Next Season: Hossa vs. Depth//Merged

[stevkrause 1,247]

i think at some point we have to stop with the super-long-term, front-loaded contracts. while i haven't had any problems with any of the deals thus far, one more 10-year deal worth 6+ million per is going to make it really difficult on us in the future, i think.

i'd just hate to see us in a situation in 10 years where we have a bunch of aging vets taking up huge chunks of the salary and then losing our promising young talent because we can't afford to sign the leinos and helms of tomorrow, you know? we are already in danger of that, and i think another huge contract could put us at serious risk. just my humble opinion.

I think the long term deal to Franzen just sealed the deal that Hossa will not be back... at least long term, we can't afford it and Holland is simply too smart for that...

[titanium2 867]

He's played well in these playoffs overall. But his middle of the pack offensive stats definitely make it easier to let go of him. But there's still time for him to explode.

Seriously, unless he will consider a ridiculous cap hit in the range of 4.5-5 million then I really don't think there's much to talk about. It hurts but that's the reality of the budget world.

[Guest Shoreline]

Easy. Depth.

Next?

[RedWings 79]

The guy was the leading goal-scorer for the Wings in the regular season and turned down a reported 9-year/$81 million offer from Edmonton. Do you really think Holland could get him to sign for *under* $4 million per even if it was long-term?

Probably not. But Franzen is a much more valuable playoff performer than Hossa. Hossa has little chemistry with Dats and Zett, and we need to build around these two guys, not just bring superstars.

I want to see him go (with a cup).

[titanium2 867]

Probably not. But Franzen is a much more valuable playoff performer than Hossa. Hossa has little chemistry with Dats and Zett, and we need to build around these two guys, not just bring superstars.

I want to see him go (with a cup).

You have many writers across the nation who think he's been a "perfect fit."

Well, he has in the sense that he's an honest, humble, hardworking human being who just wants to fit in, play a role and joke around with his friends.

But you're right. For some strange reason, he just doesn't fit well with anyone down the middle, at least not as well as Datsyuk-Zetterberg or even Filppula-Franzen for that matter.

[Finnish Wing 110]

I would let Hossa go for sure. Even if it takes some scoring power away. I would set the lines like this:

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmström

Franzen-Filppula-Hudler

Leino-Helm-Cleary

Abdelkader-Draper-Maltby

(Ritola)

Lidström-Rafalski

Kronwall-Stuart

Ericsson-Lilja

(Meech)

Osgood

(Howard)

I think these lines have good chemistry as well as good balance in checking, scoring and playmaking.

[Chunkylover 26]

I would let Hossa go for sure. Even if it takes some scoring power away. I would set the lines like this:

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmström

Franzen-Filppula-Hudler

Leino-Helm-Cleary

Abdelkader-Draper-Maltby

(Ritola)

Lidström-Rafalski

Kronwall-Stuart

Ericsson-Lilja

(Meech)

Osgood

(Howard)

I think these lines have good chemistry as well as good balance in checking, scoring and playmaking.

It might better to have Hudler with Helm and Cleary. Huds has never failed to contribute no matter how low he falls on the depth chart. Plus, Leino is at least a little bit bigger than Hudler and has a similar compete level, and should have some chemistry with Fil. I see you'd also let Kopy and Sammy walk. I'm thinking it might be good to hold on to Samuelsson.

[WorkingOvertime 536]

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Edited October 14, 2016 by WorkingOvertime

[Manny>Ozzie(by a long shot) 55]

I know there have been a million threads started about this, but I am trying to offer a slightly different take on the situation, or at the very least a re-emphisis on something that has become glaringly obvious as we have gone through the playoffs the last two-three seasons.

Since we got Hossa, I have been so excited about him being on the team, and contriuting his flashy play and sometimes pure dominance in some games. I have been on the side that we need to keep Hossa no matter what, and that Kenny will find a way to make it work.

However, we all know the numbers, and the cap situation. Kenny may sometimes appear magical, but he cannot single-handedly change the salary cap, or adjust existing contracts.

It has been stated time and time again on this board that there is no way to keep and retain in the long term our supporting cast of (future and current RFAs and UFAs), especially Huds, Sammy, Cleary, Flip, Helm, Leino, if we resign Hossa. Even at a bargain-basement price.

I guess what I am getting to is, I have officially changed my vote. After seeing our 3rd/4th line carry us in game 7, we NEED to keep these guys around. As awesome and likable as Hossa is, he isn't worth it. I has taken me this long to I guess admit it, and I was wondering if anyone out there has officially changed sides on this issue after all we have seen this year so far in the playoffs.

[zata20 4]

Have you realized Ozzie > Manny (by a long shot)?

Edited May 16, 2009 by zata20

[19Hockeytown5 0]

This was my sentiment from day one.

I have always looked at Hossa as a rental to help us repeat. We won the cup last year without him. I stated how if we won this season, I would be completely comfortable attempting a three peat with that same team (more or less-factoring in players fading and new players emerging) that won in 2008.

I will forever respect Hossa and I would love to have him here for the rest of his career. He is a true Red Wing; an excellent fit. Unfortunately, the salary cap won't allow it. Decision makers can't let emotion get in the way. I don't think Holland will make that mistake.

The Red Wings have always won with depth. I do not want to deviate from this model now.

[Rocket Queen 30 1]

I know there have been a million threads started about this, but I am trying to offer a slightly different take on the situation, or at the very least a re-emphisis on something that has become glaringly obvious as we have gone through the playoffs the last two-three seasons.

Since we got Hossa, I have been so excited about him being on the team, and contriuting his flashy play and sometimes pure dominance in some games. I have been on the side that we need to keep Hossa no matter what, and that Kenny will find a way to make it work.

However, we all know the numbers, and the cap situation. Kenny may sometimes appear magical, but he cannot single-handedly change the salary cap, or adjust existing contracts.

It has been stated time and time again on this board that there is no way to keep and retain in the long term our supporting cast of (future and current RFAs and UFAs), especially Huds, Sammy, Cleary, Flip, Helm, Leino, if we resign Hossa. Even at a bargain-basement price.

I guess what I am getting to is, I have officially changed my vote. After seeing our 3rd/4th line carry us in game 7, we NEED to keep these guys around. As awesome and likable as Hossa is, he isn't worth it. I has taken me this long to I guess admit it, and I was wondering if anyone out there has officially changed sides on this issue after all we have seen this year so far in the playoffs.

Seriously?

The 3rd & 4th lines have been awesome no doubt but, they're our 3rd & 4th lines for a reason. I'm for keeping Hossa so long as we don't lose anyone good to do it. I'm hoping he'll do whatever it takes to stay. Love your goalie.

[Rivalred 630]

Don't Sign Hossa, Trade Flip, Franzen, Pavel, and let Hudler walk.

[Rocket Queen 30 1]

And another thing.. Manny??? Puhleeeeeeeez. Not even in HIS dreams...

Love your goalie.

[titanium2 867]

Benefits:

Perfect fit in the locker room

30-40 goals and 70-80 points during the regular season

Great speed

Great shot

Above average passing ability

Great backchecking ability

Could one day don an A on his jersey

Drawbacks:

Should receive a raise from the 7.4 mil he earned

Barely above average on ice chemistry with any center for the Wings

Tendency to be a perimeter player

Defensive positioning and anticipation is sometimes questionable

considering the salary he demands.

**The benefits are seemingly small, but plentiful. The drawbacks are seemingly few, but very big and important.

Edited May 16, 2009 by titanium2

[19Hockeytown5 0]

Sure you can say "they are just the 3rd line". However, think of how much better our 3rd and 4th lines are compared to other teams. This is why we win. Almost all playoff teams have a great line or two. Hell, I would argue the Ducks first line was significantly better than our best players. At the end of the day, our role players outplay the other teams. This story has played out in series after series for the Red Wings. Look at our history. It has always been the maltbys the drapers the mccartys the helms who have come up big. This is not to say our stars (fed/yzer/shanny/dats/zet/fran) don't come up big in the playoffs because they do and they have. I am saying, however, that every playoff team has great players. Depth is what has won us championships and made us a dynasty. It's what seperates us from the crowd.

Hossa, as great as he is and as much as I/we love him, is not worth giving up our depth for. The Red Wing model has always been rolling 4 deep lines. Look past the feelings you have. Impact decisions cannot be made on feelings.

[Rocket Queen 30 1]

Sure you can say "they are just the 3rd line". However, think of how much better our 3rd and 4th lines are compared to other teams. This is why we win. Almost all playoff teams have a great line or two. Hell, I would argue the Ducks first line was significantly better than our best players. At the end of the day, our role players outplay the other teams. This story has played out in series after series for the Red Wings. Look at our history. It has always been the maltbys the drapers the mccartys the helms who have come up big. This is not to say our stars (fed/yzer/shanny/dats/zet/fran) don't come up big in the playoffs because they do and they have. I am saying, however, that every playoff team has great players. Depth is what has won us championships and made us a dynasty. It's what seperates us from the crowd.

Hossa, as great as he is and as much as I/we love him, is not worth giving up our depth for. The Red Wing model has always been rolling 4 deep lines. Look past the feelings you have. Impact decisions cannot be made on feelings.

Two words for you... Martin Lapointe

And seriously... The braintrust that built this team isn't going to gut it for 1 player, no matter how good he is.

Love your goalie.

[RedFX 48]

I think alot of what happens this summer will depend on the development of the minor league guys. If we keep Hossa and lose guys like Hudler, Samuelsson, Filpulla, etc. then guys like Helm, Abdelkader, and Leino will have to step up and take their place. If Babs and Kenny think they're ready to be everyday players, then I think we're more prepared to lose a Hudler or Filpulla. If the powers want to develop them a while longer, then we'll have some tough decisions to make.

There's not gonna be a perfect outcome for this situation. Either way we'll be losing important part(s) of our team. But knowing Kenny, the decisions that will be made will be the decision that helps us the most in the long run.

[Winged_Wheeler 3]

Sorry to break it, but Marian Hossa's resigning. Winning the Cup isn't much a factor anymore, he loves it here so much.

[Lidstrom for life 20]

In Holland we trust. I love Hossa, but if the cost of resigning him is Fil and Hudler I just don't think it makes sense.

[MileHighWingsGuy 178]

The RedWing brain trust made the right decision by signing the Mule long term. He was the guy we needed to keep and a true play-off beast. I'm with the sentiment of the rest of the board, a Hossa fan that realizes we have too much other talent we need to secure long term. We need to take care of Errickson, Helm, Abdelkader, Leino and other budding talent. The heart of our team Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Mule are solid...keep Hudler and Flip. Hate to say let Hossa walk but its the only right decision.

[titanium2 867]

Sorry to break it, but Marian Hossa's resigning. Winning the Cup isn't much a factor anymore, he loves it here so much.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=422899

"I'm 30 and the way I look at it, there are four or five years in your prime and my goal is to win the Stanley Cup. Coming to Detroit to a team that can go all the way, this is the kind of situation I've always hoped for. I came here for one reason. It's been a blast for me to play here. I know I get to play with great players. They give you the puck and it's a big difference when you've got the puck on your stick as opposed to playing without it."

Five years huh? Well, what if they gave him a contract as such:

7.2 / 7.2 / 7.2 / 7.2 / 7.2 / 1 / 1 / 1 / 1

4.44 cap hit.

[kylee 727]

In Holland we trust. I love Hossa, but if the cost of resigning him is Fil and Hudler I just don't think it makes sense.

see i feel that if retaining Hossa means giving up Flip and Hudler is worth as much as i love Hudler. the guys in Grand Rapids have proven they can hang with the NHL talent.

[thedisappearer 291]

As most of you feel, I want Hossa but am not willing to blow up the team for him.

But... people keep preaching out depth... yes, these are the people who will step up if we keep Hossa. Abdelkader, Leino, Helm... non roster players, until the playoffs. Yeah, money will be tight, but I am not convinced we are losing that much. We get picks for Hudler (hate to see him go). Everyone else can take a below market rate or move on. Which is what we are asking of Hossa.

[Dabura 12,232]

Keeping Hossa =/necessarily= Destroying the team

I don't know why this is so difficult to understand. You'd think we were talking about drowning a thousand kittens.