Z down. Who is next for extension?

[SwedeLundin77 460]

Actually, it leaves us with about 9M (and some change). With 9M, we could probably manage to sign Hudler (2), Sammy (1.5), Franzen (4), Conklin (750k), Leino (850k), and Helm (550k). Agreed though, that retaining Hossa (who stands to make at least 6, but 7 is more realistic) is a stretch. If we didn't keep Franzen or Flip, though, it's a possibility.

Holmstrom-Datsyuk-Zetterberg

Franzen-Hudler-Sammy

Cleary-Flippula-Leino

Maltby-Draper-Helm

And Meech could serve as 13th forward and 7th D.

And just to be clear, I used the LGW salary chart and added in Z for 6M a year, leaving us with about 9M.

We honestly cannot have Filppula continue to waste away on the 3rd line.... Either he plays on the second line or we need to trade him and save cap for Hossa Franzen Hudler. If Hossa had not come this season, Filppula would be centering Franzen and Hudler/Sammy/Cleary on the second line.

[Yzerman191 37]

Well, I put Franzen-Hudler-Sammy because they were so successful last year in the playoffs. It was the beginning of Hudler's breakout, the peak of Franzen's breakout, and Sammy was playing halfway decent hockey! But I completely understand where you're coming from with that statement. More playing time certainly is crucial to Filppula's development.

[pockets 9]

I honestly think with The Mules past history regarding extensions and the fact he has a cup he will test the market hes gonna score 30 goals this season easily maybe more ppl will throw alot his way. Add the fact Hossa has money and no Cup i see us getting hossa to go for a fair price before franzen does and we can bring Huds back barring anyone giving him a Dustin Penner offer sheet then babs could start the season with

Z/D/Homer

Hossa/Flip (giving him a chance to earn his 3m)/Huds

Cleary/Helm/Leino (this line would be interesting to watch)

Malts/Drapes/Abdelkader (cant do any worse then Tomas "I only play the body in the preseason" Kopecky)

Then if Flip cant produce with top 6 minutes trade him then switch to

Hossa/D/H

Cleary or Leino/Z/Huds

Cleary or Leino/Helm/?????

Malts/Drapes/Abdel

it would really depend on what we get for flip, our cap space and how our AHL guys are doing

[elriqo28 2]

His value is at the highest it probably will ever get.

I've heard this about Hudler the past 2 years. Weird!

[norrisnick 1]

I think Howards a lost cause. He can't even seem to play well in the AHL with any consistency. When he didn't make the team this year, I think it became pretty clear what the score is. I'm fine if Conklin re-signs for similar money, but we'll see how the playoffs go and who gets the start, the wins and the losses. If Osgood proves himself again with a strong run when it counts, it won't make much sense to pay Conklin much more money then he's making now to be a backup again. If Osgood fumbles and Conklin comes in and plays well, he'll probably get a raise and a contract if he wants to stay. If they both fumble, bye bye Conklin.

Jimmy has come on very strong of late. His last 10 games he's 7-3 with a 1.70 GAA .941 SV% and 3 shutouts. His most recent outing was a 43 save shootout shutout where he also stopped all 5 shooters in the shootout.

Plus he's already signed for peanuts for 2 more years. No need to bother with Conks who is going to want to cash in at some point as he's never cashed in before.

[russianswede919293 95]

Commited to next year:

Datsyuk (6.7)

Zetterberg (6ish) (article said slightly above 6 per year)

Filppula (3)

Cleary (2.8)

Homer (2.25)

Draper (1.583)

Maltby (0.883)

Helm (0.598)

Lidstrom (7.45)

Rafalski (6)

Stuart (3.75)

Kronwall (3)

Lilja (1.25)

Ericsson (0.9)

Lebda (0.65)

Meech (0.483)

Osgood (1.417)

Howard (0.717)

So that is 49.431 Committed with a need to sign or call-up 4 more forwards... Free Agents that could be back are Leino, Hossa, Hudler, Franzen and Samuelsson. And Abdelkader (0.74) could be called up as well.

I will assume that the cap is not going up at all due to the economy or at most maybe 2 million increase.

That leaves for a 56.7 cap 7.3 million, and for a lets say 59 just for rounding space 10 million in cap space. Since four forwards are needed, unless Hossa signs for 6 million a year as well, I highly doubt he will be back Matt. Zetterberg helped the Wings, but not that much. He helped them enough to keep in my opinion Franzen and Hudler, with 2 rookie call-ups, and possibly even just one of Franzen or Hudler.

I don't see anyone leaving on defense. Lebda will be 7th defenceman and Meech will be 8th d0man 13th forward and Ericsson will slide right into the top 6.

So I would love Hossa to stay, but I just don't see it fitting capwise unless it is going up more than I expect it to.

I think Franzen should get 4 million, and hopefully Hudler will come in at 2.5. Its going to be a tight squeeze again next season.

[russianswede919293 95]

Jimmy has come on very strong of late. His last 10 games he's 7-3 with a 1.70 GAA .941 SV% and 3 shutouts. His most recent outing was a 43 save shootout shutout where he also stopped all 5 shooters in the shootout.

Plus he's already signed for peanuts for 2 more years. No need to bother with Conks who is going to want to cash in at some point as he's never cashed in before.

My problem with Howard is he has always been inconsistant and despite being so strong as of late, I expect a cold streak of massive proportions to accompany this hot streak. But I agree that Conks will want to cash in. I see him pulling around 2-3 million a year as a #1B starter for a team like Ottawa. Thus I am all for trying Howard out and seeing how that goes.

Also to everyone counting Leino in the line-up in the sacrifices to keep hossa and even without him, Leino signed a one-year contract, he is a free agent at the end of the season its no guarentee he doesnt go back to finland.

[Winther 6]

Edit nm

Edited January 28, 2009 by Winther

[Hockeytown_Ryan 122]

Well "I" for one think that either Hudler or Fil might get dealt with the "Long Term" (as said by Babcock) injury to Stuart.

I know we have Meech and could also call up someone. But Meech does not have have the size and grit that Stuart brings to this team.

I can see the Wings dealing Huds for a RENTAL D-MAN if Stuart isnt gonna play much the rest of the season. Cartilage problems in his ribs? sounds pretty long term to me But i am not a doctor....

[russianswede919293 95]

Well "I" for one think that either Hudler or Fil might get dealt with the "Long Term" (as said by Babcock) injury to Stuart.

I know we have Meech and could also call up someone. But Meech does not have have the size and grit that Stuart brings to this team.

I can see the Wings dealing Huds for a RENTAL D-MAN if Stuart isnt gonna play much the rest of the season. Cartilage problems in his ribs? sounds pretty long term to me But i am not a doctor....

Holland said 1-2 weeks

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2009/01/si...stuart_cou.html

[detroitdan 0]

Well "I" for one think that either Hudler or Fil might get dealt with the "Long Term" (as said by Babcock) injury to Stuart.

I know we have Meech and could also call up someone. But Meech does not have have the size and grit that Stuart brings to this team.

I can see the Wings dealing Huds for a RENTAL D-MAN if Stuart isnt gonna play much the rest of the season. Cartilage problems in his ribs? sounds pretty long term to me But i am not a doctor....

If it is a longterm injury they'll put him on Injured Reserve and they'll have the cap space to call someone up, no need to trade anyone.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Commited to next year:

Datsyuk (6.7)

Zetterberg (6ish) (article said slightly above 6 per year)

Filppula (3)

Cleary (2.8)

Homer (2.25)

Draper (1.583)

Maltby (0.883)

Helm (0.598)

Lidstrom (7.45)

Rafalski (6)

Stuart (3.75)

Kronwall (3)

Lilja (1.25)

Ericsson (0.9)

Lebda (0.65)

Meech (0.483)

Osgood (1.417)

Howard (0.717)

So that is 49.431 Committed with a need to sign or call-up 4 more forwards... Free Agents that could be back are Leino, Hossa, Hudler, Franzen and Samuelsson. And Abdelkader (0.74) could be called up as well.

I will assume that the cap is not going up at all due to the economy or at most maybe 2 million increase.

That leaves for a 56.7 cap 7.3 million, and for a lets say 59 just for rounding space 10 million in cap space. Since four forwards are needed, unless Hossa signs for 6 million a year as well, I highly doubt he will be back Matt. Zetterberg helped the Wings, but not that much. He helped them enough to keep in my opinion Franzen and Hudler, with 2 rookie call-ups, and possibly even just one of Franzen or Hudler.

I don't see anyone leaving on defense. Lebda will be 7th defenceman and Meech will be 8th d0man 13th forward and Ericsson will slide right into the top 6.

So I would love Hossa to stay, but I just don't see it fitting capwise unless it is going up more than I expect it to.

I think Franzen should get 4 million, and hopefully Hudler will come in at 2.5. Its going to be a tight squeeze again next season.

On top of this, keep in mind that Meech could also play the 4th line given the pinch the Franzen/Hudler/Hossa situation will cause. If Kenny is ok with running 7 Dmen with Meech being a floater between offense and defense that will ever-so slightly help things.

[Hockeytown_Ryan 122]

Holland said 1-2 weeks

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2009/01/si...stuart_cou.html

If it is a longterm injury they'll put him on Injured Reserve and they'll have the cap space to call someone up, no need to trade anyone.

Well thanks for the Update I did not hear 1-2 weeks All i heard was "Long Term" and that phrase is never good to hear and hard to interpret

as far as the call up goes? who can we call up that replaces what Stuart has to offer here! I dont think we have anyone or we would not have dropped 3.75 on him for a extention. we would of called someone up at a cheaper price was my point. we need defense to win a cup again it has been our down fall all year. thats all I was trying to say

[DatsMyWings13 4]

Franzen would be top priority in my opinion and then Hossa. I'm okay with Hudler leaving.

[2probert4 8]

He's probably not next but I think they are definitely going to want Sammy back. Apparently a player who is responsible enough defensively to play the point on the PP and shoot right-handed is rare in the NHL. If they do, he might get a 1mil raise per year.

Wont be enough room....They have Leino and Helm to keep on the Wings roster.

[egroen 384]

I agree that Hossa may very well be more likely to give a discount than Franzen (Hossa has made his money, and clearly cares more now about winning and the type of team he is on -- Franzen has never had his big payday, and he will probably not get it from the Wings). If you can trade Flip and let Franzen go in order to retain Hossa and Hudler -- well, that's a no-brainer in my opinion.

Edited January 28, 2009 by egroen

[MacK_Attack 108]

So that is 49.431 Committed with a need to sign or call-up 4 more forwards... Free Agents that could be back are Leino, Hossa, Hudler, Franzen and Samuelsson. And Abdelkader (0.74) could be called up as well.

I will assume that the cap is not going up at all due to the economy or at most maybe 2 million increase.

No, but be mindful of the salary cap drop coming the season after. Load up on long-term deals this summer and you'll be scrambling to dump them next year.

[therock48880 14]

No, but be mindful of the salary cap drop coming the season after. Load up on long-term deals this summer and you'll be scrambling to dump them next year.

Lidstrom's status could play a part by then, though. His contract expires after next season.

[egroen 384]

Lidstrom's status could play a part by then, though. His contract expires after next season.

Exactly.

Hell, you could take Hudler to arbitration, elect for a one-year deal, and pretty much delay worrying about him until you know Lidstrom's status. I almost wish they had done that with Filppula. It's unfortunate arbitration is such a nasty experience, however.

[titanium2 867]

-I can't really provide much empirical support for this but I don't see Sammy going anywhere. His ability to perform well enough on the 2nd PP unit with his right-handed shot is intangible enough.

-I'm not sure about Hudler. Like Hossa/Franzen they might have to choose between Hudler/Leino even if they both are RFA. From what I've seen, they're very similar players, both strengths and weaknesses. Except Hudler has a more accurate shot and Leino has better stickhandling skills.

-I think it's more possible now for Hossa to take a similar cap hit to Z's. Do you really think he wants to adjust to another new environment? I think he'd like to settle down.

-If Kopy signs I see him getting at most a 25% raise (130k).

Pav and Z together:

Z-Pav-Homer

Bear-Fil-Hoss/Mule

Leino/Huds-Helm-Sammy

Drapes with whoever doesn't F up and hopefully provides energy.

Pav and Z not together:

Fil-Pav-Homer

Bear-Z-Hoss/Mule

...or Leino/Huds-Z-Hoss/Mule if they really need offense.

Leino/Huds-Helm-Sammy

Drapes with whoever doesn't F up and hopefully provides energy.

[Wombat 26]

I see Franzen as the guy Holland targets next, but agree with some other posters that said they expect Franzen to test the UFA waters. I just don't see how Hossa stays... if he does great but right now for me he's like that free preview of HBO you get once in a while. Just enjoy it while it lasts and it won't last long!

The Z contract has a fiscally sound cap hit and I expect Holland to do the same with the next few contracts. I do think a lot of UFAs will be in for a rude awakening on July 1st, so there is probably a good chance that a handful of solid, physical veterans (ala Drake last year) will be available for short term, cheap contracts.

The money saved on Z's cap hit could go to Hudler. Personally, since he's an RFA, I would wait and see if he gets any other offers on the market. If it's an OK contract, match. If not, take the draft pick compensation or work out a different trade.

[egroen 384]

-I can't really provide much empirical support for this but I don't see Sammy going anywhere. His ability to perform well enough on the 2nd PP unit with his right-handed shot is intangible enough.

If Sammy is not looking for a big raise, he may stay.

-I'm not sure about Hudler. Like Hossa/Franzen they might have to choose between Hudler/Leino even if they both are RFA. From what I've seen, they're very similar players, both strengths and weaknesses. Except Hudler has a more accurate shot and Leino has better stickhandling skills.

Leino is nowhere near Hudler. They are both approximately the same age -- and while Leino is scoring close to a point per game in the AHL (with first line minutes) Hudler is scoring almost a point per game in the NHL (with third line minutes). Consider also, when Hudler was years younger than Leino currently is, he was top 3 in the entire AHL in scoring and set the Griffins all time record for assists in a season.

They may have similar games, but Hudler is a hell of a lot better.

[Datsyerberger 279]

Gee Zetterberg, thanks for signing so cheap. Now I need to redo all my math. Chump.

Zetterberg (6) - Datsyuk (6.7) - Holmstrom - (2.25)

Hudler (3) - Franzen (4) - Leino (.9)

Cleary (2.85) - Helm (.6) - Sammy (1.5)

Maltby (.88) - Draper (1.58) - Meech (.5)

D-Mac or Downey or Something(.5)

Lids (7.45) - Raffi (6)

Kronwall (3) - Stuart (3.75)

Lilja (1.1) - Ericsson (.85)

Chelios (.5)

Lebda (.65)

Osgood (1.4)

Howard (.75)

Equals~ 56.5 -- 23 man roster just under the current cap. If Holland can't get Franzen + Hudler signed for a combined 7 mil, nix this, but I think if he's clever he might get a combined 6 out of them.

Or

Hossa (6) - Datsyuk (6.7) - Holmstrom - (2.25)

Hudler (2.5) - Zetterberg (6) - Leino (.9)

Cleary (2.85) - Helm (.6) - Sammy (1.5)

Maltby (.88) - Draper (1.58) - D-Mac or Downey or Something(.5)

Lids (7.45) - Raffi (6)

Kronwall (3) - Stuart (3.75)

Lilja (1.1) - Ericsson (.85)

Chelios (.5)

Meech (.5)

Osgood (1.4)

Howard (.75)

Equals ~57.5 | 22 man roster -- Somehow talk Hossa into taking 1 mil less or, more likely, replace Sammy with a 1 mil/yr cheaper player and this one is doable, and still pretty good depth-wise (it's not like we don't have a lot of talent waiting to come up)

With either of those options, you still have one of the top teams in the league -- and some great players locked up at bargain prices.

[Vladifan 680]

Snap judgment* after seeing Zetterberg's deal: He's going to make a very strong pitch to retain Hossa.

(* I'll have to take a good look at the cap page after some sleep and coffee before a I cement that.)

OK, I admit I don't understand the cap for crap, but please somebody tell me if it's realistically possible to keep Hossa. I want him to stay, even though there are times that I don't like seeing Dats and Zets split up.

From Hossa's point of view I cannot see him as happy and fulfilled anywhere else as he seems to be in Deetroit. From the fans' point of view it seems academic. HOWEVER. From the players' points of view I'm guessing that if they want to keep Hossa, some stars are gonna have to give up moolah to retain him (IF that's possible under cap rules...?!).

What's yer take? Anybody? Anybody?

[esteef 2,679]

Kenny - PLEASE KEEP FRANZEN! We have enough small forwards!

esteef