LIDDYGIBBY5

That isn't something that you can count on. There is no way that Kenny can go out and offer a contract making the assumption that Lilja won't play. It isn't even July yet. It's not like there is no chance that he could be in the lineup for opening night. I wouldn't even think that it is a long shot to see him play in October.

Great stats! It's too bad that many people here can't think past the last playoff round when they decide to pile on a player as useless or worthless

Wow, the idiots are out and about today!

We are up against the cap in a real bad way. There isn't room to bring back all of the players on the roster even if Hossa walks. What makes anyone think that with a salary cap that is reported to be very similar to last year, that we can afford to take on even "manageable" salary? What this team is going to need is league minimum guys, not multi-million $ salaries.

These are the best numbers I can find. Don't expect to get anything better than a second, and I doubt that will happen considering the Wings are bumping their heads into the salary cap. The current expected RFA compensation table for 2008-09 is: Amount Compensation Due $863,156 or less None $863,156 - $1,307,811 3rd round pick $1,307,811 - $2,615,623 2nd round pick $2,615,623 - $3,923,434 1st and 3rd round pick $3,923,434 - $5,231,246 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick $5,231,246 - $6,539,061 Two 1st's, one 2nd, one 3rd round pick $6,539,061 or more Four 1st round picks

A draft pick is the only benefit that I can see for losing him. We would probably get a third round pick, maybe a second but nothing more. Is that worth a Hudler??? Maybe if you are giving up the pick, but not getting it in return. If a team is willing to pay a player that salary and give up a pick for him, it is probably not a good deal for the team that was holding his rights.

Who knows? That why I think we should keep Hudler. Similar style, similar size, similar pay. Go with what you know.

Leino will be getting a pay raise as well. I am not as willing to let Hudler go knowing what he brings to the table in order to bring in a player with similar physical attributes and style of play that we don't know what he will do in a full season. Keep Happy, we know what he brings!

The Leafs haven't been successful at all lately, but their fans are just as loyal as Detroit's. Do you think that Red Wings fans would jump ship just because there is a new team a little closer to them?

The only support they would pull is fair weather fans. Leafs fans and Sabres fans aren't going to stop cheering for their teams to support the Hamilton Coyotes. They can skate on frozen tennis courts all they want. I'm not saying that they don't love hockey, I'm saying a team won't thrive there.

I have to agree with you, but you don't get to where the LA Kings are at by making great decisions.

If Draper retires, his cap hit still counts. He is in the lineup regardless.

I've seen a couple posts dogging Lebda and I don't understand why. I wasn't his biggest fan, but he really stepped up for this team in the playoffs and logged some very steady minutes. What he brings for what he is payed is a great deal. That is what salary cap hockey is all about.

Should be soon. They need to have it out so teams can make plans for July 1.

It depends on what the cap does. That is what is going to make the biggest difference in what happens its UFA season.

Patrick Sharp = Classless ****** bag. That isn't a spot that you hit someone in by accident!

I think a team in Hamilton is absolutely ridiculous! They may as well stay in the desert. There is no way that a franchise can thrive that close to Toronto and Buffalo! Both teams have die hard followings that aren't going to just start cheering for, or supporting another team. I think that Milwaukee would be a good spot for a team to move to. Cheese heads love their hockey too!

Maltby>Leino as a fourth line winger.

As long as what is a penalty for Detroit is a penalty for Pittsburgh, then I'm ok with it. How often is that the case though?

Hudler is back up on Zetterberg's line. Perhaps they're anticipating not nearly as much Crosby time for that line and thus a defensive droppoff from Cleary to Hudler is palatable. The fourth and second lines remain intact. The new third line with Draper and Cleary on the wings is a pretty good checking unit if they're out for much time against Malkin or Crosby. [/i] I think that Babcock should just roll his four lines with the occasional double shifting of the Z line and the Fil line. Make Danny worry about the match up. Every line has two strong defenders and at least one player with offensive ability. Make the Pens over think things and just play Red Wing hockey! edit: apparently I missed a post with the exact same info already in it. Boy am I retarded! Well, lets win anyways!

With reports of Draper being healthy, how can they keep him out of the lineup. Leino has done very well in the role that has been asked of him. We need Draper's experience, face off skills, and most importantly his defense. Put him in, coach!

It's going to take steel wool and a lot of elbow grease to get any class for that punk.

A skater can push the puck under the goalie or into his glove, just not under himself or in his own glove.

I hope you don't pull a muscle with that far of a stretch!

For what it is worth, here is the rule 67.4 Penalty Shot - If a player, except a goalkeeper, while play is in progress, falls on the puck, holds the puck, picks up the puck, or gathers the puck into his body or hands from the ice in the goal crease area, the play shall be stopped immediately and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team. See also Rule 63 – Delaying the Game. The puck was not on the ice, it was on Ozzie's back. That is how I read the rule.