Drake_Marcus

Think about it this way: who is he displacing? A 3rd of 4th line grinder. How much will he be making? Virtually nothing. This is an easy upgrade to justify. Modano would be replacing someone like Eaves or Miller. Whoever he replaces will not be signed because the Wings already have a log jam of forwards. There will hopefully still be money to sign a physical 6th defenseman. If Holland signs Modano the only spot left for the enforcer/bruiser is on the 3rd pairing. That will mean Meech is gone too. I'd rather see a stable veteran on the 3rd pairing with Ericsson anyway. A rookie-sophomore pairing of Ericsson-Kindl would be a s***show anyway. Given how that deal was received and the fact that a terrible GM made the call (Slather should never, ever, ever be allowed to negotiate a FA contract) I don't think that will be a problem. Everyone in hockey is laughing at that deal.

And the moment he leaves the team will get instantly tougher and bigger. Addition by subtraction

He's a lefty but I definitely think he'll either be on the point with Kronwall or sharing centre duties with Filppula (who is definitely capable of playing on the wing). I'd prefer seeing Ericsson get PP time with Kronwall so he can start using his 100mph shot more often. He slow to get the shot off so his best case scenario is on the PP where he's got a bit more time and space to work.

We've got his rights. But the Wings have three options when it comes to an arbitration decision: 1. Walk away and the player immediately becomes a UFA 2. Accept the ruling and pay them to play next season 3. Accept the ruling and trade the player off with a set contract (as specified by the arbiter)

Filppula will be happy because this move cements his place on the 2nd line. Now we won't be forced to play Val on the 3rd to make sure that line is a legit scoring line (as I just don't think Helm or Abdelkader are ready to be scoring centres yet).

We'll see when we watch the Griffs games next season I'm waiting for Callahan to turn 20 so he can join the Griffs and we can see if he's got the chops to fight as a pro.

Booya! He'd immediately make the 2nd PP more dangerous and the 3rd line a legit scoring threat. I hate that it will take some playing time from the younger kids but if you can make the team better with a signing without hurting the long-term viability of the team you do it.

Meech definitely isn't the highlight of that list. I don't think he has arbitration rights since he hasn't even made the NHL and signed a rookie contract.

Maybe I thought he was soluble and would be diluted?

Lastly, since today was the last day to file for arbitration we know Miller and Eaves have opted not to go that way.

I was thinking the same thing. The funny thing is that Probert made his name as a Red Wing and played his prime years here.

Wow. That's really s***ty news. Rest in peace Probie. You will be missed.

When he hit 50pts for the first time in the 08-09 season it looked like he took that step. The problem is that he hasn't been the same since Laraque. We'll have to wait and see if he fully recovers (and I think he will).

Everything relies on Kronwall and his ability to take the next step and be a #1 defenseman.

Zetterberg is dominant in the playoffs. Look at his playoff stats over the last 3 years. I could care less how dominant he is in the regular season as long as we make the playoffs. No one cares who won the most regular season titles. This is a silly argument anyway. Zetterberg and Getzlaf play two completely different games. They fill two completely different roles on the team. Datsyuk is our premier playmaker. Getzlaf would be redundant. The Red Wings need Zetterberg to get back to what he does best come October-- score goals.

This. Plus Z is just a heart and soul Red Wing. He embodies everything about the Wings and he's one of those special players who etches themselves into the fabric of the team. He's never had a bad playoff year. He's one of those guys who would sacrifice anything to help the team win and the value of his leadership and value within the locker room is hard to overstate. Zetterberg is a cornerstone player who defines the team. However, when the Oilers traded Gretzky they proved that no one is untouchable.

I always knew you were a total bad ass

The funny thing is that Bosh is being such a diva right now that he'd definitely respond to the offer in some way. I can't get over how much of an attention ***** Bosh is being. Look how professional Wade is acting compared to Bosh.

As reported by PuckDaddy: http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Junior-hockey-team-in-no-way-frontrunner-for-LeB?urn=nhl,253173 Here's the package offered to James by the Seattle Thunderbirds: Funny stuff and a smart move from a publicity perspective. I'd love to see an official statement from LeBron's camp about it and an appearance by James in a Thunderbirds jersey. The best part? This is probably the most reasonable contract offer made in the last 2 days (yes I'm mocking you Mr. Slather!).

I enjoyed that line as well. But my favourite was this: * Entry fee will be waived for participation in the ShoWare Shootout 3-on-3 basketball tournament on August 6 and 7.

Ahhhh I remember that game well.

You misspelled Penguins.

Great news-- he's a fan fav in GR and gives the Wings much needed depth in that position.

Bingo. Luongo doesn't scare me in the playoffs.

Thanks for the explanation. And good luck in 10 days. Enjoy the workout