31 replies to this topic

[Ram]

I've always thought that Nick will retire when he thinks he cannot play at a world-class level anymore. I don't know if we saw that point in this first round exit to Nashville or towards the end of the regular season, but for Nick, I think it is more so about playing at a level he knows he is capable of than what is personally best for his family. I do think he will take a pay cut if he stays, and not be as major as a contributor to the D if so, his ice time may be lowered, depending on who the Wings possibly add, but if he goes, he goes because he cannot play at his best any longer. I do think there is the possibility of him signing for one year and stating, "This will be my last year, no matter what."

Homer has meant a lot to this team over the years. I do think that Homer may still have a place on this team. The way Drapes was a role player as a face-off specialist and grinder in the last year of his career, Homer is still a major specialist in net screening and could still play that role when the Wings need it. I don't see his ice time being major, but I still think he could come back. His body has taken a toll and he is aging, so at this point, is it not worth it?

I do also think his decision will impact Nick's decision and vice versa. I think that either Nick and Homer both stay or they both retire.

That all being said, if Nick retires, who becomes captain? I've always thought it would be Hank, as he simply embodies the Detroit Red Wings franchise and embraces everything the organization is about. But there have always been others that would say Dats should get the C, because his level of play has always been at the top of the team, and that his English communication is not an issue as captain, and he could lead by example. If Nick retires, I think it would be:
C - Zetterberg
A - Datsyuk
A - Kronwall
A - Helm? Valtteri?

Kind of annoyed to be discussing these things so early into the postseason, but I guess that's the breaks. Go Wings.

[GMRwings1983]

C- Datsyuk
A- Zetterberg
A- Some Enforcer

That's how I'd do it.



C- Zetterberg
A- Datsyuk
A- Kronwall

This is what will most likely happen.

[Carman]

C - Franzen
A - Zetterberg
A - Kronwall

[SaCkaveli20]

C - Franzen
A - Zetterberg
A - Kronwall

Lol at Franzen floating to refs to discuss something.

[Crymson]

It's been known for some time that Zetterberg is the next captain.

As for Lidstrom's supposed decline near the end of the season, have you ever played a sport with a deep bone bruise on your ankle?

[GMRwings1983]

C - Franzen
A - Zetterberg
A - Kronwall

Franzen would make a great motivational speaker for sure.

[LeftWinger]

C - Franzen
A - Zetterberg
A - Kronwall

Except Franzen's jersey would have a C-

Edited by LeftWinger, 25 April 2012 - 08:59 PM.

[irishock]

Give the C to Emmerton already.

[wings_fanatic]

Nick Lidstrom did not have a decline this season, he was playing through a deep bone ankle injury... if you knew what that is like then you would know how that affects your game a lot more than you think. Before that, he was a leading candidate for the Norris so it is safe to say that there is no decline this season for Nick. Also Nick has stated recently that he will never sign a contract and state that "this will be my last season." Nick is a classy guy and would not want to make a season about him... Now I think he will sign for one more year and he will once again be our best dman regardless of if we sign Suter or not.

As for Homer, I am thinking that we bring him back 1 last year. He is a veteran who will be hungry and he was one of our best players in the playoffs, competing every shift. I also think it is really important he comes back because him and Nick are best friends, always go out for lunch on a home game day, and always drive to the Joe together for games... pretty important that they both come back.

[BamaWing]

obviousy Ericsson

[Ram]

I know that Nick had a deep bone bruise on his ankle, I'm just saying that perhaps that is part of his getting older and that things like that may bother him in the future if he continues to play. We all get old. I could be wrong. I do not doubt he could still be the shutdown Nick we know, but that if he were to have a smaller role on the D, I would not be surprised either.

[Crymson]

I know that Nick had a deep bone bruise on his ankle, I'm just saying that perhaps that is part of his getting older and that things like that may bother him in the future if he continues to play. We all get old. I could be wrong. I do not doubt he could still be the shutdown Nick we know, but that if he were to have a smaller role on the D, I would not be surprised either.

A deep bone bruise heals completely. It is not a long-term injury. And it was a freak occurrence.

[St. Michael (the Red Wing)]

C-Zetterberg
A-Dats
A-Kroners

If Lid's calls it a day

[GoWings1905]

C - Zetterberg

A - Datsyuk/Kronwall/Parise rotation

This is purely for when Nick retires in 2042.

[Cali-Wing-Nut]

IF Nicky retires (lets hope not)

Id like to see

C-Pavs (I know he doesnt speak a lick of English, Engrish or any other form of intellible language that we in the states understand) He has an amazing work ethic, Is a lifelong Red Wing, Intelligent and is looked up to by everyone including other Superstars. Maybe we can get him the full Rosetta Stone kit for interviews. Oh and I want him doing Dr Romani again. Youshewtoo is classic

A- Z
A- Kron
A- Parise

[jeff48109]

i don't feel comfortable talking about Lids retiring. i'll talk about it when he actually retires

[WingNut 25]

Parise gets an A if they sign him. Otherwise the 3 A rotation ends.

Captain - Z
Alternates- Dats and Kronner

[revmo10]

No way on earth Parise gets an "A" if we sign him. That's not the way the wings work. You have to put your time in in Detroit to get a letter on your sweater. Hossa didn't get one. Hull Didn't get one. Robitaille didn't get one. Larionov didn't get one. He could definitely get one in a few years as long as he busts his ass for us. That is why Holmstrom wore an A when Dats was out. He rotated with Kronner. I really thought they should've let Stuart wear an A when Dats was down to show him how much he means to this team so that we could attempt to keep him.

Its a foregone conclusion anyway.

C - Zetterberg
A - Datsyuk
A = Kronwall

[Jedi]

No way on earth Parise gets an "A" if we sign him. That's not the way the wings work. You have to put your time in in Detroit to get a letter on your sweater. Hossa didn't get one. Hull Didn't get one. Robitaille didn't get one. Larionov didn't get one. He could definitely get one in a few years as long as he busts his ass for us. That is why Holmstrom wore an A when Dats was out. He rotated with Kronner. I really thought they should've let Stuart wear an A when Dats was down to show him how much he means to this team so that we could attempt to keep him.

If I'm not mistaken, Shanahan had the A from his very first game as a Wing.

*edit* Confirmed. Shanahan's first goal as a Red Wing (taken from the '97 championship video, Hockeytown) shows him with the A on his chest.

[Dabura]

A deep bone bruise heals completely. It is not a long-term injury. And it was a freak occurrence.

You missed the point.

Nick's gotten old, and he's not getting any younger. As one gets older, one becomes more prone and/or susceptible to injury. There's wear and tear, a certain degree of deterioration. Even something as simple as a deep bone bruise can prove more problematic when you're "old." Blah blah blah.

No one's saying, "Hey, that deep bone bruise in his ankle? That's definitely the end for Nick."