up2here

First of all if we keep Hossa then Zetterberg centers my second line with any combination of Leino/Cleary/Filppula/Helm/Samuelsson,and yes I think that line could easily equal the production of Hudler/Flip/Franzen. Second your prediction of Leino or Helm getting 35 points and a minus rating is just that--YOUR prediction. As for bringing up the Islanders skill in evaluating talent then you could also say why didnt they draft Zetterberg or Franzen or Datsyuk? Its not easy but the Wings have proven they evaluate talent better than anyone. Losing Franzen would be tough but Hossa is better and we can replace Hudler.

Dont get me wrong, I think the world of Franzen and I beleive Huds is a good player too but pure goal scorers who play at both ends are very very rare which Hossa is. I think we can get cheaper alternatives to Hudler and Franzen.

Ill take Hossa for what Hudler and Franzen would make.

Thats 2 people who have mentioned Andrew Cogliano yet no one mentions Eric Cole who blew Cogliano away in the Oilers skills competition. Edit: Heres the link in case no one beleives me.http://www.edmontonsun.com/Sports/Oilers/2...919231-sun.html

I think its Lebda or Draper with Hossa just behind those two. Russ Courtnall was only about 5'10 and that guy was the fastest skater i have ever seen.

Im not a Kopecky lover by any means but he could skate circles around Aaron Downey. In the past the Wings have had tough guys who can skate and not be a liability on the ice. Im not sure there is a player in the Wings organization like that right now. Im also not saying Kopecky should be in there at all,just trying to figure out why Downey cant stick with this team.

I should clarify that by skill I mean skating ability. Downey is OK in a straight line but I notice that when he has to turn he seems to struggle. He also falls down more than most players.

Interesting that its not Helm. It begs the question of whether Downey has enough skill to be a contibuter on this hockey team.

Not a chance. The Wings have 47 million tied up for next year and need to sign 10 players.

The whole point of these boards is to voice your opinion on the Red Wings and I'm sure 75% of the people here feel at times that they could run the Wings organization better than Ken Holland. Up until last year when the "Fire Holland" threads were a daily occurance that number was probably at over 90%. Lets not get on each other for opinions and remember we were all celebrating in June.

I love this deal. My question though is since the last 2 years are for 1million each could the Wings buy him out for the 2 mill at the end of the contract or would it cost 12 mil?

I doubt the NHL would ever approve this design,I mean imagine players putting decals of pucks on their sticks or uniforms.

You forgot Kindl in that mix but your point remains true. I guess the Wings could address the issue through free agency,but I keep Rafalski if its me making the decisions (And we can all thank god i'm not).

I actually think this might be stupidest list Ive ever seen. Weve seen 100 years of Canadiens hockey and Mike Komisarik is there but not Guy Lafleur? Like Lafleur couldnt possible play on a second line. TSN is reaching big time, and I thought that monkey was a stupid idea....

I am not bilingual either but my buddy is and he says the article does NOT confirm they are suspended only that they will be if they miss the game. Something we already knew.

It appears the league didnt want it to be public knowledge and Dregor just broke the story. I hope this is the case.

Im not saying they wont grow to like the fighting but the NHL may not have the time to wait. By the way if someone only watched hockey for the fights,NASCAR for the crashes and the NFL for huge hits then most games would be very boring to that person. MMA...you cant compare that to Hockey.

Well if it makes you feel any better its obvious youre not a lawyer either.

Is it that obvious?

Good point and another reason why this is likely all bark no bite.

I think youd be surprised how little it would go down. People who love hockey,love hockey and will watch with it with or w/o fighting.

Im not a lawyer but to me that holds about as much water as a sieve. I bet the NHL backs off after the NHLPA lawyers have something to say.

I might also add : What happens if Crosby,Nick or Pav get hurt while playing? Say hello to a large lawsuit.

Just a thought but I wonder if this is legal? Should be interesting to see what the NHLPA has to say.

I take a drink of beer for every shot Sammy takes,been an alcoholic for 3 years now.