Who retires?

[Blaayze 25]

I really hope dom doesnt come back, we need to find out what we have in Howard, before miller comes out. To see whos staying and whos going in that department.

As well, we have so many young defensive stars that need to come into their own. Like Erickson, Meech, Quincey, etc. I would much rather see those guys come up!

but, with drake, He can do whatever he choses and ill be happy.

[paulwoodsfan 52]

Up until the playoffs I assumed Chelios would be back, and I was fine with that. But he really seemed to lose a few steps at the end of the year, and sitting him down was the correct decision.

Aside from that, if the Wings keep all six of their playoff d-men (which assumes they re-sign Stuart) they would not be able to also keep Meech, Quincey and Chelios. Meech and Quincey can no longer be sent down without clearing waivers. Personally I really liked Meech's game when he played a lot in February (in fact, I liked it more than Lebda's, altho Lebda surprised me with how effective he was in the playoffs) and I really liked what I saw of Quincey in last year's playoffs. Then there's the fact that Ericsson seems to be ready to step into the lineup. He can still be sent down to GR next season, I believe, but if he's as good as he's touted I'd like him getting NHL experience. Add it all up and I hope Holland talks Chelios out of returning. If Stuart does not re-sign, I guess the Wings might be more inclined to bring Chelios back.

I'd let Hasek retire unless the Wings have decided Howard will never develop into an NHL-calibre netminder. Regardless, the money has to work, i.e. he can't make any more than he made this year. (Does anyone remember the terms of his deal -- isn't there a sizable bonus if the Wings win the Cup?)

I'd be OK bringing Drake back but I imagine he will retire. Helm appears ready to play and I thought Abdelkader looked ready when he was in the lineup. Plus Kopecky will be back, and Ville Leino is coming in altho I expect he'll be in GR by November.

Holland was quoted in one of the papers a few weeks ago as saying the Wings prefer to keep guys in the minors for two or three seasons, so even Helm is not a lock to be on the Wings next season. But they should be trying to add one or two young guys each year -- say Helm and Ericsson next year, Abdelkader and Kindl the year after that, and so on.

[MiHockeyGuy30 0]

If Cheli stays, do you think Lilja does? Lilja is a UFA this offseason as well, and if he leaves then that leaves room to keep up both Meech and Quincey.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Hopefully Chelios and Hasek will. Two great players, but it's time.

I'm thinking Drake will as well. The style of hockey he's played in his career definitely ages a guy faster. Who knows though. The thought of repeating is very tempting to most players.

[SnipeShow 0]

I wouldn't mind having Hasek back, but I wouldn't be surprised if he went elsewhere (Panthers, Coyotes, Kings)

Dom wouldn't play anywhere he doesn't have a legit shot at winning the cup

[egroen 384]

The Wings have too many players... it will be interesting to see what Holland does.

Drake, Downey, McCarty, Helm, Abdelkader, Hartigan -- how many of these forwards will be playing for the Wings?

On defense - Chelios, Lilja, Meech, Stuart, Quincey, Eriksson -- only room for 3 of them.

[Superman54 91]

I hope Hasek does not return to Detroit TBH. I love the guy, but it is time for Howard to step up beside Ozzie. Same goes for Chelios, alot of people have been waiting to get their shot with the Wings, Kindl, Meech, Quincey, and Ericcson (who I guarentee will be in our lineup next year, Babs loves him) so I hope Hasek and Chelios retire while they are on top.

[VM1138 1,921]

It's up to Hasek. He didn't play all that bad for us, and as a pure backup he'd be fine. He's proven he can be a team player and you don't let people like that go. If he can accept being a backup and go for cheap, I say bring him back and just give Jimmy Howard a few more games. So instead of a Tandem it'd be....a Tri-dem?

EDIT: Oh, and Chelios should stay. His experience is priceless. Let Lilja go and bring Ericcson up in his place. Then our defense has been upgraded even more. Can you imagine watching that defensive squad go at it? And then Eric could learn from Chelios which has shown to be priceless. Look how well it helped Jiri Fischer.

As for Drake....I'm torn. He wasn't really there for the regular season, but came up huge in the playoffs. But now that his storyline has ended, I think he'll retire. Either way, the guy was great for us and I wouldn't mind if he stuck around.

Edited June 5, 2008 by VM1138

[drwscc 212]

It's nice to have so much depth, that getting rid of at least 2 HOFers is something most people on the board really want to happen.

I think Drake retires, Hasek might retire, but won't be back in the D if he doesn't, and Chelly comes back again. He's said he wants to play till he's 50, and his conditioning is superb, so he might be able to do it.

[redwingsgirl 0]

If you listen to Drake's postgame, it really sounds like he would have hung up the skates last year if he wasn't given the opportunity to play for Detroit. i think he will be done.

[RedWingAbner 13]

The Wings have too many players... it will be interesting to see what Holland does.

Drake, Downey, McCarty, Helm, Abdelkader, Hartigan -- how many of these forwards will be playing for the Wings?

On defense - Chelios, Lilja, Meech, Stuart, Quincey, Eriksson -- only room for 3 of them.

Hartigan is gone. He showed he's worthless.

You left Kopecky off that list-- really, Helm played because Kopecky was injured. I love what Downey brought to the team, but McCarty plays the same role and can actually skate, so I'd guess Downey is out. Drake may retire. Abdelkader could still use some seasoning, but he could also play Drake's role.

Chelios, in my opinion, is still a better choice than Lilja. It seemed that Lilja was afraid of getting hit and the Penguins sensed it. Meech is a decent guy to keep around because he can play up front.

My guess? Chelios re-signs, Meech re-signs, Stuart either re-signs or is villified for taking a large contract elsewhere, Quincey is traded, Lilja is let go, Ericsson steps into Lilja's role.

[OsGOD 3]

Sadly... Sir Dallas is gone.... but it was awesome to see him finally lift the cup with team that introduced him to the league!

way to go out on top!

[tubaguy 0]

I think if Hasek is completely willing to accept the backup role, that's fine. I mean, really, would there be a better backup goalie in the league?

Word,

LDi03

Hasek wouldn't be a good backup goalie. He needs to see a lot of action to be good. Part of his downfall this season were the many games he missed towards the end of the season. What makes a good backup is someone that can play without warning or repetition.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Funny how last year everyone was saying that Chelli can play until 50.

Now everyone wants him gone already for some reason. Puzzling.

[egroen 384]

You left Kopecky off that list...

I have taken for granted he will be playing for the Wings... the guys I listed may or may not.

[ifonlyicouldskate 11]

I heard on stoney and wojo that chelios will be back if holland wants him... He does not want to retire just yet. Maybe he will play to 50???? who knows???? as long as he can help our young Defensemen become studs then I'm all for it.

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20...sek_consid.html

omfg even when hes being classy i cant understand him. We put you out on top Hasek. Enjoy it and watch Howard grow into a number one goalie now

[Fireside 0]

I heard on stoney and wojo that chelios will be back if holland wants him... He does not want to retire just yet. Maybe he will play to 50???? who knows???? as long as he can help our young Defensemen become studs then I'm all for it.

Hell, wasn't he talking about playing on the US Olympic team in 2 years a couple of months ago?

[wingsownnhl43 14]

Funny because this was just brought up in the Shanahan thread. Everyone commented on how much of a class move it was on Shannys part that he was able to recognize that by him staying he would hinder the development of the team. Same goes here. Hasek needs to step aside. Howard needs to make the next step. There also should be spots open for our young defenseman to make the next step.

If it were up to me

Good Bye Hasek

Good Bye Chelios

I think Drake will retire. He was a great piece to the puzzle, we should definitely look into finding a player similar to him.

[Grim 5]

Drake, Hasek, Chelios.

Maltby should also go... but he may want to play out his contract.

[jvxp 0]

hasek and chelios said after theyd both liek to come back

personally i dont think either should, unless chelly is looking for a depth roll.

7th defensemen kinda thing

I hope they both retire. Cheli is slow as heck and Dom is showing his age in the game. We could be better next year with some more youth that is waiting in G.R.

[jvxp 0]

Hell, wasn't he talking about playing on the US Olympic team in 2 years a couple of months ago?

Yes he was.

[sinbin 3]

I think Drake will retire, he came back for one last shot at the cup and got it and it seems that he is ready to spend some time with his family. Not sure about Dom and Cheli, they both probably should. I mean if it were me, I would have to think that realistically at the age of 43 and 46 respectively there isnt a lot of hockey left in you, so why not go out on top?

My same thought exactly!

[kylee 727]

i hope Drake comes back but i dont see any reason why he would want to.

what a perfect way to put a cap on your hard working career to come back to the team that drafted you and win it all.

as for hasek, i can live with him being on the team again, as long as he's content as a back up.