Shaman 713 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 (edited) First, We extend Zetterberg for the next 100000 years next, don't resign Hasek, its time to let Howard dress every game. Third (and this may make me hated), Let go of Lebda, and Sammy, its time to bring up some youth, Kindl, Ericson, Quincey wont be young forever, its time for them to step up and get some experience in the NHL, and Hudler really should be on the 2nd line not the forth, he plays about half the time as sammy but puts up the same numbers, time to see what he can do with some real ice time. Fourth, Resign Stuart, Kronwall and him work so well together and make our D the best in the league, hes young, and has had a taste of the cup, I think he wants another one. As for Cheli and Drake, I say keep Drake, maybe sign him for a 2 year at 1 million a year. Cheli, well if he can go 1 year, cant hate depth and his work ethic hes good to have around for the kids that need to come up to learn from. As for big pick ups of UFA, if we can get someone for the 2nd/3rd lines for under 2 million a year I wouldn't complain, but this isnt the time to rock the boat too much, we have some great talent in the minors and a cup winning team, we shouldnt do what Anaheim did and try to change the core group, they never were the same as they were last year. Edited June 5, 2008 by Shaman464 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightfall 871 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 There haven't been repeat champs since the Wings did it in 1997 and 1998. The stanley cup champions and the team that lost have struggled the next season every year after that for a reason. The season is a long one, and when it is all over in June, its very hard to get back on the horse and do it all over again. The offseason is an eternity for fans, but for the players, its short. Especially for the players who made it to the last series. By far, what we need is to retain our hunger from this season. The core is already in place for a run next season. The key will be how hungry will we be? Without that, it won't matter if we have a roster of all stars, we won't be going very far without the desire to repeat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 The best thing to do is to not change TOO much, but just to tweak a little. Lilja needs to be gone and replaced with Ericcson. That way he has all season to get comfortable playing with Chelios and learning how to be a great one. Samuelsson should only leave if we can find a responsible defensive winger with an ACCURATE slapshot. I don't know who that is. Hudler and Filpulla didn't deliver during the regular season, and so we may need some more depth JUST IN CASE. Really, if you want to ensure your team is hungry to win, find a veteran (ala Drake) who has never won so he can infect the team with desire to win. So, does anyone fit this profile: Winger. Smart defensively. Well-timed shot with accuracy. Good for 15-20 goals. Maybe a grizzled veteran with no Cup? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightfall 871 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 So, does anyone fit this profile: Winger. Smart defensively. Well-timed shot with accuracy. Good for 15-20 goals. Maybe a grizzled veteran with no Cup? Sundin, but he may be too expensive. If he signed for 4m-5m for 2 years for a chance to win the cup, it would be a good match. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wing Across The Pond 196 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 I don't want him but it'll be interesting to see if there a fight over brooks orpik (who calls their son brooks by the way) as he's a UFA this year. Had a good series against us and I'm sure he'll have a lot of interest. Just a random thought as I would say he's a good defence-man, lets sign him, but honestly I don't think we need to change anything on D - it's solid but even if we let players go we still have real talented kids to bring in so no change on D, keep what we've got. Just wingers really, our centres are fine. Helm will be a great player (may even be up a line next year as I think he deserves to and could manage it) and is amazing on the face-off, as is Drapes. Give Flip time and he'll come through and Dats/Z whoever starts centre on that line will kill. Just wingers in my book. Not even a goaltender change as we have Howard who has at least some NHL experience already. Things looking up in my books. GO WINGS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SUPERSTUD 0 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 I'll bet money that Hudler is traded this summer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
imisssergei 0 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 First, We extend Zetterberg for the next 100000 years next, don't resign Hasek, its time to let Howard dress every game. Third (and this may make me hated), Let go of Lebda, and Sammy, its time to bring up some youth, Kindl, Ericson, Quincey wont be young forever, its time for them to step up and get some experience in the NHL, and Hudler really should be on the 2nd line not the forth, he plays about half the time as sammy but puts up the same numbers, time to see what he can do with some real ice time. Fourth, Resign Stuart, Kronwall and him work so well together and make our D the best in the league, hes young, and has had a taste of the cup, I think he wants another one. As for Cheli and Drake, I say keep Drake, maybe sign him for a 2 year at 1 million a year. Cheli, well if he can go 1 year, cant hate depth and his work ethic hes good to have around for the kids that need to come up to learn from. As for big pick ups of UFA, if we can get someone for the 2nd/3rd lines for under 2 million a year I wouldn't complain, but this isnt the time to rock the boat too much, we have some great talent in the minors and a cup winning team, we shouldnt do what Anaheim did and try to change the core group, they never were the same as they were last year. Wow. Sammy and Ledba absolutely should be back. They both pay very important roles, and fit very well into the teams chemistry. Sammy's defensive play is often overlooked. There is a reason he is out there at the end of games. With guys like Datsyuk, Zetterburg, Maltby, Draper, Franzen, and Cleary who are all so defensively sound, that is just a testament to how good defensively Sammy is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shaman 713 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Wow. Sammy and Ledba absolutely should be back. They both pay very important roles, and fit very well into the teams chemistry. Sammy's defensive play is often overlooked. There is a reason he is out there at the end of games. With guys like Datsyuk, Zetterburg, Maltby, Draper, Franzen, and Cleary who are all so defensively sound, that is just a testament to how good defensively Sammy is. Its not they arent sound in their positions, but, its time to let some other people step up, in my opinion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 First, We resign Zetterberg for the next 100000 years. (text removed to save space) Woh woh woh there buckaroo. Kindl is far from being NHL ready. He's had a really rough season in the AHL and looked just terrible down there for most of the year. Kindl needs time to get his stamina up to NHL standards and adjust better to the quicker pace of the NA game. He's still years away from playing in the NHL based on his progress this year. Kindl's definitely a bluechip prospect as far as the sheer amount of talent that kid has, but he's still a work in progress. Good thing he still has a few years of waiver exempt status left! Ericsson is 100% read for the NHL. He was just plain dominant in the AHL- making the all star team and leading the Wings' prospects in scoring until he was called up to play in February. On top of his huge size, >100 mph slapshot (second fastest at the AHL all star game) and polished game he's got a huge fan in Babcock. Note that Ericsson was the last person to be sent back down to the Griffs when our D came back from the injury bug. Babcock's also made a point to praise Jonathan as often as possible. All that being said- there's a log-jam of D-men in the Detroit system right now and Jonathan is among the few prospects who can play in Grand Rapids waiver free next season. Quincey's far from the golden prospect many here wish he was based on his play in last year's playoffs. He's solid physically and strong defensively, yes, but he's yet to show why he's going to be anything more than a third pairing stay at home d-man. If the Wings didn't have such a serious lack of big physical d-men in their system Q would've already been traded. Note that Quincey was looking very good in training camp this year but struggled in GR after getting injured at the camp and being sent down. Of all the prospects who should've made a drive to impress this year he's probably one of the more disappointing stories. Hopefully he'll step it up again this summer and impress in camp. Regardless- I think either Quincey or Meech will be traded if Stewart, Lilja and Chelios resign. Meech, like Quincey, has no more options left in Grand Rapids. That's why the Wings kept Meech around all season when he would've benefit from actually playing somewhere. Well it looks like we've got the same problem next season except now it's Meech and Quincey warming the pine. Something will have to give. Much like Quincey, Meech made himself very interesting while filling in during a string of injuries, impressing the brass with his poise and smooth play in February. Hasek should go this season. Howard does need some time playing backup and the plan seems to have been to make that happen this year. However, the winning formula this year might throw a wrench in the works. I don't think Hasek's been strong enough down the stretch to show that he won't decline further in play next year. He's an awesome goalie, but his stock dwindles as age gobbles up his durability. Hasek's wild style of play is just too taxing on an old body and the Wings will need to give this time as a backup to Jimmy. Daniel Larsson is poised to take over Howard's position in GR, and with good reason- this kid needs a chance to play in NA and prove to the Wings brass that his play last season was no fluke. Abdelkader, regardless of his rugged play in the last games of this season, is too young and unproven to crack this squad barring some substantial retirements upfront. He's yet to play a long season so I'll bet we see him in GR next year unless he really knocks some socks off in training camp. Jan Mursak was impressive in Belville this season and will probably play in GR next season, although I've yet to hear something concrete one way or the other. Emmerton had a disappointing season after getting mono but should bounce back in GR (assuming he stays there). He wasn't spectacular when he played on an amateur tryout for GR at the end of the year, but then again few players are in their first handful of games in the AHL. Hat-trick-Dick Axelsson should have a great season in GR next year based on his steller start to the season this year in Sweden. Expect to see some great offense out of this kid- he's probably our best purely offensive prospect right now (although Mursak has great hands too). Ville Leino throws a bit of a wrench in the works because he's expected to get a strong look at the start of the year. He's sure to get a long look during training camp and at least a top six role in GR. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dantroit 0 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Isn't it funny how Holland was perceived as a bum last off-season for not getting big names, and the same thing at the trade deadline. Now the Wings win the cup and the roster only needs minor tweaking. I actually agree though, no major moves necessary here. A few depth signings and I think the Wings will be ready for next season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Superman54 91 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 What I hope to see Datsyuk - Zetterberg - Holmstrom Franzen - Filppula - Sammy Cleary - Draper - Kopecky Hudler - Helm - Abdelkader / Maltby Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stuart Meech/Lebda - Ericcson/Chelios So I don't think we have to do too much in the off season. Extend the contracts that need extending. I do hope Chelios retires so it offers up a chance for either Kindl or Quincey. I also hope Hasek goes so Howard can come up. Other then that, let Lilja go, and im almost convinced we will see Drake retiring Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 I'll bet money that Hudler is traded this summer. Yeah- because the Wings have a real log jam of NHL ready scoring wingers in the system. Hudler's not going anywhere unless there's a free agent scoring winger signing in the works or some kind of trade along those lines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RWK23 0 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 So, does anyone fit this profile: Winger. Smart defensively. Well-timed shot with accuracy. Good for 15-20 goals. Maybe a grizzled veteran with no Cup? Brian Rolston fits this description pretty well. He won the Cup with the Devils in his rookie season, but he's a home town winger who plays on the PK and can play the point on the PP. He is renowned for his shot. He's been good for 30+ goals more often than not. He made 2.5 million this year, but I don't know what he's looking for. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shaman 713 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Well heres a big question for the offseason, does Nusland go from Vancouver? If he does, where to? Hes a vet looking for a cup that the nucks will never win. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PROBIE4PREZ 58 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Datsyuk - Zetterberg - Holmstrom Franzen - Filppula - Sammy Cleary - Draper - Maltby Hudler - Helm - Kopecky Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stuart Lebda - Ericcson/Chelios Ozgod/Howard healthy scratches Mac, Downey I dont get why everyone wants Huds on the 2nd line .. he's not fast enough and not consistant on backchecking.. I DO love him on the 2nd pp .. hes pure O as for the Free agent pool... nothing would really change to me .. a 1st or 2nd line right winger would be nice but we are not desperate to fill roster spots with a overpayed inconsistent scorer .. Filppula - Datsuyk - Homer Franzen - Z. - Free Agent Cleary - Draper - Maltby Hudler - Sammy - Kopecky Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stuart Lebda - Ericcson/Chelios abdelkader will be in GR along with that Ville Vieno? and im sure Helm is safe from the waiver wire but Derek Meech is a diff story .. what to do with him?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckbags 863 Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Datsyuk - Zetterberg - Holmstrom Franzen - Filppula - Sammy Cleary - Draper - Maltby Hudler - Helm - Kopecky Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stuart Lebda - Ericcson/Chelios Ozgod/Howard healthy scratches Mac, Downey I dont get why everyone wants Huds on the 2nd line .. he's not fast enough and not consistant on backchecking.. I DO love him on the 2nd pp .. hes pure O as for the Free agent pool... nothing would really change to me .. a 1st or 2nd line right winger would be nice but we are not desperate to fill roster spots with a overpayed inconsistent scorer .. Filppula - Datsuyk - Homer Franzen - Z. - Free Agent Cleary - Draper - Maltby Hudler - Sammy - Kopecky Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stuart Lebda - Ericcson/Chelios abdelkader will be in GR along with that Ville Vieno? and im sure Helm is safe from the waiver wire but Derek Meech is a diff story .. what to do with him?? Give me those 20 guys to start the season and I would feel pretty good about our chances of making another run !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA Report post Posted June 5, 2008 I'll bet money that Hudler is traded this summer. ill bet you money that unless its in a blockbuster deal this dosent happen. Hes to valuable to be traded for his trade value/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 I've been thinking that Sammy COULD stay and I wouldn't mind, just so long as he isn't relied on for second line production, like he has been. We need to fill a spot up there, and then let him be a role player and I'd be happy. So we all seem to be ina greement that all we need is a scoring winger, preferably a good two-way player? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 Helm, Ericsson, Kindl, and Abdelkader can play in Grand Rapids without clearing waivers. So it's likely that will be where they are, at least to start the season. There is also a logjam on defense, where nine players cannot be sent to the minors who were under contract for this season. Look for one of Lebda, Meech, Quincey, and Lilja to be sent packing if Stuart returns; most likely Lebda. Zetterberg Datsyuk Holmstrom Hudler Filppula Franzen Draper Cleary Samuelsson Kopecky Maltby Drake McCarty Lidstrom Rafalski Kronwall Stuart Chelios Lilja Meech Quincey Osgood Howard If Drake chooses to retire, look for Meech to spend some games up front during the regular season while they sort out the Lebda/Lilja/Meech/Quincey thing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rice 42 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 Re-signing their own FA's (Zetterberg, Franzen, Stuart, Filppula) should be (and will be) the Wings priority this off-season. Hank may sign soon but I expect Franzen to wait. I'm thinking Stuart is 50/50. His wife can't leave California or she will lose custody of her kids from another marriage. I know he's a great fit here but family comes first. Hopefully he and his wife can come to a some sort of balance and agree to stay with the Wings. I don't think Filppula will be a problem, but you never know with Kevin Lowe out there. A lot depends on what happens with Stuart. If he stays, Lilja is gone. It's pretty apparent Chelios wants to stick around so he'll probably be competing with the young guys for the 5/6 spot. I like Lebda and he exceeded my expectations in the Finals but he's redundant here. I can see him being moved in favor of younger defensemen that bring other elements (Quincey, Ericsson). Kindl's not NHL-ready yet. So, I think one of Lebda or Meech will be moved. After that, I think they'll look to add a hungry veteran up front. Sundin and Rolston come to mind, but only if they're willing to take one-year deals. Franzen and Zetterberg are going to eat that cap space in '09-10. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
#19forPresident! 1 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 First, We extend Zetterberg for the next 100000 years ha ha ha Get it done Kenny! Seriously though, not much, I think Stuart is worthy of a fair offer, he scared the crap out of me at times, but he also had some timely assists, at least one timely goal, and a finals rating of +15. Other than that just off the top of my head if Drake retires I don't know where we'll find that dedicated of help in the grit department for that bargain basement price. And if he does decide to play another year I'd also imagine he'd like to at least move up to the Big Lot's price department from the Dollar Tree deal he signed this year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA Report post Posted June 6, 2008 Re-signing their own FA's (Zetterberg, Franzen, Stuart, Filppula) should be (and will be) the Wings priority this off-season. Hank may sign soon but I expect Franzen to wait. I'm thinking Stuart is 50/50. His wife can't leave California or she will lose custody of her kids from another marriage. I know he's a great fit here but family comes first. Hopefully he and his wife can come to a some sort of balance and agree to stay with the Wings. I don't think Filppula will be a problem, but you never know with Kevin Lowe out there. A lot depends on what happens with Stuart. If he stays, Lilja is gone. It's pretty apparent Chelios wants to stick around so he'll probably be competing with the young guys for the 5/6 spot. I like Lebda and he exceeded my expectations in the Finals but he's redundant here. I can see him being moved in favor of younger defensemen that bring other elements (Quincey, Ericsson). Kindl's not NHL-ready yet. So, I think one of Lebda or Meech will be moved. After that, I think they'll look to add a hungry veteran up front. Sundin and Rolston come to mind, but only if they're willing to take one-year deals. Franzen and Zetterberg are going to eat that cap space in '09-10. I didnt know that... Im suddenly not so sure he'd resign with us Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Systemfel 33 Report post Posted June 6, 2008 (edited) How about signing Brian Rolston for the 2nd line? Edited June 6, 2008 by Systemfel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
