My Post Deadline (and beyond) Roster

[Leadzedder 4]

Hey all,

Ideally, this is what I'd like to see happen.

Sign Forsberg for 2 years @ 4m per. Sign McCarty for 2 years @ 0.6m per. Trade for Blake. Trade for Fedorov. We give up Samuelson, Meech, picks and prospects. Demote Ellis. Demote Downie.

Ok, the numbers for that. We have 5.47m to work with... at the deadline, this translates to 14.42m in full season salary. I'll use full season figures for my calculations to make it easier but what we're talking about is the portion left at the deadline of all numbers. So we are adding 6.08 for Fed, 6 for Blake, 4 for Forsberg and 0.6 for Mac, totalling 16.68m but we've lost the salaries of Samuelson (1.2), Downie (.52), Meech (.48) and Ellis (.48). Take these lost salaries and add it to the 14.42 number and you have 17.1m. So it fits. It's close, almost close enough to get Downie back up but he put us over 23 man roster so no dice for Downie. For the playoffs we can always bring him up as we won't be restricted to 23, so all good. Quincey and Ellis too for that matter.

So my proposed lineup...

Fedorov Datsyuk Filpulla

Zetterberg Forsberg Holmstrom

Hudler Franzen Cleary

Maltby Draper McCarty

Extras -> Kopecky, Drake, Downie

Lidstrom Rafalski

Kronwall Blake

Chelios Lilja

Extras -> Lebda, Quincey

Hasek

Osgood

I think that lineup is ideal. Those first 2 lines are crazy. Dats and Fed would be a ridiculous. And the Zett / Fors line would just plain dominate. Blake would be a good fit. Definitely need a high caliber dman that could play in our puck possession system, but at the same time could cross check someone in the face if need be. Well, that may be an exageration but definitely someone a tad meaner that commands respect and clears the crease. So the numbers work but is it really doable? I think so. Assuming of course...

Forsberg signs with us. That topic has been talked about at length but I sure hope he does. It's a great fit for him and the team. Impact (understatement) player, not giving up assets to get him. Let's us run the DZH line or not. For him, winning team, great secondary scoring role, not much pressure, we have the coin to sign him for next year too. For example, next year if he goes down to injury for half the season, who gives a s***, we're the Red Wings, we're likely winning the president's trophy again so is not as important, not as much pressure on him.

Then there is the trades. Blake and Fedorov. You might be thinking "like Samuelson and Meech are gonna get us Blake and Fedorov". We got picks and prospects to trade and the fact both those guys are injured only lowers their value. I'm even half thinking we could get it done without giving up our first pick. Maybe that's delusional, maybe it's not. I'd prefer not giving up our first, and I don't want to give up certain prospects, namely Howard, Ericsson, Mursak, etc. But I guess what i'm saying is that although I don't know exactly what deal would get it done, I'm confident we could get both guys without raping our future too bad. s***, other than Kozzie, I can't even remember the last time we actually gave something up good in a trade. But even if we do gotta give up a bit more than we'd / I'd like, with the proposed line up it may be worth it to go for it. Lidstrom won't be here forever. But if the asking price for either is just plain dumb, f*** it. We'll look elsewhere or we'll "run what ya brung".

So, as for my trade targets. I think most agree Blake would be a good fit. If not him, Foote would be good and his cap hit is 4.6 so he'd fit in. Pretty much any dman would fit into this scenario capwise, as not many make over 6 mil, as long as they were a UFA at season's end. Just a sidenote before moving on, I do agree a dman is our biggest need. Feds and Forsberg are just gravy, but I love gravy.

Ok, to Fedorov. Some really like the idea, some not so much. Personally, I've been waiting for this trade deadline since he signed the contract. Would love to see him back in the jersey. I don't expect the Sergei of old, we don't need a hart trophy or even another 20 point playoff performance from him but we'd like help winning a cup and that's exactly what he would do for us. You could plug him into whatever role you needed. If he doesn't come at the deadline, i hope he comes as a UFA in the offseason.

As for Mac, if his game is NHL worthy, sign him up. If not, don't and go with Kopecky, Downie or Drake. No big deal. But if he's good enough than there's alot of positives about having him. His heart and determination. The story. The PR. Who's gonna fire up the team more, the fans more, DMac or Drake? If he's too far gone, well good on him for trying. And as for me and other DMac supporters, again we're not expecting the McCarty of old, but we're hoping he can provide a spark from the 12th or even 13th forward spot, maybe even a clutch goal.

So anyways, after we win our cup. This is what i'd like to see next season's roster... This would be a $51 million payroll...

Fedorov Datsyuk Holmstrom

Zetterberg Forsberg Bruunstrom

Hudler Franzen Filpulla

Maltby Draper Cleary

Extras -> McCarty, Kopecky

Lidstrom Rafalski

Kronwall Lilja

Chelios Lebda

Extra -> Quincey

Osgood

Howard

The ones not bolded are under contract next year. 8 Forwards, 4 D and 1 goalie totalling $35m

Player's in bold need money amounts.

Forsberg 4.0 (would be 2nd and last year of his deal)

Cleary 2.5 (4 yrs - some say he's gonna get alot more, I disagree)

Filpulla 2.0 (4 yrs - would like to get him for awhile, is 2mil enough to do that? not sure)

Fedorov 2.0 (1 yr - could probably get him for less, he may even pay to go out a Wing)

Bruunstrom 1.0 (unsure about entry level contracts work, do you have to keep cap space for potential bonuses?)

McCarty 0.6 (last year of contract, actually they would sign him for 2 years, but 1 yr twice)

Lilja 1.5 (2 or 3 years - would be a good deal, he only sucks a little bit)

Chelios 0.8 (1 yr - sure, why not? let him sit half the games and give Quincey the other half)

Quincey 0.6 (2 yrs)

Howard 1.0 (2 yrs - tempting to lock him up longer term, higher salary but they'll make sure he's their guy)

This adds up to 16 so $51m total. Not sure what the cap is suppose to go to next year but for this to work it would have to go up abit. We have 2.35 mil in bonuses this year (Dom 2 and Cheli .35) that would have to be carried over. Not sure the details of the bonuses but if we win the cup (which we will in this scenario, and for real ) I'd assume most of that is gonna come due. And as mentioned the other tricky thing would be Bruunstrom's contract.

Anyways, after our repeat, we'd say peace out to Forsberg, Fedorov (after a ceremony), Mac and Cheli and give the extra cash to Zetterberg and give the extra roster spots to the young guys coming up. That's how I see it shaking out in an ideal world.

So what about yous?? What's your take? Any of my numbers way off for resigns?

[Leadzedder 4]

Oh and another thing, I'd apologize for the long post but I only post a couple times a year, so too bad... But just wanted to add that in this thread I didn't really want to discuss whether or not we should get Fed, or Forsberg or Mac cause that's been discussed in depth, but more to whether or not you think my scenario is realistic and more importantly, what do you think / hope will happen and how does it carry over into next year.

Whatever happens, damn, we're in good shape.

[Spongewingredpants 75]

i like your enthusiasm. lets dismantle a finely lubricated team and replace it with a guy who has more injuries than Lindros, a guy who cant score anymore and a guy who is totally out of shape

yes i am on board with that.

why dont we also trade Hasek for Emery while we are it?

Edited February 3, 2008 by Spongewingredpants

[LIDDYGIBBY5 1]

I think that we should make at least one trade before the deadline. I have trouble thinking that sending away someone from the active roster would benefit this team. I'm not opposed to sending a prospect or two and a pick for a depth D-men or top six forward. The only player that I would even consider moving would be Kopecky, but it would have to be a lights out deal. If it ain't broke, don't fix it; supplement it.

[b.shanafan14 733]

It all sounds pretty good, in theory. But I guess I better start poking holes in theory

- As much as I HATE Forsberg, I can't help think the Foppa-Zata-Homer line would be great, except that lately all have had injury trouble, worst of which being Forsberg

- Federov is Lazy and He Sucks, sorry to break it to everyone, but these days the guy is getting paid something like $6 M a season in Columbus to do exactly dick. He'll go where the money takes him, and Detroit certainly ain't gonna be willing to pay him much.

- My feelings about Darren McCarty are as follows: Loved the guy during the cup runs, was indispensible as a character guy and enforcer and still somehow chipped in goals. I think McCarty's luck has run out tho. I appreciate what the guy is doing trying to get back, but I think its too little too late.

- I would keep the legs in the D line up (Lebda) and lose the dead weight (Lilja)

- Blake would be good I think, though he definately isn't getting any younger. Then again, neither is Chelios and maybe he could get a boost from being on a contender for a change.

In a perfect world, we would get everyone in their prime at a price even cheaper than they are going for now. But since Bertuzzi isn't banned from the league for the hit on Moore, Pronger isn't in a wheel-chair, and Yzerman and Shanny ain't in the Winged-Wheel, No.1 and 2 in scoring in the NHL, the world must not be perfect. I hope we do make some move at the deadline, keeps the excitement up a bit as long as you don't mess with the core and as long as you don't take on another Todd Bertuzzi.

[Leadzedder 4]

Hey sponge, thanks for the reply. We'll call it dumb reply #1.

Dismantle? Dude, I traded away Samuelson and Meech.

But your reply reminded me of something. I actually meant to talk about that and forgot. The one possible downside of my proposal is bringing in 4 new players into a team that already works great, meaning is 4 new faces too many? Maybe but for 2 of them it's just returning home. Bringing in 2 new big names in Forsberg and Blake might be an adjustment but I think with Detroit's leadership and dressing room, it would be a positive and nto a negative.

[Spongewingredpants 75]

Hey sponge, thanks for the reply. We'll call it dumb reply #1.

Dismantle? Dude, I traded away Samuelson and Meech.

But your reply reminded me of something. I actually meant to talk about that and forgot. The one possible downside of my proposal is bringing in 4 new players into a team that already works great, meaning is 4 new faces too many? Maybe but for 2 of them it's just returning home. Bringing in 2 new big names in Forsberg and Blake might be an adjustment but I think with Detroit's leadership and dressing room, it would be a positive and nto a negative.

i am sorry. you put in so much effort into something that will only happen when hell freezes over. I'll be quiet now.

[b.shanafan14 733]

i am sorry. you put in so much effort into something that will only happen when hell freezes over. I'll be quiet now.

It does suck that sometimes I feel we come off as cinical asses as a forum whenever someone has something they are passionate about. But we're just being realistic.... sorry Leadzedder

[Zion 93]

Your post was so in-depth that I was almost buying into it.

Thank you, Sponge, for bringing me back to Earth.

[Leadzedder 4]

i am sorry. you put in so much effort into something that will only happen when hell freezes over. I'll be quiet now.

lol, all good man. yeah i'm not about to bet money this is exactly what is gonna happen, cause that would make me retarded. but s*** dude, we got a whole bunch of cap space and i'd like to see the wings use some of it to give us the best shot. we've got a good shot at it, i want wings management to go for it. as for your description of the 3 forwards, they are all low risk, high reward guys. 2 them don't cost anything in assets and the other would come cheap. We don't need 1st line allstars, we need complimentary players. Fedorov is perfect for that. Mac, well, what's the downside, noone's pinning our cup hopes on mac, if he comes back cool, if not cool.

Anyway, what do you want to see happen?

[Spongewingredpants 75]

It does suck that sometimes I feel we come off as cinical asses as a forum whenever someone has something they are passionate about. But we're just being realistic.... sorry Leadzedder

i agree

[esteef 2,679]

All I want is for people to spell DOWNEY correctly.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Hmmmm..... To be honest I don't like the idea of switching McCarty for Downey. Downey's been an awesome team player from the start here and has definitely earned his spot on this team. Moreover, Downey's a fantastic fit for this team:

-->He picks his spots. I've yet to see Downey fight someone and have it cost the team. Downey always brings someone else to the box if he goes in- he doesn't take dumb roughing minors or other s*** some of the less judicious fighters out there do.

-->He's a big part of team moral- fun in the locker room, happy with his role and limited ice-time, and he always sticks up for the star players. He's not in the ice floating around looking for fights as much as he's on the ice giving the stink eye to people who take liberties with our boys.

-->He's not a big liability when out there. He can still skate and doesn't make horrible defensive mistakes compared to other enforcers.

I'm really pumped that D-Mac is getting his life back on track. I sincerely hope he keeps getting into game shape and plays better and better. I'd LOVE to see him get a training camp invite

As for Feds. He's still my favourite Wing of all time. Up there with Yzerman and Gordie. But at this point in his career he's a depth player on this team. Throw him on as the third line centre, NOT in the top 6! I'd rather see Hudler up there.

I've got a feeling Feds would turn it up in the playoffs anyway and would greatly benefit from returning to this team. His hands and head are still there. I still remember his game winning shoot-out goal at the start of this season. He hasn't lost his skill, but he has lost all of his motivation. And lets face it- Fed had motivation issues during the regular season with the Wings too. All I care about is the fact that he's a beast in the playoffs.

So throw Feds on the third line and let him prove that he's still got top six chops.

Lilja's not dead weight unless we get another BIG and PHYSICAL d-man. Lilja was vital to our team last run. He lead the league in hits during the playoffs and served an important role out there. When we played big physical teams (ie. the entire playoffs ) Lilja was out there banging bodies and serving up grit. You drop guys like that without replacing them and it lets this team get pushed around. Remember how proud we all were of this team's ability to stand up against the rough play of Calgary and San Jose? A big part of that was Lilja's physical play.

Edited February 3, 2008 by Drake_Marcus

[Spongewingredpants 75]

All I want is for people to spell DOWNEY correctly.

lmao

[Lou_Siffer 1]

All I want is for people to spell DOWNEY correctly.

y?

[Leadzedder 4]

It all sounds pretty good, in theory. But I guess I better start poking holes in theory

- As much as I HATE Forsberg, I can't help think the Foppa-Zata-Homer line would be great, except that lately all have had injury trouble, worst of which being Forsberg

- Federov is Lazy and He Sucks, sorry to break it to everyone, but these days the guy is getting paid something like $6 M a season in Columbus to do exactly dick. He'll go where the money takes him, and Detroit certainly ain't gonna be willing to pay him much.

- My feelings about Darren McCarty are as follows: Loved the guy during the cup runs, was indispensible as a character guy and enforcer and still somehow chipped in goals. I think McCarty's luck has run out tho. I appreciate what the guy is doing trying to get back, but I think its too little too late.

- I would keep the legs in the D line up (Lebda) and lose the dead weight (Lilja)

- Blake would be good I think, though he definately isn't getting any younger. Then again, neither is Chelios and maybe he could get a boost from being on a contender for a change.

In a perfect world, we would get everyone in their prime at a price even cheaper than they are going for now. But since Bertuzzi isn't banned from the league for the hit on Moore, Pronger isn't in a wheel-chair, and Yzerman and Shanny ain't in the Winged-Wheel, No.1 and 2 in scoring in the NHL, the world must not be perfect. I hope we do make some move at the deadline, keeps the excitement up a bit as long as you don't mess with the core and as long as you don't take on another Todd Bertuzzi.

I agree with most of your post. Yeah Forsberg is an Av but if he comes to detroit, I'll see him as a redwing from that point on. If we had to trade future to get him, i'd say nah, but the fact is all it would cost is cap space, which we got plenty. As for Mac, yeah I'd bet he's probably done too. but if he's not, give him the 12th / 13th spot. Shouldn't be much to talk about / complain about with Mac, he either is good enough or not, whatever.

As for Feds, I totally disagree. But I won't try to change your mind. If he makes his way back here, I'll be able to say "I told you so". It'll be fun. Good times even. As for how much he makes, that really doesn't matter, as we'd only be paying a small portion of the 6 mil. If he sucks, which he won't, the wings don't have to resign him next year. So talking money about feds is a non point, for a playoff pickup anyway. We can drop the Fedorov talk or if you want I can ask, what wing forwards would be better for this playoff run than fedorov? Not sure if I worded that correctly. I'd guess he'd come in at our 7th best forward. If we could get him cheap, with his experience, playoff resume, and versality, you can't pass it up. More than that I would guess he'd be f***inig stoked to come back, and I think his play would show it.

[Leadzedder 4]

All I want is for people to spell DOWNEY correctly.

plus 1 for the post count, nice job

but really, that's not too much to ask. here i am asking for 4 new players and you just want downie's name spelled downey. i feel greedy. At least you still knew who i was talking about, cause that woulda sucked.

[esteef 2,679]

plus 1 for the post count, nice job

but really, that's not too much to ask. here i am asking for 4 new players and you just want downie's name spelled downey. i feel greedy. At least you still knew who i was talking about, cause that woulda sucked.

wurd. (2 for the post count!)

[Spinner 6]

It does suck that sometimes I feel we come off as cinical asses as a forum whenever someone has something they are passionate about. But we're just being realistic.... sorry Leadzedder

well stated

besides, imho, I wouldn't give more that 500k for Forsberg, it's getting hard to remember when he's last played a complete season without some injury or another. Why pay 1 or 2 mil for someone who's not all that dependable plus I fear if we ever played the Avs with him on the team, he would accidentally pass them the puck....probably not, but still... Not that I dislike Forsberg or anything.

Edited February 3, 2008 by Spinner

[Leadzedder 4]

Drake.... yeah I agree Downey has done his job well. I like having Downey as a much needed tool. As for Mac, I'm not really campaigning for Mac over Downey, I'm just kinda gonna see how it plays out. Camp invite, I'm cool with that. Fed on the 3rd line, ok, i'm down with that too. As for Lilja, i'm not sure if you were directing that at me but I'm with you. I like what Lebda brings to the team but for for playoffs, I have Lilja ahead of him. I expect him to play big again this spring.

[Leadzedder 4]

wurd. (2 for the post count!)

Oh I'm all about the post count. For example....

[Leadzedder 4]

Oh and another thing, I'd apologize for the long post but I only post a couple times a year, so too bad... But just wanted to add that in this thread I didn't really want to discuss whether or not we should get Fed, or Forsberg or Mac cause that's been discussed in depth, but more to whether or not you think my scenario is realistic and more importantly, what do you think / hope will happen and how does it carry over into next year.

Whatever happens, damn, we're in good shape.

[Mudvayneowns91 0]

If Mac comes back (and can play on a NHL level), do you think that he'll be playing as limited as Downey? Or do you think he'll at least get some Kopecky minutes?

[Leadzedder 4]

If Mac comes back (and can play on a NHL level), do you think that he'll be playing as limited as Downey? Or do you think he'll at least get some Kopecky minutes?

Yeah I suppose if he comes back and he plays well enough you may see him take Kopecky's spot. Might see Mac and Downey in and Kopecky out.

[Guest Agalloch]

i like your enthusiasm. lets dismantle a finely lubricated team and replace it with a guy who has more injuries than Lindros, a guy who cant score anymore and a guy who is totally out of shape

yes i am on board with that.

why dont we also trade Hasek for Emery while we are it?

I agree. Might as well just have a fantasy draft if we're going to f*** the team up that much.

Anyone that suggests the Wings trade for Fedorov automatically has no clue what they're talking about IMO. The guy sucks now. Get the ******* nostalgia out of your system.