Wings Roster for next season

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

Datsyuk/Zetterberg/Holmstrom

Naslund/Filppula/Franzen

Cleary/Draper/Maltby

Hudler/Helm/Samuelsson

McCarty, Kopecky

Lidstrom/Rafalski

Kronwall/Smith

Lebda/Ericsson

Meech

Osgood/Howard

I propose Naslund because he would fit what Kenny would like. A top 6 forward who is willing to play for 3-4 mil on a 1 year deal. Sundin looks like he will be a Hab soon and Hossa is looking to break the bank on a long term deal. The Wings could sign Naslund for 1 year and then lose him after next season and use his money for Hank's new deal. Also Franzen will need a raise and Abdelkader should be ready for 20009/2010.

I propose Jason Smith as Stuart's replacement. Anyone else get the feeling Stuart will not be back? Plan A is obviously for Kenny to re-sign him. But I think he is going to get some really good offers from other teams. Everyone saw how well he played in the playoffs. So if he leaves then who is the ideal guy to sign? Smith is tough as nails, not too old and could be the physical and reliable stay at home guy to play with Kronwall. Can he fit in the Wings puck possession game? If Lilja can then I think Smith can. Smith will not command more than $3 mil a season. Likely less even. So I believe he'd be willing to sign a 1 year deal with the Wings. By the time 2009/2010 rolls around, young Ericsson should be ready to be a top 4 dman. Holland has said he wants Meech to get some time. So Lebda, Ericsson and Meech can all alternate somehow.

I believe Naslund and Smith give us strong depth for 2008/2009 and do not hurt us for 2009/2010 when we need to lock up Hank and Mule.

What do all of you think?

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

Datsyuk/Zetterberg/Holmstrom

Naslund/Filppula/Franzen

Cleary/Draper/Maltby

Hudler/Helm/Samuelsson

McCarty, Kopecky

Lidstrom/Rafalski

Kronwall/Smith

Lebda/Ericsson

Meech

Osgood/Howard

I propose Naslund because he would fit what Kenny would like. A top 6 forward who is willing to play for 3-4 mil on a 1 year deal. Sundin looks like he will be a Hab soon and Hossa is looking to break the bank on a long term deal. The Wings could sign Naslund for 1 year and then lose him after next season and use his money for Hank's new deal. Also Franzen will need a raise and Abdelkader should be ready for 20009/2010.

I propose Jason Smith as Stuart's replacement. Anyone else get the feeling Stuart will not be back? Plan A is obviously for Kenny to re-sign him. But I think he is going to get some really good offers from other teams. Everyone saw how well he played in the playoffs. So if he leaves then who is the ideal guy to sign? Smith is tough as nails, not too old and could be the physical and reliable stay at home guy to play with Kronwall. Can he fit in the Wings puck possession game? If Lilja can then I think Smith can. Smith will not command more than $3 mil a season. Likely less even. So I believe he'd be willing to sign a 1 year deal with the Wings. By the time 2009/2010 rolls around, young Ericsson should be ready to be a top 4 dman. Holland has said he wants Meech to get some time. So Lebda, Ericsson and Meech can all alternate somehow.

I believe Naslund and Smith give us strong depth for 2008/2009 and do not hurt us for 2009/2010 when we need to lock up Hank and Mule.

What do all of you think?

smith, fine; I want nothing to do with Naslund though. We have enough talent coming through the pipes that it's detrimental for us to bring in a top 6 guy unless he's an elite forward, which Naslund is not.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

smith, fine; I want nothing to do with Naslund though. We have enough talent coming through the pipes that it's detrimental for us to bring in a top 6 guy unless he's an elite forward, which Naslund is not.

I think Naslund just needs to get out of Vancouver. He still scored 25 goals which is not bad for a guy who was deemed to have had his worst season of his career. 3-4 mil will not get an elite level forward. I'd sooner see Naslund on a 1 year deal than watch Samuelsson shoot the puck right at the goalie 20 times a game. If not Naslund, I can see Kenny signing a vet forward to a 1 year deal. Hossa is the ideal guy to get but we don't have the Cap space long term to keep him, sign Z and sign Mule. Naslund is younger than Holmstrom don't forget. He's 34. I still think has some good hockey left in him and the Wings' puck possession game fits his style of game to a tee. I think he'd want to come here and do well.

[ZigZagYourTorso 8]

Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Holmstrom

Franzen - Filpula - Rolston/Ryder/Naslund/Malone/Huselius

Cleary - Draper - Samuelson/Peca/Nolan/Conroy

Maltby - Helm - Hudler

McCarty - Kopecky

Lidstrom - Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart/Smith/Commodore/Liles

Lebda - Chelios

Meech/Quincey/Ericsson

Osgood - Howard

Hmmm there's a lot of options here. But to be honest I just want Holland to sign a second line forward. I still hate seeing Samuelson on our second line for some reason. And I still cringe everytime they put him on the point on powerplays. I mean it obviously works and I guess you could say don't fix what's not broken. But theres still always room for improvement. I would love to see Rolston here but from what I hear the Wild are trying their hardest to keep him there. I've always liked Ryder and think he would really flourish here. And I'm really iffy on Naslund. If we get Naslund get Bertuzzi back because they both seem to get more and more useless without each other. I know Malones not going to happen but I would love to see it. And I really don't know about Huselius. He has the potential but ehhhh. And I think I'm one of the only people that doesn't really want to bring in a Drake replacement. I loved having Drake this year, but I don't really see a need for a gritty vet when we already have a flooded line-up.

As for defense.....PLEASE get Stuart resigned. And PLEASE do not resign Lilja. I learned to love him but there is no need for him now. Smith would be an alright replacement but I think Stuart works out perfectly with Kronwall and I would hate to mess with that chemistry. As for Commodore....I would just want him for the playoffs because of his hair and beard B-) And Liles is just one of the better defenseman on the market this year.

And I would actually like to see Lebda traded so we can get the young guys going. Preferably Ericsson and Quincey. I like Meech but I just don't see him fitting in long-term. And if we do lose Stuart and don't make up for him with a UFA at least Ericsson and Quincey will add the size, and I think Ericsson could be as offensively productive as Stuart even in his rookie year. And as for Cheli......uhhh I love him and I'm not really upset he's playing again this year. But I hope it's a very small role.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Holmstrom

Franzen - Filpula - Rolston/Ryder/Naslund/Malone/Huselius

Cleary - Draper - Samuelson/Peca/Nolan/Conroy

Maltby - Helm - Hudler

McCarty - Kopecky

Lidstrom - Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart/Smith/Commodore/Liles

Lebda - Chelios

Meech/Quincey/Ericsson

Osgood - Howard

Hmmm there's a lot of options here. But to be honest I just want Holland to sign a second line forward. I still hate seeing Samuelson on our second line for some reason. And I still cringe everytime they put him on the point on powerplays. I mean it obviously works and I guess you could say don't fix what's not broken. But theres still always room for improvement. I would love to see Rolston here but from what I hear the Wild are trying their hardest to keep him there. I've always liked Ryder and think he would really flourish here. And I'm really iffy on Naslund. If we get Naslund get Bertuzzi back because they both seem to get more and more useless without each other. I know Malones not going to happen but I would love to see it. And I really don't know about Huselius. He has the potential but ehhhh. And I think I'm one of the only people that doesn't really want to bring in a Drake replacement. I loved having Drake this year, but I don't really see a need for a gritty vet when we already have a flooded line-up.

As for defense.....PLEASE get Stuart resigned. And PLEASE do not resign Lilja. I learned to love him but there is no need for him now. Smith would be an alright replacement but I think Stuart works out perfectly with Kronwall and I would hate to mess with that chemistry. As for Commodore....I would just want him for the playoffs because of his hair and beard B-) And Liles is just one of the better defenseman on the market this year.

And I would actually like to see Lebda traded so we can get the young guys going. Preferably Ericsson and Quincey. I like Meech but I just don't see him fitting in long-term. And if we do lose Stuart and don't make up for him with a UFA at least Ericsson and Quincey will add the size, and I think Ericsson could be as offensively productive as Stuart even in his rookie year. And as for Cheli......uhhh I love him and I'm not really upset he's playing again this year. But I hope it's a very small role.

It is not as if the Wings HAVE to sign anyone other than their own RFA's and UFA's. But as you say, there is always room for improvement. Rolston is going to be expensive as is Malone. Someone will sign Huselius for big bucks. I can see Demitra heading to Vancouver. Not sure on Ryder. He's only effective on the PP and he struggled last season. The Wings like complete players and Ryder is too 1 dimensional. As for the "Drake" role I see guys like Nolan, Scott Thornton and Peca as possibilities.

However Hudler and Helm need their ice time. I am not a Kopecky fan and still can't figure out what he adds to the team. Every now and then he'll have a decent game and then go back to being...well...Tomas Kopecky.

As for defense I do not want Lilja back. I like his shot blocking but he gives the puck away far too much. I'd like to see Holland place some faith in Ericsson, Meech and Quincey. Lebda will likely be kept around because he is young and is under contract for dirt cheap. Plus his skating makes him an asset. Is he much better than Ericsson, Meech or Quincey. I don't think so. Ericsson has the most potential. I don't think he'd ready for the #4 role yet but definitely #5 or #6.

I loved Stuart coming to the Wings and I really hope he stays. But I've always had the feeling he was nothing more than a rental. It's too bad. I think he needs the Wings more than the Wings need him. With Lidstrom, Rafalski and Kronwall in the fold, the D is going to be awesome anyways. It would be nice though to have Stuart signed when and if Kronwall gets one of his unlucky injuries.

It's time for Chelios to hang em up. The young guys really do need to play. Maybe the Wings just basically go with what they have, have all kinds of Cap space and then don't use it again. It worked last season. LOL

We'll need the Cap space for 2009/2010 when Z and Mule get big raises. I do agree with Holland when he says the Wings should not sign players just for the sake of signing them. It's much easier to add players in the summer as UFA's rather than give up assets at the trade deadline when everyone is a buyer it seems.

But then again our team's needs will likely change come next February. Unless we lose Stuart then it will be obvious we once again need a top 4 dman. We know the price. A 2nd and a 4th.

[betterREDthandead 58]

I don't see any cap space for the Wings to make a big summer FA splash. Kenny's handed out a number of raises and has more to give in the future. I think we ought to forget about Sundin, Hossa, Naslund, Rolston, or any of that.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

I don't see any cap space for the Wings to make a big summer FA splash. Kenny's handed out a number of raises and has more to give in the future. I think we ought to forget about Sundin, Hossa, Naslund, Rolston, or any of that.

Even if they are only 1 year deals? I think Kenny will at least explore the options out there. Players may contact him even.

[betterREDthandead 58]

Even if they are only 1 year deals? I think Kenny will at least explore the options out there. Players may contact him even.

Nope, not even for 1 year deals. The Wings have about 41.3 million tied up already. I think it's safe to assume that Hank will play for more than 2.9M next year (the organization doesn't cheap out on their players) and that Flip gets re-signed, so tack on another 4.5M for Hank and another 2.5M for Flip, that boosts it up to 48.3 right there. There's a few RFA's to be signed besides Flip: Ericsson, Howard, probably Quincey too, so that's going to take about 2M also. $50.3 now. Looks like Lilja and Cheli will be brought back, probably another 1.8M there since that was their total last year, so, $52.1. Do we bring back Stuart for about $2.5? If so, $54.6. And then, even if Drake, Downey, McCarty, etc. don't get re-signed, there will have to be guys to fill those roles, so you still have to commit about $1.5-2M to those guys, whether they be the same guys as last year, call-ups from GR, or free agents. That's going to take us right to the edge of the roughly $56M salary cap. There's a few assumptions in there, but the Wings can't maintain the status quo and add players too. Definitely can't fit Jason Smith AND Markus Naslund in there, it's nigh-impossible unless they make Hank wait a year for his raise to kick in - but is that how you treat the Conn Smythe winner and Selke finalist?

[Hank 0]

I have a bad feeling too about Stuart.

I don't know why but I really get the feeling this guy's top priorities are money and comfort.

He's been pretty vocal about how he likes it on the west coast and who knows, maybe he still believes he's a true #1 or #2 defenseman.

Still, I think he's nuts to leave. If Holland offers him anything over 4 years and $3M/year he'd be nuts not to take it.

He's got a sweet situation in Detroit.

But hey, that's just me.

If he does leave, I'd rather go with what we have for now and look to make a deal at the deadline. I'm dying to see what Ericsson and Quincy can do in a full-time capacity.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

Nope, not even for 1 year deals. The Wings have about 41.3 million tied up already. I think it's safe to assume that Hank will play for more than 2.9M next year (the organization doesn't cheap out on their players) and that Flip gets re-signed, so tack on another 4.5M for Hank and another 2.5M for Flip, that boosts it up to 48.3 right there. There's a few RFA's to be signed besides Flip: Ericsson, Howard, probably Quincey too, so that's going to take about 2M also. $50.3 now. Looks like Lilja and Cheli will be brought back, probably another 1.8M there since that was their total last year, so, $52.1. Do we bring back Stuart for about $2.5? If so, $54.6. And then, even if Drake, Downey, McCarty, etc. don't get re-signed, there will have to be guys to fill those roles, so you still have to commit about $1.5-2M to those guys, whether they be the same guys as last year, call-ups from GR, or free agents. That's going to take us right to the edge of the roughly $56M salary cap. There's a few assumptions in there, but the Wings can't maintain the status quo and add players too. Definitely can't fit Jason Smith AND Markus Naslund in there, it's nigh-impossible unless they make Hank wait a year for his raise to kick in - but is that how you treat the Conn Smythe winner and Selke finalist?

You do realize that Zetterberg's contract does not kick in until 2009/2010 right? So next year his Cap hit is 2.65 mil. Hence the Cap space to add a player or 2 on1 year deals for next season.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

I have a bad feeling too about Stuart.

I don't know why but I really get the feeling this guy's top priorities are money and comfort.

He's been pretty vocal about how he likes it on the west coast and who knows, maybe he still believes he's a true #1 or #2 defenseman.

Still, I think he's nuts to leave. If Holland offers him anything over 4 years and $3M/year he'd be nuts not to take it.

He's got a sweet situation in Detroit.

But hey, that's just me.

If he does leave, I'd rather go with what we have for now and look to make a deal at the deadline. I'm dying to see what Ericsson and Quincy can do in a full-time capacity.

I would not mind at all seeing if Ericsson can handle the #4 spot to start the season if he has a solid Camp. I don't know how much more he needs to prove in Grand Rapids having been an AHL All Star. Maybe he gets the chance and excels. We won't know unless he gets a chance to do it.

I really think Stuart will regret not staying with the Wings. If I were him I'd for sure take what Holland offered me. He should not play Russian Roulette with Holland. Look where it got Danny Markov.

[betterREDthandead 58]

You do realize that Zetterberg's contract does not kick in until 2009/2010 right? So next year his Cap hit is 2.65 mil. Hence the Cap space to add a player or 2 on1 year deals for next season.

As I said: I believe the Wings will pay him this year. The extension can override the current contract. I could be wrong about the way the CBA will apply but I think the Wings will find a way to hook Z up so that he doesn't have to wait another full season at his current salary before the raise kicks in - the Wings tend to be loyal like that when doing business.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

As I said: I believe the Wings will pay him this year. The extension can override the current contract. I could be wrong about the way the CBA will apply but I think the Wings will find a way to hook Z up so that he doesn't have to wait another full season at his current salary before the raise kicks in - the Wings tend to be loyal like that when doing business.

I really have no idea what you are talking about. I could have sworn I heard Holland himself say that Z's contract is for 2.65 mil for next season no matter what. The CBA clearly says any contract extension to a player already under contract does not take effect until the former contract has expired.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

As I said: I believe the Wings will pay him this year. The extension can override the current contract. I could be wrong about the way the CBA will apply but I think the Wings will find a way to hook Z up so that he doesn't have to wait another full season at his current salary before the raise kicks in - the Wings tend to be loyal like that when doing business.

I really have no idea what you are talking about. I could have sworn I heard Holland himself say that Z's contract is for 2.65 mil for next season no matter what. The CBA clearly says any contract extension to a player already under contract does not take effect until the former contract has expired.

[betterREDthandead 58]

Also: The kind of guy that you're talking about, the Naslunds and Rolstons of the world, aren't going to settle for a one-year deal. One year deals are for guys looking to impress in order to earn a longer deal, not well-established guys in the league like Naslund.

[betterREDthandead 58]

Also: The kind of guy that you're talking about, the Naslunds and Rolstons of the world, aren't going to settle for a one-year deal. One year deals are for guys looking to impress in order to earn a longer deal, not well-established guys in the league like Naslund.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

Also: The kind of guy that you're talking about, the Naslunds and Rolstons of the world, aren't going to settle for a one-year deal. One year deals are for guys looking to impress in order to earn a longer deal, not well-established guys in the league like Naslund.

Now you are putting words in my mouth. I never said Rolston would sign a 1 year deal. I said he would sign a big contract with a team. Not the Wings. Naslund recently said he would go to a team which fit his style. He has never won a Cup and I would think Detroit would be an attractive destination. Not just for him but for many players. I would be very surprised if Naslund gets a multi year deal with any team. He has 1 year deal written all over him.

[SnipeShow 0]

bRtd, can't you let anyone dream? I mean I'm sure there is a way that this can happen. We may not realistically be able to sign Smith or Naslund, but its possible. If some guys don't come back or some guys don't get raises, then it could be done. Why don't you let any of these topic creators have any fun?

[DSM 114]

I'll try and follow what Holland has stated he wishes to see the team as next season (13 forwards, 8dmen, 2 goalies)

On forward:10 Regulars returning, 1 returning RFA, 1 still waiver exempt, 4 UFA's, 1-2 Possible open spots.

Holland has stated that he wants 8 defensemen on the roster for next season, meaning that he will run 13 forwards. 11 spots are accounted for by 10 contracted players and an RFA that has a 99.999% chance of re-signing. That leaves 2 spots open at forward. Holland has stated that he will issue McCarty a 2-way deal, and obviously because of waiver status the 12th/13th spot will be his to lose. There is also room if Drake decides to return. If he doesn't, we have room to possibly bring back Downey or sign a UFA. If Holland does go the UFA route, don't expect any real big names, or big long term contracts. Think either a 2nd/3rd line player that will make between $2-3mill for 1-2 years,or a good 3rd/4th liner making between $800k-1.5mil four a year. We'll need some needed cap space for the 5mil+ raise due to Zetterberg, and the earned raises due to Filppula, Franzen and Hudler. We can make this like those book where you choose what to do. Ultimately a lot could hinge on Drakes decision.

Scenario 1: Drake resigns.

That gives us twelve returning forwards and an all out battle for the 13th spot between McCarty, Helm, Leino, and/or some TC try outs. No big UFA signings.

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Franzen-Filppula-Samuelsson

Cleary-Draper-Hudler

Maltby-Kopecky-Drake

McCarty/Helm/Leino

Scenario 2: Drake retires. That gives us 1-2 spots open up front. One which we could definately use on a UFA 2nd-4th line winger, to resign Downey, or do nothing and give it to Helm. The other spot will be McCarty's to lose if he so chooses.

On Defense:6 Returning, 3UFA's 1 possible open spot.

As I said before, Holland wants 8 dmen on the team. Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Lebda and Meech are all slated to return. Chelios will also be added to that list soon, and Quincey can be added to the list as well as they won't lose him on waivers. That makes 7 defensemen, the same number we had last season. However, that still leaves out Stuart and Lilja. In my opinion, I think only 1 will be resigned. However, NEITHER could be resigned, in which case a UFA 2nd pairing dman that will cost somewhere between $2-3mil will most likely be brought in, they could run with the 7 they have, or keep Ericsson up which would be a popular choice on here. He will most likely spend 1 more year in GR unless he blows everyone out of the water at camp. Having 8 defenseman won't necessarily be bad, it will allow us to use one of them as a forward in a pinch if need be. Here's the scenarios.

Scenario 1: Lilja AND Stuart resign

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Stuart

Lilja/Lebda/Chelios/Meech/Quincey

Uh oh spaghetti-o's, that makes 9 dmen meaning 1 of either Meech, Lebda or Quincey will need to be traded or waived.

Scenario 2:ONLY Lilja OR Stuart Resigns

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Lilja OR Stuart

Lebda-Chelios

Meech/Quincey

Scenario 3:Neither re-sign

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Ericsson/UFA

Chelios-Lebda

Quincey/Meech

In goal: 1 returning, 1 retiring, 1 waiver exempt

This may be an area where the wings have a decision to make. They likely plan on Osgood playing the 50/60 game plateau, meaning they need a backup that can play somewhere around 20/30 games. Howard is an option but he hasn't exactly proven himself to be a solid NHL goalie yet, on top of still having 1 year left in GR. Holland will have to decide if he wants Howard to compete for the job at camp, or if he wants to bring in a UFA. He'll have to decide soon, as the UFA talent pool isn't exactly rich with goalies. If a UFA is brought in, it will most likely be a 1 year rental, as they will likely have to keep Howard up in 09/10. One thing to remember is that Holland/Babcock arent expecting Osgood to shoulder a Kiprusoff/Nabokov type load, nor do they want him to.

Scenario 1: Howard gets backup job.

Osgood

Howard

Im sure they will also invite some has-been that hasn't been singed yet like Jocelyn Thibault to scare Howards into being a consistent goaltender.

Scenario 2: UFA backup. Howard will go back to GR and Detroit will most likely court UFA goalies like Olaf Kolzig, Ty Conklin, Patrick Lalime, Johan Holmqvist, Wade Dubielewicz and Alex Auld, all of whom would likely be able to carry the Wings small but equally important backup load for not a huge price.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

bRtd, can't you let anyone dream? I mean I'm sure there is a way that this can happen. We may not realistically be able to sign Smith or Naslund, but its possible. If some guys don't come back or some guys don't get raises, then it could be done. Why don't you let any of these topic creators have any fun?

Well I don't dream of Naslund or Smith being Red Wings. LOL I don't see this being unrealistic. I'm just going by Holland's recent comments. If 3-4 mil can be spent on a forward on a 1 year deal and it makes sense then they might do it.

Right now the Wings have a ton of Cap space for next season. So there are some options especially if Stuart leaves.

Zetterberg's Cap hit of 2.65 mil next season allows the team to bring in a guy like Sundin if they could. Now he looks like he will be a Hab soon. How does signing a player or 2 to 1 year deals hurt for this coming season where the Cap is said to be around 56 mil? I don't get it.

I am not saying Holland will do this. He may just stay status quo and most Wings fans would be fine with that given the team just won the Cup.

[betterREDthandead 58]

Now you are putting words in my mouth. I never said Rolston would sign a 1 year deal. I said he would sign a big contract with a team. Not the Wings. Naslund recently said he would go to a team which fit his style. He has never won a Cup and I would think Detroit would be an attractive destination. Not just for him but for many players. I would be very surprised if Naslund gets a multi year deal with any team. He has 1 year deal written all over him.

I'm not arguing against you specifically, I'm arguing against the idea that we can or will sign a big-name forward, Rolston being one of the ones mentioned.

bRtd, can't you let anyone dream? I mean I'm sure there is a way that this can happen. We may not realistically be able to sign Smith or Naslund, but its possible. If some guys don't come back or some guys don't get raises, then it could be done. Why don't you let any of these topic creators have any fun?

Why do you think I have to be the one to silence my opinion? We can either have a discussion, or a circle-jerk in which we all pretend fanciful things. And if I'm wrong, and Kenny can find a way to improve the team under the cap, then awesome - so be it. But in any case, as I've said before, if you don't want to be disagreed with, don't post.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

I'll try and follow what Holland has stated he wishes to see the team as next season (13 forwards, 8dmen, 2 goalies)

On forward:10 Regulars returning, 1 returning RFA, 1 still waiver exempt, 4 UFA's, 1-2 Possible open spots.

Holland has stated that he wants 8 defensemen on the roster for next season, meaning that he will run 13 forwards. 11 spots are accounted for by 10 contracted players and an RFA that has a 99.999% chance of re-signing. That leaves 2 spots open at forward. Holland has stated that he will issue McCarty a 2-way deal, and obviously because of waiver status the 12th/13th spot will be his to lose. There is also room if Drake decides to return. If he doesn't, we have room to possibly bring back Downey or sign a UFA. If Holland does go the UFA route, don't expect any real big names, or big long term contracts. Think either a 2nd/3rd line player that will make between $2-3mill for 1-2 years,or a good 3rd/4th liner making between $800k-1.5mil four a year. We'll need some needed cap space for the 5mil+ raise due to Zetterberg, and the earned raises due to Filppula, Franzen and Hudler. We can make this like those book where you choose what to do. Ultimately a lot could hinge on Drakes decision.

Scenario 1: Drake resigns.

That gives us twelve returning forwards and an all out battle for the 13th spot between McCarty, Helm, Leino, and/or some TC try outs. No big UFA signings.

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Franzen-Filppula-Samuelsson

Cleary-Draper-Hudler

Maltby-Kopecky-Drake

McCarty/Helm/Leino

Scenario 2: Drake retires. That gives us 1-2 spots open up front. One which we could definately use on a UFA 2nd-4th line winger, to resign Downey, or do nothing and give it to Helm. The other spot will be McCarty's to lose if he so chooses.

On Defense:6 Returning, 3UFA's 1 possible open spot.

As I said before, Holland wants 8 dmen on the team. Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Lebda and Meech are all slated to return. Chelios will also be added to that list soon, and Quincey can be added to the list as well as they won't lose him on waivers. That makes 7 defensemen, the same number we had last season. However, that still leaves out Stuart and Lilja. In my opinion, I think only 1 will be resigned. However, NEITHER could be resigned, in which case a UFA 2nd pairing dman that will cost somewhere between $2-3mil will most likely be brought in, they could run with the 7 they have, or keep Ericsson up which would be a popular choice on here. He will most likely spend 1 more year in GR unless he blows everyone out of the water at camp. Having 8 defenseman won't necessarily be bad, it will allow us to use one of them as a forward in a pinch if need be. Here's the scenarios.

Scenario 1: Lilja AND Stuart resign

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Stuart

Lilja/Lebda/Chelios/Meech/Quincey

Uh oh spaghetti-o's, that makes 9 dmen meaning 1 of either Meech, Lebda or Quincey will need to be traded or waived.

Scenario 2:ONLY Lilja OR Stuart Resigns

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Lilja OR Stuart

Lebda-Chelios

Meech/Quincey

Scenario 3:Neither re-sign

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Ericsson/UFA

Chelios-Lebda

Quincey/Meech

In goal: 1 returning, 1 retiring, 1 waiver exempt

This may be an area where the wings have a decision to make. They likely plan on Osgood playing the 50/60 game plateau, meaning they need a backup that can play somewhere around 20/30 games. Howard is an option but he hasn't exactly proven himself to be a solid NHL goalie yet, on top of still having 1 year left in GR. Holland will have to decide if he wants Howard to compete for the job at camp, or if he wants to bring in a UFA. He'll have to decide soon, as the UFA talent pool isn't exactly rich with goalies. If a UFA is brought in, it will most likely be a 1 year rental, as they will likely have to keep Howard up in 09/10. One thing to remember is that Holland/Babcock arent expecting Osgood to shoulder a Kiprusoff/Nabokov type load, nor do they want him to.

Scenario 1: Howard gets backup job.

Osgood

Howard

Im sure they will also invite some has-been that hasn't been singed yet like Jocelyn Thibault to scare Howards into being a consistent goaltender.

Scenario 2: UFA backup. Howard will go back to GR and Detroit will most likely court UFA goalies like Olaf Kolzig, Ty Conklin, Patrick Lalime, Johan Holmqvist, Wade Dubielewicz and Alex Auld, all of whom would likely be able to carry the Wings small but equally important backup load for not a huge price.

I think Helm has a spot to lose on this team even if still can be sent down back and forth to Grand Rapids without having to clear waivers. I think the best players should play no matter what. If Ericsson has a great Camp then he should be on the team. If he has the same camp as Meech and Quincey then he should stay in Grand Rapids for another season.

I'll be disappointed if Howard does not get a chance to be a back-up. How much longer are we going to hold off on seeing what he can do? If they don't have confidence in him then they should deal him. No sense pissing away the kid's career. I think he stays in Detroit.

I think Drake retires. Holland said Drake told him he wass "leaning 1 way" and I'd guess it's retirement.

If I had to predict what the starting line-up could be IF Stuart stays then I'd go with...

Datsyuk/Zetterberg/Holmstrom

Franzen/Filppula/Samuelsson

Cleary/Draper/Maltby

Hudler/Helm/Kopecky

McCarty

Lidstrom/Rafalski

Kronwall/Stuart

Lebda/Meech

Chelios/Quincey

Osgood/Howard

Meech and Quincey are out of waiver options so we can expect them both to be on the team unless as you say Ericsson blows everyone out of the water at Camp. Chelios would have to accept being the 7/8 guy to which he has already said he is willing to do. Holland wants to talk more about it with Chelly but I expect him to be re-signed even though I myself would go with the young guys.

[Slave 31]

I think Helm has a spot to lose on this team even if still can be sent down back and forth to Grand Rapids without having to clear waivers. I think the best players should play no matter what. If Ericsson has a great Camp then he should be on the team. If he has the same camp as Meech and Quincey then he should stay in Grand Rapids for another season.

I'll be disappointed if Howard does not get a chance to be a back-up. How much longer are we going to hold off on seeing what he can do? If they don't have confidence in him then they should deal him. No sense pissing away the kid's career. I think he stays in Detroit.

I think Drake retires. Holland said Drake told him he wass "leaning 1 way" and I'd guess it's retirement.

If I had to predict what the starting line-up could be IF Stuart stays then I'd go with...

Datsyuk/Zetterberg/Holmstrom

Franzen/Filppula/Samuelsson

Cleary/Draper/Maltby

Hudler/Helm/Kopecky

McCarty

Lidstrom/Rafalski

Kronwall/Stuart

Lebda/Meech

Chelios/Quincey

Osgood/Howard

Meech and Quincey are out of waiver options so we can expect them both to be on the team unless as you say Ericsson blows everyone out of the water at Camp. Chelios would have to accept being the 7/8 guy to which he has already said he is willing to do. Holland wants to talk more about it with Chelly but I expect him to be re-signed even though I myself would go with the young guys.

4 good looking forward lines there, although i hate seeing Huds only getting 4th line minutes, i would split the big line up on the road anyways go with

fil/dats.homer

huds/zata/franzen

cleary/draper/sammy

malts/helm/kopecy

mac/abderkader(sp?)/leino maybe- extras

Edited June 23, 2008 by Slave

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

4 good looking forward lines there, although i hate seeing Huds only getting 4th line minutes

Yeah I know eh. Hudler will still get plenty of time being on the 2nd PP unit.

[Slave 31]

hoping so, that guy is playing his ass off and done alot to get better defensively this season, not sure what else he has to do to prove he is a legit player