Holland "Not Optimistic" about re-signing Hossa

[ltgator333 3]

NOOOOOOOO NOT CONKS!!!!! i dont give a crap about hossa but dude c'mon like ive said if ANYONE deserves a raise and contract extension its CONKLIN. Howard is NOT ready and never will be oh kenny why must you break my heart all the time.

Yeah I dunno that Howard's ready either, BUT if he's not they've got 2 more young goalies behind him on the waiting list.

I wouldn't worry about Conklin tho, this is two years in a row for two diff teams he's been pretty well lights out. Somebody will throw some cash at him, possibly even a chance at starting somewhere.

[LidsFan 68]

What are The Wings going to do if Howard can't get the job done? Ozzie can't play all the games. I am sorry but I think that the Wings are making a mistake. And I hope that I will be proven wrong, and that Howard will play great, but I have my doubts. I feel bad for Conklin because he liked playing in Detroit and I am sure that something could of been worked out with him to stay.

[aflac9262 211]

I really don't mind Hossa being doubtful. He was great during the season, but he was practically a ghost in the playoffs. He seems to have a bad habit of coughing up the puck and being a liability out there.

I wouldn't mind seeing Conklin around still. It'll be interesting seeing Howard backup regularly. I have a lot of faith in Ozzie though, our playoff MVP.

[Gizmo 21]

I'm a little nervous about letting Conks go instead of Jimmy...

Agreed... I'm not getting a warm fuzzy in the thought of Howard in place of Conklin.

[CAredwingsfan91 28]

Yeah I dunno that Howard's ready either, BUT if he's not they've got 2 more young goalies behind him on the waiting list.

I wouldn't worry about Conklin tho, this is two years in a row for two diff teams he's been pretty well lights out. Somebody will throw some cash at him, possibly even a chance at starting somewhere.

Ok I'm not bashing Ozzy I'm questioning Howard's abilities to play in the NHL and help Ozzy out this season <--isnt directed towards "itgator" haha sorry seems like im getting crazy with you not my intentions.

So we all know Osgood is reliable yeeet sketchy at times Babcock will for sure ride him this season, Osgood can handle the pressure but can he handle all that playing time? lets be realistic Howard wont be splitting the season with Osgood he will like play what 20-25 games? also with the possibility of getting pulled in some thats what maybe close to 60 something games Osgood will play. The most hes played is 67 with the Blues back in 03-04 things are different now and goalies need LOTS of rest if Howard stays our back up I don't think Osgood will get much rest this season and we all know how crucial rest is for the playoffs I dont want our players struggling for home ice let alone the playoffs at any point of the season cause our back up can't handle the job.

BUT on the other hand Howard for Calder? HA!

oh and we sure as hell don't want Osgood going through another struggle like he did this season cause Howard won't save him and the rest of the team from that. I'm pretty sure he said we would never see him struggle like that again right? lets hope its true.

Edited June 28, 2009 by CAredwingsfan91

[Dimaline312000 51]

For me it's more than Hossa's Cap number. It means a lot to me that my favorite goalie of all time besides Ozzie; Dominik Hasek was able to win his first Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings. Just like having Hull, Robitallie, Duchene, Freddy Oulussan, Dallas Drake all players that have not won a cup already with the exception of Brett Hull with Dallas in 99 were able to Win their First Cup with US the Detroit Red Wings. I just want that for Hossa becasue I like him so much and I hate to see money being a problem.

Hossa is a great player and he deserves what we can give him I just don't want to see Greed for money be in the way of him possibly Winning a Stanley Cup Championship with the Detroit Red Wings. Now that's not to say that just because he signs with the Wings again he WILL win a Cup but I think we are his best option. I know there are a lot of great teams in the NHL and I believe the East is getting stronger but I firmly believe that Detroit can deliver Hossa his first Stanley Cup.

I'm not at all trying to bash the guy but I want him to stay a Wing and I want to see him lifting the Stanley Cup in a Detroit Red Wings Jersey!!

[zenway9 1]

Wait, shouldn't be be screaming and calling him a traitor if he doesn't re-sign? Oh yeah, we're Wings fans.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

Good riddance. I'll remember his playoff failure and anemic Finals more than his 40 goal regular season. Hockeytown isn't about the regular seasons.

What are the chances he signs with the Pens?

[zenway9 1]

Do you think they could afford him?

[Icesurfer 75]

I'm not going to believe anything until I see it for myself but if this is true, that really gives us some huge cap space to resign Hudler, Filppula and some other players and maybe even go after a semi big name free agent.

First of all, Filppula is already under contract. Secondly, Detroit already has 19 players under contract for next year signed for about 53.5 mil. That leaves only a total of about 3.3 mil to sign 3 forwards. So I don't know why you are talking about a "huge' cap space... that is ridiculous. Signing ONLY Hudler OR Sammy with probably cost around 1.9 mil. Leino's contract has to be renewed.... and most likely around .875 mil. That leaves about .5 mil for the last forward.... a minimum contract.

Wings aren't going to be signing any "big name free agents"... ridiculous.

I guess most hockey fans failed math!

[Casey 145]

I'm a little nervous about letting Conks go instead of Jimmy...

A-freaking-men. Conklin can flat play. Howard has never done squat.

[RedFX 48]

The only reason I'm concerned is this. For most of last season, our defense and goaltending was way off. After being the best defensive team for so many years, we pretty much collapsed, ranking in the bottom half in goals against and penalty kill. The increased offense really carried this team last year. Hossa was a big part of that. If our defense plays inconsistent again this year, I'm worried that someone like Filpulla or Hudler may not be able to pick up Hossa's production.

[Icesurfer 75]

A-freaking-men. Conklin can flat play. Howard has never done squat.

Howard has played a grand total of 9 games in 3 years! 9 games..... do you understand???.... 9 games..... what the h*ll do you expect someone to do in 9 games?????? Good grief man get a grip! And give someone a chance for Pete's sake!

You try to get in a groove playing 9 games in the NHL over a three year span! ..... and he started only 7 of them.....

Edited June 28, 2009 by Icesurfer

[ltgator333 3]

Ok I'm not bashing Ozzy I'm questioning Howard's abilities to play in the NHL and help Ozzy out this season <--isnt directed towards "itgator" haha sorry seems like im getting crazy with you not my intentions.

So we all know Osgood is reliable yeeet sketchy at times Babcock will for sure ride him this season, Osgood can handle the pressure but can he handle all that playing time? lets be realistic Howard wont be splitting the season with Osgood he will like play what 20-25 games? also with the possibility of getting pulled in some thats what maybe close to 60 something games Osgood will play. The most hes played is 67 with the Blues back in 03-04 things are different now and goalies need LOTS of rest if Howard stays our back up I don't think Osgood will get much rest this season and we all know how crucial rest is for the playoffs I dont want our players struggling for home ice let alone the playoffs at any point of the season cause our back up can't handle the job.

BUT on the other hand Howard for Calder? HA!

oh and we sure as hell don't want Osgood going through another struggle like he did this season cause Howard won't save him and the rest of the team from that. I'm pretty sure he said we would never see him struggle like that again right? lets hope its true.

yea no biggie dude.

I do see what you're saying here and that would definitely be the hole in this plan if Osgood stinks it up during the regular season like he did last year. Unless one of the goaltending prospects is the next Varlamov (doubtful) it could be trade deadline do or die time.

[FedorovMan91 1]

I really hope we can re-sign him and he will play with us for more time but if he leaves, I am not going to be somewhat shocked. I loved Hossa throughout the season and yeah, he did not play good enough in the playoff but his season performance was good.

The trouble must be his cap number. Even though it goes to a long contract with a change of the salary from high number to low number, it must be hard to go down to 4 million cap number.

Besides, the only thing I hope to see is the Wings fans never mock Hossa as the Penguins fans did. That was the biggest joke I will have ever seen in my life as a hockey fan.

[RedFX 48]

yea no biggie dude.

I do see what you're saying here and that would definitely be the hole in this plan if Osgood stinks it up during the regular season like he did last year. Unless one of the goaltending prospects is the next Varlamov (doubtful) it could be trade deadline do or die time.

I'm wondering if that's why they went ahead and put McCollum under contract. If Howard can't pull it off, Larsson and McCollum would be right behind him.

[Holmstrom96 347]

It was good while it lasted...

Yup. And may I note it lasted until the end of the regular season as he did NOTHING in the playoffs.

[Seraph 240]

This may be Holland's last stand to show the agent he's serious about being handcuffed by the cap. It's gonna come down to how bad Hossa wants to be a Wing.

[Icesurfer 75]

I'm worried that someone like Filpulla or Hudler may not be able to pick up Hossa's production.

"not be able to pick up Hossa's production"

REALLY???

When it REALLY matters: Filppula had 16 points in the playoffs, Hudler had 12 points in the playoffs, Hossa had 15 points in the playoffs.. Hossa had a VERY disappointing playoff performance.... and it is his own fault he didn't get a ring!!!

There is a reason Hossa doesn't have a ring...... He is NOT a playoff guy who can take a team to a championship..... Regular season means SQUAT in the playoffs. I would rather have a player like Dallas Drake than a prima donna like Hossa in the playoffs ANYDAY!

Hossa will never get a ring!

[titanium2 867]

The only reason I'm concerned is this. For most of last season, our defense and goaltending was way off. After being the best defensive team for so many years, we pretty much collapsed, ranking in the bottom half in goals against and penalty kill. The increased offense really carried this team last year. Hossa was a big part of that. If our defense plays inconsistent again this year, I'm worried that someone like Filpulla or Hudler may not be able to pick up Hossa's production.

Maybe the increased offense was the problem because they relied on it too much and forgot how hard they worked in the defensive end.

[Free_Candy 38]

Wait, shouldn't be be screaming and calling him a traitor if he doesn't re-sign? Oh yeah, we're Wings fans.

I hate to beat a dead horssa, but if you're referring to Penguin fans, your circumstances and ours were somewhat different. If he was a vital part of your playoff run, had a great postseason, said things to the press indicating a willingness to stay and then signed with the Penguins at the last minute, I bet there would be some upset Wings fans. I personally never referred to him as a "traitor" as far as his actual decision was concerned. But I think it's a lot easier for you guys to let him go without any hard feelings as far as how your team is built (having components that won the cup without him) and considering his lackluster postseason.

What are the chances he signs with the Pens?

Probably as good as monkeys flying out of my butt. We couldn't afford him without moving guys and I doubt Shero would want to go back in that direction at this point.

I think it would be interesting to see where he would go if it wasn't with Detroit.

Edited June 28, 2009 by Free_Candy

[Probie 7]

What contending team that Hossa would like to play the rest of his career for, will Hossa sign with thats going to have the cap space to afford him?

I could see the Hawks if they make some room, or Vancouver. Edmonton maybe if they make some room. Maybe LA as they will be an up and comer, and La would be a great place to live imo. Tough call. I just hope we get a third rounder for his rights. I dont think he fits anyways, and I didnt like his gut check in the playoffs. WHo cares about pressure, you play through it, he didnt want to sacrifice physically or put out 100% effort when it mattered. We know who did, and they will remain as wings.

Edited June 28, 2009 by Probie

[Vladifan 680]

He's not going anywhere in which he can get the same intangibles he got in Detroit.

Yes, Yeupp, and amen.

I'm hoping this is one of those word games (i.e., verbal volleyball) that Holland's playing with Hossa and his agent.

[titanium2 867]

What contending team that Hossa would like to play the rest of his career for, will Hossa sign with thats going to have the cap space to afford him?

I could see the Hawks if they make some room, or Vancouver. Edmonton maybe if they make some room. Maybe LA as they will be an up and comer, and La would be a great place to play. Tough call. I just hope we get a third rounder for his rights. I dont think he fits anyways, and I didnt like his gut check in the playoffs. WHo cares about pressure, you play through it, he didnt want to sacrifice physically or put out 100% effort when it mattered. We know who did, and they will remain as wings.

I doubt the Hawks because they enough contracts to worry about. Same with Vancouver. I could see LA but I thought Hossa was done losing early in the playoffs.

It's strange because I think his best chance to win is in Detroit. At the same time, I agree that he sucks in the playoffs no matter how loudly his apologists cry.

[13dangledangle 968]

Oh well let's move on, good year hoss, bad post season!

Now let's look at one oh I don't know like a cammalari or afiniganov for a cap hit we can afford, but let's let Sammy walk!