Wings sign Ruslan Salei

[Ram 240]

I think we know too well from last year,

people get injured. In which case, others will step up

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

Salei hasn't played a full season since 2006

He played full seasons in 2008 (for two different teams) and 2007 before. And 70 games in '09, perfectly adequate. Last season seems to be the first time in his career he's missed more than 20 games with injury.

and frankly is just too old. Whats the average age of our defensive core now, 37.

He's only two years older than the coveted Mitchell, but all that really matters to me is that they get the job done. Since it's a one year deal there's no commitment; if he sucks we'll never have to see him again.

As for the actual signing, I can't say I really know anything about him. Maybe that's typical for low-key third pairing type guys though. Lilja was more or less a mystery when he came on board too.

[ShanahanMan 473]

Yeah but Lils wanted quite a bit more money and also more playing time and Mitchell was likely always too expensive.

I suppose if Lilja goes for more than 1.2 mil (including bonuses) or so, then you're right, we wouldn't have been able to sign him. But if he (or other younger, more worthwhile defensemen) ends up going for around the same price as Salei, Im gonna be a bit.....annoyed .

[Guest mindfly]

If we're talking injury prone players we got one of the league leaders in kronwall... salei is far from kronwalls proness(sp?)

[redwingfan19 293]

probably could have had hnidy at the same price with no bonuses. Not going to argue though, it's way better the kraijeck and it looks like babs got his man.

[ShanahanMan 473]

He played full seasons in 2008 (for two different teams) and 2007 before. And 70 games in '09, perfectly adequate. Last season seems to be the first time in his career he's missed more than 20 games with injury.

He's only two years older than the coveted Mitchell, but all that really matters to me is that they get the job done. Since it's a one year deal there's no commitment; if he sucks we'll never have to see him again.

As for the actual signing, I can't say I really know anything about him. Maybe that's typical for low-key third pairing type guys though. Lilja was more or less a mystery when he came on board too.

I stand corrected. Didn't notice he was traded in 08.

[T-Ruff 47]

I suppose if Lilja goes for more than 1.2 mil (including bonuses) or so, then you're right, we wouldn't have been able to sign him. But if he (or other younger, more worthwhile defensemen) ends up going for around the same price as Salei, Im gonna be a bit.....annoyed .

Lilja is reportedly looking for 1.5m. He might come down before eventually signing, but he probably wasn't willing to right now, hence the signing of Salei

[redwinger4747 6]

Geez did ANYONE on this board watch Salei play in the olympics? This guy was a BEAST playing almost 30 minutes a night as Belarus' number 1 defenseman. He played on the PK and PP and played against the other teams' top guys. He's older and won't be around in the NHL for more than a few more years, but this is a great signing for a short-term 6th defenseman for cheap.

[RedWings Gone Wild 6]

If he can stay healthy and contribute on the PK he will be worth more than his 750k... He's a cheap role player signed on for a single season... there really isn't anything to dislike about this signing. If he doesn't work out, so what? Throw him on waivers and park him in GR, we have depth at D.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

I'm liking this signing.

[Echolalia 2,961]

This is a good signing. Salei is a legit 5-6 defensman as you will find and he provides exactly what the Wings could use on the third defensive line. Getting Mitchell was a pipe dream given our cap-situation so don't compare Salei to him.

In any event, Salei is a gritty, veteran defensman who will be the ideal mentor for Ericsson. He knows how to provide offense when needed, and he knows how to clear the front of the net. He also has experience playing under Babcock so we can expect that he'll buy into the Wings' philosophy.

We may have gotten older with this signing, but the top of the crease also got a bit meaner, too.

[jrgom 5]

as a Ducks fan, the guy is an ok stay at home d-man. his biggest flaw is he is almost a lock to get a hooking or slashing penalty in the last 5 minutes of the game if you have him out on the ice.. for some reason his brain only works for 50-55 minutes and after that he just makes dumb plays. he is tough as nails and a mean SOB on the ice, she he will give you a bit of on edge. I know Detroit didnt sign him to be a minutes eater and playing on the top 2 pairings, so you guys should be fine. anyways that is my imput after watching him here in anaheim during his tenure here

Edited August 9, 2010 by jrgom

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Well everyone wanted something to happen this off season... Why not Willie Mitchell is my question. Realize the tag is higher but the f***? Not totally pissed as he brings some edge but just an odd signing I guess.

[ben_usmc 253]

He is a major upgrade over Lilja, for all of those Pain Train lovers and aren't sure who Salei is.

[dirtydangles 1,328]

i dunno, i haven't seen enough of the guy recently to make a judgment. this guy just better be solid with big E otherwise i see myself getting headaches. for the money, salei could be a great signing. just scared cause almost all of his seasons have ended with a -ve plus/minus.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

This is shaping up to be a not-so-shabby offseason.

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

If Salei can stay healthy then he will play well for the Wings. Babs knows him and he likely told Kenny that he would be worth signing.

[HankthaTank 1,100]

So now just waiting on Abby and we are set up the way we want to be

[Stu in Israel 0]

This from the Internet:

On August 9, 2010, the Detroit Red Wings announced Salei signed a one-year contract[10] with the club worth $750,000, with an additional $350,000 in performance bonuses.[11] According to general manager Ken Holland, Salei's positive experiences under current Red Wings coach Mike Babcock in Anaheim contributed to his decision.[12] He will reportedly anchor the third defensive pairing with Jonathan Ericsson.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

At present time, this is not significantly better or worse than Lilja. I wanted Lilja back but he might've decided from the very beginning that he wanted out. Can't blame management for not retaining a guy that wants to explore other options if that was his intention.

[Guest mindfly]

I think Edicius, 55fan, and a few others are crying now

Edited August 9, 2010 by mindfly

[Guest Hatethedrake!]

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Franzen-Filppula-Bertuzzi

Cleary-Modano-Hudler

Abdelkader-Helm-Eaves

Ritola-Draper

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Stuart

Ericsson-Salei

Kindl

Howard-Osgood

Looks good to me.

[archimet 10]

Well everyone wanted something to happen this off season... Why not Willie Mitchell is my question. Realize the tag is higher but the f***? Not totally pissed as he brings some edge but just an odd signing I guess.

Signing Willie Mitchell would have meant definitely losing

one or more players. Salei's contract $$$ is perfect and

he is certainly a solid 5/6d when healthy.

Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Holmstrom

Franzen, Filppula, Bertuzzi

Hudler, Modano, Cleary

Abdelkader, Helm, Eaves

Miller, Draper, Ritola (15 forwards)

Lidstrom, Rafalski

Kronwall, Stuart,

Selei, Ericsson

Kindle

Howard, Osgood

Assuming, Abdelkader signs for $845,444 (plus bonuses), or less,

The wings are under the Cap (by $1). They don't have to waive or trade

Miller or Ritola until they're ready, or until they have to because of injury.

Ritola or Miller's can be the 'cushion' until injuries force their

hand.

Just a note, Brendan Smith's contract ($875,000) would force the Wings

to move a player from the above roster to make room.

Clearly this is a very, very solid team. Kenny going for the cup big-time

this year with the moves he's made this off-season.

Just my two cents...

[55fan 5,133]

As a Lilja fan, this is sad for me as it now looks like he will not be returning to us. I wish him happiness wherever he goes.

Salei has not caught my attention in the NHL, but he did catch my attention during the Olympics. I think that since players put it all on the line during the Olympics, that this is a better indicator of how someone plays during the playoffs than the regular season.

That said, if he is playing as a bottom pair guy, he really can't hurt us too much if he is just consistent and steady with no intellectual interludes. If he brings it in the big games, he will do well in the playoffs.

I'm trusting Babcock on this one. He knows better than anyone.

EDIT to add: Off to find Edi and share a bottle of something that will knock our livers to San Jose or further.

Edited August 9, 2010 by 55fan

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom

Franzen-Filppula-Bertuzzi

Cleary-Modano-Hudler

Abdelkader-Helm-Eaves

Ritola-Draper

Lidstrom-Rafalski

Kronwall-Stuart

Ericsson-Salei

Kindl

Howard-Osgood

Looks good to me.

Switch Kronwall with Nick and Stuie with Rafalski and I am all on board. Well I am anyway but just think Nick and Raf need different mates next to them.