Some good news for Red Wings

[Dominator2005 558]

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/min080626.html

The Wild has not heard back from Brian Rolston's agent, Steve Bartlett, since last week and it appears the veteran forward is heading for free agency, reports the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Minnesota has pitched three contract offers to Rolston, but have yet to receive a counter proposal.

"I don't know if it's totally dead because they've characterized it to us that they wanted to continue open talking," Wild assistant GM Tom Lynn told the Tribune-Review. "So while it may not be totally dead, it's not going anywhere right now.

"I've never gotten a call from [bartlett] that wasn't initiated by me, and there's nothing going on now."

The Wild has received trade offers for Rolston's negotiating rights, but the team has yet to allow other teams to speak with Rolston.

Rolston, 35, is believed to be looking for a two-year contract worth in between $4 million and $5 million per season.

[norrisnick 1]

That is bad news for the Wings. Don't get distracted by 2nd tier forwards. Go big or not at all. Don't tie up money in mid-range guys. He's 35 and looking for $4-5M/yr. In a year or two he won't be any better than Franzen, Fil, or Cleary who would be making as much as $2M/yr less.

[Dominator2005 558]

I think that we could have him for less than $4M (around $3M home discount)... He's from Flint, 6'2" great skater, can score some goals, great def. forward...

I would rather have Rolston at $3M - $4M than Sundin or Hossa for $7M - $8M...

[egroen 384]

One year of Sundin is still my first choice. Rolston has a killer shot though, and is very versatile.

[stud_defenseman 1]

One year of Sundin is still my first choice. Rolston has a killer shot though, and is very versatile.

Me too. I don't think we will get either though . Kenny is gonna pick up a depth player, most likely someone like Drake, but with some more offensive ability. Likely around the $1.5 million mark.

[up2here 41]

I have to admit a second line consisting of Brian Rolston,Val Filppula and Johan Franzen sounds pretty damn good.

[Opie 308]

I have to admit a second line consisting of Brian Rolston,Val Filppula and Johan Franzen sounds pretty damn good.

That does sound intriguing doesn't it!

So much for that pinned July 1 thread, huh!

[Thunderpriest 8]

Folks, I don't think we'll see much of anything from Kenny this offseason.

We're already stocked and may have one or two positions to fill, tops.

Kenny has already stated that:

1. A contract will be offered to McCarty

2. We're likely going to carry eight defensemen (Chelios is working on a 1 year deal....Lilja is working on a deal, Stuart must be re-signed.)

3. They'll review whether Howard can man the backup slot behind Ozzie.

4. Hudler deserves more ice time based on his playoff performance. (Or was it Babs who said that?)

Stuart is the first priority, obviously.

If he doesn't re-sign, look for Holland to go after a Hedican or Carney.....though I'd like to see him go after Orpik in that situation, but his price may be significantly higher due to his performance in the Finals.

Even if Stuart doesn't re-sign, and no UFA fills that spot, we can fill in with GR kids until the deadline. They've shown that they're capable. (Quincey, Meech, Ericsson)

On the forward lines.....I see no changes whatsoever, with the exception of Drake's retirement.

I wouldn't mind seeing Rolston come to Detroit....or Sundin....but Hossa's out of the question. He won't want to take a short term contract, and we've got a lot of pay raises in the next two years. The only way that we sign someone long term (Rolston) is if we'd trade a current roster player....which we would've likely done prior to the draft.

In goal....I'm betting that Howard get's the full-time backup duties. The kid's been in GR long enough. It's time to put up or shut up.

Here's what I see happening:

Drake retires

McCarty gets a two year deal.

Chelios signs for one more year

Lilja signs for two....maybe three.

Stuart resigns for 3 years at 3M/year

Here's our lineup in the fall:

Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Holmstrom

Hudler, Filppula, Franzen

Maltby, Draper, Cleary

McCarty, Kopecky, Samuelsson

Helm

Lidstrom, Rafalski

Kronwall, Stuart

Lebda, Lilja

Chelios, Quincey

Osgood

Howard

Thoughts?

[XxGoWingsxX 0]

Folks, I don't think we'll see much of anything from Kenny this offseason.

We're already stocked and may have one or two positions to fill, tops.

Kenny has already stated that:

1. A contract will be offered to McCarty

2. We're likely going to carry eight defensemen (Chelios is working on a 1 year deal....Lilja is working on a deal, Stuart must be re-signed.)

3. They'll review whether Howard can man the backup slot behind Ozzie.

4. Hudler deserves more ice time based on his playoff performance. (Or was it Babs who said that?)

Stuart is the first priority, obviously.

If he doesn't re-sign, look for Holland to go after a Hedican or Carney.....though I'd like to see him go after Orpik in that situation, but his price may be significantly higher due to his performance in the Finals.

Even if Stuart doesn't re-sign, and no UFA fills that spot, we can fill in with GR kids until the deadline. They've shown that they're capable. (Quincey, Meech, Ericsson)

On the forward lines.....I see no changes whatsoever, with the exception of Drake's retirement.

I wouldn't mind seeing Rolston come to Detroit....or Sundin....but Hossa's out of the question. He won't want to take a short term contract, and we've got a lot of pay raises in the next two years. The only way that we sign someone long term (Rolston) is if we'd trade a current roster player....which we would've likely done prior to the draft.

In goal....I'm betting that Howard get's the full-time backup duties. The kid's been in GR long enough. It's time to put up or shut up.

Here's what I see happening:

Drake retires

McCarty gets a two year deal.

Chelios signs for one more year

Lilja signs for two....maybe three.

Stuart resigns for 3 years at 3M/year

Here's our lineup in the fall:

Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Holmstrom

Hudler, Filppula, Franzen

Maltby, Draper, Cleary

McCarty, Kopecky, Samuelsson

Helm

Lidstrom, Rafalski

Kronwall, Stuart

Lebda, Lilja

Chelios, Quincey

Osgood

Howard

Thoughts?

While i don't disagree with you on almost any of it...theres 1 small detail i'd like to bring to light about the 4th line. Mike babcock has all but stated that helm has earned a regular playing spot on the 09-10 roster due to his performance in the playoffs. I'd look for babs to start out with one or the other (helm or kopecky) and find out which one is going to produce...my guess is helm is ready to explode, and go from there. Other than that i think you've nailed it on the head

[Opie 308]

While i don't disagree with you on almost any of it...theres 1 small detail i'd like to bring to light about the 4th line. Mike babcock has all but stated that helm has earned a regular playing spot on the 09-10 roster due to his performance in the playoffs. I'd look for babs to start out with one or the other (helm or kopecky) and find out which one is going to produce...my guess is helm is ready to explode, and go from there. Other than that i think you've nailed it on the head

And to compound that Kopecky is on the mend for an injury that usually takes at least 1 year to get back to normal form. I think that will be a large factor in whether or not he sees a lot of time next season.

[VM1138 1,921]

I think that we could have him for less than $4M (around $3M home discount)... He's from Flint, 6'2" great skater, can score some goals, great def. forward...

I would rather have Rolston at $3M - $4M than Sundin or Hossa for $7M - $8M...

I absolutely agree. Anyone who would turn down Rolston for around 3-4 million is insane. He's better than Flip and he'd be making about what Flip is asking for. There are only like two or three players bigger than Rolston on the market. And we won't be getting Hossa or Sundin, so he's about the best we can hope for. I'm glad he's not talkign to the Wild anymore, because last I heard was that he was going to re-sign. Maybe he's already interested in a certain team from hsi home state?

[Dominator2005 558]

I absolutely agree. Anyone who would turn down Rolston for around 3-4 million is insane. He's better than Flip and he'd be making about what Flip is asking for. There are only like two or three players bigger than Rolston on the market. And we won't be getting Hossa or Sundin, so he's about the best we can hope for. I'm glad he's not talkign to the Wild anymore, because last I heard was that he was going to re-sign. Maybe he's already interested in a certain team from hsi home state?

[rick zombo 3,739]

I absolutely agree. Anyone who would turn down Rolston for around 3-4 million is insane. He's better than Flip and he'd be making about what Flip is asking for. There are only like two or three players bigger than Rolston on the market. And we won't be getting Hossa or Sundin, so he's about the best we can hope for. I'm glad he's not talkign to the Wild anymore, because last I heard was that he was going to re-sign. Maybe he's already interested in a certain team from hsi home state?

With the potential 09-10 cap issues Detroit will have, I'll tell you:

Sundin for one year (and you know that's what he want's - one year) at 6M is way more realistic than Rolston at 4-5M for two years.

Of the teams that Sundin could realistically go to, Holland is one of the few GMs that can afford to overpay for him. But only for a one year deal.

[ashenhigh 9]

Rolston is coming home...... obviously. Hes at the last point of his career, why not come home and play for the cup? It makes perfect sense. Plus he was probably thinking in the playoffs "DAMN!!! That franzenstien and I are gonna KILL IT next season!"

[Dominator2005 558]

With the potential 09-10 cap issues Detroit will have, I'll tell you:

Sundin for one year (and you know that's what he want's - one year) at 6M is way more realistic than Rolston at 4-5M for two years.

Of the teams that Sundin could realistically go to, Holland is one of the few GMs that can afford to overpay for him. But only for a one year deal.

Sorry but:

Sundin wants 2 year deal.

He turned down $7M from Leafs.

Montreal is giving him 2 years deal and they are ready to give more money than Toronto.

[Guest Crymson]

Stuart is the first priority, obviously.

If he doesn't re-sign, look for Holland to go after a Hedican or Carney

Hedican or Carney? Are you serious? They wouldn't even break the top-six in our defense.

[VM1138 1,921]

With the potential 09-10 cap issues Detroit will have, I'll tell you:

Sundin for one year (and you know that's what he want's - one year) at 6M is way more realistic than Rolston at 4-5M for two years.

Of the teams that Sundin could realistically go to, Holland is one of the few GMs that can afford to overpay for him. But only for a one year deal.

I don't see the cap issues. If Rolston comes for two years and does as well as we would expect him to, we will be losing someone the next season that would open up the cap space. I really don't expect Filipulla or Hudler to stick around for much longer unless one of them has an absolutely huge season.

EDIT: My God, I didn't even connect that the dots that he wuold probably play with Franzen. That line would be insane!

Edited June 26, 2008 by VM1138

[SwedeLundin77 460]

That does sound intriguing doesn't it!

So much for that pinned July 1 thread, huh!

Seriously man, this is a FORUM.... where people post topics about things they think are interesting and want to discuss. Up until your post, there was actually some pretty good conversation going on about this topic, but then you had to jump in with the July 1st shenanigans. I understand the point of waiting until July 1st, but if Rolston is heading for UFA status and is a Michigan native, of course it's going to be talked about around here. And this website was set up for the very reason of having conversations, who has the right to put stipulations on when or where someone can discuss a topic?

On the not of actually discussing this topic, I think Rolston would be an excellent addition for 4-5 million and we could make that work, even with Z and Franzen getting contract extensions because of how far we are under the cap right now. Rolston would be an excellent second line guy with Filppula, Franzen, Cleary, Hudler.... Seriously, Rolston is the man.

[Hank Dats 'N Homer 81]

Make it happen Kenny! He looks so good in a wings uniform it should be illegal! Flip- Rolston - Franzen.......yeah thats the ticket!

[Opie 308]

Seriously man, this is a FORUM.... where people post topics about things they think are interesting and want to discuss. Up until your post, there was actually some pretty good conversation going on about this topic, but then you had to jump in with the July 1st shenanigans. I understand the point of waiting until July 1st, but if Rolston is heading for UFA status and is a Michigan native, of course it's going to be talked about around here. And this website was set up for the very reason of having conversations, who has the right to put stipulations on when or where someone can discuss a topic?

On the not of actually discussing this topic, I think Rolston would be an excellent addition for 4-5 million and we could make that work, even with Z and Franzen getting contract extensions because of how far we are under the cap right now. Rolston would be an excellent second line guy with Filppula, Franzen, Cleary, Hudler.... Seriously, Rolston is the man.

My post was in response to Moderators putting up a thread and asking that instead of new threads like these people put everything together, I don't think it is too much to ask that people heed the request of the Mods, on some of the other sites I post if that were to happen your post would be deleted with no hesitation, the Mods here though actually are very nice and let people get away with a lot more than other forums.

I mean it is not like there are already three threads on this topic (after a search and looking through 1 page of search results) that this topic could fit under.

back to the topic:

Malone and Rolston are the two UFA's I would like to see in the Winged Wheel, The second line of Rolston Flip Mule would be a great second line!!!!!

Flip feeding Rolston, Rolston firing pucks with Mule around the net!!!!!

[Louisville 112]

Oh man, I have been wanting Rolston for years now..if it happened I would explode.

Think about it, he is perfect for our system, a forward with size that is defensively responsible and has a shot that explodes off his stick. That's such a perfect compliment to Val it's not even funny. Add Franzen to that line and those guys plus/minus would be on top of the NHL. This is the type of player our 2nd line has craved since Shanny left.

Although, I'm with everyone who says pass if his demands are unrealistic.

[B.B. 0]

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/min080626.html

The Wild has not heard back from Brian Rolston's agent, Steve Bartlett, since last week and it appears the veteran forward is heading for free agency, reports the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Minnesota has pitched three contract offers to Rolston, but have yet to receive a counter proposal.

"I don't know if it's totally dead because they've characterized it to us that they wanted to continue open talking," Wild assistant GM Tom Lynn told the Tribune-Review. "So while it may not be totally dead, it's not going anywhere right now.

"I've never gotten a call from [bartlett] that wasn't initiated by me, and there's nothing going on now."

The Wild has received trade offers for Rolston's negotiating rights, but the team has yet to allow other teams to speak with Rolston.

Rolston, 35, is believed to be looking for a two-year contract worth in between $4 million and $5 million per season.

Assuming Stuart walks away, then this would be a definite possibility. We can offer Roltson about the same money that we would have offered Stuart (only for a shorter term). We would still be able to fit in Z and Franzen's salaries. The only problem is, one of (or both of) Hudler or Sammy will probably not be able to come back. Assuming Rolston is signed here is the potential roster for 09-10:

Forwards:

Z- $7.5 million

D- $6.7 million

Franzen- $4 million

Rolston- $3.5 million

Filpulla- $3 million

Cleary- $2.8 million

Holmstrom- $2.25 million

Draper- $1.583 million

Maltby- $0.883 million

Kopecky- $0.75 million

Helm- $0.598 million

Abdelkader- $0.740 million

McCarty- $0.500 million

Defencemen

Lids- $7.450 million

Rafalski- $6 million

Kronwall- $3 million

Lilja- $1 million

Ericcson- $1 million

Quincey- $0.750 million

Lebda- $0.650 million

Goalies

Osgood- $.1.417 million

Howard- $0.800 million

Total Salary: $57.371 million

Lines-

Z-D-H (can Homer still play top-line minutes by this year?

Rolston-Flip-Franzen

Cleary- Helm- Kopecky

Maltby-Drapes-Abs (Drapes will take a reduced role and become more of a face-off and pentaly kill specialist)

Lids-Ralf

Kronwall-Ericcson

Lebda-Lilja

Q

Ozzie

Howard

So, assuming the cap rises a couple million, we could definitely sign Rolston and keep our core.

Edited June 26, 2008 by B.B.

[Opie 308]

I would say that the development of Mule makes Sammy expendable, Hudler can play that role on the 2nd line, but for some reason Huds seems to thrive on the 4th line.

Abdelkader or Leino or other youngsters could ease into the line up easier if they were on the 4th in Hudler's spot while Downey and/or whomever else rotate through the 4th line with Helm/Kopecky.

The only thing I don't like about that scenario is that chemistry on that 4th line would be tough to come by if it is always switching.

But if Sammy is still on the roster more than likely he will be on the second line, unless he fills in for Drake's spot on the 3rd line, which I think would be a big mistake as they are not even close to the same style of play.

[VM1138 1,921]

I wish we could get rid of Kopecky. Thta is all.

[Slave 31]

i could live with players leaving etc but tbh i like our team, even though i too bag on lilja and sammy i don't really want to see them gone, but i would if i had to ship sammy b4 huds, he has an awesome shot and can stickhandle almost in league with pav in the coners ( not as good on a 1-3 but then noone is)