Alfie informs Wings he wants to return

[e_prime 1,936]

Wiz also stated the Wings don't pay free agents market value, so there was likely very little chance of him signing in Detroit. Comparing Wiz and E isn't fair either, as they are two completely different players. E is the Wings best defensive d-man on a team that is a wreck in their own zone. That's quite valuable in itself.

Actually, we wouldn't have to get him to sign. Columbus paid him. We just have to have Columbus actually want to trade him. Which they don't/shouldn't. Then get him to actually waive his NTC/NMC. Why would he do that? Then get him to Detroit on his list of places he wants to be traded to. NEVER (inamillionfreakingyears!) GONNA HAPPEN.

God I wish KH would have made him a fair offer back in the day. There would have been a lot less crying about how KH wasn't prepared for Nick Lidstrom's retirement.

ON TOPIC: Get Alfie to camp. See what he's got. Go from there. In the meantime, don't let other free agents and trades slip through your fingers, Ken Holland. okthanksbye.

[rick zombo 3,739]

I hope so. I'd love to see it. I'm thinking that kid is going to be really good.

He already has an absolute bomb. I’d play him now just for that. Detroit hasn’t had a shot like that from the blue line since Bowman had Sergei playing defence.

Same as Pulkinen. I almost don’t care that either prospect can't play a complete 200 ft game yet. Put ‘em in the line-up and let them fire bullets on the PP. God that would be awesome.

Sorry, got carried away.

[kipwinger 8,521]

He already has an absolute bomb. I’d play him now just for that. Detroit hasn’t had a shot like that from the blue line since Bowman had Sergei playing defence.

Same as Pulkinen. I almost don’t care that either prospect can't play a complete 200 ft game yet. Put ‘em in the line-up and let them fire bullets on the PP. God that would be awesome.

Sorry, got carried away.

Well, I'm still ambivalent about Pulkkinen. But I'd DEFINITELY rather have Sproul in the lineup than some mediocre hack on the blueline (Boyle, Robidas, Gilbert). At least the experience he'd get would help us in the future.

[rick zombo 3,739]

Well, I'm still ambivalent about Pulkkinen. But I'd DEFINITELY rather have Sproul in the lineup than some mediocre hack on the blueline (Boyle, Robidas, Gilbert). At least the experience he'd get would help us in the future.

I’m actually convinced that Boyle’s going to NYR and Gilbert’s coming to Detroit.

But I digress again, for the last time in here.

[wings4thecup06 504]

I actually can't wait to see what happens when Pulkkinen and Sproul come up full time, just purely because of the entertainment it will provide when on the PP. You guys are right, we need something like that on a full time basis. I'm just hoping we don't have to wait too long for them. But that's part of why I like bringing Alfie back - he's got a great one timer but it felt like the second half of the year he wasn't' using it as much.

[AtomicPunk 296]

Well, I'm still ambivalent about Pulkkinen. But I'd DEFINITELY rather have Sproul in the lineup than some mediocre hack on the blueline (Boyle, Robidas, Gilbert). At least the experience he'd get would help us in the future.

So you'd rather have a kid that's played ONE NHL game to someone who has 6 seasons with 10+ goals and 50 points (Boyle)? Sure, he's older. But he would be a spry 37 year old on a team looking to re-sign a 42 year old forward. I like Sproul's POTENTIAL upside, but until he's done it at the highest level, it's all just a maybe. Hundreds of thousands of the "next big thing" have flamed out on the road to the show.

[kipwinger 8,521]

So you'd rather have a kid that's played ONE NHL game to someone who has 6 seasons with 10+ goals and 50 points (Boyle)? Sure, he's older. But he would be a spry 37 year old on a team looking to re-sign a 42 year old forward. I like Sproul's POTENTIAL upside, but until he's done it at the highest level, it's all just a maybe. Hundreds of thousands of the "next big thing" have flamed out on the road to the show.

I totally agree. But he's got to get the shot in order to prove it. I'd rather he get that shot in a year where there's essential ZERO chance of use being competitive. That way, if he struggles it doesn't hurt us that bad, and if he's a stud then it's a bright spot. When are they supposed to give him an opportunity, the conference finals?

As I've said a thousand times, signing Boyle just keeps a mediocre team mediocre. Giving the opportunity to the most deserving kid may hurt in the short term, but the experience he gains playing with our vets and learning from "the greatest coach eva" is invaluable in the long term.

[krsmith17 7,191]

Well how is he supposed to do it at the highest level if he doesn't get his shot? To be fair, he looked great in his first and only NHL game against the Blues in a 3-0 win on the road. He played over 18 minutes, had 3 shots on goal, 2 hits and 2 blocked shots. He looked very poised and was able to rush the puck extremely well. He made one bad decision on a pinch, but overall didn't look out of place at all. He also, made a great play defending a 3 on 1 to keep the Blues off the board.

[LeftWinger 4,951]

You can have Wiz. I’ll take Kronwall 10 out of 10 times.

I never said I didn't want Kronwall. At the time Wiz was becoming a UFA, we could've had Wiz and all our D-men. Then we probably wouldn't have had to trade for Quincey.

Wiz also stated the Wings don't pay free agents market value, so there was likely very little chance of him signing in Detroit. Comparing Wiz and E isn't fair either, as they are two completely different players. E is the Wings best defensive d-man on a team that is a wreck in their own zone. That's quite valuable in itself.

...which was my point in the beginning. Everyone said Wiz was overpaid. Columbus took the gamble, and its paying off. He is their leader on D and #2 scorer on the team. A gamble well worth it. My point was Holland should gamble for once and over pay, outbid others for Niskanen . It could very well be the gamble that pays off! Comparing our guys and Wiz was just that. He only makes a few more dollars than Kronner and E and brings every bit of what they do to rhe table, plus outscores them and defends his teammates. He earns every penny off it. Just imagine this team with Wiz on it the last three seasons instead of Q or K...

Edited June 26, 2014 by LeftWinger

[Son of a Wing 1,644]

I never said I didn't want Kronwall. At the time Wiz was becoming a UFA, we could've had Wiz and all our D-men. Then we probably wouldn't have had to trade for Quincey.

...which was my point in the beginning. Everyone said Wiz was overpaid. Columbus took the gamble, and its paying off. He is their leader on D and #2 scorer on the team. A gamble well worth it. My point was Holland should gamble for once and over pay, outbid others for Niskanen . It could very well be the gamble that pays off! Comparing our guys and Wiz was just that. He only makes a few more dollars than Kronner and E and brings every bit of what they do to rhe table, plus outscores them and defends his teammates. He earns every penny off it. Just imagine this team with Wiz on it the last three seasons instead of Q or K...

We did that with Weiss last season...Can't do it every year.

[Z and D for the C 712]

We did that with Weiss last season...Can't do it every year.

You mean sing a free agent?? Weiss wasn't a risky overpayment who had tons of teams coming after him, he just happened to fail miserably hopefully due to an injury..

[Son of a Wing 1,644]

You mean sing a free agent?? Weiss wasn't a risky overpayment who had tons of teams coming after him, he just happened to fail miserably hopefully due to an injury..

With the salary, term and recent injury history it was a risk...and yes there were other suitors...

My point was Holland does take gambles. Just not the ones all fans want.

Edited June 26, 2014 by Son of a Wing

[themcityblues 249]

With all the talent in the UFA pool this offseason, Alfie seems to be the least critical to get. If Alfie is signed right away I'd be pissed. He should only be signed last if the other deals fall through. But is that the "proper" way to treat a vet like Alfie?

[BottleOfSmoke 5,965]

@HeleneStJames: Daniel Alfredsson & family to live in DET next season no matter what. He & #RedWings will wait till Aug to see how he feels, then talk deal.

[wings4thecup06 504]

@HeleneStJames: Daniel Alfredsson & family to live in DET next season no matter what. He & #RedWings will wait till Aug to see how he feels, then talk deal.

I think this works well for both sides. It gives the Wings a chance to formulate their roster, sign and trade for whomever they feel they want to. It gives Alfie 2 months to get fully healthy and in good shape, and allows him to mentally commit to playing next year. If after a little while he doesn't feel like its going to happen, then he can walk away, no harm done.

[Dabura 12,207]

This could be a number of different things. Babs seemed pretty clear that he wasn't overly confident in his ability to play another full season. On the other hand, maybe this is more just Alfie being like "I don't need big money. Sign some quality talent and I'll play for whatever you have left" or something.

[LAWings 160]

I think this works well for both sides. It gives the Wings a chance to formulate their roster, sign and trade for whomever they feel they want to. It gives Alfie 2 months to get fully healthy and in good shape, and allows him to mentally commit to playing next year. If after a little while he doesn't feel like its going to happen, then he can walk away, no harm done.

I don't see how this is good for the wings. We have to wait until training camp conditioning to see if he can play? Meanwhile there's $9 million left to spend (after RFAs are signed) and we are in sore need of a couple key positions, Alfie is set to take half that, so there's only $4-5 million left on the table... Alfie is a good guy, he tried this season but it didn't work out. It's time to move on and make some long term moves to help this team rather then sign a guy with one foot in the old folks home that is only good for one season.

They'll sign Alfie and Cleary and there's only $3 million left. Meanwhile every team is wheeling and deeling and Holland is still convinced this no longer happens in the new NHL, that there are no more marquee players left...yet big names are all over the place.

Babs / Holland your time is up. Just resign Sammy, Bert, Cleary and Alfie and call it a day, it's obviously too dificult for your guys to get creative and bring in some fresh blood. I wish Mr. I was a few years younger...

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

[wingsfan4795 552]

I don't see how this is good for the wings. We have to wait until training camp conditioning to see if he can play? Meanwhile there's $9 million left to spend (after RFAs are signed) and we are in sore need of a couple key positions, Alfie is set to take half that, so there's only $4-5 million left on the table... Alfie is a good guy, he tried this season but it didn't work out. It's time to move on and make some long term moves to help this team rather then sign a guy with one foot in the old folks home that is only good for one season.

They'll sign Alfie and Cleary and there's only $3 million left. Meanwhile every team is wheeling and deeling and Holland is still convinced this no longer happens in the new NHL, that there are no more marquee players left...yet big names are all over the place.

Babs / Holland your time is up. Just resign Sammy, Bert, Cleary and Alfie and call it a day, it's obviously too dificult for your guys to get creative and bring in some fresh blood. I wish Mr. I was a few years younger...

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

I think blaming holland / babs for hypothetical situations that you made up in your head could be classified as insanity as well

[wings4thecup06 504]

I don't see how this is good for the wings. We have to wait until training camp conditioning to see if he can play? Meanwhile there's $9 million left to spend (after RFAs are signed) and we are in sore need of a couple key positions, Alfie is set to take half that, so there's only $4-5 million left on the table... Alfie is a good guy, he tried this season but it didn't work out. It's time to move on and make some long term moves to help this team rather then sign a guy with one foot in the old folks home that is only good for one season.

They'll sign Alfie and Cleary and there's only $3 million left. Meanwhile every team is wheeling and deeling and Holland is still convinced this no longer happens in the new NHL, that there are no more marquee players left...yet big names are all over the place.

Babs / Holland your time is up. Just resign Sammy, Bert, Cleary and Alfie and call it a day, it's obviously too dificult for your guys to get creative and bring in some fresh blood. I wish Mr. I was a few years younger...

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

But it is though. Because it allows for essentially a 'trade deadline acquisition' right at the end of the offseason while KH and co have spent two months touching up the roster, getting a better D man, and possibly acquiring someone like Iginla (outside chance but who knows).

Alfie won't' sign for a big contract, I think it was khan who said he could get something smaller like a $2m base salary and then a bunch of bonuses which would allow us to fit everything in.

Also, what if we re-signed Alfie right this minute, and he comes to camp and then he realises he can't play anymore because his back has given out? What a waste of time right? The Wings didn't sign anyone else because they thought Alfie would be the guy, so Iginla waddles of elsewhere and we're left empty handed.

[LAWings 160]

Also, what if we re-signed Alfie right this minute, and he comes to camp and then he realises he can't play anymore because his back has given out? What a waste of time right? The Wings didn't sign anyone else because they thought Alfie would be the guy, so Iginla waddles of elsewhere and we're left empty handed.

This exactly. Either way we lose out on signing a better player longer term to help the team while Alfie sees if he can play with our without Geritol. We've basically handcuffed ourselves waiting for him.

I think blaming holland / babs for hypothetical situations that you made up in your head could be classified as insanity as well

It's not hypothetical, we wait until training cap to see if he can play, a large chunk of what's left in salary cap is tied up with Alfie playing / not playing. Which means we won't see any big signings... at all, because the Wings are in a wait and see hold patter. Rather then go and make the team better, now.

[Nyquistfan14 489]

I would like alfy back to play on the 4th line with helm and Abby. Bring in iginla to play with the eurotwins.

Z-D- iginla

Franzen- Weiss- nyquist

Tatar-sheahan-jurco

Abby-helm-alfy

I'd say that's a pretty solid forward group, should have lots of scoring

[VM1138 1,921]

Also, what if we re-signed Alfie right this minute, and he comes to camp and then he realises he can't play anymore because his back has given out? What a waste of time right? The Wings didn't sign anyone else because they thought Alfie would be the guy, so Iginla waddles of elsewhere and we're left empty handed.

This exactly. Either way we lose out on signing a better player longer term to help the team while Alfie sees if he can play with our without Geritol. We've basically handcuffed ourselves waiting for him.

I think blaming holland / babs for hypothetical situations that you made up in your head could be classified as insanity as well

It's not hypothetical, we wait until training cap to see if he can play, a large chunk of what's left in salary cap is tied up with Alfie playing / not playing. Which means we won't see any big signings... at all, because the Wings are in a wait and see hold patter. Rather then go and make the team better, now.

Except that Alfie is a bonus. They're not saving room or waiting for him at all. They explicitly said they'll wait til they see if he can play before making a decision about him. This literally has no negative angle. They'll sign whoever they want and fit him in later.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

[barabbas16 499]

This exactly. Either way we lose out on signing a better player longer term to help the team while Alfie sees if he can play with our without Geritol. We've basically handcuffed ourselves waiting for him.

It's not hypothetical, we wait until training cap to see if he can play, a large chunk of what's left in salary cap is tied up with Alfie playing / not playing. Which means we won't see any big signings... at all, because the Wings are in a wait and see hold patter. Rather then go and make the team better, now.

Unless you're getting out of your DeLorean with Doc Brown to type on LGW, I'd say you're putting the cart before the horse and it'd probably be best to wait and see what happens before you freak out.

[LAWings 160]

Unless you're getting out of your DeLorean with Doc Brown to type on LGW, I'd say you're putting the cart before the horse and it'd probably be best to wait and see what happens before you freak out.

1985 called...they want your movie reference back.

Holland has stated many times over, the old days are over, they will take a wait and see approach. If Detroit signs anyone big, or makes any big moves before training camp, I will be utterly shocked. They will wait with Alfie, because if they resign him they only have $4-5 million left. That means no Iginla, Stastny, Vanek...nobody. And Holland even said they are done giving up prospects. Do the math, tell me what other outcomes do you see, especially with Cleary banging on the door again?

[barabbas16 499]

1985 called...they want your movie reference back.

Holland has stated many times over, the old days are over, they will take a wait and see approach. If Detroit signs anyone big, or makes any big moves before training camp, I will be utterly shocked. They will wait with Alfie, because if they resign him they only have $4-5 million left. That means no Iginla, Stastny, Vanek...nobody. And Holland even said they are done giving up prospects. Do the math, tell me what other outcomes do you see, especially with Cleary banging on the door again?

Haha! Back to the Future is still an awesome movie. And, I think that joke is just about as old.

I don't usually try to predict the future and try to pass it off as fact like it has already happened. But, I agree that they probably won't end up with Iginla, Stastny, or Vanek. I don't think 'nobody' will happen either, though. I think they'll make a good run at Ehrhoff and/or Niskanen... and I think either one of those guys makes more sense to sign than Iginla/Stastny/Vanek. Nothing's written in stone, though, and you never know what could happen.