What I personally would like to see...

[Stevie Y Datsyuk 2]

If Hossa and Leino return and we part ways with Sammy and Hudler, I'd like to see something like this:

Datsyuk Zetterberg Cleary

Franzen Filppula Hossa

Leino Helm (Free Agent)*

Abdelkader Draper Holmstrom

Maltby

Lidstrom Rafalski

Stuart Kronwall

Lilja Ericsson

Lebda

Osgood

Howard

*someone who brings grit, toughness, and will play hard every single game

Some notes:

1. After next season, the UFA's are Holmstrom, Maltby, Lidstrom, and Lebda.

2. Rafalski and Stuart are the two most overpayed players on the team IMO. It's too bad they both have a NTC. However, Stuart's NTC is only in effect until the end of next season. I really hope we move him...

3. In one year, we could be a much faster team than this previous season.

4. I'm very excited for the future of this team.

[T-Ruff 47]

2. Rafalski and Stuart are the two most overpayed players on the team IMO. It's too bad they both have a NTC. However, Stuart's NTC is only in effect until the end of next season. I really hope we move him...

They both took discounts to stay here... take a look at Jeff Finger's 3.5 million per year and tell me that Stuart at 3.75 is overpaid.... Stuart was incredible for us in these playoffs especially with the injuries we had to Lidstrom and Rafalski.... I recall him playing 27 minutes some nights

Ralaski certainly could've gotten more than 6 on the open market, and Stuart probably could've gotten around 5. The latter is #4 on the Wings but would be on the top pairing on most other teams.... We're very spoiled to have that kind of depth, IMO

[Stevie Y Datsyuk 2]

I can live with Rafalski's contract because of his offensive skills. I guess I would have like to see Rafalski play a little better in the playoffs...

Stuart on the other hand...I've never been a big fan. Since I live in Mass, I saw him play in Boston and believe me, he has not changed. Just way too many turnovers in the D-Zone...

Other than Stuart and Holmstrom, I'm very excited for the upcoming season!

[RedFX 48]

Up until those two stupid Game 7 plays, I thought Stuart played really well in these playoffs. He threw his body around, had good positioning, and made some strong plays in the defensive zone. Rafalski is what he is, an offensive-minded, puck-moving d-man. He's never been known for his defensive presence, but none the less he's been a big asset to the team.

To be honest, I really would not be torn over losing any of our UFA's (including Hossa). We can stay competitive either way

Edited June 23, 2009 by RedFX

[Stevie Y Datsyuk 2]

it's weird how Hossa affects this team...

if he stays, he'll most likely be on the 2nd line with Filppula as center

if he departs, Dats and Z would most likely split up and Filp would be our 3rd line center

The best part about this team is the depth at center and defensive abilities/scoring abilities/speed at that position.

Dats and Z and Filp and Helm OH MY!

PS: Back to Stuart, IMO he's been the new Robert Lang: the player who causes me to curse the most at the tv.

[MadMan Mark 0]

I like our D pairings. Yes, Stuart had the brain farts that turned into the Cup winner, but he was solid during Lidstrom's absence.

I believe we have the depth to offer a roster spot to Abdelkader and not sacrifice anything. I would love to keep Hossa and Hudler. There are many combinations, but the great thing is that we are w/o Hossa the same team that won the Cup in 2008 (minus Drake) or with Hossa the same team that was the Cup runner-up in 2009 (minus Sammy and possibly Hudler). Not a bad position to be in.

Perhaps this loss lights a fire similar to 2007 and the Wings come out on fire. I love the fact that Babcock always has the team ready and establishes his tone in Oct and Nov. Winning 16-20 games in those months virtually assures a lead in the division and has division opponents on their heels early in the season. The other divisions will take care of themselves.

Lidstrom hoists the Cup in June 2010 and calls it a career.

[MadMan Mark 0]

it's weird how Hossa affects this team...

if he stays, he'll most likely be on the 2nd line with Filppula as center

if he departs, Dats and Z would most likely split up and Filp would be our 3rd line center

The best part about this team is the depth at center and defensive abilities/scoring abilities/speed at that position.

Dats and Z and Filp and Helm OH MY!

PS: Back to Stuart, IMO he's been the new Robert Lang: the player who causes me to curse the most at the tv.

In the past, I have been bitching about Lilja's turnovers more than any other D-man

[Guest micah]

I'm also excited about next year, I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Ablekader and Helm.

I am not at all concerned about our D.

I am comfortable with a goaltending tandem of Ozzie (80%) and Howard (20%).

I'd like to see Downey with 50 or so reg season games, and Maltby with no more than 30.

[NewBelgium1554 0]

I like our D pairings. Yes, Stuart had the brain farts that turned into the Cup winner, but he was solid during Lidstrom's absence.

I believe we have the depth to offer a roster spot to Abdelkader and not sacrifice anything. I would love to keep Hossa and Hudler. There are many combinations, but the great thing is that we are w/o Hossa the same team that won the Cup in 2008 (minus Drake) or with Hossa the same team that was the Cup runner-up in 2009 (minus Sammy and possibly Hudler). Not a bad position to be in.

Perhaps this loss lights a fire similar to 2007 and the Wings come out on fire. I love the fact that Babcock always has the team ready and establishes his tone in Oct and Nov. Winning 16-20 games in those months virtually assures a lead in the division and has division opponents on their heels early in the season. The other divisions will take care of themselves.

Lidstrom hoists the Cup in June 2010 and calls it a career.

This would bring a tear to my eye!