Free Agent Wish List

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

Ya he would be a good fit in here Blues have alot of good young d in the line up or coming up into it Rafalski only had 6 more points then him in 11 more GP

If Kenny could trade Rafalski,the off-season would automatically be a success in my book.

Careful what you wish for. Coca Cola is made of glass, he's like the Eric Lindros of defensemen. If you sneeze infront of him he will be out 10+ games.

The pickins' are slim this off-season though.

[Nhurdi 42]

Paul Martin perhaps if Lidstrom Retires.

Alexander Frolov depending on who we resign for forwards.

Maybe and just maybe Kyle Wellwood. Can't fully commit to this yet.

Basically guys who can play a puck possession style game.

[Datsyerberger 279]

Alright, here's my take on it.

The Wings top 6 before UFA signings:

Datsyuk

Zetterberg

Franzen

Filppula

Hudler

?

The Wings bottom 6 (plus 13th forward):

Cleary

Helm

Abdelkader

Eaves

Miller

Draper

Ritola

Definitely no need to go out and grab grinders. We've got a good blend of grit and grind in that bottom 6 for sure. Realistically, then, all we need to do is resign one of Homer or Bert. Depth is never a bad thing, though. I think Bert will be back as long as he wants to be back. Homer is simply a matter of whether he wants to hang them up or keep going. If only one is back, I could see Holland moving for a 2nd/3rd 'tweener, possibly a large body. Someone in the price range of Williams, but with less suck

Datsyuk

Zetterberg

Franzen

Filppula

Hudler

Bertuzzi, Homer, UFA (Pick 2)

Cleary

Helm

Eaves

Abdelkader

Miller

Ritola

Draper

That's 14, one over standard. If both Bert and Homer are back (or one and a UFA), perhaps a bottom 6er is traded.

All in all, the shape of the Wings at forward looks very good.

Defense for next year:

- Rafalski

Kronwall - Stuart

- Ericsson

Meech

(Kindl)

Obviously, what happens here depends on whether Lidstrom is back. If he is, no significant changes. If not, Holland makes a major move for Volchenkov or a d-man of 2nd pairing quality. I think Lilja will be back if he wants it.

With Kindl still being AHL eligible, I could see the Wings running with 14 forwards as per the above and 7 d-men rather than the usual 13/8, with Kindl (or others) being called up as necessary. Here's an odd question: are any of those 14 forwards capable of subbing for a d-man?

My biggest worry by far for next year is Lidstrom. Beyond that, I'm not too concerned. If he returns, I don't see any major moves.

Edited May 7, 2010 by Datsyerberger

[matt198913 932]

Lidstrom aint going anywhere. They could turn Lucic into a bigger star than he already is but he might be a bit too pricey for this team

[Finnish Wing 110]

Paul Martin could be a good choice, yes. But can he play D? Although we don't have to pair that possible new guy with Rafalski.

Edited May 7, 2010 by Finnish Wing

[Guest Lidstromboli]

I'd love to have Kaberle here. Burkes asking price is going to be pretty high though.

His no trade clause is gone, so there could be a pretty huge bidding war for him.

how is getting Kaberle going to help solve defensive problems

Paul Martin could be a good choice, yes. But can he play D? Although we don't have to pair that possible new guy with Rafalski.

Martin is one of the best defensemen int he atlantic division imo. He doesn't put up a lot of flashy points but he's solid, would've been on Team USA if he wasn't injured.

NJ will probably lock him for a couple more years. If they don't they'd be pretty damn stupid.

[Guest Crymson]

I'd do that deal in a heartbeat, but we can't ignore the fact that the Flyers offered them Jeff Carter and a 1st for him a little over a year ago.

The older and more expensive Chris Pronger got two 1st rounders,prospect Luca Sbisa,Joffrey Lupul and a 3rd in return.

I'm not suggesting Kaberle will get that big of a return, but I won't be surprised to see some crazy offers being thrown around.

I'm not sure if you're aware how overpaid and overrated Kaberle is. He's fairly good in the offensive end, but he's atrocious on defense. Don't be fooled by his seeming similarities to Lidstrom in play style; whereas Lidstrom is excellent defensively and compensates for his lack of physicality via an extremely intelligent playing style, Kaberle is a defensively-irresponsible wuss.

He's is NOT worth that sort of trade value, especially given that he has only one year left on his contract and will probably head back east after next season.

Toronto fans can't wait to get rid of him.

What's about Olli Jokinen? He once was a force in this league.

So was Gordie Howe.

Anyhow, Jokinen is lazy and past his prime.

[Red Wings 2010 9]

Not much for me to say here, but I like Detroit because they are a clean scoring team! I don't want a dirty player like Neil/Buff/Eager/Avery on our team. We can win without those players and we have for many, many years! Yes, we have physical players, but not dirty players, unless you would call Kron the destroyer, dirty.

[Guest Lidstromboli]

if byfuglien is dirty then so his holmstrom

[matt198913 932]

Why are people so quick to want to get rid of Lidstrom and Rafalski. They are LEADING all defense in points in the playoffs. If I had my druthers about me I'd ,ake a play to get Hamhuis.

I see the lines like this next year

Franzen-Zetterberg-Bertuzzi(I think he resigns)

Hudler-Datsyuk-Filpulla

Ritola-Helm-Cleary

Eaves-Abdlekader-Miller

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Stuart-Kronwall

Ericsson-Lilja/Kindl

Dont be suprised to see Murask and Tartar working in next year too

[Guest Lidstromboli]

Draper?

[Shady Ultima 40]

He forgot both Holmstrom and Draper.

[titanium2 867]

Oh Draper... He's the new Chelios or something.

Last year he was still on the top PK forward unit for the start of the year. Then he played himself right off of it and this year was still responsible for defensive zone faceoffs. Then he couldn't do those anymore and now he's really heading towards being dead weight on the team.

[wingsownnhl43 14]

1. ) Assuming Lidstrom, Holmstrom, and Bertuzzi come back, its imparitve they sign for around the following prices. If theyre serious about winning, I dont see why they wouldnt.

2.) As far as Drew Miller goes, to me you have to make a choice between him and Ritola. We have to many grinder type forwards. Ritola is out of options and isnt going back to GR. He'll be with the Wings next season or somewhere else.

3.) I think we sign a 7th defenseman for the minimum such as Janik. Maybe if Lebda wants to come back for the minimum, we give him a look.

4.) We could potentially hand out a $2 million contract to a depth forward to play on the third line. Maybe you can steal Andrew Ladd from Chicago being they are in cap hell.

FORWARDS

Pavel Datsyuk ($6.700m) / Henrik Zetterberg ($6.083m) / Johan Franzen ($3.955m)

Valtteri Filppula ($3.000m) / Jiri Hudler ($2.875m) / Daniel Cleary ($2.800m)

Kris Draper ($1.583m) / * Todd Bertuzzi ($1.500m) / * Tomas Holmstrom ($1.500m)

* Justin Abdelkader ($0.850m) / * Darren Helm ($0.750m) / * Patrick Eaves ($0.650m)

* Mattias Ritola ($0.511m)

DEFENSEMEN

Brian Rafalski ($6.000m) / * Nicklas Lidstrom ($4.500m)

Brad Stuart ($3.750m) / Niklas Kronwall ($3.000m)

Jonathan Ericsson ($0.900m) / Jakub Kindl ($0.883m)

* Doug Janik ($0.500m)

GOALTENDERS

Chris Osgood ($1.417m) / Jimmy Howard ($0.717m)

CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS

ROSTER: 22; PAYROLL: $54.424m; CAP ROOM: $2.376m BONUSES: $0.000m

[Mors 201]

Sens working hard to keep Volchenkov

He's looking for $5 million+, this guy would be a hero in Detroit the way he plays. 1000+ blocked shots in 4 seasons?

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

I'd love Volchenkov, but I worry that the Market demand for him will be too high. If we could get him for 4 or below though that would be great.

I'd love to poach one of Chicago's young dmen too.

[Nhurdi 42]

Paul Martin played in 22 games this year, had 2 goals, 9 assists for 11 points and was a +10. Only had 2 penalty minutes as well. I have not seen tons of play from him but he seems like he would fit in here nice. I do agree though that NJ will no doubt attempt to resign him.

[wingsownnhl43 14]

Id go as high as 4.5 for Volchenkov and he'd be worth it.

[newfy 695]

Huge no to Coliacovo, like said earlier hes made of glass. Definitely need to bring in someone for the third line.

I think Abdelkader Eaves Ladd would be nice.

and do we really need drew miller? He did great and all this year but he's and average bottom 6 forward that doesnt bring scoring or any physical game really. Abs can play the PK next year so there goes his need there. It seems like we could do with one of Eaves and Miller and I say keep Eaves.

[king_malice 17]

Franzen-Zetterberg-Bertuzzi

Filppula-Dastyuk-Hudler

Cleary-Helm-Holmstrom

Eaves-Abdelkader-Draper

Miller or Ritola i like Miller but would rather see Ritola

[titanium2 867]

and do we really need drew miller? He did great and all this year but he's and average bottom 6 forward that doesnt bring scoring or any physical game really. Abs can play the PK next year so there goes his need there. It seems like we could do with one of Eaves and Miller and I say keep Eaves.

I've been wondering that as well. By default I think they need him. His defensive aptitude pretty much saved the Red Wings' PK this past season. I know Helm and Eaves lead the way in regards to the forwards but Drew Miller actually had a good amount of input on what all the forwards do on the PK.

Abdelkader is a good player who will be on the PK next year from day one according to Babs. If that were to happen, somebody's gotta give way for it since the PK rotation only has so many spots. At the same time, I want Abdelkader or somebody to be able to provide some good old fashioned physical forechecking and also keep the flies off next year, which means that he will spend a lot of time in the box if he prioritizes that part of his game above spending time on the PK. It kind of depends on what Abdelkader wants for himself and the kind of player he wants to be.

[Frozen-Man 144]

Definitely no need to go out and grab grinders. We've got a good blend of grit and grind in that bottom 6 for sure. Realistically, then, all we need to do is resign one of Homer or Bert. Depth is never a bad thing, though. I think Bert will be back as long as he wants to be back. Homer is simply a matter of whether he wants to hang them up or keep going. If only one is back, I could see Holland moving for a 2nd/3rd 'tweener, possibly a large body. Someone in the price range of Williams, but with less suck

That is a pretty low bar to have to walk over.

Edited May 7, 2010 by Frozen-Man

[king_malice 17]

Stuart-Rafalski

Kronwall-Lidstrom

Lilja-Coliacovo

Ericcson/Kindl

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

Huge no to Coliacovo, like said earlier hes made of glass. Definitely need to bring in someone for the third line.

I think Abdelkader Eaves Ladd would be nice.

and do we really need drew miller? He did great and all this year but he's and average bottom 6 forward that doesnt bring scoring or any physical game really. Abs can play the PK next year so there goes his need there. It seems like we could do with one of Eaves and Miller and I say keep Eaves.

Brian Sutherby would be a really good fit too.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

Stuart-Rafalski

Kronwall-Lidstrom

Lilja-Coliacovo

Ericcson/Kindl

Andy Sutton