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DSM

Your predictions for the roster heading into the offseason.

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Just figured this could be an interesting duscussion on differing opinions over what the Red Wings could do heading into the offseason.

Here are the questions:

1. How do they approach the following impending UFAs/RFAs? (This is assuming that they are obviously going to re-sign important RFA's like Tatar, DeKeyser, Sheahan, etc.):

UFA's: Legwand, Alfredsson, Quincey, Samuelsson, Bertuzzi, Cleary and Gustavsson

RFA: Emmerton

2. Should they use their last compliance buyout? If yes, on who?

3. Out of waiver exemption for next season, should Ferraro, Callahan and/or Almquist have spots on next years roster? (This is assuming that Sheahan has pretty much played himself onto next seasons roster)

4. Still having waiver exemption, should Jurco and/or Mrazek be given spots on the big club, or start the year in GR? Any others?

5. What UFA's should they target on July 1st?

===============

My opinions:

1. They should definitely re-sign:

-Legwand - He's been decent for the team, especially when playing on the 2nd or 3rd line, where he would play if everyone were healthy. Plus, he keeps them deep down the middle if Weiss (who not counting the upcoming playoffs, will have only played in 1/3rd (43) of his teams games (130)) continues to battle or injuries and/or struggles when playing (3 goals, 5 assists in those 43 games...).

-Alfredsson - Obviously only if he wants to come back.

-Gustavsson - I'm of the opinion that Mrazek should have one more year in the minors before being thrust into the backup position. IF Gustavsson is willing to accept an affordable deal for another year, then I'd go for it. Problem is, I can see him wanting to go to a team where he could compete to be a starter, or get a large long term offer from a team hoping he has some starter potential. He obviously isn't getting any younger, and is probably well aware that Jimmy is the starter here for the foreseeable future and that Mrazek will be knocking on the door very soon. So, I can see him looking for a better opportunity.

I'm on the fence about:

-Quincey - He has been better as of late, but with 4 regular dmen tied up until 7/1/16 at the earliest and DeKeyser and Smith upcoming RFA's that probably aren't going anywhere, him becoming a UFA is their only option for opening a spot for an upgrade. This is where Kindl's contract is going to shoot Holland in the foot if he doesn't get back to playing like he did last season....

-Bertuzzi - At this point I could take him or leave him, but wouldn't be opposed to him signing cheap (buryable if needed) 1 year deal to be a part time 3rd/4th liner.

They shouldn't re-sign:

-Samuelsson - This should be a no brainer... Flame me, but I was hoping he'd be healthier this season and provide some offense from the 3rd line, but we got more of the same. The writing is pretty much on the wall. We already knew they wanted to use a compliance buyout on him last June and he's been a frequent healthy scratch and even cost the team a massive cap penalty after he was waived. His career is likely over as well.

-Cleary - Re-signing him for this season was obviously a mistake, but I think Holland has realized it now. Before his current injury, he (along with Bertuzzi and Samuelsson) was a healthy scratch for a long period in faver of giving the young guys ice time.

-Emmerton - Not that it's a really big deal, but since he was a regular on the team the previous two seasons and has appeared in a decent chunk of this season, I figured I'd include him. That being said, he has obviously lost his spot as #4/5 center to Glendenning, and Sheahan and a healthy Helm have pushed him even further down the depth chart. Glendenning and Sheahan will obviously be on next years team, which will make the team real deep down the middle (not even counting Legwand). He'd end up playing most (if not all) of the season in GR, taking up a spot for a young guy to develop. Plus, Ferraro is pretty much Emmerton 2.0 and will most likely be competing for the same time with the big club. I can see the Wings not tendering a qualifying offer, so Emmerton can look for an opportunity elsewhere.

2. Yes. As much as I'm a fan of his, I'll be surprised if the team doesn't use their second compliance buyout on Tootoo. He obviously fell out of favor this season, and his cap is what has made him virtually untradeable and able to clear waivers. Going into next season with a glut of waiver exempt forwards and Ferraro, Callahan and Jurco likely vying for spots on the roster, Tootoo will likely be in the same spot. Burying him has cost the team almost a $1M in cap space, and the buyout is the easiest way to avoid it. Whether in the big club or GR, Callahan can fill Tootoos role for a fraction of the cost and no cap penalty, and still has some upside.

I know some will still be begging for it to be used on Franzen, but I just can't see how it could happen. They won't be able to replace his size or production for anywhere near his cap hit.

3. In my opinion, Callahan probably has the best shot to get a regular spot. He's played well above expectations in GR, and adds an element the team doesn't have much of. He's continually improved in GR and probably still has a lot of upside. I think this also makes him worth claiming if he is waived. Ferraro on the other, doesn't seem to add anything different. His game still seems to be a work in progress, and he didn't look as good in his NHL stint as Callahan did. He would also most likely go unclaimed on waivers. Almquist is interesting, but I don't see where he fits in. Unless they make a trade, the only potential opening on D is Quincey becoming a UFA. However if he doesn't re-sign, I can see the team signing another UFA D-man. In either case, the only realistic possibility is that he could beat out and make Lashoff expendable at camp. Given his production this season at the AHL level, Almquist would most likely be claimed by another team if waived.

4. I think Jurco's future is definitely with the big club, but I can see him atleast starting with GR next season. I however don't think Mrazek should be promoted just yet. I worry about what may result if Howard goes down long term with an injury and Mrazek is forced to carry the team. Plus, they'll be slim on depth beyond him. I think they would be better off signing Gustavsson or a UFA goalie for a year, and still having Mrazek in GR. Plus, he'll be cheaper when his entry level deal expires if there are still questions over what he can bring in a full season.

5.

Forwards: I know everyone will be praying for Holland to go after some of the bigger names available (especially Vanek), but I would be OK with the team re-signing Alfredsson and Legwand and going forward with what they've got. Obviously, with a healthy Helm and Weiss, and Tatar, Nyquist, Sheahan, Jurco, Glendenning and Andersson still maturing, they could have a very formidable offense. Holland could try going after Vanek, but as the only real "superstar" forward, he'll be very pricey. Plus, it's been widely speculated that he'll most likely sign with Minnesota this summer. If Alfredsson doesn't return, I wouldn't mind them targeting some short term veteran help up front like Iginla or Jagr. I don't think the team needs to load up on any big long term UFA signings.

Defense: I can only see them going after someone if they don't resign Quincey. I like Niskanen (if he's still available). He's a RH shot, and would add some more offense from the backend that the team has lacked since Lidstrom left. Otherwise, with Kronwall, Ericsson, Kindl and Lashoff locked up for the next couple of years, DeKeyser and Smith most likely in the long term picture, and Almquist, Marchenko, Sproul and Ouellet all likely to be NHL contributors is the next couple of years, I can't see them making any big long term signings on the blueline.

Goal: If Gustavsson doesn't re-sign and they have some cap space, I think they should go after a good starting caliber or 1B goalie for a one year deal. There will be lots of good options for this available: Thomas, Brodeur, Bryzgalov, Elliott, Montoya, Peters, etc. who could fill in for a year before bringing up Mrazek. This will give them someone capable of filling in (as well as Mrazek) if Jimmy gets hurt or struggles, rather than heap the load on Mrazek.

Who's next?

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Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Franzen

Nyquist - Legwand - Alfredsson

Sheahan - Weiss - Tatar

Abdelkader - Helm - Jurco

Mantha/Andersson/Malykhin/Miller

Kronwall - Ericsson

DeKeyser - Smith

Kindl - Lashoff

Ouellet/Sproul/Almqvist/Marchenko

Howard

Gustavsson

Mrazek/McCollum/Paterson

Team looks great when u subtract all the crappy old vets. I'd be 100% ok with no off season FAs, though it looks like Matt Greene is coming here

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Honestly we can let all of the UFA's go. None are so good that we have to have them. Of the group the only 1 I really want back is maybe Legwand. But only on a 3 year or less deal. if we do that we have the gollowing as of today:

Z-Dat-Mule

Nyquist-leg-????

Jurco-Sheahan-tatar

Abby-helm-Glendening

Miller-Andersson-Callahan

Kron-E

Dekeyser-Smith

Lashoff-Kindl

Almqvist

Howard

maz?

Only 1 true hole.

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UFA Out or retired - Cleary, Samuelsson, Bertuzzi, Quincey,

UFA's retained - Alfredsson (if he plays again) and Legwand.

RFA's not tendered - Nicastro, Fournier, Emmerton, Coetzee, Parkes

RFA's Tendered - Dekeyser, Sheahan, Almquist, Nestrasil, Callahan, Ferraro (tendered but put on waivers in the hopes he clears)

Final Compliance buyout - Tootoo

Jurco starts season in Grand Rapids, nobody is added via free agency, although a trade is a possibility if we decide to move some center depth.

At least this year we're cluttered with useful players instead of guys that are of no use to us at all.

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abby - dats - alfie

Franzen - Z - Bertuzzi

Cleary - J. Williams - K. Calder

Cleary - Helm - Cleary

Bench:cleary

Kronwall - Lebda

Lilja - Coliacavo

Quincey - Lashoff

bench: smith kindl

Howard

Conklin

That team is one Boyd Devereaux away from a dynasty... :P

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I'm interested to see what the cap space looks like without the UFAs. Anyone got the numbers there? Like many have said, I would keep Alfredsson and Legwand if they can meet on favorable terms.

I really like most of the D we have, but I would like to see Oullet, Sproul and Marchenko more at this point. Kindl needs to overcome his confidence issues carrying the puck if he is going to stay.

I like the goaltending - not sure whether Gustavsson should come back, though. Mrazek would be a great backup, but it would be bad in a worst-case situation like this season. Who would they call up? McCollum?

The forwards are really impressive, but contracts are going to dictate that not everyone can stay in Detroit. Hopefully we can keep those who have been playing in GR. I remember when Lapointe was let go in free agency and I expect more tough decisions like that will come since Tatar, Sheahan, and Emmerton all have contracts ending this season. Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Franzen, Helm, Abdelkader, Glendening, Miller, Nyquist and Weiss are basically guaranteed but sometimes you have to give something to get something and there are at least 3 guaranteed spots to be filled by re-signing, trade or free agency.

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I got a gut feeling that Alfie will retire Legwand and Q will explore the market. Monster gets a year deal to back-up.

Sammy is gone and Bert retires. Cleary now that is a difficult one to work out. To the fans Dan's legs have gone and

although he has a big heart can he make a impact on a game? Kenny's and Babs loyalty will be tested to the limit on

this decision but hopefully it won't hurt the team this time round. Dan hang's them up and gets a back room job after

playing over 500 reg games and 100+ playoff games for the Wings.

The Mule, well for all those bashing him and wanting him traded I can't see Kenny moving him, he is still producing at

0.75 ppg last season which is above his 0.61 ppg career average. If Kenny put him in the shop window would there be

enough interested parties to make our return in any deal worthwhile? The only way i see the Wings getting anything of

value was if he was packaged with other pieces in a multi trade deal.

Which brings us onto Kindl, Lashoff and maybe Andersson. In my opinion all could be traded. Maybe a package deal

of Franzen, Kindl, and Andersson to any interested party could get some sort of return, maybe try the Canucks for Edler

and Kassian ?Lashoff has been what he is but we have guys who could be better in GR so trade for picks maybe.

I would like to see Kenny go after some size for our 4th line and I have stated before either Foligno of Buffalo or Kassian

of Vancouver would be solide adds, both would be better and play Glendening as their center.

There are lots of puzzles to solve and moving Abbey off the top line and getting in a solid top 6 winger is a must. Do we

promote Mantha and see how he goes on a line with Pav and Z ? A summer in the gym and Mantha coming to camp at a

6'5 225 Lb winger may be the answer.

Zetterberg Datsyuk Mantha

Abdelkader Weiss Nyqvist

Tatar Helm Jurco

Kassian Sheahan Foligno

Miller Glendening

Kronwall Edler

Smith DeKeyser

Ericsson Marchenko

Ouellet

Howard Gustavsson.

Edited by Andy Pred 48

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In my perfect world we boot Franzy the Panzy and throw three years at 20mil at Iginla so he can meet his stated goal of playing to 40. We waive bye bye to Legwand, and the rest of the FA including Alfie.

We then have these lines

40-13-Iginla

14-15-21

90--43-8

41-18-20

Quincey walks, Lashoff gets dealt we promote Marchenko and Oulett and Kindl sits in the pressbox.

We then have defense pairings that are:

55-2

65-Marchenko

52-Oulett

Be great if we can also dump Kindl..the we can elevate Sproul and have a 2nd RH Dman.

But...since the Franzen's gonna stay, he can center the 4th line and show us how committed to defense he really is and Andersson becomes an extra forward

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In my perfect world we boot Franzy the Panzy and throw three years at 20mil at Iginla so he can meet his stated goal of playing to 40. We waive bye bye to Legwand, and the rest of the FA including Alfie.

We then have these lines

40-13-Iginla

14-15-21

90--43-8

41-18-20

Quincey walks, Lashoff gets dealt we promote Marchenko and Oulett and Kindl sits in the pressbox.

We then have defense pairings that are:

55-2

65-Marchenko

52-Oulett

Be great if we can also dump Kindl..the we can elevate Sproul and have a 2nd RH Dman.

But...since the Franzen's gonna stay, he can center the 4th line and show us how committed to defense he really is and Andersson becomes an extra forward

The red wings don't need 3 of their top 6 forwards, or a few of their established D-men. Rebuilding is fun. It's a joke bc what ur suggesting will never happen. Welcome to the red wings.

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I think Kenny will make a key signing in FA this year to help our defence, much like he did last year signing Alfie & Weiss. I've read that the Wings are interested in Matt Greene from the Kings, assuming he isn't resigned by them. He is a right handed shot, big body, sturdy, great leader and he can eat up top 4 minutes. I could see Boyle signing too, and I'd favour Boyle on a short term 1-2 year contract at around 5-6 million. One of Lashoff/ Kindl will be traded, and the other will chill out in the press box as our 7th D.

Ferraro and Callahan would battle it our in training camp for the 13th/14th forward position, and the one who lost would be sent through waivers. Andersson should be either traded or waived, as he hasn't really made any strides. Andersson is basically a bigger bodied Emmerton, and we have too many good players for him to have a spot. Jurco would stay up to keep the kid line together, although I could see him start off in Grand Rapids if we sign another C. I could see Kenny signing another F, but then again he might just roll the dice on Weiss and hope that he returns to his normal self.

On a side note Babcock has said that Mattias Backman will get a great opportunity to start the season with the wings, as his play in Sweden & GR has been phenomenal. I see him as the most NHL ready out of our prospect D (with Marchenko and Ouellet a close 2nd/3rd).

For our Backup goalie I see us signing an unproven but fairly talented tender, like we did with Gustavsson. Monster will probably look for a 1B job somewhere as he had a good season. I think Al Montoya will be our backup, as he will be fairly cheap, had a good year and will be able to play a good 20-25 games for us.

CAPGEEK.COM ARMCHAIR GM ROSTER
DRW 14-15 Realistic Opening Night Roster
FORWARDS
Henrik Zetterberg ($6.083m) / Pavel Datsyuk ($7.500m) / Daniel Alfredsson ($5.000m)
Gustav Nyquist ($0.950m) / Stephen Weiss ($4.900m) / Johan Franzen ($3.955m)
Tomas Tatar ($2.750m) / Riley Sheahan ($1.750m) / Tomas Jurco ($0.709m)
Drew Miller ($1.350m) / Darren Helm ($2.125m) / Justin Abdelkader ($1.800m)
Luke Glendening ($0.628m) / Mitchell Callahan ($0.605m)
DEFENSEMEN
Niklas Kronwall ($4.750m) / Brendan Smith ($1.263m)
Danny DeKeyser ($3.500m) / Dan Boyle ($5.500m)
Jonathan Ericsson ($4.250m) / Mattias Backman ($0.718m)
Jakub Kindl ($2.400m) /
GOALTENDERS
Jimmy Howard ($5.292m)
Al Montoya ($1.250m)
BUYOUTS
Carlo Colaiacovo ($0.000m)
BURIED
Jordin Tootoo ($0.975m)
------
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(estimations for 2014-15)
SALARY CAP: $71,100,000; CAP PAYROLL: $70,002,045; BONUSES: $423,333
CAP SPACE (23-man roster): $1,097,955

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