Off-Season moves

[B.B. 0]

Well, it was great year. All of the critics, and all of the questions during the season have been answered. We are the champions!!! (Gosh, it feels good to say that) With that said, it is time to look towards the off-season…

Here are 5 things that must happen imo:

1. Get Babcock locked up long-term. Scotty Jr. is the best coach in the game. Hands down.

2. Re-sign Filpulla to a long-term deal. He is developing into a great two-way player, and someone who can be counted on in the PK and to score 20 or so goals a year. Bowman specifically mentioned him as one to watch, and I agree. He is 24, and will continue to get better (and he already is a 2nd-line center on a Stanley Cup champion.) My question, though, how much will he sign for? Cleary is getting 2.8 million, and Filpulla and his agent could certainly demand that he is worth more than Cleary (especially based on his potential). Could we get him signed for 2.5 mil or is that unrealistic?

3. Re-sign Stuart. +9 in the finals and 5 points in the finals? That is just sick. He and Kronwall destroyed the Malkin line, and that was the key to the series imo. (Zet, Dats, and Crosby’s line sort of neutralized each other. But, Pitt got nothing from that second line, while we got 6 goals from our second line in this series.) With him locked up, and Lids, Ralf, Kronwall, Lebda and (potentially) Ericcson all locked up for another 2 years… what a top 6. Hopefully he’ll take 3.5 mil. He certainly can earn more on the open market, but with the lure of another cup, hopefully he will take the 3.5 mil and be happy.

4. Re-sign our other RFA’s. Ericcson certainly seems to have impressed Babcock and Holland, and I would not be surprised to see him in the line-up next year. If he, Quincey and Howard combine to sign for 2.5 million then I would be very happy.

5. Bring in a veteran from outside the organization to motivate the guys. I fully believe that you cannot bring back the exact same team, otherwise complacency may set in. Bring in an outsider like Sundin or Nausland, and those guys become our rallying cry ( a la Robitaille and Hasek in 02, and Drake this year). I would say Rolston, as well, but I think Minny is going to re-sign him.

Without further ado, here are my projections for next year’s roster…

-With no FA additions, and assuming Hasek retires/ asked not to come back:

Z-D-H (11.85 million)

Franzen- Filpulla- Samuelsson (5.35 million with the assumption that Filpulla gets 3 million).

Maltby-Draper-Cleary (5.6 million)

Kopecky-Helm-Hudler (2.305 million)

McCarty (500,000)

Lidstrom-Rafalski (13.45 million)

Kronwall- Stuart (6.5 million assuming Stuart signs for 3.5 million)

Lebda-Ericcson (1.650 million assuming Ericcson signs for 1 million)

Quincey- Chelios (1.5 million) –I think Meech will be traded/waived after training camp b/c he is a similar player to Lebda and we need a big body on the bottom pairing like Quincey and/or big E.

Osgood (1.7 million)

Howard (1 million)

All in all, with this line-up, our salary total would be $51.405 million, and that is with high salary estimates for Val, Ericson, Howard and Quincey, and with us carrying 8 defensemen instead of the usual 7. So, with the projected cap at $56 million, we would have roughly 4.5 million left for the trade deadline.

-That to me is the conservative route, and one that we are most likely to go with. The next two projections are based on the idea that we sign either Sundin or Nausland.

Here is the idea if we sign Nausland. I like Flip as our second-line center. He can continue to develop and prosper there. However, I’m not too keen on Samuelsson playing a top 6 role again. Nausland can be a true sniper on that second line, and Franzen can be our power forward and Filpulla our playmaker on that line. Nausland also would have a lot of motivation. If I am correct, he has never won a Cup, and he has struggled in recent years. If he signs for a 1 year deal, and he scores 30 or more, and performs well in the playoffs on a Cup-contending team then he could command one final big money contract in the next off-season. This also would push Sammy down to a checking-line role, which is what he is suited for perfectly, and provide us with much-needed depth in case of injuries.

Z-D-H (11.85 million)

Franzen- Filpulla- Nausland (8.35 million with the assumption that Filpulla gets 3 million, and Markus get 3 million, as well).

Sammy-Draper-Cleary (5.85 million)

Maltby-Helm-Hudler (2.305 million)

Kopecky/McCarty (1.25 million)

Lidstrom-Rafalski (13.45 million)

Kronwall- Stuart (6.5 million assuming Stuart signs for 3.5 million)

Lebda-Ericcson (1.650 million assuming Ericcson signs for 1 million)

Quincey- Chelios (1.5 million) –I think Meech will be traded/waived after training camp

Osgood (1.7 million)

Howard (1 million)

This line-up would cost us $54.405 million and still allow us a little bit of money to use at the trade deadline if need be.

-And then there is Sundin. He is arguably the second-best forward available on the FA market, and might command some big money. However, if he is willing to sign for $5 million, then he would be quite the addition. To put it simply, he provides us with a lot of options. A lot. We could split up Z-D-H. Or, we could let him center a line with Franzen and Filpulla on the wings. Or it could allow Filpulla to be bumped down to the 3rd line, and Draper to the 4th and make us the strongest team in the NHL down the middle. The possibilities would be endless. But, with only $4.5 million or so to spend (again, this is based on salary projections that probably overestimate their eventual salary) we will probably only be able to carry 13 forwards and 7 D-men. Here, then, is one possible line-up:

Z-D-H (11.85 million)

Franzen- Sundin- Filpulla (10.1 million with the assumption that Sundin gets 5 million, and Flip get $3 million).

Sammy-Draper-Cleary (5.85 million)

Maltby-Helm-Hudler (2.305 million)

Kopecky ($520,000)

Lidstrom-Rafalski (13.45 million)

Kronwall- Stuart (6.5 million assuming Stuart signs for 3.5 million)

Lebda-Ericcson (1.650 million assuming Ericcson signs for 1 million)

Quincey (750,000)

Osgood (1.7 million)

Howard (1 million)

This line-up would cost us $55.675 million, and would, thus, leave us little room at the deadline to make any moves. It also would mean the end of McCarty and Chelios and I doubt that ends up happening. Also, it will stint the growth and development of Flip as a center. This projection does come with a caveat, though, If Flip signs for 2.5 mil, and Ericcson and Howard each sign for $750,00 then that opens up an additional 1 million to use for Chelli and McCarty or for the deadline, and signing Sundin becomes a lot more reasonable in terms of salary costs. It then would come down to whether or not the Wings want to add him to the team. So, if I’m the Wings, and it comes down to Sundin or Nausland, I think I have to take Sundin. He is the better two-way player, he provides us with more options, and he is still a point-a-game player who has shown no signs of declining, unlike Nausland. Markus would be the more conservative signing, but I think Sundin would ultimately prove to be the better acquisition with my only fear being that it may hurt the development of Flip. But, Flip could easily be placed on the wing as he was at times this year and have his best year ever, so that discussion would be moot.

Here, are other line-up possibilities:

Z-D-H

Franzen- Sundin- Sammy

Hudler-Flip-Cleary

Maltby-Draper-Kopecky

McCarty

-In this line-up, Helm would be allowed to dominate in the AHL and gain experience in playing in all situations.

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall- Stuart

Lebda-Ericcson

Quincey-Chelli

Osgood

Howard

Or if Scotty Jr. wants to split up D and Z...

Franzen-Sundin-Zet

Homer-Dats- Cleary

Kopecky-Flip-Sammy

Maltby-Draper-Hudler

McCarty

Or…

Franzen-Sundin-Zet

Homer-Dats-Flip

Cleary-Draper-Sammy

Maltby-Kopecky-Hudler

McCarty

Or…

Franzen-Sundin-Zet

Homer-Dats-Flip

Cleary-Draper-Kopecky

Sammy-Helm-Hudler

Maltby/ McCarty

Or..

Z-D-H

Franzen-Sundin-Cleary

Flip-Drapes-Sammy

Maltby-Kopecky-Hudler

McCarty

And, I could go on forever. Sundin, with his ability to center a first or second line and strong defensive play gives us a lot of options with lines.

Thoughts? Opinions?

[CrossoverThrash 0]

Id say ge one more forward preferably a heavy hitter to put on the 2nd line, i wouldve said malone but he got torn up and i dont think Kenny would look at him based on his performance this SCF

[Texas Wingnut 0]

Resign Stuart and Fil. but definately not Hasek. Don't go after Sundin, but look to find an experienced back up goalie to help keep Ozzie fresh for the playoffs. Look bringing up some of the younger guys depending on who is resigned. If a second line forward can be had for a reasonable price then by all means sign him, if not rely on the guys in the system. Huds and Fil look ready to take the next step. Helm showed his speed and just needs some more seasoning. No need to overpay unless the coaches don't feel confident in the guys in the minors. Leave room for a move at or near the trading deadline like this year.

[skacore 2]

I like the idea of signing Owen Nolan as this years Dallas Drake... he'd come a little more expensive but he's also that much better than Drake

[superdeluxe 0]

Babcock said he will definately be here next year, says the wife told him that she didn't want to move.

I also agree on adding a couple of veterans that are looking for rings, adds a little hunger/urgency to the group

Edited June 6, 2008 by superdeluxe

[pucker4fischer 0]

I like the idea of signing Owen Nolan as this years Dallas Drake... he'd come a little more expensive but he's also that much better than Drake

What about Craig Conroy? I always liked him as a character guy and could be this years Dallas Drake.

As far as Sundin--I think he would provide some good motivation for our team to repeat. Plus I think think hes a quality guy who can still contribute. He would fit in great with the wings

[uk_redwing 495]

None of your numurous plans involve Downey...

Im not playing...

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

I'd love to have a guy like Malone, but I don't know if he'll want to leave the Pens being a hometown guy.

Nolan would be a great choice for a 2nd or 3rd liner, since he's physical, had a solid year last year in Calgary, and has a right handed shot which we don't have much of in our lineup.

Oh, and sign Brian McGrattan. Having an enforcer is important for entertainment value, since we know that we'll make the playoffs again, and probably win our division again. Keeping these regular seasons interesting is a challenge, which more fighting might cure.

Also, we need to trade those playoff chokers Datsyuk and Zetterberg, and that old man Lidstrom, who clearly doesn't have what it takes anymore.

[paulwoodsfan 52]

I agree Priority 1 is to extend Babcock.

But Priority 2 is to get Z signed long-term. They cannot let him get to UFA status next year.

Everything else you mention would be nice, but getting Z locked up this summer is imperative.

[Reilly 24]

Get someone to replace Samuelsson on the second line. I'd throw a one-year deal at Sundin. Rolston would be a nice addition as well, but he'll want a multi-year deal, and he's already 35 years old. Try and sign Stuart, but he's not a priority.

Nolan would be a great choice for a 2nd or 3rd liner, since he's physical, had a solid year last year in Calgary, and has a right handed shot which we don't have much of in our lineup.

This team would be in trouble if Nolan ever gets top-6 minutes. At this point, he's a 4th liner on a bad skating team.

Edited June 6, 2008 by Reilly

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

Get someone to replace Samuelsson on the second line. I'd throw a one-year deal at Sundin. Rolston would be a nice addition as well, but he'll want a multi-year deal, and he's already 35 years old. Try and sign Stuart, but he's not a priority.

This team would be in trouble if Nolan ever gets top-6 minutes. At this point, he's a 4th liner on a bad skating team.

I think Stuart is very valuable, also Owen Nolan is a monster, and given his and Cleary's perfomances in the playoffs id have to go with Nolan

[KrazyGangsta 79]

1- Re-sign Stuart

2- Re-sign Flip

3- SIGN RYDER or naslund

4- Sign Nolan and drake

5- Trade Samy / howard / first for Chris Neil (so out of blue lol

6- Let chelly walk

Zettz Dats Homer

Franzen Flip Naslund / Ryder

Cleary Draper Nolan

Maltby Helm Drake

Lidstrom Rafalski

Kronwall Stuart

Ericsson Lebda

[Chaldean 0]

For the love of God people, can we enjoy this at least for a week?

[YoungGuns1340 1]

1- Re-sign Stuart

2- Re-sign Flip

3- SIGN RYDER or naslund

4- Sign Nolan and drake

5- Trade Samy / howard / first for Chris Neil (so out of blue lol

6- Let chelly walk

Zettz Dats Homer

Franzen Flip Naslund / Ryder

Cleary Draper Nolan

Maltby Helm Drake

Lidstrom Rafalski

Kronwall Stuart

Ericsson Lebda

RYDER AND NASLUND???? People need to go over to the Habs and Nucks boards RIGHT NOW to get a feel for what those fans think of those guys. You want to sign guys with heart or to motivate our players? Go with Nolan or Sundin. NOT two hacks like Ryder and Nazzy.

[wingsownnhl43 14]

I wish the NHL had the NBAs Larry Bird exception where you can go over the cap to resign your own players. That way we wouldnt have to worry about getting screwed with Z and Franzen by signing someone to a multi year deal.

[Guest mindfly]

Omg, näslund ******* sucks.. dont ever sign that dude.. his stamina and work ethic are really bad.. he doesn't have "it" period.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I like the idea of Nolan. One of my favorites, he'd fit in well with us.

For our team, Stuart and Filpula for sure. Downey and McCarty for the 12th and 13th forwards. Chelios if he wants too, I think it's time to let Dom go, and Drake is probably gonna retire.

[Echolalia 2,961]

Move Sammy, Lebda, and Lilja and bring in Sudin for our second line, then fill up the defensive positions with Meech and Quincey (or Chelios if he still has gas in the tank).

With Sammy, Lebda, and Lilja gone, that frees up 2.750, plus with Hasek and Drake expected to retire, thats 2.6 more in cap space.

Grand total: 5.35 cap space made in addition to the 4 or so that we already have makes between 9-10M in cap space that we have for next year to extend contracts, sign new players (Sudin), and save for the deadline.

Edited June 7, 2008 by Echolalia

[Reilly 24]

I think Stuart is very valuable

But on this team, he's a #4 defenseman. You don't pay #4 defenseman $4+ million dollars. It doesn't make sense. Sign him, but don't overpay. If he wants to stay, he'll stay. I don't think he put the Wings over the top, he contributed quite nicely, but lets not get carried away, here.

[RedStormRising 7]

FYI Rolston and Minnesota aren't even close to signing a deal. If he doesn't sign by July 1st then he will most likely sign elsewhere...

[therock48880 14]

Here's how I'd list the priorities:

1. Babcock

2. Z

3. Franzen (last year of his contract for 1.15 million)

4. Stewart

5. I guess this one depends on how much money is left. I disagree with saving a lot of money until the trade deadline. Spend the money in the offseason and let the person who is signed become a member of the red wing community for the entire season.

Edit: here's an mlive article where Holland talks about his off season priorities. The four things I listed are all mentioned.

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

Edited June 7, 2008 by therock48880

[skacore 2]

Datsyuk Zetterberg Holmstrom

Hudler Filppula Franzen

Cleary Draper Nolan (Owen Nolan)

Maltby Helm Downey

McCarty Kopecky

Lidstrom Rafalski

Kronwall Smith (Jason Smith)

Ericsson Lebda

Quincey

Osgood

Howard

Nolan and Smith would come pretty cheap, both responsible, gritty, physical players who have never won a cup before, both are right handed shots which we lack throughout the line up. Comparing this team to last years we'd be tougher, a bit younger, and still have room at the deadline for an acquisition if necessary. Nolan and Smith are also fan favourites everywhere they play and it wouldn't hurt to pack the Joe a bit more during the regular season

[therock48880 14]

I had forgotten about Kopecky. I was suprised to see him skate with the cup. I assume his rehab must be going well. I have high hopes for him if he can come back mentally from that injury. He was becoming quite a force on the ice in the weeks leading up to his injury.

[Grim 5]

with Franz and Zets contracts looming, expect Kenny to take short term depth FAs. 1-2yr contracts that wont handcuff the team. no way should we expect a longterm pickup unless its a can't miss guy like Rafalsky.

[Sparty13 0]

Nolan and Smith would come pretty cheap, both responsible, gritty, physical players who have never won a cup before, both are right handed shots which we lack throughout the line up. Comparing this team to last years we'd be tougher, a bit younger, and still have room at the deadline for an acquisition if necessary. Nolan and Smith are also fan favourites everywhere they play and it wouldn't hurt to pack the Joe a bit more during the regular season

Why would you want smith and not stuart? smith is 35 and stu's 28 i think. I like him way more than smith and they play the same type of hockey... keep stu. he won a cup here and in my book is a detroiter now.