Ansar Khan answering e-mails

[Mighty Wings 0]

Forget about Samsonov; Which UFAs will be back?

Answering some e-mails:

“With Sergei Samsonov getting released, do you think the Red Wings will pick (him up). If not, where do you think he will end up?’’ -- Ken

He wasn't released, he was waived and no team claimed him because of his hefty salary (he signed for two years at $3.5 million per season last summer) and lousy performance. The Canadiens can keep him on their roster or send him to the minors. The only way I see any team trading for him is if it can dump a salary in return on Montreal. The Wings don’t want him and don't need him. They need a top-six forward with some size and grit and there will be far better choices available at the Feb. 27 trade deadline.

“Who do you think Detroit will get signed from the UFAs they have on the team?’’ -- Ford.

The only player I’m sure they’ll re-sign is Tomas Holmstrom. They’d like to re-sign Mathieu Schneider, and I think they will, but I wouldn’t call that a slam-dunk. The same for Danny Markov.

If Dominik Hasek has a strong postseason and wants to play another year at a reasonable base salary ($750,000) I think they’ll bring him back. Jimmy Howard needs another season in Grand Rapids and I don’t think they could do better than Hasek on the open market, especially at that price.

I think Chris Chelios has played well enough to earn another one-year contract, but I don’t know if management feels the same way. They need to open up a spot or two next season for a young guy -- Jakub Kindl, Kyle Quincey, Derek Meech or Jonathan Ericsson.

Robert Lang won’t be back, especially if Mike Babcock is still the coach. I don’t think Pavel Datsyuk will be back, either. I can’t see the Wings paying him more than $5 million and I don’t see him taking less than what he will likely be offered on the market (there’s sure to be some GM who’ll agree to pay him between $6-7 million). And I don’t think they’ll offer Kirk Maltby an extension because he hasn’t been as effective the last couple of seasons.

“This team needs grit, don’t you think? I am ashamed that no one on this team sticks up for anyone (they can’t) and Holland ignores the fact that fans like the rough stuff. Why doesn’t someone ask Holland why he has to re-learn the lesson of needing size and toughness to win in the playoffs? We found this out in the early to mid-90s. I can barely watch an entire game now it’s so boring, No intensity or emotion or physical play at all. Well, thanks for letting me vent.’’ -- Jeff.

You’re welcome. I thought this was a huge concern in November, when teams were taking liberties against them with questionable hits and players were getting injured. Holland disagreed. “It’s been good, hard body checks by players who play physical and hard,’’ Holland said at the time. “A lot of nights we’re as physical as the other team.’’ They’re going to pick up at least one forward by the trade deadline, and they’re hoping it’s someone with size and grit. They might have a little money left over to pick up a fourth-line banger in the mold of a Dallas Drake. I think their lack of size up front could be an issue in the playoffs. They don’t have a physical defense, but I don’t think that’s a problem.

Edited February 9, 2007 by Mighty Wings

[JayUp88 1]

I don't want to see dats gone

[The Enforcer 13]

I don't want to see dats gone

by

Depends on the playoff performance. If he comes through, then he will get a contract, if he dissappears again, say by by.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

What is this about Lang? He better be back! He just needs to take a little pay cut and all will be fine!

[BlakChamber 8]

The impression that I've got is that Lang is not happy playing for Babcock.

[Heaton 1]

The impression that I've got is that Lang is not happy playing for Babcock.

And the feeling is mutual with Babcock.

[Lou_Siffer 1]

Wow, apparently all Jeff's think alike. (wisely that is ) If i didnt know any better i'd say that question was from me....its 100% spot on to my feelings. I think ive found my double!

[Mighty Wings 0]

And the feeling is mutual with Babcock.

With that in mind, would you trade Lang, if and only if Forsberg is on his way here?

[Guest LivingtheDream]

by

Depends on the playoff performance. If he comes through, then he will get a contract, if he dissappears again, say by by.

I think you need to "buy" a vowel there champ. By the way, it's "bye." What would one expect from an enforcer any way.?

Edited February 10, 2007 by LivingtheDream

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Drake , yuck , no thanks

[Kp-Wings 3]

I feel that Chelios deserves an extension. For his age, he is still a very good defensemen. He has made a nice role playing on the PK. Did you all notice how the PK took a slight nosedive when he was out of the lineup earlier for personal reasons? Of course, that's mainly because Lilja get's PK time, and he sucks, but don't you see my point? He's still a very good defensemen, and I'd be glad to have him back for another couple of seasons.

[Atariboy 0]

This guy is being too kind to Maltby. There's absolutely nothing left in his tank.

As for Lang, he's expected to maintain the same level of production he had before he got here with 25% less ice time. Yeah, good luck with that one. I'd want out too.

I think Chelly is here for the long haul, we'll probably see Lids retire first. And if we lose Schneider and/or Markov, it's a slam-dunk Chelios is back.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

I agree with him 100%. Physicality is and will continue to be an issue up front. I think the Wings should try hard to re-sign Markov. Hes been solid since day one. As for Homer, thats a no-brainer.

The wings can clear major roster space by dropping Schneider, Datsyuk, and Lang. And if Willy can get shipped off, all the better.

Drury, Modin, Guerin, Sykora, Sturm, Handzus, Nolan, Perreault, Doan, Hartnell, Kariya, Gomez, Kozlov, Sim, Bertuzzi, Blake, Asham, Walker, Fedoruk, Fedotenko, Tucker, O'Neill, Zubrus.

Hamrlik, Hannan, Sarich, Witt, Vishnevski, Phillips, Markov, Souray, Sarich

Biron, Hasek, Howard, Giguere, Norrena, Sanford

The options in goal arent exactly ideal, but with there being a ton of physical players available as free agents come July, Holland really has no excuses for not making this team a more physical, faster team.

Edited February 10, 2007 by YoungGuns1340

[Wings_Toledo 233]

Even though he's getting up there in age as well, Hamrlik might be a good pickup if we lose Schneider. The cap may be a blessing in disguise if it forces Holland to look at many other options for the next few years. Of course, he probably won't go out and get the players we all want, but I feel he'll do do the right thing, for the most part.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Hamerlik would be an excellent signing. His physical play, along with his offensive ability, makes him a great pickup.

[Rice 42]

For next season I think Handzus would be a great pickup. He's one of the more underrated guys in the league. Hell, look what has happened to the Flyers since they got rid of him. Chicago was evens showing some promise before he got hurt. He's great on defense, can line up at center or wing, and is an absolute tank.

Edited February 10, 2007 by ARice89

[Lou_Siffer 1]

The wings can clear major roster space by dropping Schneider, Datsyuk, and Lang. And if Willy can get shipped off, all the better.

Getting rid of those 3 would be a major league step in the right direction. Unfortunately im sure at least 2 of the 3 will be back.

[Barrie 900]

I'm ok with Maltby, Lang, Datsyuk, and Schneider not back next year. Think of all the salary we'd free up with them gone.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Getting rid of those 3 would be a major league step in the right direction. Unfortunately im sure at least 2 of the 3 will be back.

Hopefully Datsyuk is the one that is gone.

Seriously though, we could sign a much better player in Chris Drury (ideal choice, and wishful thinking), and still have room for a few other decent forwards like Jon Sim. We'd actually probably have more cap room with those signings then Datsyuk.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

Wow, apparently all Jeff's think alike. (wisely that is ) If i didnt know any better i'd say that question was from me....its 100% spot on to my feelings. I think ive found my double!

Wait..who's the other Jeff?

[Rice 42]

Seriously though, we could sign a much better player in Chris Drury (ideal choice, and wishful thinking), and still have room for a few other decent forwards like Jon Sim. We'd actually probably have more cap room with those signings then Datsyuk.

Jon Sim?

[Kp-Wings 3]

Jon Sim?

Take a look

You can't argue that he's been pretty good with Atlanta this season. He'd be a good 2nd or 3rd line player that can provide some decent offense.

[Rice 42]

Take a look

You can't argue that he's been pretty good with Atlanta this season. He'd be a good 2nd or 3rd line player that can provide some decent offense.

He has 24 points in 57 games and he's relatively small. We have enough 3rd/4th line guys. We dont need anymore.

[theman19 47]

jon sim? you mean Jon, i don't show up for the regular season, sim,........we come up with some strange stuff around here.

[Kp-Wings 3]

I don't know why you come so hard on him. I'd rather have Sim than Jason Williams any day of the week.

Edited February 10, 2007 by Kp-Wings