Who do you think needs to go?

[imisssergei 0]

There is always a lot of discussion this time of year about who should get resigned, who should get traded, and who should part ways with the Wings. Here are the players I think the Wings should part with, why they should part with them, and who should/could replace them

1. Dominik Hasek - Yes, he has exceeded expectations this yea. But is that really hard to do when the expectations were "Just don't get hurt"? This guy is old, he likes to stray from the net way too much, and he just isn't the same Dom even of 5 years ago, much more the less the 'Dominator'. He needs to go. We can replace him with Howard. Here is a kid we need to develop at the NHL level. He has a great deal of potention, and the tandom of Osgood and Howard can't be worse than Hasek and Osgood. Say what you will about Osgood, but he is a savvy vet who has seen it all, and would make a great mentor for Howard.

2. Robert Lang - Can someone tell me why we are paying him so much money to put up big numbers, but a much more affordable player like Sameulsson, has played 30 fewer games, and is only 10 points behind? This is a guy who was passed his prime when the Wings got him. He is a great mentor, but not at his price tag. If he would be willing to sign for $2 million or less, he is worth it, anymore, let him walk. Again using in house replacements, I would give Hudler more PT, and call up Ellis, Kopecky, or Langfield as a steady 4th liner.

3. Kirk Maltby - It's sad to see him play the way he has. I love Malts and what he has done for the Wings. But this is a business, and it's all about spending your dollar wisely, espically with the salary cap. The Wings lack grit up front. They have ever since the departure of D-Mac. I would replace Malts with the much more affordable Bootland. He can fight, and I would be willing to bet he could put up the 9 points Malts has this season.

4. Igor Grigorenko - Yeah, I know he isn't on the NHL roster, but I am just tired of hearing about how good this guy 'will be'. I understand that the accident set him back a bit. And I know that he has a lot of pontential. But if he can be so good, and he has all this potential, why are we calling up Ellis and Langfield? Trade this guy, get a pag of pucks for him, at least we can use those. He is 24 (as of april 9th) so even if he was to finally crack the Wings roster next year, add the 2-3 years of NHL development he would be 27. At best he would get us 4 good years. He is damaged goods. By the way, Igor was drated 62nd over all in 2001, that means everyone else passed him up twice. I know the Wings are great at getting the late round gems, but come one, cut the cord. In this case, we wouldn't need to really replace him with anyone, just give some younger guys a chance.

5. Mathieu Schneider - How to best describe this guy? Downward spiral. And he isn't even as good as the NIN album. He is an UFA this summer. He will be able to command at least $3.5 million on the open market. That is too much for a soon to be 38 year old, offensive minded, fading defenseman. Why is Cheli still able to play at such a high level? Because he has changed his game with is age. He no longer rushes the puck, but rather makes a great first pass. He uses his head. If Schneider could stop taking so many chances offensivly, and make more solid first passes, he would be a much better defenseman. Bottom line on this one is money. If he would resign for $2.5 Million or less, I would keep him. While the Wings are pretty deep in defense prospects, we have no one in the system who could step up and give us the production that Scheinder does. If he does walk, which I think he will even though he has stated he wants to play in Detroit, the Wings should fill the spot via Free Agency. It is still to be determined who will be available, but here are a few potential names, Ric Jackman, Roman Hamrlik, Bryan Berard, Jaroslav Modry, Andrei Markov, Vitali Vishnevsky, Sergei Brylin, ect... The list goes on. My point? Losing Schneider wouldn't be the end of the world.

I think the Wings are in need of some changes, making the team tougher. Keeping Bertuzzi would help if he were willing to take a paycut. The Wings are a great team, but ever since the loss of Vladdy, they have lacked a real physcial threat on the blueline that wasn't some sort of liability (i.e. Hatcher). We need more playoff scoring, this will be a HUGE playoff run for Datsyuk. Say what you will about is past playoff preformances, but he never got a real chance. Last year he was hurt, and his linemate was just coming back from an injury. The years before that he wasn't given the ice time to make any real contributions. He will step it up, just like he has in the absence of Hank.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Only Lang on that list can go , With better , younger , speedier Centers in this years FA pool , I'd let him go and sign one of them

[Kp-Wings 3]

Your perception on Grigorekno is probably the worst thing I've ever seen.

Do you know anything about him? You can't possibly say you do, because if you did, you would know he's playing Russia right now. That's why he hasn't been called up.

I have not read the rest of your post yet, as your thoughts on Grigorenko, whom you've more than likely never seen play, makes me not want to.

[poxer 0]

Lang should go and Hasek should go. Hasek is too old and we can use Ozzy for the time being until one of our younger goalies decides to step up and play well or if we get a sweet goalie from free agency.

Schneider is OK right now. He hasn't caused too many problems and he's put up a decent amount of goals and points, if we got rid of him, fine but if not is OK too.

Maltby is fine where he is. 1.3 mil paycheck? Thats a decent amount for someone who is just a grinder and causes trouble. Bootland is not as energetic as Maltby and his experience is s***ty. I'd rather put Kopecky where Maltby is.

I havnt heard much about Igor so I can't say anything.

Bertuzzi is doing fine along with Calder. We need to keep those two. They grind it out. Other than that, I can't think of anyone.

[Jedi 1,865]

4. Igor Grigorenko ...By the way, Igor was drated 62nd over all in 2001, that means everyone else passed him up twice. I know the Wings are great at getting the late round gems, but come one, cut the cord. In this case, we wouldn't need to really replace him with anyone, just give some younger guys a chance....

By that logic, Franzen is worse off than Grigs, as he was selected lower in the 3rd round. Datsyuk is worse than Franzen, as he was selected in the 6th round. And don't even get me started on Henrik "I must REALLY suck because I was taken in the 7th round" Zetterberg. And on that line of thinking, Lilja is better than all of them, as he was taken 54th overall...

[Blood On The Ice 15]

Lang, he can go. And Grigorenko, are u nuts. The guy has never played one day in north America and your willing to let him go because your tired of the talk. Give me a break. I think your age and lack of hockey knowledge come the through with this post.

Edited March 25, 2007 by Blood On The Ice

[Yzermania19 1]

You seriously want to get rid of Hasek?? He's been nothing short of stellar this season. So, he's 41 years old...if the guy can play, he can play.

You've got to be kidding if you think that Ozzie is a better option than Hasek for next season. Ozzie's fine as Dom's backup but no way should he be #1 while Howard polishes his skills in Grand Rapids.

IMO, sign Dom for one more year and give the kids in GR another year under their belts. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better goalie than Dom who is willing to play for what he's getting paid in free agency with the salary cap. Hell, you couldn't even trade for a better goalie that makes around what Dom makes. Dom is a spectacular bargain in the new NHL.

But yeah, Lang has to go. I'd let Maltby go too, as much as I like him. Grigorenko's opportunity passed him by, thanks to that accident. Let him go, too.

The rest on that list should stay.

[imisssergei 0]

Your perception on Grigorekno is probably the worst thing I've ever seen.

Do you know anything about him? You can't possibly say you do, because if you did, you would know he's playing Russia right now. That's why he hasn't been called up.

I have not read the rest of your post yet, as your thoughts on Grigorenko, whom you've more than likely never seen play, makes me not want to.

You are wrong, I've seen him play quite a bit. I am well aware of his status in Russia for Tolyatti Lada where he has 14g and 13a in 49 games. Not very impressive. My point was meerly if he was half as good as they say he is, they he would have already been playing here by now.

[Copenhagen848 58]

The only one out of that list that I'd really like to see go is Lang.

[imisssergei 0]

By that logic, Franzen is worse off than Grigs, as he was selected lower in the 3rd round. Datsyuk is worse than Franzen, as he was selected in the 6th round. And don't even get me started on Henrik "I must REALLY suck because I was taken in the 7th round" Zetterberg. And on that line of thinking, Lilja is better than all of them, as he was taken 54th overall...

No, I was simply making this point, of the wings prospects that come through like Dats, and Hank, you don't hear non-stop about how good they are going to be. With Grigs, you do, but he hasn't come close to doing anything, or reaching any of the hype. His window to be a NHL star is passed.

[Hockey13Playa 240]

You seriously want to get rid of Hasek?? He's been nothing short of stellar this season. So, he's 41 years old...if the guy can play, he can play.

You've got to be kidding if you think that Ozzie is a better option than Hasek for next season. Ozzie's fine as Dom's backup but no way should he be #1 while Howard polishes his skills in Grand Rapids.

IMO, sign Dom for one more year and give the kids in GR another year under their belts. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better goalie than Dom who is willing to play for what he's getting paid in free agency with the salary cap. Hell, you couldn't even trade for a better goalie that makes around what Dom makes. Dom is a spectacular bargain in the new NHL.

But yeah, Lang has to go. I'd let Maltby go too, as much as I like him. Grigorenko's opportunity passed him by, thanks to that accident. Let him go, too.

The rest on that list should stay.

I agree with you on everything you have said, expect Griorenko. I am 50-50 on him and currently stand netural.

But let Maltby go, and Lang can go.

Keep Hasek , so what if hes old, hes playing pretty solid in net for the most part of the season.

[Bluedevils_13 0]

You are wrong, I've seen him play quite a bit. I am well aware of his status in Russia for Tolyatti Lada where he has 14g and 13a in 49 games. Not very impressive. My point was meerly if he was half as good as they say he is, they he would have already been playing here by now.

Than tell me right now what is the point for trading him for nothing? Is it because he is taking to much cap room up right now? Is he because he doesn't fit in well with the team in the locker room? What? How are you to say it will take him 3 years to develop? Datsyuk was what 25 when he first started playig with us, so Igor will actually even have the extra year over Datsyuk, and Hank was what 24 when he started? GIVE THE KID A SHOT!

Also as I recall Hank didn't have very many points for his Swedish team, and actually got more points in the NHL than he did in Sweden.

Edited March 25, 2007 by Bluedevils_13

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

Wait until the playoffs are over to make too many judgments... but Lang is definitely gone at season's end. And Maltby is definitely out in my book.

I haven't been a huge Schneider fan of late but Kronwall isn't exactly progressing as quickly as we would've hoped so... we'll see. Playoffs playoffs playoffs.

[imisssergei 0]

You seriously want to get rid of Hasek?? He's been nothing short of stellar this season. So, he's 41 years old...if the guy can play, he can play.

You've got to be kidding if you think that Ozzie is a better option than Hasek for next season. Ozzie's fine as Dom's backup but no way should he be #1 while Howard polishes his skills in Grand Rapids.

IMO, sign Dom for one more year and give the kids in GR another year under their belts. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better goalie than Dom who is willing to play for what he's getting paid in free agency with the salary cap. Hell, you couldn't even trade for a better goalie that makes around what Dom makes. Dom is a spectacular bargain in the new NHL.

But yeah, Lang has to go. I'd let Maltby go too, as much as I like him. Grigorenko's opportunity passed him by, thanks to that accident. Let him go, too.

The rest on that list should stay.

Yes, I want Dom gone. I didn't like the signing the first time around, I think Ozzie would have gotten the job done then as well. I think you are right, Ozzie is no longer a number one goalie. I would run split duties between Ozzie and Howard. Maybe even bring up Liv. At some point these guys need a chance to play on a regular basis in the NHL.

Yeah, Dom is cheap, but slated for UFA status you have Belfour and Joseph. Both have put up similiar number as Hasek, but play on MUCH worse teams. Having Dom around for one more year just doesn't make sense. He has proven this season that he is a shell of what he once was.

[eva unit zero 271]

Lang should go. Datsyuk, Filppula, Zetterberg, and Hudler are all natural centers with a level of skill. Lang's money can be used on a guy like Smyth or Hartnell who will not only bring grit and physical play, they will be natural wingers who can put up points.

Maltby shoudl go. He makes far too much for what he brings, and is already outperformed on this team by several cheaper players.

My ideal lineup for next season, assuming no roster players are traded. Free agent acquisitions are underlined.

Smyth/Zetterberg/Holmstrom

Hudler/Datsyuk/Hartnell

Calder/Filppula/Kopecky

Cleary/Draper/Maltby

Samuelsson

Lidstrom/Kronwall

Schneider/Vishnevski

Lebda/Chelios

Lilja

Osgood

Liv/Howard/McLennan

[theman19 47]

Wait until the playoffs are over to make too many judgments... but Lang is definitely gone at season's end. And Maltby is definitely out in my book.

I haven't been a huge Schneider fan of late but Kronwall isn't exactly progressing as quickly as we would've hoped so... we'll see. Playoffs playoffs playoffs.

yatzee!

in my mind the will see what happens to lang if he starts to be the only guy to score in the playoffs again

oh and try to keep bert if at all possible,...i love what this guy brings to our team

Edited March 25, 2007 by theman19

[eva unit zero 271]

Yeah, Dom is cheap, but slated for UFA status you have Belfour and Joseph. Both have put up similiar number as Hasek, but play on MUCH worse teams. Having Dom around for one more year just doesn't make sense. He has proven this season that he is a shell of what he once was.

Belfour and Joseph have MUCH worse numbers.

Joseph's are particularly bad, actually. He may be the worst starter in the league who still has his job.

[Guest Agalloch]

I can't believe people are suggesting that Grigorenko be let go. Thankfully Holland is GM over you guys.

Anyway, these players should go:

Lang

Maltby

Samuelsson, if anyone would take him for a 7th rounder or something

Maybe should go:

Schneider

Hasek

If need be, Hasek can be signed for another year if the front office really thinks Howard is a future franchise goalie. Schneider can be replaced with another FA defenseman, or by Kindl, or he can stay; I don't care.

If I'm not mistaken, Jiri Fischer's contract is finally gone after this year as well, and if Schneider were to stay, he'd be taking a paycut, so we should be able to sign another star center to anchor the second line. Resigning Calder and Bertuzzi I think are possibilites too, provided they take paycuts, which they certainly both will have to no matter where they end up.

[imisssergei 0]

Than tell me right now what is the point for trading him for nothing? Is it because he is taking to much cap room up right now? Is he because he doesn't fit in well with the team in the locker room? What? How are you to say it will take him 3 years to develop? Datsyuk was what 25 when he first started playig with us, so Igor will actually even have the extra year over Datsyuk, and Hank was what 24 when he started? GIVE THE KID A SHOT!

Also as I recall Hank didn't have very many points for his Swedish team, and actually got more points in the NHL than he did in Sweden.

Trading him for nothing IS the point. If he was really something special, teams would want him and would be willing to give up something, like say a middle of the pack second round pick? He may have a year on Pavs, but Pavs has also never had a career threating injury that caused him to 'lose a step'. (BTW if you are wondering those were Holloands words, not mine, when he was asked about Griggy) If he were good enough to play in the NHL, he would have already gotten a shot.

[Hockey13Playa 240]

Lang should go. Datsyuk, Filppula, Zetterberg, and Hudler are all natural centers with a level of skill. Lang's money can be used on a guy like Smyth or Hartnell who will not only bring grit and physical play, they will be natural wingers who can put up points.

Maltby shoudl go. He makes far too much for what he brings, and is already outperformed on this team by several cheaper players.

My ideal lineup for next season, assuming no roster players are traded. Free agent acquisitions are underlined.

Smyth/Zetterberg/Holmstrom

Hudler/Datsyuk/Hartnell

Calder/Filppula/Kopecky

Cleary/Draper/Maltby

Samuelsson

Lidstrom/Kronwall

Schneider/Vishnevski

Lebda/Chelios

Lilja

Osgood

Liv/Howard/McLennan

No Bertuzzi? Are you assuming we just let him go sign somewhere else after this season or whats going on with that?

[Guest Agalloch]

Lang should go. Datsyuk, Filppula, Zetterberg, and Hudler are all natural centers with a level of skill. Lang's money can be used on a guy like Smyth or Hartnell who will not only bring grit and physical play, they will be natural wingers who can put up points.

Maltby shoudl go. He makes far too much for what he brings, and is already outperformed on this team by several cheaper players.

My ideal lineup for next season, assuming no roster players are traded. Free agent acquisitions are underlined.

Smyth/Zetterberg/Holmstrom

Hudler/Datsyuk/Hartnell

Calder/Filppula/Kopecky

Cleary/Draper/Maltby

Samuelsson

Lidstrom/Kronwall

Schneider/Vishnevski

Lebda/Chelios

Lilja

Osgood

Liv/Howard/McLennan

Smyth and Holmstrom on the same line? Are you serious? That'd be terrible.

[imisssergei 0]

I can't believe people are suggesting that Grigorenko be let go. Thankfully Holland is GM over you guys.

Anyway, these players should go:

Lang

Maltby

Samuelsson, if anyone would take him for a 7th rounder or something

Maybe should go:

Schneider

Hasek

If need be, Hasek can be signed for another year if the front office really thinks Howard is a future franchise goalie. Schneider can be replaced with another FA defenseman, or by Kindl, or he can stay; I don't care.

If I'm not mistaken, Jiri Fischer's contract is finally gone after this year as well, and if Schneider were to stay, he'd be taking a paycut, so we should be able to sign another star center to anchor the second line. Resigning Calder and Bertuzzi I think are possibilites too, provided they take paycuts, which they certainly both will have to no matter where they end up.

Yes, Fischer's contract is up this year. However, he was placed on the long-term injury list, thus his contract doesn't count against the cap, so we won't actually gain any extra room from the contract expiring.

[Bluedevils_13 0]

Ya but your missing the fact that he has NEVER played for a North American team. The wings have tried to bring him over before, but it was Grigorenkos choice and he WANTED to stay in Russia to try and compete for a spot for the national team.

Edited March 25, 2007 by Bluedevils_13

[interminded 1]

Osgood

Liv/Howard/McLennan

Jamie McLennan ?

That's an interesting choice.

But by all means not a bad one.

Though it wouldn't be smart to have proven backup do the work instead of2 talents who are eager to get in the mix.

[eva unit zero 271]

Smyth and Holmstrom on the same line? Are you serious? That'd be terrible.

Are you kidding? That would be AWESOME. That line would ALWAYS have someone in front who was very good at deflection goals.

Although if you prefer, swap Smyth with Hudler or Hartnell.