Next year: who stays and who comes in

[DreamsofHope 2]

I can see players leaving, and aside from youth or Bert, no one coming in.... IMO. Our hopes for this team next year rely on Bertz health, Hasek's decision, and the play of our younger players.

[Guest ZDH]

Because the team that he was with showed a lack of faith in his ability (not like the Habs have a deep roster back there) to play defense. Many will look to his +/- as a telltale sign that perhaps, while his ability offensively is still there (given the points/goals), particularly on the power play, his defensive play hasn't been on par as for what's expected.

Quite honestly I think it would've been in the Habs best interest to keep Souray, but if they let him walk (which looks like the case) the Wings can get far less from him than he'd demand.

Seems as plausible as the Wings signing both Markov and Schneider -- which is.. not incredibly, but not all that unrealistic, either.

I see Souray being grossly overpaid this summer. There have been rumours for sometime now that he wants to move to California to be with his daughter. LA has alot of Cap space. Apparently Drury's wife is from Cali too and she also wants to go back there. Who knows. These are just RUMOURS.

Anyway I love Souray's bomb of a shot. But he is terrible defensively. We have Nick at $7.6 mil and we will not get in the Souray Sweepstakes. I predict Souray will be the most overpaid UFA this summer. Smyth, Drury, Gomez and Briere will all be overpaid.

Souray being only 30 years old will get a ton of long term big dollar offers just because of his young UFA age. I don't think he is worth $6+ million but alot of teams will. I just don't see the Wings being one of them. If the Wings could get Souray for 3 mil? Where do I sign? I'm all for it! But he will get 6 on the open market. I'd be shocked if he didn't.

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

obviously it cant be a one for one replacement, kronwall and lebda and then whoever is brought in would have to share the offensive weight, schneider does a lot for this team and he is certainly an integral part of the pp but if he leaves its not the end of the world, there are some younger dman available that could share the weight or timonen stuart preissing and hamrlik are all available this summer, any of them could run the point

To get any of those guy's you'd still have to splash out some cash .And IMO, The Wings would be better off just signing up Schnieds.

[Guest Shoreline]

Don't you think Andrei Markov is a big reason why Souray is gonna walk?

The obvious statement here boggles the mind..

Markov makes $5.75 million a year so they probably can't pay Souray the same amount and thus he won't stay. I don't think there's any way Souray will be a FA bargain, there are always a bunch of teams who'll overpay. Schneider would in all likelihood be cheaper.

I think they can, but the Habs are like the Boston Bruins, and far too frugal. As for the Wings, after shedding Lang, with chances of re-signing either Schneider or Markov, I don't see why it isn't worth the effort since Souray has proven, while he has enough offensive fire power, his defensive lapses lately aren't worth a high cost, which is why they, as has been reiterated several times now, put their money on Markov, driving down Souray's value moreso. In the right system he can flourish. Plus, he has that bit of nastiness which the Wings need.

[Guest ZDH]

I really think Dom is just waiting to say what he's doing until the Finals are over and the Cup is awarded. he knows whatever he says will be front page, headline news. Maybe he just doesn't want to take away the thunder from the NHL's showcase -- which probably no one is watching except Sens fans, Ducks fans and the rest of us die-hards.

Dom should have legitimate concerns about whether he's the right guy for Detroit. It's certainly not a question of his desire to play or whether the Wings want him back -- that's pretty obvious in both cases. Hasek's probably weighing realistic aspects of this decision, like his age and what his family wants to do. Hockey is his life. Even Dom has know that it's not all there is -- although to someone like Dom, the ultimate competitor, he may need to be reminded of that fact.

I think it's a little premature to be wondering if Dom is playing games with this decision. He said 2-3 weeks. He probably meant it and I doubt he will say anything prior to when he stated he would.

I agree with your thoughts and I am not implying Hasek is screwing us around. What I am saying is that IF he is still not sure what he wants to do on July 1st then the wise thing for Kenny to do IMO is to turn the page and look elsewhere to replace him.

I also expect Dom to announce a decision before July 1st and I do believe he wants to be a Red Wing again. We need him big time if we are going to go for the Cup next season. He knows it, we know it and the Wings know it. I do not like thinking about Plan B.

[Guest Shoreline]

I also expect Dom to announce a decision before July 1st and I do believe he wants to be a Red Wing again. We need him big time if we are going to go for the Cup next season. He knows it, we know it and the Wings know it. I do not like thinking about Plan B.

I'm interested in Plan B. Giguere? I like the idea of that.

No doubt Hasek is the largest reason the Wings made it as far as they did, but at some point it's time to explore other options, particularly while they're still on the table. Or maybe the Wings could sign a 7'0 350lbs goalie who can just stand there and take up the entire net.

[FinWing 26]

I think they can, but the Habs are like the Boston Bruins, and far too frugal. As for the Wings, after shedding Lang, with chances of re-signing either Schneider or Markov, I don't see why it isn't worth the effort since Souray has proven, while he has enough offensive fire power, his defensive lapses lately aren't worth a high cost, which is why they, as has been reiterated several times now, put their money on Markov, driving down Souray's value moreso. In the right system he can flourish. Plus, he has that bit of nastiness which the Wings need.

This doesn't make any sense to me. This just means that Habs will rather let Souray test the market than Markov. This value analogy of yours will be tossed right out of the window when Souray enters the market. Even if Montreal doesn't think he's worth X amount of money, someone else will. And Wings are in no position to enter those sweepstakes.

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

I'm interested in Plan B. Giguere? I like the idea of that.

No doubt Hasek is the largest reason the Wings made it as far as they did, but at some point it's time to explore other options, particularly while they're still on the table. Or maybe the Wings could sign a 7'0 350lbs goalie who can just stand there and take up the entire net.

For me Giguere is not an option . the guy will be demanding top dollar and for the Wings to re-sign most of their free agents and him would be close to impossible.

[jaymcfly 0]

^ my thoughts as well, i would love to have hasek back and he is definitely plan a but if hes not sure by july 1 then we need to move on to plan b and not getting stuck on plan a1/2, there arent too many options out there if hasek doesnt come back so holland needs time to get something together and make offers and/or trades

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

^ my thoughts as well, i would love to have hasek back and he is definitely plan a but if hes not sure by july 1 then we need to move on to plan b and not getting stuck on plan a1/2, there arent too many options out there if hasek doesnt come back so holland needs time to get something together and make offers and/or trades

I think if Dom does leave, the Wings would either have to put faith in Ozzie and Howard or go for someone like Backstrom . He'll probable want a lot more money than he's on now but he would definetly be cheaper than Giguere.

[Guest Shoreline]

This doesn't make any sense to me. This just means that Habs will rather let Souray test the market than Markov. This value analogy of yours will be tossed right out of the window when Souray enters the market. Even if Montreal doesn't think he's worth X amount of money, someone else will. And Wings are in no position to enter those sweepstakes.

Agree to disagree, I guess. I see it otherwise.

For me Giguere is not an option . the guy will be demanding top dollar and for the Wings to re-sign most of their free agents and him would be close to impossible.

Without a Hasek or Giguere-like goalie, I don't see the Wings going far in the playoffs.

Plus, I like the kids that the Wings have coming out of GR. If only they could reach down further and get guys like Darren Helm up there.

[Vladinator 0]

I think if Dom does leave, the Wings would either have to put faith in Ozzie and Howard or go for someone like Backstrom . He'll probable want a lot more money than he's on now but he would definetly be cheaper than Giguere.

Backstrom isn't going anywhere. They'll move Manny Fernandez if they move a goalie...

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

Agree to disagree, I guess. I see it otherwise.

Without a Hasek or Giguere-like goalie, I don't see the Wings going far in the playoffs.

Plus, I like the kids that the Wings have coming out of GR. If only they could reach down further and get guys like Darren Helm up there.

I like the prospect's that the Wings have too. but I wouldn't sacrifice Bert ,cheli, Schnieds and a young guy like hudler for a goaltender. plus it's never been the Wings policy to drop inexperienced players in the deepend . I would much rather have a go at next season with Ozzie . I think that if he stays healthy and gets a run of game's he could still be a pretty good No1 goaltender.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Lang gone (Thank God) Calder Gone (Its too bad for him)

In : Schnieder , Markov , Bertuzzi , Chelios , Hasek.

FA's: Smyth(3.5-4 million 2 yrs) Sarich (1.5-2milllion 2 yrs , If Markov doesnt re-sign)

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Smyth-Cleary-Bertuzzi

Samuelson-Filpula-Franzen

Maltby-Draper-Kopecky

Lidstrom-Markov/Sarich

Schnieder-Kronwall

Lebda-Chelios

Lilja-Quincey

Hasek

Osgood

Those Lines are great , anyone who could say they arent those of a team that could win the cup would be crazy.

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

Backstrom isn't going anywhere. They'll move Manny Fernandez if they move a goalie...

How much is Fernandez on ? and what kinda money do you think he would be asking for??

Lang gone (Thank God) Calder Gone (Its too bad for him)

In : Schnieder , Markov , Bertuzzi , Chelios , Hasek.

FA's: Smyth(3.5-4 million 2 yrs) Sarich (1.5-2milllion 2 yrs , If Markov doesnt re-sign)

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Smyth-Cleary-Bertuzzi

Samuelson-Filpula-Franzen

Maltby-Draper-Kopecky

Lidstrom-Markov/Sarich

Schnieder-Kronwall

Lebda-Chelios

Lilja-Quincey

Hasek

Osgood

Those Lines are great , anyone who could say they arent those of a team that could win the cup would be crazy.

I don't think there's much wrong with this season's team. A couple of upgrades here and there and the Wings would be good to go.

[puckloo39 5,686]

Lang gone (Thank God) Calder Gone (Its too bad for him)

In : Schnieder , Markov , Bertuzzi , Chelios , Hasek.

FA's: Smyth(3.5-4 million 2 yrs) Sarich (1.5-2milllion 2 yrs , If Markov doesnt re-sign)

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Smyth-Cleary-Bertuzzi

Samuelson-Filpula-Franzen

Maltby-Draper-Kopecky

Lidstrom-Markov/Sarich

Schnieder-Kronwall

Lebda-Chelios

Lilja-Quincey

Hasek

Osgood

Those Lines are great , anyone who could say they arent those of a team that could win the cup would be crazy.

ooh, you're good! I likey ^^^ Sorry about Langer and Calder, but yeah, I think they're both gone. Love Sarich but I really like what I see in Markov, so I'd love to see him back. Do you think we can get Smythe? That would be great, he would fit in perfectly, IMO. Wondering here if the Wings will keep Bert. I see rumblings in print (probably meaningless media ramblings) that he won't be back. The Wings brass are pretty patient and loyal to the players, so I hope they give Bert a chance.

Nice. Now I am drooling for October, and your version of the Wings. Tomorrow is almost June 1, already!! How's that for positive thinking?

Edited May 30, 2007 by puckloo39

[jaymcfly 0]

^ yeah i agree, if we are able to bring scheids markov hasek and bert back i dont think we need to make a major splash plus we wont have the money to do so if we tie all them up, there are some good lower cost players out there we could add just to tweak like pyatt or barnes, i think smyths going to go for more than 3.5-4 so i think hes off the wings radar if we keep bert

[Guest Crymson]

His value went down when the Habs chose Andrei Markov.

That only leaves 28 teams besides we and the Habs.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

ooh, you're good! I likey ^^^ Sorry about Langer and Calder, but yeah, I think they're both gone. Love Sarich but I really like what I see in Markov, so I'd love to see him back. Do you think we can get Smythe? That would be great, he would fit in perfectly, IMO. Wondering here if the Wings will keep Bert. I see rumblings in print (probably meaningless media ramblings) that he won't be back. The Wings brass are pretty patient and loyal to the players, so I hope they give Bert a chance.

Nice. Now I am drooling for October, and your version of the Wings. Tomorrow is almost June 1, already!! How's that for positive thinking?

Thats very positive thinking !

I always love FA , its so exciting. You never know whats going to happen , whos going to sign where. I really do think we can get Smyth , and if Bertuzzi is about the cup as apposed to the money at this stage is his career , I think he'll stay.

I agree with the Sarich/Markov thing too , Markovs good season and great playoffs would make me want to keep him. But Sarichs size would make me interested in him, Plus I hear hes a good team guy. Either would suit our team great !

[Guest Crymson]

You may be assured that Holland will not attempt to sign Ryan Smyth unless no other viable options exist. He is one of the best GMs in the league, and will thus recognize that paying top-dollar for a twin of a player we already have (Homer) is less than wise.

Backstrom isn't going anywhere. They'll move Manny Fernandez if they move a goalie...

That's Backstrom's choice, as he is a UFA.

Edited May 30, 2007 by Crymson

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

You may be assured that Holland will not attempt to sign Ryan Smyth unless no other viable options exist. He is one of the best GMs in the league, and will thus recognize that paying top-dollar for a twin of a player we already have (Homer) is less than wise.

Our Team with Smyth>Our Team without Smyth.

He does so much more then scoring that could help our team , Scoring big goals in the playoffs and the leadership he brings.

[jaymcfly 0]

Our Team with Smyth>Our Team without Smyth.

He does so much more then scoring that could help our team , Scoring big goals in the playoffs and the leadership he brings.

i wouldnt say that smyth and homer are the same player, smyth is a great player and any team would love to have him, he is going to get top dollar this summer though and holland cant go out and make a multiyear deal on a large contract since zetterbergs will be up in two years, furthermore we need right wingers and a center (if babs keeps zetterberg and datsyuk on the same line) not more left wingers, almost everyone on the team is left handed, bert is the best immediate choice and then we should look at hartnell who would be a great fit and the price should be reasonable

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

i wouldnt say that smyth and homer are the same player, smyth is a great player and any team would love to have him, he is going to get top dollar this summer though and holland cant go out and make a multiyear deal on a large contract since zetterbergs will be up in two years, furthermore we need right wingers and a center (if babs keeps zetterberg and datsyuk on the same line) not more left wingers, almost everyone on the team is left handed, bert is the best immediate choice and then we should look at hartnell who would be a great fit and the price should be reasonable

Bert wont get more then 2 million from any team , except the Isles who would offer him a 6 million dollar a year deal for 100 years.

We can afford both Smyth and Bertuzzi. Smyth will get 8 million from Columbus and Chicago and Philly. But who cares ? If he is about the money I dont want him , I dont think he is , I think he'll take 3-4 million on a contender

[canadienhater 0]

^ Pretty much agree however I'd be shocked if Holland is able to re-sign both Schneider, & Markov...Somewhere Isles GM Snow is lurking in the shadows near Joe Louis Arena ready to kidnap poor Mathieu, & will hold him hostage with bundles of Wang's hard earned $$$ - more or less forcing him to sign a 25 year $7.6 million per year deal guaranteed

In all honesty I see Schneider re-signing, but Markov is a different story.

i agree what about brad staurt what would he cost

Schneider's overal minutes can be replaced by spreading them out between the youngsters. All we need is to replace his presence on the powerplay, which can be done for a lot cheaper than what Schneider will get...

For all of the talk about how key the guy is to us, we are under .500 in playoff games that he played in since coming to the wings...not saying it is all his fault by any means....

I think that for the money, the Wings can do a lot better. Our powerplay is focused far too much on setting up the point shot. With Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Holmstrom, Bertuzzi, & others out there on the forward lines, we need to start working on getting it down low more often rather than relying on the point shot.

yah but that s what the ducks did was key on lidstrom and stop the passing down low

I think if Dom does leave, the Wings would either have to put faith in Ozzie and Howard or go for someone like Backstrom . He'll probable want a lot more money than he's on now but he would definetly be cheaper than Giguere.

how about toskala get a guy who has something to prove in the last year of his deal