What Players should the Wings move during off-season?

[redwinger4747 6]

Getting rid of Lilja and Downey?

Then we'd wind up with 2 fighting majors the whole season, both being turtles.

...because we have proven that fighting majors are important to winning hockey games

[South Dakota wings fan 7]

Here's something people might not like:

Keep Stuart and Filppula, then make NO trades or free agent signings. That's right, not ONE. No major signing, no minor signing, NO ONE! Keep all our focus and cap space in keeping the players we have, like Stuart, Franzen, Zetterberg, and Filppula. Assuming Hasek, Chelios, Drake retire, let Lilja, Downey walk.

Datsyuk Zetterberg Holmstrom

Samuelsson Franzen Filppula

Cleary Draper Maltby

Leino Helm Hudler

McCarty

Kopecky

Lidstrom Rafalski

Kronwall Stuart

Ericcson Meech/Lebda

Osgood

Howard

move Qunicey out of necessity.

I'm kinda with you here. I think we can all say that Hasek will most likely retire, or at the very least not be back. I don't think there is any way Lilja returns after rejecting 2 year extensions earlier this season and being a scratch most games this postseason. After reading the article on Mlive the other day about how Drake has been making long trips back and forth to his home on off days, I have to think if we win the cup he will retire. Can't say it would hurt my feelings to see Cheli retire either, but that right handed d-man is handy.

Re-sign Stuart if possible. I think Downey's role could be replaced by D-Mac. I think there is very little trade value for Sammy. Why not use his services through the end of his contract for the low cap hit we have and figure out what to do with him next offseason. Before July 1, get Fillpulla signed to a new deal. After July 1, I think Kenny and the boys need to get the mule and Z signed to long-term extensions for sure. Lines could look like this:

Z-Dats-homer

Sammy-Fill-Mule

Cleary-Draper-Kopecky

Malts-Helm-Hudler

D-Mac

Lids-Raffie

Kronwall-Stuart

Ericcson-Lebda

Meech

might have to trade Quincey or Lebda.

Just a thought. Abdelkader and other young guys could work there way into the lineup the following year

Goalie

Ozzie

Howard

[irishtemper14+25 11]

i say if cheli wants to play, sign him for one last yr (but i see him retiring if we win cup).

if cheli stays(and if he doesnt too) we should let liljia walk. that way ericcson or Q can take that spot for dman.

drake will retire, and i wish we got rid of sammy but i dont see it happening cuz how much babs loves him. And Kopecky will be back and will still be in the lineup.

let helm get some more playing in GR or abds...eitherway they wont play much barring injuries

this is how i see it:

zetterberg-datsyuk-holmstrom

cleary-filppula-franzen

leino-hudler-kopecky

maltby-draper-mccarty

scratches: downey, abdelkader, meech

lids-raf

krons-stuart

Ericcson/Quincey/Lebda-Cheli

[Superman54 91]

I love Cheli, but this team needs to move on, and keepin Chelios is just delaying players like Meech/Ericcson/Kindl from developing in the NHL.

My Lineup:

Datsyuk - Zetterberg - Holmstrom

Flippula - Franzen - Sammy

Cleary - Draper - Abdelkader

Hudler - Helm - Kopecky

Lids - Rafs

Stuart - Kronwall

Erricson - Lebda/Meech

Ozzie

Howard

Healthy Scratches:

Maltby

McCarty

Leino

[Kp-Wings 3]

Lilja, for starters. I really don't think I have to go into reasons why; we as Red Wings fans have had the displeasure of watching him for 3 seasons, and his faults are painfully obvious.

Next on the list, and I'm keeping the trend here for bad defenseman, is Lebda. His place in the lineup is redudant now that guys like Meech and Quicney are ready for the NHL. Besides that, I think the obvious fact of Lebda being totally useless also plays into it. He has good speed, I know that, but what's the point if he sucks in virtually every other aspect of the game imaginable? He can't put up points, he's not physical at all, and when any sort of pressure is put on him, he can make very glaringly bad defensive mistakes.

All put simpily, the only reason he was ever brought in here is because he was keeping a spot warm for the aformentioned Meech or Quincey, and since those guys are ready for the NHL, he no longer needs to be here. I honestly don't think we'll get anything beyond a bag of rocks for him in a trade, but if that's the way it has to be, then so be it. Really, as long as he's gone, I'm fine with that.

After that, it's a tossup. I'll always hate Samuelsson, even until the end time and if he were the last hockey player on Earth, so I'll be pining for his removal next season as well, but I don't think it will happen. After that, though, there are really no problems. Obviously I'd like to see a guy like Maltby or Chelios produce more, but as long as they do what they need to do (play physical, solid defensivily, PK, etc.), they'll be fine.

This is the strongest looking lineup the Wings have had in years, so we really don't need any major changes; besides a couple players that I already mentioned that should hopefully be gone next season, there really are no gaping holes, not like in some of the years past. This current group is a great mix of talent, skill, grit (yes, even I admit that), world class defense, and great goaltending. We should be pretty well set for next season.

Edited May 14, 2008 by Kp-Wings

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Gone:

Kopecky

Samuelson

Lilja

Lebda

Retired:

Drake

Chelios

Hasek

Keep:

Downey

Stuart

McCarty

Before the playoffs I would've said to move Hudler, but he's proven his worth. Chelios can stay if he wants, but I think he'll retire when we win the cup. BTW, whats up with Leino on everyones list? The guy is probably going to GR, he doesnt really serve a purpose on our team, plus he's never played NA hockey.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Gone:

Kopecky

Samuelson

Lilja

Lebda

Retired:

Drake

Chelios

Hasek

Keep:

Downey

Stuart

McCarty

Before the playoffs I would've said to move Hudler, but he's proven his worth. Chelios can stay if he wants, but I think he'll retire when we win the cup. BTW, whats up with Leino on everyones list? The guy is probably going to GR, he doesnt really serve a purpose on our team, plus he's never played NA hockey.

His offensive talents are amazing, so I honestly don't know how you can say that. If he can provide another scoring threat on the 2nd line (which we could always use more of), then why not?

Also, glad you mentioned Kopecky for the gone list, because I totally forgot about him (just shows what a lasting impression he made on me). I'm really surprised the guy hasn't become a vegetable yet, because the injuries he's piling up are ridiculous. It's draining him of any potential he had, and since he was already questionable before, I don't see what he's going to be able to accomplish after a serious knee injury like that.

I'd rather see young guys like Helm, Abdelkader, or Leino get his minutes. Kopecky = bust.

[tommingthepuck96 1]

Datsyuk | Zetterberg | Holmstrom

Franzen | Filppula |Leino

Cleary| Draper | Maltby

Hudler| Helm | Samuelsson

Hudler/helm chemistry reminds me of an early zetterberg and datsyuk duo

Drake retires, mcarty leaves/retires w/e.

Kopecky and Abdelkader a healthy scratch, both perfect subs for 4th line.

Downey stays.

My hopes atleast.

BTW, whats up with Leino on everyones list? The guy is probably going to GR, he doesnt really serve a purpose on our team, plus he's never played NA hockey.

I don't see why the wings would sign a finnish star to a 1 year contract just to send him to the minors, only to lose him next season. Doesn't make a whole lotta sense to me.

Edited May 14, 2008 by tommingthepuck96

[Guest Crymson]

Do me a favor, anyone, and find me a non-rookie player (or a player not destined for a payday in the near future) who will bring as much as Samuelsson for $1.2m per year.

Honestly, many of you expect absolute gold out of every last player.

As for moving people... chemistry. Sheesh. I don't know why some of you don't get that the Wings` chemistry, fostered by long-term retention of players and very small major turnover in the roster, plays a large part in their success.

Remember that Holland is a better GM than any of you will ever be.

Finally, I second servo and call many of you silly for speaking of breaking up or trading away a roster that will probably win us a championship. I often just don't understand people on these boards. A roster that wins the Cup is a roster that wins the Cup. Some people will apparently never be satisfied with the team. Too bad for those people.

Edited May 14, 2008 by Crymson

[Man Behind #91 1]

I say get rid of Sammy and Lilja, Lebda provides half as* depth on defense and keep our chemistry going. Just look at the "Mighty" Ducks, their team changed like 4 players if I am correct?

[YzerPucks19 4]

This topic is premature but......

The 2nd line is not good, imo. Meaning Samuelsson has to go. A few good wingers (free agents) that could help put the puck in the net, would help this 2nd line. They would be stupid not resigning Brad Stuart after these playoffs.

A few wingers that could fill the 2nd line spot for the Wings. Some are will not even talk to the Wings but some may fit in well. Some of you may think I am crazy....

Nagy, Ladislav

Naslund, Markus

Nolan, Owen

Svatos, Marek

Rolston, Brian

Ryder, Michael

Jagr, Jaromir don't think he would come.

Hossa, Marian

Langkow, Daymond

York, Mike

Morrison, Brendan

Sundin, Mats

A few Wings defenseman that are Free Agents, wow.

Chelios, Chris - UFA

Ericsson, Jonathan - RFA

Lilja, Andreas - UFA

Quincey, Kyle - RFA

Stafford, Garrett - UFA

Stuart, Brad - UFA

[jim3033 1]

Maybe Lilja. Ericsson needs some play time. Chelios can get fatigued in the playoffs but he's skilled and a good locker room guy.

[CAWingsfan25 0]

Next on the list, and I'm keeping the trend here for bad defenseman, is Lebda. His place in the lineup is redudant now that guys like Meech and Quicney are ready for the NHL. Besides that, I think the obvious fact of Lebda being totally useless also plays into it. He has good speed, I know that, but what's the point if he sucks in virtually every other aspect of the game imaginable? He can't put up points, he's not physical at all, and when any sort of pressure is put on him, he can make very glaringly bad defensive mistakes.

Ha Ha Ha. My thoughts exactly. Watching Lebda play is a little like pulling my toenails out with pliers. Painful, messy, and completely unnecessary as there are much better ways to get the job done. I wouldn't mind watching Lebda walk.

I'm torn with Cheli. I've watched his game take a nose dive, and yet I still think he does the team good. Maybe it's nostalgia, but I wouldn't mind him sticking around another year.

Other than that, I reserve judgement. Right now, I'm just concerned with right now.

[T.Low 1,011]

Why the f*** would you start a thread like this when your team is actively battling for a championship? WTF????

Yeah, WTF?

But since ya suckerred me in, I would trade to get Matt Butcher off Northern Michigan from the Canuckleheads. HE's got size. speed, hands, and can skate. He's got a pedigree ( son of Garth Butcher) he can fight, he's smart as hell, and is awesome in the face off circle. Two yeas ago he was 2nd in the BCHL in scoring, and last year did ok as a Wildcat sophmore. Fourth line of Helm, Hudler, and Butcher. Since you asked.

But WTF?, this is a mid July thread!

[MississippiWing 14]

I think if Miller is serious about wanting out of Buffalo, we have to give him a look. He hasn't been bad in the few games I've caught on tv.

[skacore 2]

Do me a favor, anyone, and find me a non-rookie player (or a player not destined for a payday in the near future) who will bring as much as Samuelsson for $1.2m per year.

Honestly, many of you expect absolute gold out of every last player.

As for moving people... chemistry. Sheesh. I don't know why some of you don't get that the Wings` chemistry, fostered by long-term retention of players and very small major turnover in the roster, plays a large part in their success.

Remember that Holland is a better GM than any of you will ever be.

Finally, I second servo and call many of you silly for speaking of breaking up or trading away a roster that will probably win us a championship. I often just don't understand people on these boards. A roster that wins the Cup is a roster that wins the Cup. Some people will apparently never be satisfied with the team. Too bad for those people.

Samuelsson has been put into a scenario where he can't NOT succeed, if all you look at is his $1.2 million and then his point total, you're missing a whole lot in between. That's not factoring in his give aways, we are an elite puck possession team and every time he shoots the puck it's a turnover and we lose possession. He had how many goals this year.... 11? and he is our sniper? For $1.2 million you can find plenty of "snipers" to play on Detroit's 2nd line and get plenty of PP time who can pot 11 goals... and gee holly, maybe a little physical presence as well!

And say we do win the cup... we are to be satisfied? teams don't look to further improve a winning roster?

[Guest Crymson]

Samuelsson has been put into a scenario where he can't NOT succeed, if all you look at is his $1.2 million and then his point total, you're missing a whole lot in between. That's not factoring in his give aways, we are an elite puck possession team and every time he shoots the puck it's a turnover and we lose possession. He had how many goals this year.... 11? and he is our sniper? For $1.2 million you can find plenty of "snipers" to play on Detroit's 2nd line and get plenty of PP time who can pot 11 goals... and gee holly, maybe a little physical presence as well!

And say we do win the cup... we are to be satisfied? teams don't look to further improve a winning roster?

He shoots the puck that much because Babcock tells him to. Do you think for a second he'd shoot that much if Babcock disapproved of it?

His shots are hard; they generally produce rebounds, and those rebounds create scoring chances.

Edited May 14, 2008 by Crymson

[skacore 2]

He shoots the puck that much because Babcock tells him to. Do you think for a second he'd shoot that much if Babcock disapproved of it?

His shots are hard; they generally produce rebounds, and those rebounds create scoring chances.

I know Babcock tells him to shoot, that doesn't change the fact he had 11 goals all year long, what if Babcock didn't encourage shooting more? 7 goals? 8? I'm just saying that he is put in a position where he can only succeed, so when people use the point to salary ratio, it doesn't really make sense in this case.

[norrisnick 1]

He shoots the puck that much because Babcock tells him to. Do you think for a second he'd shoot that much if Babcock disapproved of it?

His shots are hard; they generally produce rebounds, and those rebounds create scoring chances.

The biggest problems are when he has the puck and isn't shooting it.

Babcock needs to tell him to one-time it every time it comes his way. Period.

He can defend fine enough and is solid without the puck, but when he has the puck on his stick he turns stupid. A drunken monkey would make better decisions with the puck.

[Guest lnvincible]

i dont think Chelios is done yet...? I remember him saying he wanted to play until he was in his 50's. lol. i expect a re-sign with detroit.

[WhiteLightning91 105]

I'm missing the reasoning behind getting rid of Kopecky. He had his best year so far and is doing exactly what the coaches want from him; crash the net, bang some heads, and create scoring opportunities. When he was out there with Drake, I thought he was playing his best hockey of his career. And for those who say we need more physical presence, getting rid of our leading hitters, Lilja and Kopecky, sounds like a swell idea...

Lilja can walk if he wants anything more than $1.5M.

Some of you keep saying "Lebda can walk." Well, no he can't. He is under contract I believe through 2010-11. I could see him being moved though. He makes pennies and is a good defenseman for today's NHL, he is just a redundancy on our defense.

And what is with all the poopooing of Quincey??? I see the majority of posters are picking Meech and Ericsson over him. Now I can understand Ericsson because of his size and Babcock's liking of him, but Meech over Quincey? Meech is just a taller but slower version of Lebda; not something we are in need of. Quincey actually has a mean streak and is a gifted skater. I see him developing into Stuart v2.0.

Datsyuk - Zetterberg - Holmstrom

Filppula - Franzen - Cleary

Maltby - Draper - McCarty

Hudler - Helm - Kopecky

(Leino - Hartigan - Downey)

Lidstrom - Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart

Chelios - Quincey

(Meech - Ericsson)

Osgood

Howard

(Larsson)

Italics = Playing in Grand Rapids

Pavel Datsyuk 6.7

Daniel Cleary 2.8

Valterri Filppula* 2.75

Henrik Zetterberg 2.65

Tomas Holmstrom 2.25

Ville Leino* 1.7

Kris Draper 1.583

Jiri Hudler 1.015

Johan Franzen 0.941667

Kirk Maltby 0.883333

Darren Helm 0.597667

Darren McCarty* 0.55

Aaron Downey* 0.55

Tomas Kopecky 0.5

Nicklas Lidstrom 7.45

Brian Rafalski 6

Brad Stuart* 3.5

Niklas Kronwall 3

Chris Chelios* 1.2

Jonathan Ericsson* 0.65

Kyle Quincey* 0.65

Derek Meech 0.483

Chris Osgood 1.416667

Jimmy Howard* 1

Cap Number 50.820334

* = Projected Salary

Edited May 15, 2008 by WhiteLightning91

[rick zombo 3,739]

Here's what will happen: Detroit will win the cup

- Hasek will retire

- Drake will retire (he's stated that he only came back this year for a shot at the cup and it's been hard for him, his wife, and kids)

- Chelios will play

- Abdelkader will play a full year steamrolling through the AHL.

- Ericsson will spend another year in GR

- the only position that will be filled by UFA will be the #4 D-man (either Stuart or someone else)

- Lilja will not be resigned

- Leino will start the season in GR

2008-09 Wings: ( it looks boring but I doubt there will be many changes.

Zetterberg - Dats - Homer

Sammy- Franzen - Filpulla

Kopecky - Draper - Cleary

Hudler - Helm - Dmac/Matlby

Downey

Lids - Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart/UFA

Chelios - Lebda

Meech

Osgood

Howard.

[heikks86 21]

I'm missing the reasoning behind getting rid of Kopecky. He had his best year so far and is doing exactly what the coaches want from him; crash the net, bang some heads, and create scoring opportunities. When he was out there with Drake, I thought he was playing his best hockey of his career. And for those who say we need more physical presence, getting rid of our leading hitters, Lilja and Kopecky, sounds like a swell idea...

Lilja can walk if he wants anything more than $1.5M.

Some of you keep saying "Lebda can walk." Well, no he can't. He is under contract I believe through 2010-11. I could see him being moved though. He makes pennies and is a good defenseman for today's NHL, he is just a redundancy on our defense.

And what is with all the poopooing of Quincey??? I see the majority of posters are picking Meech and Ericsson over him. Now I can understand Ericsson because of his size and Babcock's liking of him, but Meech over Quincey? Meech is just a taller but slower version of Lebda; not something we are in need of. Quincey actually has a mean streak and is a gifted skater. I see him developing into Stuart v2.0.

Datsyuk - Zetterberg - Holmstrom

Filppula - Franzen - Leino

Maltby - Draper - McCarty

Hudler - Helm - Kopecky

(Abdelkader - Hartigan - Downey)

Lidstrom - Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart

Chelios - Quincey

(Meech - Ericsson)

Osgood

Howard

(Larsson)

Italics = Playing in Grand Rapids

Pavel Datsyuk 6.7

Daniel Cleary 2.8

Valterri Filppula* 2.75

Henrik Zetterberg 2.65

Tomas Holmstrom 2.25

Ville Leino* 1.7

Kris Draper 1.583

Jiri Hudler 1.015

Johan Franzen 0.941667

Kirk Maltby 0.883333

Darren Helm 0.597667

Darren McCarty* 0.55

Aaron Downey* 0.55

Tomas Kopecky 0.5

Nicklas Lidstrom 7.45

Brian Rafalski 6

Brad Stuart* 3.5

Niklas Kronwall 3

Chris Chelios* 1.2

Jonathan Ericsson* 0.65

Kyle Quincey* 0.65

Derek Meech 0.483

Chris Osgood 1.416667

Jimmy Howard* 1

Cap Number 50.820334

* = Projected Salary

you have Leino on the second line and Dan Cleary isnt on any line so replace Leino with Cleary and the lineup looks good

[StevieY9802 6]

IF they win the cup, I think Drake retires for sure. It's hard on his family and thats why hes here. And what a curtain call that would be. come back to where it started and win a cup. I think it would be time for Cheli to retire and then see what you want to do with Lilja. I resign Stuart if you can. Someone said he hasn't been amazing... what do you want 20 pts out of him in the playoffs? He's now more of a stay at home d-man but a good enough skater where he can jump in the rush and let's not forget what everyone always seems to be bitching about is not having a enough big hitters on the blueline. I think this top 4 they've got now is the best in years. And starting new in goal... yeah the just signed Ozzie to a 3 year deal to trade him away. Ozzie will be in net with either another veteran on a 1 year deal or Jimmy Howard, I want Howard because you gotta see what he can do on more of a full time basis, not being called up and sent down. If he can't do it you deal with that when it comes up. Other than Stuart signing or a #4 dman to replace him if he leaves I would like a little help on the 2nd PP unit. Hudler, Franzen and Cleary are good but you have not set up man. You've got pretty much two guys who will be in front of the net and a sniper. But the way they are playing now it's hard to say what they would need.

[wingsownnhl43 14]

The most likely line up

Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Holmstrom

Filppula - Franzen - Samuelsson

Cleary - Draper - Hudler

Helm - Kopecky - Maltby

McCarty - Meech

Lidstrom - Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart

Ericsson - Lebda

Quincey

Osgood

Howard

* I don't even see that Leino character even making the team

* Make room for all of Ericsson, Meech, and Quincey by making Meech a forward

NOTE - This team is about 7-8 mil under the cap. We can afford to go after a UFA for this year, but we CAN NOT afford a multi year contract being that Zetterberg and Franzen will probably get 8 mil in raises. I could see us signing a UFA veteran forward to a one year contract. Itll be interesting to see if we try and do this.