Wings among trade deadline losers

[Never_Retire_Steve 35]

I think it all depends on how you look at it. On the surface for sure I think we are losers and I don't think anyone can argue that in terms of adding to their team which is what the deadline is for.

However, at the end of the year, what team did the best with their final roster in the playoffs and setting their teams up for next year, that is when the success of the trade deadline will be seen and not yesterday.

[calfan 0]

Melrose: Trade Deadline Losers

I agree 100%.

I don't - the Avs certainly didn't get much better. They got a horse with a bad leg and a pylon. They still aren't making the playoffs.

As well, the Wings just need to get healthy again. Other than the call for more grit (which is a team problem that can't be fixed by adding 1 or 2 players), what exactly is wrong with the Wings that being healthy wouldn't fix? This team healthy had the best record in hockey and was beating everyone in sight. Ya, things suck at the moment, but is there any indication that the guys down now aren't coming back?

[marcaractac 3,963]

Teams like Montreal are losers. They gave up their #1 goalie. I cann't see how we can be considered losers at all. With the deal made, our team got better. Dallas and San Jose made moved they absolutely HAD to make to be able to do anything at all in the post season. We had a very strong team to begin with, and we just got better because now we don't have to have Lilja on our 2nd D pairing or Sammy on the point on our 2nd PP unit anymore. That big giveaway by Lilja against the Ducks last year? Far less likely now because it's obvious, barring injuries, that Lilja will get near as much ice time as last year.

But either way. Our team improved the way it needed to. Before injuries we were the highest scoring team in the league, and when we get everyone back, we will be able to dominate once again. I also think getting McCarty back is huge for us going into the playoffs. With him, Drake, Downey, and Kopecky, we won't be getting pushed around like we used to.

[Kira 451]

I don't question what we did. We did what we felt we could do without selling the farm. I'm more than willing to give Holland the benefit of the doubt. For one thing, he was working with Mike Babcock, Steve Yzerman, Jim Devellano, and I'm sure Scotty Bowman as well on this, and if they, collectively, didn't feel comfortable making a deal, then hey, they are the ones who are on top of the situation, not us. We just sit in our recliners at home and ***** and complain - we don't run the team.

Second, if you put any credibility to anything that Barry Mullet spits out, you have a serious problem that needs attention.

[imisssergei 0]

The Wings are deadline losers. Simply because the teams around them got better, and they did not.

I'm sick of reading all of the "Wings have dominated all year, and are just injured right now."

Yes, the d corp will get better when it gets healthy. But the Wings didn't address the biggest hole on the team, scoring help for Pav and Hank. For the Wings to make noise in the playoffs, Babs is going to be forced to split up ZDH. That's a bold move given the chemistry that line has. Personally, I would have liked Prospal in a Wings uni.

With names like Richards, Prospal, Hossa, Jokinen, and Fedorov being moved, it makes you wonder why no one was brought in to help out in Detroit.

The move that puzzled me the most was Huet being moved for a 2nd round pick.

All you can do is wonder what the hell could have been.

[imisssergei 0]

Teams like Montreal are losers. They gave up their #1 goalie. I cann't see how we can be considered losers at all. With the deal made, our team got better. Dallas and San Jose made moved they absolutely HAD to make to be able to do anything at all in the post season. We had a very strong team to begin with, and we just got better because now we don't have to have Lilja on our 2nd D pairing or Sammy on the point on our 2nd PP unit anymore. That big giveaway by Lilja against the Ducks last year? Far less likely now because it's obvious, barring injuries, that Lilja will get near as much ice time as last year.

But either way. Our team improved the way it needed to. Before injuries we were the highest scoring team in the league, and when we get everyone back, we will be able to dominate once again. I also think getting McCarty back is huge for us going into the playoffs. With him, Drake, Downey, and Kopecky, we won't be getting pushed around like we used to.

You won't see a playoff lineup with Mac, Drake, Downey, and Kopy in it.

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

The biggest question will be whether or not this team can score in the playoffs. Let's not kid ourselves; the defense will be fine. And I'm pretty stoked about injecting Stuart into the defensive corps. So I think we can stop worrying about that.

If, however, this team can't regain the scoring touch that it had at the beginning of the season, then I think it will be perfectly legitimate for us to question why Holland didn't bring in Fedorov. Hossa, Richards... the price was too high for these guys. But Fedorov went for very little. I wasn't a fan of bringing him back either, and I'm happy that we didn't- but if we lose games in the playoffs due to our inability to score, then Holland will have some questions to answer.

[esteef 2,679]

With names like Richards, Prospal, Hossa, Jokinen, and Fedorov being moved, it makes you wonder why no one was brought in to help out in Detroit.

The only name out of that list that would've realistically been obtainable without selling the farm would've been Prospal. And yes I would've liked to have gotten him but Holland was hanging in there trying to get Hossa and lost him. Basically, if someone told us going in that we would only be able to address one of the Wings needs at the deadline, I would've picked getting a defenseman too and I'm glad Holland chose that.

peace,

esteef

[OsGOD 3]

The biggest question will be whether or not this team can score in the playoffs.

Yup that has been our curse 197% After April 8th our "star scorers" go back to being wall flowers... pretty to look at for most but offensively sickening to watch on the ice. Hope stewie can net 30 or 40 in the post season for us! our hopes and dreams rely on his scoring touch... we already know the others don't put up goals consistantly.

[Shaman 713]

Melrose? the guy whos been 100% pissed off at detroit since 1997 and his darling flyers lost? I give him no stock, the TSN monkey has a higher percent on picking playoff winners then him.

[jim3033 1]

Melrose is a toilet bug. That guy never liked the Wings. He's half assed at best. ESPN is for football and always will be.

Stuart was a good aquisition. I think this losing streak is a good reality check for the team. I worry if the offense can adapt to a dump and chase style game. Teams know to not let the Wings get any speed up the neutral zone.

[stuart6 0]

LOL you gotta love Melrose... this is the same guy that picked the Rangers to win the Cup and gave us no chance against the Sharks last year. How can we be losers when we didn't give up anyone on our roster, picked up a solid d-man and were not stupid enough to trade a 1st round pick plus top prospects for a rental player aka Hossa.

[imisssergei 0]

The only name out of that list that would've realistically been obtainable without selling the farm would've been Prospal. And yes I would've liked to have gotten him but Holland was hanging in there trying to get Hossa and lost him. Basically, if someone told us going in that we would only be able to address one of the Wings needs at the deadline, I would've picked getting a defenseman too and I'm glad Holland chose that.

peace,

esteef

That's not entirely true. Look at the deals that went down. IMO here is what the Wings could/would have to have given up to get these guys.

Richards - Flip, Rex/Sammy, Howard, and a 1st, possible toss in Rex and Sammy and a 3rd.

Hossa - Something similar to the Richards deal, subtract Howard, add in Meech, Kindle or another d prospect.

Fedorov - I know rumors have it that the Jackets were asking Flip and a 1st, I have a hard time believing that. I understand the whole division rivals thing, but I still think that proposal was inflated. If Kenny offered up Rex and a midround pick I think Sergei could have been a Wing again.

Jokinen -Jussi, well I just like him for some reason. He really isn't much, if at all, an upgrade over Rex.

My biggest gripe is that the Wings didn't get some scoring help. I love the the acquisition of Stuart, he fits the Wings system very well, while adding some size.

Something I really don't understand is that if Kenny was really hanging in there to get Hossa until the end, he had to have known the asking price. With it being as high as it was, he had to known that he didn't want to pay that, so why wasn't he prepared to make some other moves? Christ, even a guy like Nagy would have helped. I'm sure L.A. would have moved him for a reasonable price.

[Earthhuman 8]

Barry Melrose would of still said the Wings were losers at the trade deadline If they got Sundin and Marian Hossa & Brad Richards.

And he would be speaking the truth.

[Rice 42]

That's not entirely true. Look at the deals that went down. IMO here is what the Wings could/would have to have given up to get these guys.

Richards - Flip, Rex/Sammy, Howard, and a 1st, possible toss in Rex and Sammy and a 3rd.

Hossa - Something similar to the Richards deal, subtract Howard, add in Meech, Kindle or another d prospect.

Fedorov - I know rumors have it that the Jackets were asking Flip and a 1st, I have a hard time believing that. I understand the whole division rivals thing, but I still think that proposal was inflated. If Kenny offered up Rex and a midround pick I think Sergei could have been a Wing again.

Jokinen -Jussi, well I just like him for some reason. He really isn't much, if at all, an upgrade over Rex.

My biggest gripe is that the Wings didn't get some scoring help. I love the the acquisition of Stuart, he fits the Wings system very well, while adding some size.

Something I really don't understand is that if Kenny was really hanging in there to get Hossa until the end, he had to have known the asking price. With it being as high as it was, he had to known that he didn't want to pay that, so why wasn't he prepared to make some other moves? Christ, even a guy like Nagy would have helped. I'm sure L.A. would have moved him for a reasonable price.

Richards' salary instantly removed him from the list of possibilities.

The word is Atlanta was asking for Filppula, Ericsson, a top prospect (Kindl, Smith, Howard), and a first. No thanks.

Two things about Nagy: he was hurt at the time of the deadline (neck injury) and the fact that no one traded for him makes me suspicious. This guy was useless for Dallas last year.

[stevie for president 42]

i was expecting a hossa type player, i really was, but when i saw what was given up for hossa and richards i was so happy the wings didnt make a move. i really think a lot of it had to do with rental player as opposed to long term player. bertuzzi was a waste and say the penguins lose in the 1st round and hossa signs elsewhere. thats a horrible situation they are in. i was listening to the radio last year and i think it was jim develanno that said sometimes the best trade is the one that you dont make because of chemistry issues. so who knows, this could be a blessing in disguise. also, last year, id say avery was the best trade and this year we got mccarty. im not comparing mac and avery in playing style, but as far as locker room presence and energizing the crowd are concerned i think they are pretty similar.

all in all, yes the wings didnt address the problems they needed to but to call them losers is debatable. id call the penguins losers and dallas is still up in the air on how richards plays.

How can the ducks be winners? they didnt add anyone via trade.

[imisssergei 0]

Richards' salary instantly removed him from the list of possibilities.

The word is Atlanta was asking for Filppula, Ericsson, a top prospect (Kindl, Smith, Howard), and a first. No thanks.

Two things about Nagy: he was hurt at the time of the deadline (neck injury) and the fact that no one traded for him makes me suspicious. This guy was useless for Dallas last year.

Actually no, the Wings could have absored his salary. Don't forget it would have been prorated for the remainder of the season. I believe that the Stars are on the hook for something like 1.7ish this season.

Even with the tagging rule, he still could have fit as the Wings only have about $37 tied up for next season which is still well under this season cap.

Of all the players I mentioned, Hossa was the one I wanted the least. I didn't really like the reports I was reading about how he wants to test the UFA market.

[Frozen-Man 144]

I do wonder what crappy, low-ball offer we had for Fedorov that a 3rd round prospect trumped it?

That was my biggest loss right there - that he could have been had for so cheap, and addresses a lot of our needs (and little loss if he did not pan out).

Ruth is a good 3 years away from the NHL (if he ever makes it) and was pretty low on the defensive prospect depth chart for Washington.

We couldn't get the same deal. the Blue Jackets did not want to deal him to someone in their division and especially not the Red Wings. The cost was much higher for us.

[Guest Crymson]

Actually no, the Wings could have absored his salary. Don't forget it would have been prorated for the remainder of the season. I believe that the Stars are on the hook for something like 1.7ish this season.

Even with the tagging rule, he still could have fit as the Wings only have about $37 tied up for next season which is still well under this season cap.

Of all the players I mentioned, Hossa was the one I wanted the least. I didn't really like the reports I was reading about how he wants to test the UFA market.

Richards is signed for next season as well, at the same salary.

[Rice 42]

Actually no, the Wings could have absored his salary. Don't forget it would have been prorated for the remainder of the season. I believe that the Stars are on the hook for something like 1.7ish this season.

Even with the tagging rule, he still could have fit as the Wings only have about $37 tied up for next season which is still well under this season cap.

I know we could've taken on his salary this year, but he still has three more seasons left on his deal at $7.8 million per. Zetterberg needs to be re-signed, so you're looking at Richards at $7.8 million, Lidstrom at $7.45 million, Datsyuk at $6.7 million, Rafalski at $6 million, and Zetterberg at around $7 million. That's $35 million on five players, leaving $20 million to spend on seventeen more guys. Wasn't going to happen.

[RockyMountainWingGal 108]

Seriously the guy is so annoying.

He disses the Wings unless they smoke someone then he has all kinds of praises. He LOVED the Sharks to death last year and was so shocked and devastated when the Wings beat them - looked like he would blow a fuse on the air. It's always a good thing when he picks against us - which he always does.

I especially cannot stand it when he talks about "Nicky" Lidstrom. Get his name right you dumb ass.

[mmorland 16]

Melrose is a toilet bug. That guy never liked the Wings. He's half assed at best. ESPN is for football and always will be.

Stuart was a good aquisition. I think this losing streak is a good reality check for the team. I worry if the offense can adapt to a dump and chase style game. Teams know to not let the Wings get any speed up the neutral zone.

he's still bitter we chose Bowman over him.

[imisssergei 0]

I know we could've taken on his salary this year, but he still has three more seasons left on his deal at $7.8 million per. Zetterberg needs to be re-signed, so you're looking at Richards at $7.8 million, Lidstrom at $7.45 million, Datsyuk at $6.7 million, Rafalski at $6 million, and Zetterberg at around $7 million. That's $35 million on five players, leaving $20 million to spend on seventeen more guys. Wasn't going to happen.

You said his salary couldn't fit. I merely pointed out that it in fact could.

[auxlepli 17]

I don't think the Wings made a splash at this trade deadline, but I'd have a hard time saying they were losers at the deadline. In the end it's just one man's opinion.

Edited March 3, 2008 by auxlepli

[imisssergei 0]

I don't think the Wings made a splash at this trade deadline, but I'd have a hard time saying they were losers at the deadline. In the end it's just one man's opinion.

I would agree that the Wings were deadline losers. Largely because the teams around they got better (regardless if it was the Ducks getting Selanne and Scotty back, or the Stars getting Richards) and the Wings didn't do much of anything.