528 replies to this topic

[e_prime]

maybe we can sign Brad Richards now!!!

Oh, we could... but does he play D?

[mjlegend]

Rafalski is a proven winner and I hate to see injuries end careers. A guy like Wisniewski, who has bounced around with four teams in the last three years before getting a lot of points in a contract year, is not a good enough replacement.

He's played in 18 playoff games and scored five points. Are we sure he's going to be able to make that crucial outlet pass in a big playoff game? Because for the kind of money that will get thrown his way by other teams that the Wings would in theory have to outbid, he damn well better.

As someone said above, there is now no reason not to throw a giant bag of money at Shea Weber, term and everything. I'm certain he's going to be a multiple Norris winner in the coming years. I don't think $40 million/8 years is too much. If we lose a couple of Riley Sheahan, Landon Ferraro-types as compensation, so what? This is one of the best two-way defencemen in the world who would be age 26 at his first Wings' training camp.

There has already been a thread started here. He must retire, otherwise LGW will lose it's credibility.

True. Might as well rename it 'Let's go Eklund'.

[pucktividi]

And, good luck finding a GM stupid enough to take Hudler and his 2.75 million contract off our hands.

2 words...Brian Burke

It worked with Lebda

[Jersey Wing]

If true Godspeed Brian Rafalski, thank you for your time in Detroit, your effort, and your play to help win the 2008 Stanley Cup.

Feel free to hang around Joe Louis Arena and give the glad hand to fans

[stinky fish taco]

I want Weber... A beast that can play. Think he'd take Rafalski's 6mil contract for 3-5 yrs?

so your plan is to sign shea weber to a 6 mil offer sheet and hope nashville doesn't match it?

...let me know how that works out.

[newfy]

Well I'm gonna go ahead and throw out who I want now.

Wiznewski, Bieksa, or Pitkanen preferably. I'm not all that sold on Ehrhoff.

Wiz or Beeker can clear the crease, hit and fight a little as well as put up points. Could be that guy the wings havent been able to find for a very long time

[wingsownnhl43]

How awesome would it be to steal Ehrhoff and Bieksa from Vancouver. We have the space to do it now.

[e_prime]

so your plan is to sign shea weber to a 6 mil offer sheet and hope nashville doesn't match it?

...let me know how that works out.

Yeah, it's going to take a little more than that... someone else mentioned Raffi's number for 3-5 years... and I think it's going to take even more than that.

[stinky fish taco]

anything under 7.5 and the preds match easily. over 7.5 gives 4 1st rounders, and maybe they think about it.

chances that weber actually ends up a wing next season? 0.0001%.

[wings1110]

new defensive coach lol

[matt198913]

Thanks for the effort Brian... Bieksa anyone?

[cjm502]

It would leave us with a little more cap space, however it won't be the full 6 million as some have stated. I believe that, according to the CBA, the entire remaining amount left on his contract is spread out over either 2 or 3 years. Thus, if it is over 3 years, the Wings will be hit with a 2 million cap hit for Rafalski this season (instead of the entire 6) which would leave them with an extra 4 million

I do not believe that is the case. If it was a buyout some of his salary would be stuck with us but since he would be retiring and his contract was signed before he was 35 I believe his salary would be off the books.

[wings1110]

i dont want us signing or aquiring anyone older than 25-28 this team needs youth!

[10 Minute Misconduct]

I'll take Erhoff and Wiz. Thanks.

[Nightfall]

Lets be honest here. Rafalski is a elite defenseman in the NHL. If he does decide to retire, that puts the Wings with a BIG hole. It may also influence Lidstrom's decision as well because they will be losing a piece on defense. These things being said, it could have an upside, but I really don't see anyone on the free agent market that is as good or better.

The crop of free agents hitting the market now are not as good as Rafalski. I know that Weber has been mentioned, but Nashville isn't going to let him go. The Wings are not going to sign him because of the loss of all the draft picks he will cost. Brendan Smith isn't ready for the NHL yet. I have seen him in Grand Rapids, and while he is a great defenseman, he needs some help on the defensive part of his game. I think he needs at least another full year in the AHL.

If he does decide to retire, he is going to be missed by the Wings. I know I will never forget meeting him the year he signed with the Wings. I shook his hand at a meet and greet at Van Andel that season ticket holders got to attend. The Wings swung by and did a practice at Van Andel that day and really put on a good show for the fans. What a nice guy.

At the same time though, he has accomplished a lot in his career. Three Stanley Cups and two Olympic silver medals are more than many will have ever accomplished.

[syntax]

If true, this really came out of the blue.

Puts us in a scary spot for defense next year, fan of Rafalski or not.

I dig Raf, but if his knee is shot and his back is halfway there, it might be time to call it a career.

I hope Holland can do something big with the money.

[redwingfan19]

If Lidstrom retires I would like to see the Wings sign one of Wiz or Bieksa and Markov. If Lids stays then one of Wiz or Bieksa is a real possibility. I'd still let Ericsson and Salei walk as Kindl and Smith are both better than those 2 at this point. Sign Shane O'Brien as the 5th d man and D is looking amazing especially if Lidstrom stays.

With Lidstrom:

Lidstrom/Wiz or Bieksa
Kronwall/Stuart
O'Brien/Smith
Kindl

Without Lidstrom:

Markov/Stuart
Kronwall/Wiz or Bieksa
O'Brien/Smith
Kindl

I think I would actually prefer Wiz over Bieksa but thats just me, also I think Wiz would love the chance to play for the Wings since he is a Michigan native.

[pucktividi]

Must be right handed D man for sure...

[wings1110]

he def isnt worth 6 mil!!

[teamhillman]

as much as i hope it wont wont happen i can see kenny going after kaberle.. i would love for both brewer and bieksa to be wearing red next year...but with the post seasons both are having i cant see either team letting them go