Ken Holland's "Deadline Special" Predictions

[Z and D for the C 712]

Kopecky won't be going anywhere. He was a big factor in Hossa signing here and he could prove to be a big factor in Hossa staying here.

This. The only reason Kopecky is here is because of Hossa, I'm convinced.

[Datsyerberger 279]

If anything, a veteran grinding energy player, probably for someone on our roster since there's that whole cap thing. Lebda? Meech? Probably not Maltby, due to Wings loyalty, and probably not Kopecky, due to Hossa (not to mention that Kopecky, while not being spectacular, hasn't been spectacularly bad, either). I'd say that since we have a wealth of d-men, a d-men gets traded for the above position, IF any trade at all is made.

God only knows what Kenny H. will pull, though.

[skacore 2]

think of how ridiculous it sounds that we need to keep Kopecky so Hossa will be happy

these guys are grown men and professional athletes, perhaps Hossa would want to play on the best team in the league with or without his boyhood friend holding his hand

[skacore 2]

Hudler seems to be doing OK without Lang holding his hand when they are walking around the arena and Detroit area

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Nichol is recovering from a concussion, and is slow about it......when Ken Holland comes knocking, the price goes up.

We have 6 weeks before the time in question.

And when Ken Holland comes knocking, the price goes up and Holland goes away. Then when the 11th hour comes, that team is knocking on Holland's door. Why do you think the Wings getting Stuart came so late and at a cheap price? DL wanted a prospect AND a pick for Stuart, but Holland was the only one interested. I doubt theres any competition for guys like Nichol.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Theoretically speaking, if the Red Wings' current active roster remains unchanged until the NHL trade deadline they could add (roughly) $1,734,932 in full-season salary. Roberts would fit as long as those numbers are accurate.

Great. I was waiting for someone to come up with a rough estimate for how much non-prorated salary we could take on.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

This. The only reason Kopecky is here is because of Hossa, I'm convinced.

Yup. I've maintained that all season long. If Kopecky weren't BFFs with Hossa, he probably would've been traded or waived by now.

However, what many seem to be forgetting is that post-deadline, there is no roster limit, so bumping Kopecky out of the regular rotation can appease everyone.

[mjlegend 155]

Nichol's past history of suspensions scares me a bit. I'd take Neil over Nichol.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Nichol's past history of suspensions scares me a bit. I'd take Neil over Nichol.

He'd tone it down with the Wings, like all guys do (and like Drake did). The only reason I brought up Nichol is because hes a high energy guy that Holland was rumored to be after last off-season before we got Drake. That said, I'd still prefer Neil over Nichol too. Here are some guys who 1) would fit under our cap according to Matt's calculations 2) are UFAs 3) are on teams that are *likely* to miss the playoffs. Note: I am NOT saying these guys would be helpful to us. Just listing some names.

Recchi – 1.5

Hinote – 1.0

Neil – 1.1

McAmmond - .875

Sillinger – 2.2....he actually doesn't fit, but it would be a hilarious pick up, especially if he retires afterwards.

Bonk – 1.475

Fiddler – 850k

Nichol – 750k

Ortmeyer – 750k

Parrish – 500k

Armstrong – 1.5

Zednik – 1.625

Dvorak – 1.55

Peltonen – 1.1

Sutherby – 700k

Peca – 1.3

Malhotra – 1.2

Guite – 275k

Laperriere – 1.1

Arnason – 1.6

LaRose – 875k

Peters – 525k

Reasoner – 1.0

Of these guys, I wouldn't mind Peca, Lapperriere, Neil, Nichol, or Hinote.

Edited January 5, 2009 by YoungGuns1340

[Red Crazy 201]

Hard to say what might happen when you consider our free agents. If a deal with Franzen is not looking good will he be traded? He could be worth a good first pick!

We know that Hossa and Z will stay till the end of the year but I think that Franzen is Holland"s Wild Card! ( if he is not signed)

If Lebda's stats continue to improve I think he might be moved for a pick or a Roberts type grinder.

[up2here 41]

Hard to say what might happen when you consider our free agents. If a deal with Franzen is not looking good will he be traded? He could be worth a good first pick!

We know that Hossa and Z will stay till the end of the year but I think that Franzen is Holland"s Wild Card! ( if he is not signed)

If Lebda's stats continue to improve I think he might be moved for a pick or a Roberts type grinder.

Holland has said a few times that he will not trade Franzen even if he doesnt think they can sign him, so I think we can throw that option out.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

Hard to say what might happen when you consider our free agents. If a deal with Franzen is not looking good will he be traded? He could be worth a good first pick!

We know that Hossa and Z will stay till the end of the year but I think that Franzen is Holland"s Wild Card! ( if he is not signed)

If Lebda's stats continue to improve I think he might be moved for a pick or a Roberts type grinder.

Franzen isn't going anywhere, signed or not. A first round pick doesn't help in the playoffs the way Franzen does.

[South Dakota wings fan 7]

This is kind of the idea I had in mind. Nothing big, just a fourth liner. Someone like Peca, maybe Nichol. A guy that would either only be pennies to add or one that could be accommodated by moving a guy like Lebda.

If anyone is moved, my bet is Meech, not Lebda.

[South Dakota wings fan 7]

Franzen isn't going anywhere, signed or not. A first round pick doesn't help in the playoffs the way Franzen does.

I think the Wings management would rather win back-to-back cups with Franzen and lose him than to trade him for a draft pick and lose. Now, we all know they could keep him and lose, but the chances of winning are better with him, future be damned

[eva unit zero 271]

If anyone is moved, my bet is Meech, not Lebda.

Lebda is older, worse defensively, less versatile, and more expensive. Neither is particularly effective or experienced offensively, but I find it had to believe that Lebda would be kept over Meech when Meech is the better player, the cheaper player, and the younger player.

Lebda is the FIRST player on the list of guys who can be moved from the defense; Lilja is second.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

If anyone is moved, my bet is Meech, not Lebda.

Nope. Meech costs less than 500k whereas Lebda costs 650k. That 150k at the deadline makes a huge difference. And the most important aspect about Meech, as Eva mentioned, is his versatility. We are gonna be smack up against the cap next year, and it will be a huge advantage to carry only one extra player who can serve as both the 7th Dman AND the 13th forward.

[Hank 0]

nothing will happen. the only thing i could think of would be kopecky for a 6th round pick and a bag of pucks.

Sold!

[Red Crazy 201]

Holland has said a few times that he will not trade Franzen even if he doesnt think they can sign him, so I think we can throw that option out.

I hear what your saying but do you think that Holland is going to not entertain offers on Franzen if he is not signed by the deadline? He would be sticking his neck out a long way with all the free agents he has. Look what happened to Buffalo a couple years back, they took a risk and lost huge.

Don't get me wrong I want to see Franzen signed but I would like to see Hossa and Z first! lol

[up2here 41]

I hear what your saying but do you think that Holland is going to not entertain offers on Franzen if he is not signed by the deadline? He would be sticking his neck out a long way with all the free agents he has. Look what happened to Buffalo a couple years back, they took a risk and lost huge.

Don't get me wrong I want to see Franzen signed but I would like to see Hossa and Z first! lol

To this point Kenny has been a man of his word. I wouldnt say its impossible that Franzen gets traded ,but highly unlikely.

[Opie 308]

My prediction:

Holland will not hurt nor greatly help the team. If a small piece that he thinks is the "Missing Link" is out there he will make the move, but with the cap and upcoming free agents I don't see him making any real moves.

But I also didn't see him getting Hossa so take that for what it is worth!!!

[egroen 384]

I almost think a trade deadline acquisition would be more for the sake of making a move than it would be of any actual benefit to the team.

Would Roberts be that much more valuabe than McCarty or Helm? I would rather call on the guys we aready have, if need be, from GR, and give them that playoff experience over bringing in another player. This is a unique year where the Wings are just filled to the brim with talent and options. This team has no lack of experienced veterans with leadership.

[arnoldbuck 0]

Probably could use a thread of its own, but similar topic. What does this trade dealine hold in store for the league? What teams does it look like will be making moves? Who is pretty much going to be moved. Obviously this topic will come up again as the date gets closer. Just something to think about.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I almost think a trade deadline acquisition would be more for the sake of making a move than it would be of any actual benefit to the team.

Would Roberts be that much more valuabe than McCarty or Helm? I would rather call on the guys we aready have, if need be, from GR, and give them that playoff experience over bringing in another player. This is a unique year where the Wings are just filled to the brim with talent and options. This team has no lack of experienced veterans with leadership.

Yes, Roberts would be. We saw what Drake was like last year, this is Garys last season in the NHL, he's much more valuable then Mac and Helm. No he cant skate as fast as he used to, but you cant discount heart and hunger. Plus, he's cheap.

[swiss_fan 3]

Yes, Roberts would be. We saw what Drake was like last year, this is Garys last season in the NHL, he's much more valuable then Mac and Helm.

Roberts didn t impress me during last year playoff run not like Helm... I would definitively rather have Helm in the lineup if he can bring to the table the same as last year.