528 replies to this topic

[Crashnburnluder]

Is there a single defenseman that will be a ufa that we don't know about?

Your not going to get one defenseman to make up for Rafalskis point production but I think if you could swing a defense to put up half as many points plus find away to squeeze in Richards that is a better answer. I think with a retooling of our defensive systems from a new defensive coach plus a defenseman that is capable of playing more of a defensive game then Rafalski could this past season with the addition of richards (If possible is a better option...

If richards isnt possible then your stuck with a downgrade of rafalski and upgrade over ericsson so I think also is a good root but I would like to add more bite up front so teams have one more player to worry about it helps out guys like datsyuk, Franzen and Zerterberg but Hudler would probably need to be traded...

[Wings4Life19]

Here's something nobody has brought up. Do we really want the Wings to go out and spend a bunch of money on Wiz, Bieksa, Weber, or whoever when the CBA is going to expire after the 2012 season. With the unknown economy the new CBA could have an even more strict cap and could really handcuff the wings future with a bad deal. Not to mention Kronwall and Stuart will both need new contracts that summer. As much as i would love the wings to have a fluid transition from Raffi and Lids to the next breed, the front office will have to walk a very tight rope to make sure that it doesn't blow up in their face.

[Crashnburnluder]

Here's something nobody has brought up. Do we really want the Wings to go out and spend a bunch of money on Wiz, Bieksa, Weber, or whoever when the CBA is going to expire after the 2012 season. With the unknown economy the new CBA could have an even more strict cap and could really handcuff the wings future with a bad deal. Not to mention Kronwall and Stuart will both need new contracts that summer. As much as i would love the wings to have a fluid transition from Raffi and Lids to the next breed, the front office will have to walk a very tight rope to make sure that it doesn't blow up in their face.

Yea I understand what your saying. I guess we will see what happens but I think worse case scenario we have to use lidstroms salary to pay for raises and pray that's enough. I'm hoping Smith is ready for a bigger role, but keep in mind I said worse case scenario.

[LeftWinger]

Trying for isn't the same as going for broke for a player. Wings should try and sign Bieksa, but they shouldn't overpay for him. They should try for Suter and JML, but they shouldn't overpay for them. C'Mon. I'm not trying to be cheap, I'm just being realistic here. Bieksa is going to pull in a big overpaid contract this offseason unless he some how gets hurt this playoffs and scares everyone away. I've never even mentioned Erhoff, but from all accounts I hear he is going to be re-signed. Holland doesn't sign for the first wave anymore, he goes after the second wave players he doesn't have to overspend for.

I hope he solidifies the defense too, and with the suggestions I made of who is practical or realistic (I do note that there are more available of the few I brought up), he not only doesn't over spend but he shores up toughness and defense. And you have to remember, part of that 6mil and extra cap space will be going towards making our forward group stronger and playoff ready.

Well he damn well better sign someone in the "first wave" He is losing his #2 defense-man from last season, you cannot make that up by adding 2 or 3 "fifth wave" players.... Holland HAS to land a legit top 2 d-man PLUS fill two other spots on D. All we have under contract is Kronner, Stuart and Kindl.... Smith is not coming up. He needs to get Lids signed (if he is signing) and then get three more starters because Kindl is not ready, even if he was, Holland would still need TWO more, ONE being Rafalski's replacement. He's got $25M in cash (if the cap goes up to $64M) and he better spend it! In the FIRST WAVE... Are you listening Holland?

[Din758]

is there a link to watch the presser online?

[HankthaTank]

is there a link to watch the presser online?

Detroit Red Wings site


There you go, click at 11am

[Din758]

Detroit Red Wings site


There you go, click at 11am

Man, I still cant believe this is happening. Now I have to find a new favorite wing...

Even worse I have to drop $150 on a new sweater.

[HankthaTank]

Man, I still cant believe this is happening. Now I have to find a new favorite wing...

Even worse I have to drop $150 on a new sweater.

Just an idea

[Buppy]

I know sentiments are running high right now, but let's not act like Rafalski is irreplaceable. Wisniewski, Ehrhoff, and Markov are all comparable offensively and better in other areas.

I've always been one to say Rafi's defense was better than he got credit for, and I didn't even mind his contract. But I can still be realistic. This isn't like losing Nick. He can be replaced, and quite possibly at a cheaper price.

[Din758]

I know sentiments are running high right now, but let's not act like Rafalski is irreplaceable. Wisniewski, Ehrhoff, and Markov are all comparable offensively and better in other areas.

I've always been one to say Rafi's defense was better than he got credit for, and I didn't even mind his contract. But I can still be realistic. This isn't like losing Nick. He can be replaced, and quite possibly at a cheaper price.

Agreed. Its more of the man love I got for him thats pissing me off. Im recently becoming a huge bieksa fan, so maybe he'll fill the void for me.

As far as the Smith jersey, I dont ever bet on the rookie. I learned my lesson with Ericcson.

[HankthaTank]

As far as the Smith jersey, I dont ever bet on the rookie. I learned my lesson with Ericcson.

I know I know, just hopefully the kid that the torch is being passed on to. Bieksa or Wisniewski will definitely fill a bit of a void. A Helm sweater could be in the works for myself soon.

[F.Michael]

Just an idea

[plopster]

anybody know if the press conference will be on tv

[syntax]

anybody know if the press conference will be on tv

Supposed to be HERE, but still has not started, I guess.

[HankthaTank]

Still wondering if he takes an executive position or something along those lines.

[Din758]

Supposed to be HERE, but still has not started, I guess.

fashionably late. raffi is goin out in style.

[CaliWingsNut]

Supposed to be HERE, but still has not started, I guess.

Late to his retirement?

[hooon]

Hurry up Raf, I have to leave in 20 minutes!

[hillbillywingsfan]

here we go. its on now

[P. Marlowe]

It's on. Has everyone got their tissues?

Edited by P. Marlowe, 25 May 2011 - 10:13 AM.