E.J. Hradek on the wings

[WiNgSowN 0]

He says the wings are the most likely team to land Ryan Smyth Pretty interesting podcast listen for yourself

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/player...amp;id=2881188#

[Flip-check 6]

I really have no idea who this dude is.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

I'd go ga-ga if the Wings somehow landed Ryan Smyth.

I'm not banking on it happening as his heart seems set on returning to Edmonton.

[#19forPresident! 1]

I'd go ga-ga if the Wings somehow landed Ryan Smyth.

I'm not banking on it happening as his heart seems set on returning to Edmonton.

You know that is so sad, yet true. He should really never give them a second chance, what with them just forking him over like that after his expressed loyalty. But considering he was their stick boy growing up as a kid and dreamed of playing there he probably has blind sentiment for the organization. He would be an awesome addition, but the price is what would concern me, there would be sacrifice to go with that gain.

[detroitdan 0]

as time has passed I'm not sure if he really does want to go back to Edmonton, I think he'd consider other teams, especially if the money is right...I'd hit the roof if they signed him, what a pick up he would be...I'd like to see them get him for a long term deal and sign Bert for 1-2 years (if he's healthy)...that'd be a killer lineup

[Guest ZDH]

Smyth is a very good player. However, I see him commanding upwards of $6 mil a year. Holland has to make sure he has enough salary to subtract from the roster after next season when Zetterberg will be in line for a $4 mil raise.

So instead of going after Smyth, I see Holland going after a guy like Scott Hartnell. He has size, can score around 20 goals and is just entering his prime. I know, we all hate his guts because he plays for the baby turd Preds, but he is one of those players you hate to play againast but like to have him on your team. Like Chelios, Ciccarelli and Verbeek. Guys like that.

I think it is imperative to keep both Schneider and Markov. The price for UFA dmen is very steep now thanks in large part to the boneheaded deals the Leafs gave McCabe and Kubina. Not to mention the other ridiculous contracts like Aucoin and McKee. Souray will cash in this summer and will not be worth it. I get the feeling Schneider would take a little less than market value to stay in Detroit. But not TOO much less. Same for Markov. Who knows, I could be wrong. Just going with my gut here.

Hasek needs to be re-signed as well. He deserves a raise. If he retires (again) then I expect Holland to go after Giguere big time. I'm not sold on the other options. I agree with most here that Howard needs another season in Grand Rapids. Come 2008/09 he will be ready like Miller and Lundqvist were after paying their dues. I'm a big Hasek fan so I really hope he comes back.

I don't think the Wings need to do a whole lot in UFA. Why? Because we do not have many holes on the team. Teams who spend alot of cash in the summer have more holes to fill than the good teams.

I've gone over the numbers and assuming the Wings do keep Hasek, Chelios, Schneider and Markov and do not keep Lang, Calder and Bertuzzi then they should have enough cash to sign 1 mid level UFA forward and still have about $2 mil under a $48 mil Cap. Which is perfect for injuries and/or trade deadline players.

I'm not sure on Bertuzzi. I mean when healthy he is a force. But he has not been a dominant player since the 02/03 season. When he hit Moore, the next season, his play was declining. Then he missed 2 more years basically. I know he has a bad back and was nowhere near as effective as he could have been when the Wings acquired him. But usually when a player has a bad back, it never goes away. It's too bad, he was a heck of a player. Maybe he can be again, who knows? It would not surprise me if Holland offered Bert a 1 year/$3 mil deal with incentives. It depends on what Bert's health is, what he wants and what Holland is willing to offer him.

I would like to see the Wings sign Hartnell because of his potential, his physical game and is affordable price. Plus we could sign him long term and have him be a core player even.

Given what I have said here, this is what I'd like to see what the Wings look like heading into next season...

Zetterberg/Datsyuk/Holmstrom

Cleary/Filppula/Hartnell

Maltby/Draper/Franzen

Samuelsson/Hudler/Grigorenko

Kopecky

Lidstrom/Markov

Schneider/Kronwall

Lebda/Chelios

Lilja

Hasek/Osgood

I see Hudler, Grigorenko and Kopecky competing for ice time which can only be a good thing. Does Quincey make the team as the 8th dman? Or is he better served playing another season in Grand Rapids? We can never have too much depth on D as we found out in the playoffs.

Is Filppula ready to be a #2 centre? I am always wary of the sophomore jinx. But I think he can do it. If you want to sign a #2 centre and his name is not Drury, Gomez or Briere...then you're likely looking at a guy such as Handzus at $4 mil per. Me, I roll the dice with Flip. I think he can do it.

I think Cleary can handle more ice time with his hustle. He is more skilled than is given credit for. I can see all 3 of ZDH scoring 30 goals and all of Cleary, Filppula and Hartnell scoring 20 each. That makes for 150 goals for the top 2 lines. Throw in 20 for Nick, another 20 for Schneider and we're well on our way.

With Dom in net again, we will once again be a tough team to beat. Maybe even the favourite to win the Cup. I mean if we can get within 6 wins of winning the Cup without having 2 of our top 4 dmen, and no legit 2nd line centre, then how well can we do with a healthy line-up?

I am really looking forward to next season and am also looking forward to discussing the Red Wings with each and everyone of you. LETS GO RED WINGS!

[rick zombo 3,739]

The interesting thing is that there is mention of him not wanting to "break the bank" of a team that he feels is committed to winning. He might sign with the right team for just over 5M.

It would take some juggling but that salary could probably fit under the cap.

Right now:

17 players (11 forwards, 5 D, one goalie) at slightly over 33 Million.

The cap increase is expected to reach 48-50.

So let's average that and say 49M.

That leaves 16M to spend on 2 forwards, 3 D and a goalie

If they could land Smyth for 5.3M (lower price tag to come to a contender that will treat him properly) then...

Hasek - 2 M

Sarich - 4 M

Chelly - 1M

Kindl - 850,000 (could be used on 2md power play - big shot)

Hudler - 900,000

and Holland would have 2 M left for the deadline.

Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Homer

Smyth - Filpulla - Grigorenko

Franzen - Hudler - Cleary

Maltby - Draper - Sammuelson

Kopecky

Lidstrom - Kronwall

Lilja- Sarich

Chelios - Kindl

Quicey/ Lebda

Hasek

Osgood

[Guest ZDH]

Believe me, I'd love for the Wings to sign Ryan Smyth. If there was no Cap this would be a no brainer. I expect Smyth to get some insane offers mainly because he is only 31 years old. Same age as me! But he has more much more money. I could have been an NHLer. I could do everything but skate, score or check. LOL

Anyway the main reason I don't see the Wings signing Smyth is because this is Z's last year on his contract. They have to be flexible enough in next year's payroll to afford his big raise which should be around $4 mil. SO he will be making around what Dats is making, $6.7 mil.

So you see the Wings not keeping Schneider? Well I can see your point. One could argue that if you have Lidstrom do you even need a Schneider? The other argument is that look at what we saw in the last part of the Ducks series. They keyed on Nick and took his shot away on the PP. We could not score.

However with the insane prices for UFA dmen nowadays, it is not unrealistic to believe Schneider will not be offered $5-5.5 mil a year. Kronwall's salary goes to $3 mil this season.

So IF we do lose Schneider and/or Markov then we have all kinds of Cap space to play with to go hard after Smyth. However, would our D be strong enough?

I'm not so sure we could replace Schneider's 20-25 mins a game. Especially the way he passes and skates the puck up ice. He is too important to our offensive game and takes the pressure off Nick.

It's a tough call. We have Holmstrom, do we really need Smyth? Hmmm...it will be interesting to see what Kenny does that's for sure. We have more options this summer than we have had in awhile.

Edited May 25, 2007 by ZDH

[Zeta Power 40 1]

EJ Hradek, I love you.

[Hank 0]

I'd go ga-ga if the Wings somehow landed Ryan Smyth.

I'm not banking on it happening as his heart seems set on returning to Edmonton.

I think his days of being an Oiler are over. They were $100,000 apart. If he wanted to stay an Oiler he would have.

I would love it if the Wings got Smyth. He's exactly the kind of player we need.

Believe me, I'd love for the Wings to sign Ryan Smyth. If there was no Cap this would be a no brainer. I expect Smyth to get some insane offers mainly because he is only 31 years old. Same age as me! But he has more much more money. I could have been an NHLer. I could do everything but skate, score or check. LOL

Anyway the main reason I don't see the Wings signing Smyth is because this is Z's last year on his contract. They have to be flexible enough in next year's payroll to afford his big raise which should be around $4 mil. SO he will be making around what Dats is making, $6.7 mil.

So you see the Wings not keeping Schneider? Well I can see your point. One could argue that if you have Lidstrom do you even need a Schneider? The other argument is that look at what we saw in the last part of the Ducks series. They keyed on Nick and took his shot away on the PP. We could not score.

However with the insane prices for UFA dmen nowadays, it is not unrealistic to believe Schneider will not be offered $5-5.5 mil a year. Kronwall's salary goes to $3 mil this season.

So IF we do lose Schneider and/or Markov then we have all kinds of Cap space to play with to go hard after Smyth. However, would our D be strong enough?

I'm not so sure we could replace Schneider's 20-25 mins a game. Especially the way he passes and skates the puck up ice. He is too important to our offensive game and takes the pressure off Nick.

It's a tough call. We have Holmstrom, do we really need Smyth? Hmmm...it will be interesting to see what Kenny does that's for sure. We have more options this summer than we have had in awhile.

Good points.

But maybe Holland is expecting players like Meech, Quincy and Ericsson to take the place of some players over the next 2 seasons. All will be cheap. And players like Grigorenko, Hudler, Emmerton, Mursak, Helm could replace expensive players like Drapes and Maltby in the future too.

Regarding the comparison to Holmstrom I think there is a difference. Homer is great in front of the net, but most of his goals are off of deflections. Smyth gets those too, but he has much better hands around the net. He'll be able to score goals ala Dino Cicarelli that Homer really can't.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

I think people are giving Smyth the short end of the stick here. I think we might see him take below his market value to sign with a team commited to winning. Hes in his early thirties and he cant be waiting around for a team that *might* be good next year.

Like Ive said on other message boards, if Detroit has good goaltending - basically Hasek, Giguere, or Toskala - I could see Smyth here for a little less than 5M.

[wingfanatic4alltime 32]

I would be bouncing off the walls at my house if we got ryan smyth. I always liked his game i got to watch it a lot obviously in 06 lol. He would be a hardworking attitude here to the wings, id be fired up to see that happen.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

Wait...I want both Smyth and Bert on the Wings. Is that possible?

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Wait...I want both Smyth and Bert on the Wings. Is that possible?

Yes.

If Smyth wants to win a cup he'll sign for 2-4 million.

Bert will probably sign for 1-2.25 million.

Bert , if he is smart will pull a Selanne , sign for low amounts of money so the pressures off , so he can go out there and Be Todd Bertuzzi. Instead of trying to be Mr. Flashy and make back hand passes to Lang , instead of Driving to the net.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Am I in favor of having Ryan Smyth? Of course. But do I want him if he will cost 6 or 7 mill? Absolutely not. I am only happy with this move if we can get him for the right price.

[Dabura 12,232]

It's best to take everything Hradek says with a grain of salt. I haven't listened to his comments, but my guess is his reasoning is that the Wings want someone like Smyth and Smyth probably wants to play for a top-tier competitor. Does that make sense? Sure. Would I love to see him as a Wing? Sure. But his asking price is going to be steep, and unless he compromises and lowers it for the sake of playing for a top team, we're not landing him.

Hartnell is a more reasonable, practical option.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

Yes.

If Smyth wants to win a cup he'll sign for 2-4 million.

Bert will probably sign for 1-2.25 million.

Bert , if he is smart will pull a Selanne , sign for low amounts of money so the pressures off , so he can go out there and Be Todd Bertuzzi. Instead of trying to be Mr. Flashy and make back hand passes to Lang , instead of Driving to the net.

Omgness. Can you imagine a 100% healthy Bert and Smyth on the same line.

[Guest ZDH]

Omgness. Can you imagine a 100% healthy Bert and Smyth on the same line.

That would be something worth seeing. Neither one is the fastest skater but they could just knock people over. You'd have to split Dats and Hank up. Something like...

Z/Dats/Homer

Bert/Flip/Smyth

Malts/Drapes/Cleary

Sammy/Huds/Mule

Wow look at that group! Goalies would have nightmares dealing with that blend of skill, size and grit!

[Flip-check 6]

That would be something worth seeing. Neither one is the fastest skater but they could just knock people over. You'd have to split Dats and Hank up. Something like...

Z/Dats/Homer

Bert/Flip/Smyth

Malts/Drapes/Cleary

Sammy/Huds/Mule

Wow look at that group! Goalies would have nightmares dealing with that blend of skill, size and grit!

Like D #1 Fan mentioned, it'd be -great- if they were interested in getting a Cup and taking a shot in the (already millions-filled) wallet. It'd actually remind me of '02 and guys taking cuts to land other players.

Would Detroit actually try to get Smyth though? I've heard so many people compare him and Homer as if the two would become redundant on the roster. Or if he's Homer + skating/stick handling skills, then that's great.

And just to play along with the fantasizing--I feel if you stuck Hank between two muscle guys like Bert and Smyth, you'd see some massive production out of mister Zetterberg. Absolute massive.

[zetterbergfuturemvp 0]

I think people are giving Smyth the short end of the stick here. I think we might see him take below his market value to sign with a team commited to winning. Hes in his early thirties and he cant be waiting around for a team that *might* be good next year.

Like Ive said on other message boards, if Detroit has good goaltending - basically Hasek, Giguere, or Toskala - I could see Smyth here for a little less than 5M.

he's said hes going for the big money now since this is his last shot at the big money and he wants to take care of his family for good with this contract , so i dont expect anything lower then 5 mill per

[Guest ZDH]

he's said hes going for the big money now since this is his last shot at the big money and he wants to take care of his family for good with this contract , so i dont expect anything lower then 5 mill per

I think Smyth is looking for a Retirement type contract. He took less than his market value for a long time in Edmonton and now is looking to squeeze as much as he can. He will also want 5 or 6 years I think.

[HenrikRules40 14]

That would be something worth seeing. Neither one is the fastest skater but they could just knock people over. You'd have to split Dats and Hank up. Something like...

Z/Dats/Homer

Bert/Flip/Smyth

Malts/Drapes/Cleary

Sammy/Huds/Mule

Wow look at that group! Goalies would have nightmares dealing with that blend of skill, size and grit!

Did somebody say Bert/Flip/Smyth?!?!? RED WING LOVE ALERT!!!

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

That would be something worth seeing. Neither one is the fastest skater but they could just knock people over. You'd have to split Dats and Hank up. Something like...

Z/Dats/Homer

Bert/Flip/Smyth

Malts/Drapes/Cleary

Sammy/Huds/Mule

Wow look at that group! Goalies would have nightmares dealing with that blend of skill, size and grit!

That would be one hell of a forward line .

The only way this happens is if Schnieder and Lang doesn't come back .

I know alot of people won't be disapointed if Langer leaves ,but do you think that the Wings can afford too loose Schnieds??

[Guest ZDH]

That would be one hell of a forward line .

The only way this happens is if Schnieder and Lang doesn't come back .

I know alot of people won't be disapointed if Langer leaves ,but do you think that the Wings can afford too loose Schnieds??

I think Holland will try to keep Schneider, Markov, Hasek, Chelios and then see how much Cap space he has left. I also believe if Bert accepts say a 1 year deal worth no more than $3 mil plus incentives that he will be re-signed.

After that I expect the Wings to be a couple million under the Cap and keep it until the trade deadline.

The Wings are such a strong team they really don't have to go out and sign any big name UFA's . Now of course if Schneider is gone or Markov is and Bert leaves THEN that totally changes everything.

But I think the Wings Plan A is to stay status quo so long as they are 2 mil under the Cap which should be around $48 mil.

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

I think Holland will try to keep Schneider, Markov, Hasek, Chelios and then see how much Cap space he has left. I also believe if Bert accepts say a 1 year deal worth no more than $3 mil plus incentives that he will be re-signed.

After that I expect the Wings to be a couple million under the Cap and keep it until the trade deadline.

The Wings are such a strong team they really don't have to go out and sign any big name UFA's . Now of course if Schneider is gone or Markov is and Bert leaves THEN that totally changes everything.

But I think the Wings Plan A is to stay status quo so long as they are 2 mil under the Cap which should be around $48 mil.

I really want Schnieds to stay next season , but I think he'll probably want a pay rise . I hope this is wrong tho cause it may affect wether or not the Wings can be active with the big UFA's like Smyth and Drury.