Wing's worst offseason in years

[Steve Z 0]

Holland's goals for this offseason were resign Bert, and add a couple of defensemen.

The idea was to get us a few games further and into the finals.

Losses

-Bertuzzi

-Schneider

-Cadler (and Williams)

-Lang

Additions

+Rafalski

Same

=Hasek resigns

Unfortunatly the wings have become a less talented team, losing what helped get them to the Conference finals.

To make it worse, the team that eliminated us took two of our biggest names.

Sorry, but I have to be pessimistic about this season seeing that holland says shopping is done.

Wtf? He completly bombed in all of his goals. We have Hasek, but that's it. Rafalski replaces Schnieder.

But we don't add a couple of defensemen. And, we had more $ to do it too, with the cap!

Mine as well just let the ducks, sharks, or rangers win it all. The Wings are practically handing them the cup.

[LeftWinger 5,153]

Holland's goals for this offseason were resign Bert, and add a couple of defensemen.

The idea was to get us a few games further and into the finals.

Losses

-Bertuzzi

-Schneider

-Cadler (and Williams)

-Lang

Additions

+Rafalski

Same

=Hasek resigns

Unfortunatly the wings have become a less talented team, losing what helped get them to the Conference finals.

To make it worse, the team that eliminated us took two of our biggest names.

Sorry, but I have to be pessimistic about this season seeing that holland says shopping is done.

Wtf? He completly bombed in all of his goals. We have Hasek, but that's it. Rafalski replaces Schnieder.

But we don't add a couple of defensemen. And, we had more $ to do it too, with the cap!

Mine as well just let the ducks, sharks, or rangers win it all. The Wings are practically handing them the cup.

couldn't agree more! ONe more chance Holland... SIGN HALL!!!

[Guest REDWINGS4LYFE]

i gotta agree wit steve

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

As for the team there gonna ice , yes.

Worst offseason? Not even close , last years was worse. Losing Stevie Y had be depressed till Cleary scored his 20th goal in like March.

[Rice 42]

Lang and Calder were let go on purpose because they were non-factors. Bertuzzi was a non-factor in the playoffs. Rafalski is an upgrade over Schneider.

We lost a guy that was scratched for the majority of the playoffs, a guy that was too injured to do anything in the playoffs, and a guy who scored a big goal that did nothing for the rest of the playoffs. Huge losses! Panic!

As for the team there gonna ice , yes.

How is this team worse than last year's? Rafalski is better than Schneider. Bertuzzi and Calder weren't acquired until the deadline. Basically, this is the same team minus Williams and Lang (big deal) with Grigorenko added. Plus, Filppula and Hudler both have a full year's NHL experience under their belts.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Lang and Calder were let go on purpose because they were non-factors. Bertuzzi was a non-factor in the playoffs. Rafalski is an upgrade over Schneider.

We lost a guy that was scratched for the majority of the playoffs, a guy that was too injured to do anything in the playoffs, and a guy who scored a big goal that did nothing for the rest of the playoffs. Huge losses! Panic!

How is this team worse than last year's? Rafalski is better than Schneider. Bertuzzi and Calder weren't acquired until the deadline. Basically, this is the same team minus Williams and Lang (big deal) with Grigorenko added. Plus, Filppula and Hudler both have a full year's NHL experience under their belts.

[BeeRYCE 2]

You know what Steve Z... It's reasonable for you to think this way, but at the same time, illogical.

The players we lost were players that ended up getting overpaid. Lang got 4 million, Bertuzzi likewise, Calder 2.75, all overpaid. We lost Schneider but basically broke even in signing Rafalski, which might even be an upgrade. So what Holland resisted in doing was overpaying for guys that proved to be ineffective for us.

This summer would not be the worst. We could look at last summer, and even the summer before. Hell, first year of the salary cap, we were convinced that we would barely make it to the playoffs. If you can recall, our biggest signings that summer were Andy Delmore, Andreas Lilja, and Mikael Samuelsson. All UFAs not worth mentioning. We did good that season, and inexperienced goaltending killed us that playoffs. Well, that's not anyone's fault, as we all thought Manny would do killer.

The only downside is Holland hasn't struck sooner in terms of UFAs. Bertuzzi would have been great, but not at 4 mill, and Kozzie also, but clearly he wanted to stay with Atlanta. I'm sure Holland looks at our depth chart and realizes we have no depth in terms of 2nd line RW, therefore he will not let that gap sit. He cares about the team and will do whatever possible, at a great price, as seemingly Holland has never overpaid a player under the cap, as far as I can remember.

We're good, no worries.

[Rice 42]

couldn't agree more! ONe more chance Holland... SIGN HALL!!!

Hall! The difference maker! That would make this off-season one for the ages!

You guys are ridiculous.

[Guest Agalloch]

I'm alright with not signing anymore forwards I guess (we can do that at the deadline), but I want Markov back. He's so underrated, and imo, was fantastic last year. That's the one thing I hope Holland does before the season starts.

[Kp-Wings 3]

I'm all right with Bertuzzi, Schneider, Lang, and Calder all going. There weren't going to help this team much at all.

What I'm not happy about is our current second line. And with the lack of decent UFA's left, it will probably look that way come October (then I'm granted bitching rights, right Matt? ).

[Barrie 900]

You guys are ridiculous.

I'm with you Rice. I'm getting sick of all these discussions.

I'm glad were didn't bring back Schenider, Lang, and Bertuzzi for the prices they were signed for. Calder I would have liked to seen back, but I'm not upset he's gone.

I think a lot of people are forgetting who we already have on the team: Zetterberg, Holmstrom, Datsyuk, Franzen, Filppula, Hudler, Cleary, Draper, Maltby, Grigorenko, Kopecky, Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Chelios, Lebda, Quincey, Hasek, Osgood, etc.. We're loaded with talent, and a lot of it is young too.

The reason why Colorado got Smyth, Philly got Briere, NYR got Drury and Gomez, is they had the cap room and actually needed scorers. We have Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and Holmstrom, so we really don't have room for another high scoring forward.

Edit: I really like the team Kenny and company have put together.

Edited July 6, 2007 by Barrie

[KronwallCRUNCH 5]

How is this team worse than last year's? Rafalski is better than Schneider. Bertuzzi and Calder weren't acquired until the deadline. Basically, this is the same team minus Williams and Lang (big deal) with Grigorenko added. Plus, Filppula and Hudler both have a full year's NHL experience under their belts.

Exactly. Lang was the weakest link- GOODBYE! Calder was good his first few games, but fell off. Bertuzzi: I like the guy, but come on. He did NOTHING. Rafalski is an upgrade- the Wings are a better team and will either make a move soon or at the deadline, so what's the problem? They're a better team now than they were when they were in May.

[KevinD 1]

Holland's goals for this offseason were resign Bert, and add a couple of defensemen.

The idea was to get us a few games further and into the finals.

Losses

-Bertuzzi

-Schneider

-Cadler (and Williams)

-Lang

Additions

+Rafalski

Same

=Hasek resigns

Unfortunatly the wings have become a less talented team, losing what helped get them to the Conference finals.

To make it worse, the team that eliminated us took two of our biggest names.

Sorry, but I have to be pessimistic about this season seeing that holland says shopping is done.

Wtf? He completly bombed in all of his goals. We have Hasek, but that's it. Rafalski replaces Schnieder.

But we don't add a couple of defensemen. And, we had more $ to do it too, with the cap!

Mine as well just let the ducks, sharks, or rangers win it all. The Wings are practically handing them the cup.

nm (defeatest)

k.

Edited July 6, 2007 by KevinD

[GoWings1905 2,694]

My, what short memories we have around here. I'm pretty sure last summer has this one beat soundly in terms of the worst. Losing Yzerman and Shanahan - it doesn't get much worse than that.

Am I disappointed with the free agency period so far? Yeah, somewhat. I wanted Bertuzzi to come back badly, but other than that I have no problem with what has/has not happened so far. Realistically, losing Lang and Calder was addition by subtraction. Rafalski is an upgrade over Schneider, and well obviously the Bertuzzi loss hurts.

I have a lot of faith in the guys on the roster now, Ken Holland, and Mike Babcock. There is no reason to panic over not jeopardizing the future to overpay for players just to make a move. The Red Wings will be fine. Everyone has predicted their demise for years now, and look what always happens.

Edited July 6, 2007 by GoWings1905

[BeeRYCE 2]

To fill our second line winger gap, I think we should trade one of our d-men. Just because we have 8 steady D, and not enough up front. Poor Kindl's playing in GR again, when clearly he's NHL ready now. Just a thought.

I'm with you Rice. I'm getting sick of all these discussions.

I'm glad were didn't bring back Schenider, Lang, and Bertuzzi for the prices they were signed for. Calder I would have liked to seen back, but I'm not upset he's gone.

I think a lot of people are forgetting who we already have on the team: Zetterberg, Holmstrom, Datsyuk, Franzen, Filppula, Hudler, Cleary, Draper, Maltby, Kopecky, Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Chelios, Lebda, Quincey, Hasek, Osgood, etc.. We're loaded with talent, and a lot of it is young too.

The reason why Colorado got Smyth, Philly got Briere, NYR got Drury and Gomez, is they had the cap room and actually needed scorers. We have Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and Holmstrom, so we really don't have room for another high scoring forward.

We do have them 3, but only Datsyuk is getting top dollar, so really in terms of affected cap room, Datsyuk is all that needs to be included.

[Barrie 900]

Bertuzzi: I like the guy, but come on. He did NOTHING.

Same here, I like the guy but he was driving me crazy playing in front of the net on the PP. He couldn't get out of the way of the shot from the point, and the puck kept hitting him. If I remember correctly, it happened about 3 or 4 times.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

We will be fine, even though I am not feelin' the line up thus far.

Edited July 6, 2007 by HockeyCrazy3033

[Yzerfan1999 81]

The more I look at it, the more i realize how much the Wings lost this offseason. People ***** about Lang being lazy, but with him gone, thats 20 goals someone else has to make up. Bertuzzi didn't get much time here, but I still feel he was an impact player - not to the extent we wanted him to be - but he filled a roster spot nicely and had the ability to create plays and set up goals. While Calder was terrible in the playoffs, I think his hand injury had alot to do with it. He played VERY well for the Wings down the stretch when he was healthy. The loss of Schneider is overshadowed by the Rafalski signing, but that still leaves three full time roster spots - Lang, Calder, and Bertuzzi, that are as of right now supposed to be filled by who? Grigorenko, Hudler, and ?? I have no question Hudler can 'play' at the NHL level, but him and Grigorenko WILL NOT fill the spots left by these three guys. Listen to the names again. Lang, Calder, and Bertuzzi. 2 of the 3 are or were all-stars at one point in there career and are capable (when healthy) to put up 50+ points.

My concern right now is where are those points going to be made up? Certainly Holland doesn't think Grigs will step in with a 70pt season? I really think the Wings need to make a move for a solid 2nd line roster player.

[stevie for president 42]

what about addition by subtraction. do you honesly thing lang and calder/williams helped this team? having filppula and hudler replace them helps our team out more than you realize. and then when you hear all the hype about grigorenko and now hes filling the 4th line duties of hudler or filppula. bertuzzi i think we need to replace him but there are so many better upgrades because he didnt have a good season.

rafalski over schneider is an upgrade

i really think this team is a trade or free agent signing away from being among stanley cup favorites again.

[Barrie 900]

To fill our second line winger gap, I think we should trade one of our d-men. Just because we have 8 steady D, and not enough up front. Poor Kindl's playing in GR again, when clearly he's NHL ready now. Just a thought.

We do have them 3, but only Datsyuk is getting top dollar, so really in terms of affected cap room, Datsyuk is all that needs to be included.

Don't forget in a couple years we need to give Zetterberg his due and pay him what he's worth. IF we added a Drury, Gomez, Smyth, Briere, etc. there probably would have been a chance we wouldn't have had room to re-sign Hank. I'd take Zetterberg over Drury, Gomez, Smyth, or Briere anyday!!

i really think this team is a trade or free agent signing away from being among stanley cup favorites again.

No question!

[ZigZagYourTorso 8]

Just look on the bright side. We might have lost some people but our only competition in our division basically got raped of there talent (Nashville) so you know were going to make it into the playoffs no problem. Which means if we dont pick up any more big signings we'll still have at least 5.5mil to spend on the deadline. Heatley and Hossa are both free agents next year along with a bunch of other great players. And when I say great I mean amazing compared to whats left in the UFA market. Just imagine how happy we'd all be if we just wait it out and pick up either Heatley or Hossa!!!!

But im still rooting for Kenny to pick up Vishnevski!!!! That is if we don't get Markov back.

[BeeRYCE 2]

i really think this team is a trade or free agent signing away from being among stanley cup favorites again.

Right now we'd be amongst cup favourites.

Cup favourites last season...

Anaheim - Potentially lost Nieds and Selanne, gained Bert and Schneider in return.

Nashville - Gave their team away to charity.

Ottawa - Yes, cup favourites again, but wait until next summer. RFAs will be Spezza, Vermette, and Eaves, and UFAs are Fisher, Redden, and Heatley. All will get raises, except Redden, assuming he underachieves again.

San Jose - Potential strong team, but losing Toskala put alot of weight on Nabby's shoulders. Also, not to mention them losing Hannan will decline them, and I don't know if Marleau trade rumours are still alive either.

New Jersey - Rafalski and Gomez gone, probably a worse team.

Buffalo - Well, we all know what they lost.

So every cup favourite from last season arguably got a little worse. I'd say in comparison with those teams (aside from SJS and Ottawa), we have actually stayed on elite status more effectively.

[J-Swift 0]

Bertuzzi and Calder were clearly deadline rentals, Lang was a liability half the time, and we replaced Schneider with Rafalski. I'm really not sure why people are so bent out of shape over this off-season. If we can re-sign Markov or get a comparable d-man for our top four before the season starts, we're as good a team as we were last year.

Just because Detroit is keeping a couple spots open for guys like Filppula, Hudler, and Grigorenko doesn't mean we're throwing in the towel. I'm by no means a Holland apologist, but some of you guys are being ridiculous.

[Guest Crymson]

Lang and Calder were let go on purpose because they were non-factors. Bertuzzi was a non-factor in the playoffs. Rafalski is an upgrade over Schneider.

We lost a guy that was scratched for the majority of the playoffs, a guy that was too injured to do anything in the playoffs, and a guy who scored a big goal that did nothing for the rest of the playoffs. Huge losses! Panic!

How is this team worse than last year's? Rafalski is better than Schneider. Bertuzzi and Calder weren't acquired until the deadline. Basically, this is the same team minus Williams and Lang (big deal) with Grigorenko added. Plus, Filppula and Hudler both have a full year's NHL experience under their belts.

Great post.

People would rather panic, sorry.

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

Worst off season in years? Nah. I'd consider it a worse off season if we had overpaid for players like some teams have(Bertuzzi 4m, Guerin 4.5, Lang 4m). Look, we didn't come away with the forwards we wanted. Unfortunately the market this year was such that we would of had to overpay for players. With Zetterberg set to become a free agent in 2 years, it's imperative that we keep money to be able to sign him.

The term "youth movement" has been thrown around by commentators regarding the Wings for years now. We all knew eventually that some of the younger guys would have to step up. We began to see that last season, and I don't really see why it won't continue this season. The questionable parts of this team have now been cut out(Lang, Williams, Bertuzzi, Calder). Our defense is solid. Our offense seems a bit weak( SEEMS a bit weak, we haven't really seen what guys like Filp and Hudler will be able to do with more ice time), and if it turns out to be too weak, we have plenty of salary to make trades at the deadline.

I applaud Holland for not making a knee jerk "SIGN HIM" reaction that could have cost the organization in much bigger ways than some disappointed fans.