Forget the deadline, the OFF SEASON is where its at?

[HOCKEY MATTERS 167]

has anyone stopped to think that certain players have assumed the worse themselves?

just maybe some of our roster players realise that Kenny signing either/both Mule and Hos

means they are gone next year. This may be a factor into certain players performance over the past few games since the deadline week. Hudler has 1 pt in the last 8 games, Sammy hasn't trubled the stat sheet in 10 games, Flip has 3 pts in the last 8 games and Maltby 2 pts in 10, but I doubt he's tradeable. The 3 guys that we hear mention in trade talk have all slumped off lately, coincidence or not they aren't themselves just recently. This in turn is

gunna hurt us down the stretch and in the postseason if its not sorted quickly. Lets be honest here, this could be our 3rd line come the playoffs and we'll need them playing to their potential, its good enough for most teams 2nd line!!

The problem I see with that is you'd think these guys would be trying harder so that they aren't traded away. I don't know what is going on with the team right now, but it doesn't seem to me that the Mule and Hoss deal is the cause. It's something else, I think.

[rick zombo 3,739]

has anyone stopped to think that certain players have assumed the worse themselves?

just maybe some of our roster players realise that Kenny signing either/both Mule and Hos

means they are gone next year. This may be a factor into certain players performance over the past few games since the deadline week. Hudler has 1 pt in the last 8 games, Sammy hasn't trubled the stat sheet in 10 games, Flip has 3 pts in the last 8 games and Maltby 2 pts in 10, but I doubt he's tradeable. The 3 guys that we hear mention in trade talk have all slumped off lately, coincidence or not they aren't themselves just recently. This in turn is

gunna hurt us down the stretch and in the postseason if its not sorted quickly. Lets be honest here, this could be our 3rd line come the playoffs and we'll need them playing to their potential, its good enough for most teams 2nd line!!

Hudler and Samuelson are both in contract years. That should be enough motivation to play well.

Samuelson has always been streaky and Hudler may just be tired.

[Johnny Diamonds 25]

Is the NHL cap similar to the NBA cap where you can exceed the cap to re-sign your own players, but you have to pay luxury taxes?

[Doggy 130]

Is the NHL cap similar to the NBA cap where you can exceed the cap to re-sign your own players, but you have to pay luxury taxes?

No, it's a hard cap.

[stillwater 186]

Chris Neil just re-signed with Ottawa so not very likely I think.

Meh ...

Do you have a link or a report to support this, or is your imagination running wild once again?

[Wingsallwin 0]

I really regret that I said we had to sign with Stuart by looking at his performance on the playoff. I think he is a good player but the level of his playing right now, spending too much cap on him is a waste

I think Youngguns1340 made a good point but I honestly do not think the Devils will trade White and prospects round pick for Stuart. Holland is not the only GM who care and watch the Wings games but also other GM do.

What I want to say is that this team is spending too much money on defenses. While other teams spend less than 20 million, or way less than that, we are spending more than 20 million. Think about carefully.

If I were the GM of Detroit Red Wings, I would pick up goalie by giving up one defense from the 2nd pair and one another defense. Surely, we have to keep Lidstrom and Lilja, Ericsson look good out there who will lead this team's defense. I understand people blame Rafalski but he still produces points.

Real problems of this team's defense is Kronwall, Meech, and Chellios. Also does Stuart. I just do not get it. Kronwall, who is having a great talent on offenses and PP, and has improved his defenses, why does not hit anymore? Did he forget how to hit during the summer? Meech has been the hole of this team with Chellios.

We actually did not have to sign with Chellios. By that salary cap, we better used Ericsson who is a great defenseman in the AHL.

Let's get rid of some defenses. I know defenses are main parts of this team but by Lidstrom, Rafalski, Lilja, Ericsson, and Kronwall.. this team can be still solid. Get rid of Stuart, Lebda, and Meech. By that salary, we cannot get a goalie like Luongo but can get Lethonen or Anderson or Vokoun.

Looking further in the future, Osgood will be sucks while Howard and Larsson are not ready, we will definately have the problem.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

I really regret that I said we had to sign with Stuart by looking at his performance on the playoff. I think he is a good player but the level of his playing right now, spending too much cap on him is a waste

I think Youngguns1340 made a good point but I honestly do not think the Devils will trade White and prospects round pick for Stuart. Holland is not the only GM who care and watch the Wings games but also other GM do.

What I want to say is that this team is spending too much money on defenses. While other teams spend less than 20 million, or way less than that, we are spending more than 20 million. Think about carefully.

If I were the GM of Detroit Red Wings, I would pick up goalie by giving up one defense from the 2nd pair and one another defense. Surely, we have to keep Lidstrom and Lilja, Ericsson look good out there who will lead this team's defense. I understand people blame Rafalski but he still produces points.

Real problems of this team's defense is Kronwall, Meech, and Chellios. Also does Stuart. I just do not get it. Kronwall, who is having a great talent on offenses and PP, and has improved his defenses, why does not hit anymore? Did he forget how to hit during the summer? Meech has been the hole of this team with Chellios.

I didn't say trade Stuart for White and picks. I said trade Rafalski for White and a pick/prospect, then trade Stuart for a pick and bring up Ericsson full time. Rafalski may produce points, but his paid first and foremost to play defense. At any rate, any trades are conditional, and giving up Rafalski and Stuart would only happen if the Wings thought they could land a good goalie, or could be in play for Bouwmeester, or could compensate for his loss.

As much as I'm not a big fan of Kronwall these days, at half the price, a younger age, and a more physical game, I'd keep him over Rafalski in a heartbeat.

Regardless, I'm really interested to see what happens when the cap goes down in the coming years. I think people will be surprised at some of the measures taken. Last time the Wings had to reduce salary drastically in order to become cap-compliant, they bought out their then #2 Dman and one of the biggest fan favorites in the past decade.