Just play with this...

[Herr Hockey 0]

I know how trade proposals are taken sometimes, but I couldn't help but be intrigued after doing some number crunching.

Imagine the Wings trade Hudler, Filppula, Kronwall and a 1st round pick for Ilya Kovalchuk. Some might not like the value here, but I think we can lose Hudler because we gain Kovalchuck as a RW, and we can lose Val because we won't need him as a second line center since Dats and Z can remain split. The rise of Ericsson could cushion the blow of losing Kronwall.

Losing Hudler, Val, and Kronwall would clear up enough space for Kovalchuck this year. The real predicament would be next year in resigning Z and Franzen. Here's what I could do for 2009-2010...

CLEARY(2.8)-DATSYUK(6.7)-HOLMSTROM(2.25) at 11.75m

FRANZEN(5.2)-ZETTERBERG(6.7)-KOVALCHUCK(6.4) at 18.3m

LEINO(.875)-HELM(.875)-MALTBY(.883) at 2.633m

ABDELKADER(.740)-DRAPER(1.583)-DOWNEY(.575) at 2.898m

LIDSTROM(7.45)-RAFALSKI(6.0) at 13.45m

STUART(3.75)-ERICSSON(0.9) at 4.65m

LILJA(1.25)-LEBDA(0.65) at 1.9m

Osgood (1.416)

Howard (.716)

Total: 57.713m

The cap next year might realistically drop to 55m according to a recent report (link anyone?) Can anyone find a way to shed the 2.7 million realistically? I'm having trouble, but that is remarkably close for a deal that would make us amazingly good for this year and keep us looking good for next year as well.

DISCLAIMER: I know a lot of people don't like these constant proposals and number games for next season. If this is the case for you, then I politely direct you to the button with the leftward pointing arrow to the left of your address bar. And for those who think the Wings could never get Kovalchuk, why don't you go back a few 10's of pages to July 1st, where some people (myself included) laughed at those who thought we could get Hossa.

For the rest of you, have fun

Edited December 4, 2008 by Herr Hockey

[thedatsyukian 7]

Except I won't want to see Leino in a grind line type situation. Switch him with Cleary.

[Chunkylover 26]

I think Kovie would probably be on the line with Datsyuk and would keep that line as one of the best.

Losing Kronwall would hurt the most because even though we'd gain Ericsson, we'd lose some youth and depth on the blueline that we'll need after Lidstrom retires.

Nice idea but it seems like a lot to give up.

[egroen 384]

You're even further away than you think -- you only have 20 players on the team and need at least 2 more.

[Herr Hockey 0]

I think Kovie would probably be on the line with Datsyuk and would keep that line as one of the best.

Losing Kronwall would hurt the most because even though we'd gain Ericsson, we'd lose some youth and depth on the blueline that we'll need after Lidstrom retires.

Nice idea but it seems like a lot to give up.

Thanks for your responses. Yeah, it was hard to get a good feel for the present/future balance, but the mere prospect of having Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Franzen, Hossa, and Kovalchuk all for this years cup run.......Drool worthy.

Edit: Yeah I guess the roster issue really would complicate things. Are there any viable second line LW's available as UFA's in the summer as potential Franzen replacements? This would sure make the deal look a lot less worth it though.

Edited December 4, 2008 by Herr Hockey

[Echolalia 2,961]

Hahaha I like how this is slowly turning into the concept of all the superstars in the league taking turns coming to Detroit to win a cup. I love it

[eva unit zero 271]

FRANZEN(5.2)-ZETTERBERG(6.7)

This is where I stopped reading.

[Barrie 900]

Zetterberg's going to make more than Datsyuk.

[Z Winged Dangler 2,082]

franzen re-signes. wings don't let kronwall go. kovalchuk is a great player...but it's not gonna happen, no matter how much we would all wanna see him in a wings jersey. holland has enough on the table wanting franzen, huds, HOSSA, and most importantly zetterberg. we'll see what happens july 1st.....leave it to kenny. we don't need to play gm anymore for him.