What makes the Red Wing's organization worth taking less money

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

there are a number of cities in the NHL where a player would have a shot year in and year out to win the cup, but only a couple where people would actually realize you had done it

[Kira 451]

It starts with ownership and continues down the chain. From Mike and Marian Illitch down to someone as insignificant as the kids who skate on the ice to collect the hats after a hat trick, everyone in the organization is of the mindset that this is a true family...that everyone cares for everyone else, and it shows. Respect, trust, whatever you want to call it. It is in droves and it is evident wherever you look.

I think the players know this, and that is why they are willing to take less money and even take on smaller roles just to stay. Loyalty is not a problem for Wings players.

[Earthhuman 8]

Why doesn't anyone mention style of play?

I would think a puck control game with a proven system is a very attractive thing for a lot of high skill players.

I'm also thinking that getting hit less would be a [minor], related bonus. Most players can get that puck away fast, because there are plenty of options on the ice. If you're oft-injured, or 35+, that would be a pretty big deal.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

All the Little Caesars you could possibly eat. What athelete would turn that down?

[JayUp88 1]

All the Little Caesars you could possibly eat. What athelete would turn that down?

Bingo Bango

[puckloo39 5,686]

The Red Wings organization always does the right thing. Simple as that. They make the right decisions at the right time, and they treat their players with respect and dignity, no matter what. Even the stumbles -- and they are infrequent -- are always made right in the end.

The players feel secure, as much as is possible in today's market, and the coaches personify respect and good judgment, on and off the ice.

This is not to say that other teams don't try just as hard and have just as good a relationship between players/owners. It's just that I think Detroit does this better than any other club.

[Shutemdown 23]

if you were to take less money and go to Detroit, why would you do it?

My reason would be that I can have fun! while making millions dollars whereas in some other team, it's just business and I would have tougher time getting out of the bed.

Why is it fun to play in Wings uniform?

Mostly because they win all the times and they do things the right way.

I would take less money to play here solely to play beneath Mike Babcock and Kenny Holland, arguably two of the best men to ever do their jobs. On top of that, look at the team assembled and ready to play. I'd take way less money just to play on any team with Pav and Hank and Lids.

And on top of that, knowing that this team will be in place for awhile and will grant numerous solid chances at winning a cup... where do I sign?

[shoe 165]

team plane

Fans Eg compare the wings parade to the southern teams parking lot get togethers.

Fun to win

Built from the ground up not just priced together every year like say the leafs the wings squire players that fit their system

Some people may. Of get this but I think playing in a northern city with a big fan base has a certain hockey feel to it I think I might feel out of place in January going to the rink in shorts and a hawisn shirt in southern Florida with your arena beside a mall rather that surounded by old city buildings.

[Spinner 6]

What are the specifics on why players want to come and stay in Detroit. Is it more specific then the winning attitude, loyal fan base, world-class players, tradition, or just the greatest logo in professional sports?

I don't imagine current players are saying "Wow Detroit can draft with impeccable foresight, I want to play there."

You shouldn't question greatness. Just be thankful it the Wings.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

I couldn't disagree any more with ya concerning the over use of "class" when describing the Detroit Red Wings.

Looking around at the various players/teams not only in the NHL, but of the NBA/NFL/MLB - I find it rather challenging to find an equal in terms of ownership/management/coaching staff/player personel concerning their professionalism, and dedication not only to their respective game, but to the fan base as well.

Many teams in various leagues are nothing more than revolving doors (showing no loyalty towards it's respective players/coaches/mgt)...Then there's the sports page headlines of various player indiscretions, attitudes of entitlement, and general ignorance of varying degrees. Other than Bob Probert - I can't think of any Red Wing since then that's really tarnished the image of the club.

Having Steve Yzerman, and Nick Lidstrom as team Captains only personifies the word "class"; having owners like the Ilitch's isn't too shabby as well...Then you see how our coaching staff/mgt continue to be the envy of the league by signing the most sought after UFAs, & then getting everyone on the roster to play a certain style that once again has brought Lord Stanley's Cup to the Motor City, & will again make us a threat for a repeat in 2009.

IMO if the Red Wings were an NFL franchise - their success/strategy would be discussed in great length on sports talk radio for hours each, & every day, but since it's looked upon as a lowly franchise of the NHL - it doesn't get enough recognition it rightfully deserves by the media nationally.

I'm not trying to put down the Red Wings organization. In terms of how it is run and how they treat their players, it is second to none. I hate though how people use the word loosely or firmly to put down fans of other teams or other players and things like that just because they aren't as "classy" as what we think being a Red Wing fan or organization should be. I know it is a semantics thing but I don't like using the word and you know it has been used by plenty of people in here to say the Red Wings are just completely perfect...and other fans or players = bad. The Red Wings aren't oh so perfect 100% of the time even though they are a great organization, and other fans etc. aren't "classless" or idiots just because they are fans of another team like Nashville or Colorado or Los Angeles or whomever or just because they don't always stroke the Red Wings ego.

[MsRedWingFan 0]

The organization is loyal to a fault. I think a lot teams in the league would have got rid of Maltby and Chelios by now, but the Wings will make every effort to find ways to keep you around if you've still got a role to play, which those two do. They don't look at players as cost-benefit figures on a ledger. And who else would have given McCarty even a sniff at the big time again? I think this is why you don't see the younger guys worried about being kept in Grand Rapids for as long as they're able. They know if they're patient their turn will come and the team'll take care of them.

The Wings just do all the little things right in dealing with their players. And yes, Konnan511, it's called CLASS. Call a spade a spade. From Mike Ilitch all the way down to the poor sap who has to pick up sweaty jockstraps, it's a classy show. Oh, and the guaranteed shot at a Cup every year doesn't hurt.

[MsRedWingFan 0]

I couldn't disagree any more with ya concerning the over use of "class" when describing the Detroit Red Wings.

Looking around at the various players/teams not only in the NHL, but of the NBA/NFL/MLB - I find it rather challenging to find an equal in terms of ownership/management/coaching staff/player personel concerning their professionalism, and dedication not only to their respective game, but to the fan base as well.

Many teams in various leagues are nothing more than revolving doors (showing no loyalty towards it's respective players/coaches/mgt)...Then there's the sports page headlines of various player indiscretions, attitudes of entitlement, and general ignorance of varying degrees. Other than Bob Probert - I can't think of any Red Wing since then that's really tarnished the image of the club.

Having Steve Yzerman, and Nick Lidstrom as team Captains only personifies the word "class"; having owners like the Ilitch's isn't too shabby as well...Then you see how our coaching staff/mgt continue to be the envy of the league by signing the most sought after UFAs, & then getting everyone on the roster to play a certain style that once again has brought Lord Stanley's Cup to the Motor City, & will again make us a threat for a repeat in 2009.

IMO if the Red Wings were an NFL franchise - their success/strategy would be discussed in great length on sports talk radio for hours each, & every day, but since it's looked upon as a lowly franchise of the NHL - it doesn't get enough recognition it rightfully deserves by the media nationally.

Bravo!!!

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

It's hard to not want to play for a first rate Original 6 organization with a culture and expectation of winning, loyal fan base, incredible coaching and ownership, world class players, a legitimate shot at the Stanley Cup each year, and the best zamboni driver there is.

[Inultus 12]

Has everyone heard about when he was filing for bankruptcy and had to liquidate all his assets he was forced to sell his three cup rings. As soon as they went on sale, they were bought by Mr. Mike Illitch and he promptly gave them back to their rightful owner. I think that is the best illustration of why players may want to come to Detroit.

I'm not going to say you are making that up, but AFAIK McCarty was able to keep his rings because he worked out a deal with his creditors. I don't think Ilitch had anything to do with it.

And TBH I don't see why he would. McCarty, much as I love the guy, brought that on himself.