NeverForgetMac25

I believe so. What page of the CBA is it on? I'll go read it.

If Filppula was offerend and signed an offer sheet to another team, the Wings would get compensatory picks from the team that signed him if the Wings decided not to match it. Lets say the Canadiens offered Filppula an offer sheet, the Wings have I believe 24 (or 48) hours to match it or let him go. In doing so they would get the Canadiens' compensatory picks based on what he signed for. Edit: (Kelsey) Grammar

^ Typical We'll talk about this in a month when there's an actual 50/50 shot that Niedermayer has made up his mind.

More time.

That's not true Anom. The Wings will have Z and Lids under large contracts for atleast the 2009/2010 season and will be able to ice a very competitive team that season. After that, if Lids does decide to hang them up, Kenny will absolutely spend atleast a good amount of what would have been Lids' $7.45 million on a top Dman either via a trade or most likely free agency. To say that the Wings defense will look like what you suggested isn't very accurate IMO. How is Vinny the better goal scorer right now? Z finished ahead of Vinny this past season in goals (3) while Vinny holds the average goal edge the past 3 years by 4 per. Z also, played 63 games last year compared to Vinny's 82. While Z scored 33, Vinny had his best year ever scoring 52. The past year, and the year before the last Z outscored him in the goal department. If Z plays a full season last year the average probably would've been dead-even. Don't get me wrong, this is absolutely no knock on Vinnny. The guy is all-world and deserves to be paid as a top-5 in the game, but in a round-about way I'm agreeing with you that there isn't too much difference in Z and Vinny aside from Z's vastly superior defensive game and Vinny's size.

If that's because of the reasons YoungGuns1340 stated, then I can understand the bolded comment. However, if its based on skill level....Z possess the same offensive prowess, but doesn't get his team in trouble as much by taking the amount of penalties Vinny does, and most importantly Z is one of (if not) the best defensive-offensemen in the game. Vinny is nowhere near that. While Vinny is absolutely one of the top 5 players in the world, the only areas he has a clear advantage over Z on is his size (and perhaps a healthier back). Edit: (Kelsey) Grammar

I think its fair to call Lilja a veteran as well, however I do agree with you. While I'm not 100% thrilled with this defensive lineup heading into the upcoming season, there's always the deadline where Kenny could (and probably will) pull a Stuart-type deal. Besides, it will be nice to see what the Wings have for the future given that Meech will probably be up full-time to start the season, and Q or Ericsson getting the occasional game in here or there due to injury.

Sure it is......don't we just need to package Lilja, Sammy and a pick for Jay? Isn't that the standard trade proposal for any elite player the Wings don't have?

Not a chance Dallas misses the playoffs next season, San Jose will be even better next year, and Anaheim will make it as a lower seed. With the addition of Cammalleri, the Flames will still most likely make the playoffs.

Sidenote: Do you realize the writing under your avatar suggests that the Wings should pass on Downey? Resign = Relinquish, Give Up Re-sign = Sign Again, Renew or Extend

BTW, that wasn't even to mention the fact that he doesn't take anywhere close to as many penalties as Vinny does. No knock on Vinny though.....the guy is an absolute beast and any team would be fortunate to have him.

When did Yzerman or Lidstrom ever sign a deal close to 10 years in length? Zetterberg will more than likely end up getting a 6-7 year deal, and barring anything majorly unforeseen, I'm sure he'll re-up with the Wings after that. No need to go crazy. This is the Cap era.

Give me one example of how Laraque is a goon. Let me guess...because he fights? Edit: Let me stop you before you even bring up the Downie incident. Downie was being his typical goon self that night, and dove like an Olympian after being slightly nudged. Laraque even said after the game that if he had wanted to run Downie from behind, he wouldn't have gotten up.

Absolutely they could.....and will, but bringing in even another star defender is still going to be a major drop in talent for your number 1 slot. What do you mean? Like sign Z to a 13 year deal or something? If that's what you're suggesting, I completely disagree.

Well aren't you an optimist! I'll say 2-3 more at most. Keep in mind that losing Lidstrom will be beyond devastating to the Wings. Kronwall looks ready to step up, but there is no substitute for Lids.

Agreed. I'm most certainly not advocating steering away from carrying an enforcer. I feel I made my point very clear when I stated that I would like to see the Wings carry DMac, Downey *and* Laraque.......albiet with Darren or Aaron (or both) having a two-way contract. I would love having an enforcer that can skate every game and chip in on offense once in a while. Guys like Downey are phenomenal depth guys to be called in when needed, but the ideal situation regarding Downey and the Wings is a two-way contract.

You're right....Z's way better defensively.

Fair is the best way of putting this deal, but they really need to start spending some of their money on solid second pairing Dmen.

No doubt, and this is why I have zero problem with the Wings bringing back guys like Downey and Mac. IMO, Georges probably isn't going to be offered that much money on the open market. If the Wings could steal him for $850-$900 I'd pull the trigger in a heartbeat.

Not to knock Downey, but Laraque had 13 points to Downey's 3 last year with Georges playing only 15 games more than Aaron.

Meaning a discount seeing as that it'll be a two-year deal, for a solid depth bottom pairing Dman that can fill in for injuries and block shots. Not bad if the price is right.

No doubt....I agree completely. Personally, I'd like to see him and Laraque and then sign Mac to a two-way contract. I don't see it happening due to the overload of Dmen and the fact that its overkill on *this* Red Wings team, but that would be the best of both worlds.

Who said I didn't love a good fight? I absolutely do, but it would be nice to have a guy that can not only fight, but chip in some points here and there as well as win practically every fight he's in.

BTW, of course I jumped out of my seat when Downey made Lappy turtle and I do appreciate Downey having a "whatever the Wings need me for" approach. Yes, he's a great locker room guy, but he didn't see a sniff of action in the playoffs, and a guy like Laraque would absolutely be playing in those games before Downey would simply due to skill level. Give me a break. Just because I don't agree with you most certainly doesn't mean "I forgot what real hockey was or should be". You stick to your principles about what hockey should be or was, and I'll stick to figuring out what players the Wings should ice to win another Cup. Just because hockey isn't the way it used to be (or should be for that matter) doesn't mean I don't miss it. I'm just realistic as well.

What does that even mean?