Hossa.....WOW

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

Yeah, it will never happen. Know why? Because you don't ask your franchise player to agree to retire a year after you make 1 year contracts with other key players on the team.

This team with or without Hossa/Dats/Zetts/Franzen/Homer would be s*** without Lidstrom. Bottom Line.

Problem with this is your last sentence.

1) Lidstrom has looked very mortal this season allready and the sky hasent fallen.

2) Filp and Rafalski are the two most overpaid players on the team by far.

[daniel1 32]

I think Hossa will be gone next season; but we will be replacing him with 2 or 3 "upgrades" at various positions so that his leaving won't impact our chances of a threepeat as much as it could. We replace Maltby with Leino, Kopecky with Helm, Ledba with Ericsson and McCarty with Chris Neil.

Homer-Dats-Filpulla

Sammy-Z-Mule

Cleary-Helm-Leino

Hudler-Draper-Neil

Lids-Raffi

Stuart-Kronner

Lilja-Ericsson

Meech

This will fit under the Cap given Z takes about 7mil, Franzen about 3-4mil, and Hudler about 2.5. When Hossa goes we have his 7.4mil plus the expected raise in cap space of around 2-3mil combined with the savings we get from the departed players. Neil is in the last year of his contract and I would love for us to acquire him at the deadline as it doesn't look like Ottawa will be a serious contender if they make the playoffs at all and would want a little return for him rather than lose him for nothing when he leaves as a FA.

[RWK23 0]

I have to imagine that Babcock will reunite Zetterberg and Datsyuk should Hossa leave next season. I think the lines, minus Hossa, will look something like this:

Holmstrom - Zetterberg - Datsyuk

Samuelsson - Filppula - Franzen

Cleary - Draper - Maltby

Hudler - Helm - Leino

Lidstrom - Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart

Ericsson - Lilja

Basically, very similar lines and pairings to what we were featuring in the playoffs last season. I'd like to see a little more grit, but I don't really feel like factoring in trades and free agents, because it's just too hard to predict. So, with what we have, that's what I see happening.

[WingsFan2008 0]

I'm a full fledged Hossa-tard!

[Earthhuman 8]

Funny how Holland is praised for signing Hossa in the offseason, yet now that Hossa is playing as everyone expected him to, Holland is expected to put a team on the ice featuring 6 [super]stars (3 on contract years); and when he doesn't, there will be plenty of pissed off fans.

I appreciate Hossa's signing here. It's a year to remember. If he stays, though, we're going to the Detroit Griffins featuring 6 great players. Remember that one of the things that makes the team special is that they're greater than the sum of their parts, due to the on-ice chemistry and style of play. If you have to teach 5 new players how to play like that, at least 1 on each of the bottom three lines, then it's just not going to look like the guys in red that we're used to. Too much dump and chase, too much uncertainty.

I say keep the Red Wings together and enjoy Hossa while we've got him.

EDIT: s***, I didn't realize Hudler was having such a good season! Definitely in for a pay raise.

Edited November 16, 2008 by Earthhuman

[hockaholic 1]

Maybe the government will bail us out.

Yeah... since our country has tossed the Constitution to the curb and we've elected Obama bin Biden... maybe him and Pelosi have a bailout in mind so the Wings can keep all of these offensive gifts and allow the Wings to dump Lebda and Lilja.

[Bannedforlife 403]

Funny how Holland is praised for signing Hossa in the offseason, yet now that Hossa is playing as everyone expected him to, Holland is expected to put a team on the ice featuring 6 [super]stars (3 on contract years); and when he doesn't, there will be plenty of pissed off fans.

I appreciate Hossa's signing here. It's a year to remember. If he stays, though, we're going to the Detroit Griffins featuring 6 great players. Remember that one of the things that makes the team special is that they're greater than the sum of their parts, due to the on-ice chemistry and style of play. If you have to teach 5 new players how to play like that, at least 1 on each of the bottom three lines, then it's just not going to look like the guys in red that we're used to. Too much dump and chase, too much uncertainty.

I say keep the Red Wings together and enjoy Hossa while we've got him.

EDIT: s***, I didn't realize Hudler was having such a good season! Definitely in for a pay raise.

See, I don't understand this. everyone's always screaming to have the young guys make the move up, but when a situation presents itself that might necessitate such a change, people say no way. And really, with the top 6 six we have now, does it really matter who's playing on the bottom 6?

I dunno. I guess I just love the way the top 6 looks with Hossa in it so much, I can't imagine going back.

Also, Franzen is not a superstar...

Yeah... since our country has tossed the Constitution to the curb and we've elected Obama bin Biden... maybe him and Pelosi have a bailout in mind so the Wings can keep all of these offensive gifts and allow the Wings to dump Lebda and Lilja.

You're a retard. Take that s*** to the political forum.

Edited November 16, 2008 by Bannedforlife

[russianswede919293 95]

He said it wasn't possible unless they all took discounts. But that's splitting hairs.

Keeping two of them will be hard unless they both take discounts since the cap should be close to the same as it is this year. I am torn between Franzen or Hossa staying and would be happy with either, but due purely to the $$$ Franzen is more affordable...but we will see Holland surprised me this year by bringing Hossa in, I'll wait and see what rabbit the GM Magician pulls out of his hat this spring before I worry.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

I'm sure everyone (Hossa, Holland, the team) knows that Hossa is just here for this season. It's just impossible to get him re-signed without seriously putting some massive holes in the team. As sad as it will be to see him go, we've got to accept he's just a season long rental which virtually cost us nothing.

[thedisappearer 291]

Yeah... since our country has tossed the Constitution to the curb and we've elected Obama bin Biden... maybe him and Pelosi have a bailout in mind so the Wings can keep all of these offensive gifts and allow the Wings to dump Lebda and Lilja.

You are an *******. This is a hockey board. Keep your political views to yourself.

Go Wings!

[HadThomasVokounOnFortSt 878]

Coming into this season I knew Hossa was good, wasn't a really big fan of him until this year.

[russianswede919293 95]

I'm sure everyone (Hossa, Holland, the team) knows that Hossa is just here for this season. It's just impossible to get him re-signed without seriously putting some massive holes in the team. As sad as it will be to see him go, we've got to accept he's just a season long rental which virtually cost us nothing.

But could win us another cup

[Earthhuman 8]

See, I don't understand this. everyone's always screaming to have the young guys make the move up, but when a situation presents itself that might necessitate such a change, people say no way. And really, with the top 6 six we have now, does it really matter who's playing on the bottom 6?

I dunno. I guess I just love the way the top 6 looks with Hossa in it so much, I can't imagine going back.

Also, Franzen is not a superstar...

You're a retard. Take that s*** to the political forum.

I don't think anybody wants ALL of the young guns to move up at once... what if one or two doesn't pan out? The opportunities present themselves naturally, there's no need to create these situations. With the top 6 we have, of course it matters whose on the bottom six. If Babcock can't roll 4 lines, he's on a level playing field with the other team.

---

No, Franzen isn't a superstar, but he is a star. That's why I put "super" in brackets.

And yes, that poster has some sour grapes.

[chrisdetroit 189]

You see to me , this is very hard. Franzen or Hossa? But from my point of view i much raither have Hossa. He brings people TO the joe, but Franzen is very gifted and great player for Detroit but you gotta go with scoring over grit and power. We still have ALOT of young gunners that im excitied to see in the future. We'll see what happens, maybe the salary cap will rise and they keep him? Time will tell.

Ok lets stop with the apples and oranges comparison. Hossa will cost around $8mil and Mule will go for around $4mil. This is all "ballpark" numbers.

So to chose 1 over the other straight up is meaninless. You have to compare Hossa vs Mule + $4mil to spend on other players. When you do that its a much harder choice.

IMO I'll take Mule and the additional $4 mil to spend on other players...

[chrisdetroit 189]

Do you think its possible for Franzen, Hossa, and Zetterberg to take a really big discount to stay here? Hossa turned down over 70 million! Zetterberg is being ripped off like none other though. he should get a-rod money!

I just thought of something...what if Zetterberg signs a 20 year deal worth $100 million. Thats a $5 million cap hit. Well front load the hell out of it like lecaveliers contract so 10-15 years from now he retires and he comes off the books.

The only risk is if he isnt worth a $5 million cap hit 10-15 years from now.

He's 28 now so he's only playing for about 12 more years...

[dicksmack 33]

I knew Hossa was an elite forward but I didn't realize how fast he is! A coupla strides and he's at top speed blowing by people.

[Red Crazy 201]

Does anyone know how the whole " nobody makes more then Nick " deal effects all these signings? I thought when Nick signed his last contract that he and Kenny made this deal. If I remember correctly??????????

Marian Hossa did take a pay cut to play here this season but he also may be worth 3 times what he was offerd last year if he wins the MVP and the cup, do to playing with an allstar team. I guess if he stays or goes we all win!

[The Mule 0]

Ok lets stop with the apples and oranges comparison. Hossa will cost around $8mil and Mule will go for around $4mil. This is all "ballpark" numbers.

So to chose 1 over the other straight up is meaninless. You have to compare Hossa vs Mule + $4mil to spend on other players. When you do that its a much harder choice.

IMO I'll take Mule and the additional $4 mil to spend on other players...

In theory, yes, but when you factor in a raise for both Franzen and Zetterberg, the latter being rather large, we don't exactly have $4 million to spend elsewhere. That supposed $4 million everyone keeps mentioning is what will be used to pay Franzen and Zetterberg, assuming we sign them both to new contracts. Barring any substantial trades, or a massive leap in terms of the salary cap, the Wings will be right up against the roof next season, as well.

[dallas27 7]

Hank's going to take a hometown discount, how much that discount will be, who knows...

Franzen will most definitely be getting a raise. Assuming he doesn't take a hometown discount, let's just say he goes up to 5 million. Flip's cap number right now is 3 million. That's 8 million right there if you let Mule walk and trade Flip. And is anyone going to miss Sammy? Bring Leino up. Everyone here wants to see him play in a winged wheel already, so don't give me any bs that everyone wants Leino to stay in Grand Rapids for a few years. Give Hossa, the 7.25(?) million he's making now and backload (however appropriate) the contract.

Think any other fans pity us for talking about who to keep?

*edit* But, on the other hand, you sorta gotta give Hank what he wants

Edited November 16, 2008 by dallas27

[Rivalred 630]

Flip's cap number right now is 3 million

GP: 16 G: 2 A: 4 P: 6 +/- -3

May be hard to get rid of 3 million dollars with those types of numbers. Yes it is early in the season, but acquisition of Hossa has definitely impacted 1 or 2 players.

Edit: Just to clarify, if keeping Hossa means Flip has to be moved and there is a taker, I will happily drop him off at Metro myself.

Edited November 16, 2008 by Rivalred

[chrisdetroit 189]

In theory, yes, but when you factor in a raise for both Franzen and Zetterberg, the latter being rather large, we don't exactly have $4 million to spend elsewhere. That supposed $4 million everyone keeps mentioning is what will be used to pay Franzen and Zetterberg, assuming we sign them both to new contracts. Barring any substantial trades, or a massive leap in terms of the salary cap, the Wings will be right up against the roof next season, as well.

Agreed. The $4 million is used to retain some of the other guys Huds, Sammy, Kopy and Conks. Now Kenny could let them all go and bring up some youngsters but that's 3 forwards and a goaltender. That would be quite a gamble to have 3 rookies forwards and a rookie back-up goalie in the line-up even if they are named Leino, Helm, Abdelkader and Howard.

[Bannedforlife 403]

I don't think anybody wants ALL of the young guns to move up at once... what if one or two doesn't pan out? The opportunities present themselves naturally, there's no need to create these situations. With the top 6 we have, of course it matters whose on the bottom six. If Babcock can't roll 4 lines, he's on a level playing field with the other team.

---

No, Franzen isn't a superstar, but he is a star. That's why I put "super" in brackets.

And yes, that poster has some sour grapes.

That's why we have training camp and preseason. Hell, I've seen people make the case that the regular season is just the preseason to the postseason anyway! Thats almost 100 games to work it out. I know it feels like a lot of turnover for one offseason, but I really dont think it is. I think the best additions would be Helm, Leino and Abdelkader. I think Helm is a no-brainer to center the 4th line. Leino and Abdelkader, maybe one of them works out, maybe they both do, maybe neither, but you have 100 games and 3 or 4 other possibilities waiting in GR to get it right.

Part of being successful in business is taking chances. Look at the Kronwall signing. Or Datsyuk's contract. Opportunities don't just present themselves, at some point you have to start making decisions. Sometimes they aren't easy ones to make.

[Dabura 12,232]

As much as I love having Hossa, I would rather see him go. Guys like franzen are hard to come by

Guys like Hossa are harder to come by.

But yeah, Hossa hasn't really done much so far, so....

[The Mule 0]

Hank's going to take a hometown discount, how much that discount will be, who knows...

Franzen will most definitely be getting a raise. Assuming he doesn't take a hometown discount, let's just say he goes up to 5 million. Flip's cap number right now is 3 million. That's 8 million right there if you let Mule walk and trade Flip. And is anyone going to miss Sammy? Bring Leino up. Everyone here wants to see him play in a winged wheel already, so don't give me any bs that everyone wants Leino to stay in Grand Rapids for a few years. Give Hossa, the 7.25(?) million he's making now and backload (however appropriate) the contract.

Think any other fans pity us for talking about who to keep?

*edit* But, on the other hand, you sorta gotta give Hank what he wants

You do not let players like Franzen, who is a homegrown talent, and will come with a much cheaper price tag, in order to retain a player like Hossa, who will want a massive raise. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to keep Hossa wearing the Winged Wheel, but not at the cost of Franzen and more.

[SFwingsfan 23]

Yeah... since our country has tossed the Constitution to the curb and we've elected Obama bin Biden... maybe him and Pelosi have a bailout in mind so the Wings can keep all of these offensive gifts and allow the Wings to dump Lebda and Lilja.

The bailout joke was hilarious and you had to ruin it with your partisan political talk which doesn't belong on the board. Take it to politico.com buddy.