

You can be over the cap until the season starts.

http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/...e-to-be-leader/ Hudler says he wanted more playing time and a chance to be a leader.

My feeling is have Ericsson do it, giving him more offensive opportunities, and save Stuart for the PK. Lidstom/Rafalski and Kronwall/Ericsson on PP and Lidstrom/Lilja (if healthy) and Kronwall/Stuart on PK.

Looks like he just turned 23.

Good post.

This might actually be one of the better strengths. How many guys have joined the team or re-signed stating the "loyalty" factor seeing that they could be in one place for a long time, instead of moving around a lot.

I don't think Homer has lost any thing. You can't judge off of one post season. That guy gets knocked around so much in the crease and just keeps getting back in there. Every time you see him with a post game shot he is covered in ice bags. We need to be a little more realistic when we judge how everyone is contributing and if they are done or not.

I'm just saying. Just takes some practice. Just like baseball switch hitters, etc.

Ask, and you shall receive.

Gordie Howe did it on the fly, before the curves were implemented.

I don't really want him back, but I could see the Wings doing that just to have the right hand shot on the power play. Also, he knows the system. I wonder how much the Hudler contract limbo puts the brakes on any Wings' signings.

From ESPN Insider: Maybe this is how this rumor got started. The two teams were talking, and someone took it way out of proportion.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283794 NHL is done with their investigation and forwarded it on to NHLPA, who is still looking at it.

I think Jim Nill would get first crack at that, unless he leaves the organization. Yzerman would then be the Assistant GM.

What Yzerman has said is that he is looking for quality two way players. I think Cleary fits that bill pretty well. He can play on any line, can score, and check other teams top players. I think that fits what Yzerman wants exactly.

Only if they are restricted free agents. The Wings could match or receive picks. However, Conklin, Hossa, and Kopecky were all unrestricted free agents. No compensation.

How many teams would trade for Hossa, when they knew they could probably sign him when he went to free agency. Also, what do you expect to get for negotiating rights?

Where were the Hawks before this year. You don't just go from not making the playoffs to winning the Stanley Cup two years later. It takes a few years, keeping your team together, gaining experience. The Blackhawks just lost Habibulin, so they are lacking goalie depth. They might make the playoffs, again, but I don't see them going all they way to the finals. The Capitals have a similar issue with goaltending. We don't know how Varmalov will be for a full season, and we have seen how well Theodore has been, lately. The Capitals have the scoring, but I don't think their defense/goaltending can take them that far.

12 years; 5 million per according to TSN.

Why would you want Havlat? Outside of last year, he has been injury prone, especially with his shoulders. He may want to join the Wings', so he doesn't have to face Kronwall or Stuart, but Havlat for 12 years? Yikes.

When Holland was commenting on the injuries, after the playoffs, he said that no one would require surgery, so I assume that Lidstroms' elbow tendinitis is okay.