Last Game In A Wings Uniform For Some?

[rick zombo 3,739]

Regardless of who wins tomorrow, it's a little sad to think that guys that have been big parts of this Wings team and guys I really like such as Hudler, may not be back next year.

For instance, we all rag on Samuelson, but he scored some big goals over the past two playoffs. There's a good chance he won't be back.

I think I'll try and enjoy watching this team, fully intact, on Friday and appreciate this group of players and their accomplishments.

Hopefully this doesn't sound too cheesy.

Any thought?

[Real1 2]

I agree that some may not be back, but why dont we wait and see if there is SOME way that Kenny H can work his magic.

[55fan 5,133]

I had the same thoughts. Sammy is one of my faves, but I've grown attached to Hossa and Hudler too.

No telling what next season will bring. I agree that we need to just enjoy it while we have it.

Go Wings!

[Lovin Jiri Fischer 147]

I know I get frustrated with Hudler and Sammy a lot, but they have scored some key goals this season. And even bigger than that, they are really good guys, along with Hossa and Filppula. It's going to be sad to see anyone go, not because we don't want them, but because we can't have them.

[alienanxiety 23]

I don't think Hudler is going anywhere (unless some team offers him a ridiculous offer sheet, in which case we get draft picks) but Sammy is gone for certain, as is Chelios. I also wouldn't be surprised if Drapes or Malby hung it up. I've heard some rumours that Homer may be ready to hang them up too, but I see him being back for another year.

[OsGOD 3]

It will be sad, but at least we still do have a core group of guys coming back... and some bright new Griffins looking to be fan favorites real quick

[Dimaline312000 51]

It's not Cheesy at all, that's the sign of a good hockey fan. It's going to be tough to think about who we may lose becasue this is a sport and we can't keep everyone together every year. This team has been great the past seasons and I do wish the best of luck to whomever we do part ways with. I don't know who we are going to lose but they have all been great at times and I just hope the players that are going can end this season and possibly their careers as Red Wings on a happy note.

I will say though that this off season will be one of the most interesting and exciting off-seasons the Wings have had in a bit. Hopefully the Wings will make the right moves and keep the right players to continue to be a successful hockey team for years to come.

Edited June 11, 2009 by Dimaline312000

[Chunkylover 26]

I'm a fan of every player wearing the Winged Wheel and hate seeing anyone have to leave the team. As frustrating as Robert Lang was to watch, he seemed like a nice guy during interviews and I always cheered for his success so he could win over some of his detractors. It's the same with Chelios. I wish that he could contribute to this team the way he thinks he can. Whenever he's in the lineup I'm pulling for him to get a goal or something (like game five against Chicago!).

Hudler has a lot of heart. I don't know how he is in the locker room but when I watch him drive the net to assist on Franzen's game winner against Columbus, or see him competing in the corners (despite his size disadvantage) I really respect his competitiveness.

Samuelsson fits well with this team. When he's playing on the third or fourth line he is a perfect fit: good defensive awareness, good puck-handling, and he can cycle well. He's sort of like another Cleary-esque reclamation project, although I doubt anyone expected great things out of Sammy, he's a quality depth player. In retrospect he's another example of the Wings savvy management.

Conks and Hoss need to do everything they can to spur their team to victory because they may never have this opportunity. Conklin, however, has done a lot during the regular season to help his career after Detroit.

Let's go out with a bang boys!

[titanium2 867]

I think Hossa and Kopy are gone.

-Hossa... well, it's obvious. Perfect fit in the locker room but a rather average fit on the ice.

-Kopy has a cheap contract but that's seemingly the only positive. The Wings thought they drafted a guy who could be a power forward, but that didn't work. Kopy then changed his game and tried to be a grinder, but that's not really working all that well either. But maybe they're pleased with progress, I don't know.

I think there's also a strong possibility that Huds will be gone too mainly because the Wings like depth and Huds will command enough worth two 3rd/4th line players.

I'm not ready for Holmstrom to leave yet. He's never been a good skater but around the net he still has the best positioning and nose for the puck. Well... That is, when he's healthy and on top of his game. I still think Cleary has a few things to learn from him.

For better or for worse, Maltby is not going leave. He said it himself that he will play out his contract.

[Guest Shoreline]

If Hossa signs there will be more key figures leaving.

I dunno how this will play out, but I have every bit of faith Kenny will work something out. Don't want to think much about it until late late Friday or sometime Saturday, at the soonest.

[RedWings 79]

Holland will not resign Hossa, except if he makes a crazy game 7 (1% probability)

[RusDRW 155]

I have no problems with Hossa leaving. He never was a good choice for the Red Wings. Do not get me wrong he is good for every other team in this league. Just not for the Red Wings. Our hockey is a bit different... And after that I see no problems for us to sign Samuelsson and Hudler. I hate to see any of these two guys leaving much more than Hossa keaving...

Edited June 11, 2009 by RusDRW

[Jake Ryan 1]

I really hope they win tomorrow.

[Guest Shoreline]

I have no problems with Hossa leaving. He never was a good choice for the Red Wings. Do not get me wrong he is good for every other team in this league. Just not for the Red Wings. Our hockey is a bit different... And after that I see no problems for us to sign Samuelsson and Hudler. I hate to see any of these two guys leaving much more than Hossa keaving...

I was saying this months ago and was getting lambasted because Hossa was so 1337.

Many people are saying this now because Hossa isn't going apes*** scoring goals. I don't get why so many just fail to see the bigger picture and just salivate over the superstar.

[bonan78 1]

I think we may likely be watching Hossa's last game as a Red Wing. I know there are stories out there that there is a deal in place, but I doubt that. Unless he takes a HUGE discount, like 3-4 mil per year, we simply cannot afford him, financially or in terms of what it would do to our depth. I also think that Kopecky will not be re-signed, and that some other team may offer Samuelsson a significant raise that he will not be able to pass up. Chelios retires, and Hudler gets 3 million for 5 years like Filppula did last year. Hopefully any combo of Draper, Maltby, and Holmstrom retire as well, allowing us to bring up some Griffins who are ready to be regulars. At any rate, next years team will feature many new faces.

Until then, here's hoping Hossa has a huge game tomorrow and proves all his doubters wrong. It was certainly fun while it lasted.

[Guest Shoreline]

I think we may likely be watching Hossa's last game as a Red Wing. I know there are stories out there that there is a deal in place, but I doubt that. Unless he takes a HUGE discount, like 3-4 mil per year, we simply cannot afford him, financially or in terms of what it would do to our depth. I also think that Kopecky will not be re-signed, and that some other team may offer Samuelsson a significant raise that he will not be able to pass up. Chelios retires, and Hudler gets 3 million for 5 years like Filppula did last year. Hopefully any combo of Draper, Maltby, and Holmstrom retire as well, allowing us to bring up some Griffins who are ready to be regulars. At any rate, next years team will feature many new faces.

Until then, here's hoping Hossa has a huge game tomorrow and proves all his doubters wrong. It was certainly fun while it lasted.

Again, I was saying the same thing but people were telling me ridiculous s*** like Lids will take 2-4m per season just to sign Hossa, Hossa will take 4m, and Franzen will leave. Crazy stuff.

[Shaman 713]

I have feeling you could see some of the following players gone:

Conklin

Maltby

Kopecky

Hudler

Sammy

Holmstrom

Draper

Chelios

Hossa

my bets are bolded

[RusDRW 155]

I was saying this months ago and was getting lambasted because Hossa was so 1337.

Many people are saying this now because Hossa isn't going apes*** scoring goals. I don't get why so many just fail to see the bigger picture and just salivate over the superstar.

I remember those discussions. For some people in order to realize that, Hossa needs to have a completely effortless game like game 6. Such games happen to each and every player in this league. Take a look at Zetter, Dats, Crosby, etc., all of them are having off games. With Hossa we have a much bigger problem - he is "one man show" for his shift on the ice. If the rest of the team does not feed him constantly during the whole game he is simply lost out there. Perhaps he was one of the reasons Pittsburgh was really bad last year.

[OsGOD 3]

With Hossa we have a much bigger problem - he is "one man show" for his shift on the ice. If the rest of the team does not feed him constantly during the whole game he is simply lost out there.

hmmm interesting point... interesting indeed.

[eva unit zero 271]

I remember those discussions. For some people in order to realize that, Hossa needs to have a completely effortless game like game 6. Such games happen to each and every player in this league. Take a look at Zetter, Dats, Crosby, etc., all of them are having off games. With Hossa we have a much bigger problem - he is "one man show" for his shift on the ice. If the rest of the team does not feed him constantly during the whole game he is simply lost out there. Perhaps he was one of the reasons Pittsburgh was really bad last year.

Hossa was easily Pittsburgh's best player in the postseason last year. Especially in the finals.

[Casey 145]

I won't shed a tear if Hossa goes. He has all the talent in the world, but without someone feeding him, he's lost.

[Mitchmac33 103]

Holland will not resign Hossa, except if he makes a crazy game 7 (1% probability)

i don't think the playoffs are gonna really effect holland's decision. he scored 40 goals in the regular season and was a great fit with dats. plus it gives the wings the chance to split datsyuk and zetterberg, or whatever combination they wanna throw out there. it just gives them options. it's gonna be tough making decisions this off season and i'm glad i'm not the one who has to do it

[RusDRW 155]

Hossa was easily Pittsburgh's best player in the postseason last year. Especially in the finals.

no, he wasn't. Not even close. Crosby was as much as I hate to admit it.

PS please stop base your opinion on the scoresheet only.

PPS any further discussion with you may turn into "Zetterberg is better than Datsyk"... so please do not bother answering.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Maltby and Hossa will probably be gone.

With everyone else, I think chances are greater than 50/50 that they return. Obviously, more than two guys will likely be gone, but those are the only two I'm confident about leaving.

[Jake Ryan 1]

I have feeling you could see some of the following players gone:

Conklin

Maltby

Kopecky

Hudler

Sammy

Holmstrom

Draper

Chelios

Hossa

my bets are bolded

My guess is pretty similar:

Conklin

Kopecky

Sammy

Holmstrom

Chelios

Lilja

Hudler

Hossa

Draper

Maltby