Homer4ver

66 points in 72 games, 60 of those games on arguably the worst team in the league. While outscoring Zetterberg in the playoffs. Since the lockout: Z: 274 points in 245 games, 1.12 PPG 129 goals Hossa: 199 points in 186 games, .93 PPG 89 goals Datsyuk: 305 points in 268 games, .89 PPG 107 goals Neither Hossa or Z have played in more games or have even been as consistant as Datsyuk. While Zetterberg scores at a higher pace than either of the other two, he is still injured more frequently make him less valuable. Datsyuk's salary sets the benchmark, if either Hossa or Z wants to make more than $6.7 million they actually have to outperform Datsyuk before its justified and since the lockout, that has yet to happen. And this isn't about hating Zetterberg, im merely pointing out that the tired Zetterberg vs Datsyuk thing is over, its Z vs Hossa now and Hossa has been the superior player his entire career. Loyalty goes out of the window when players start demanding a salary that they do not deserve. Since you know, Lidstrom is the best player in the world according to most of you, theres no reason for Z to make more than Nick, certainly not a million dollars more. Hossa + Franzen > Zetterberg + Hudler

My opinion has nothing to do with being biased, its the fact that Zetterberg has been outperformed by Datsyuk completely during his career. Datsyuk took less than hes worth to play here and hes done everything asked of him by the organization. Zetterberg expecting 8.5 mill, even for one season is irrational and doesn't shine well on his "Next captain" moniker. Last season, Hossa outperformed Zetterberg and this season hes doing the same. Last season, Datsyuk outperformed Zetterberg during the regular season and 75% of the playoffs and hes making $6.7 million, along with tons of other "Franchise players" that signed after him. Not one person has given me a solid reason as to why Z should make anything more than $7 mill per season and "Inflation" is meaningless. Its two seasons and we're going through the worst recession in twenty years, the cap is going to decrease for at least two seasons. Using Zetterberg's current contract to justify overpaying him now is ridiculous. He took a lengthy, terrible deal, played better than expectations and was underpaid. It could have very easily went the other way and Z could have turned into a third liner making $3 mill per season. Its the same thing the organization did with Kronwall and is doing with Filippula. Does that mean if Flip turned into an 80 point two-way center, the team should throw $2 million per season extra at him to make up for overpaying for his services? And Mats Sundin is worth $10 million pro-rated because hes signing with a terrible team. Hes getting paid extra to deal with the fact that hes not going to win this season. If he signed with a contender he would have dropped his price significantly. Its a simple argument, Z vs Hossa and its an obvious choice. Everyone has been waiting years for Datsyuk to get a legitment sniper on his line, all of the pipe dreams of Kovalchuk are finally here. Hossa is good for 40, 50 and maybe 60 goals with Dats. If that means sacrificing a second line center than so be it, we have another center to take his place in Flip, who happens to be earning a second liners salary.

He dominated both games, what these points don't count? Datsyuk was off to a slow start but in nearly every game, every shift he created some kind of scoring chance. Hes now leading the team in scoring, which is where everyone should expect him to be. Hes on pace for 30 goals, 87 points and more than likely a Selke win or top three nomination. Ive yet to see a good reason for anyone to justify Zetterberg making nearly two million more dollars per season over the teams leading scorer and reigning Selke/Byng winner, who was also second in team playoff scoring.

Lets talk about franchise players: Datsyuk, Thornton, Crosby, Malkin, Iginla, Lidstrom, Luongo, Kovalchuk, Nash, Gaborik all make less than ten million dollars per season. All of the players listest besides, Crosby, Lidstrom and Malkin make $6.7 mill or less per season. Everyone, including Zetterberg, Holland and yourself knows that the salary cap is going to decline next season and probably the one after that too. If Z pushes for anything more than Hossa's $7.4 million hes delusional. The only thing that may justify a $8.5 million dollar pay check is: - Finishing a full season - Leading the team in scoring - Winning a Selke - Winning a Hart, Pearson, Conn Smyth(Again) If none of those things happens, give me just one example of why Zetterberg is more valuable than Datsyuk or even Hossa.

Zetterberg had one shift, "The shift" that baised everyone towards naming him the best player in the league last season. He played well on a five on three and probably saved a goal but that was one game and one shift. He was an aferthought in the first two rounds, while Datsyuk was consistantly the Red Wings best forward during the entire playoffs. Its the same argument as in 2002, the Smyth could have gone to Fedorov or Yzerman without question. 07-08 Playoff stats Hossa: 20 games, 12 goals, 14 assists, 26 points, +8, 12 PIM, 2 GWG Zetterberg: 22 games, 13 goals, 14 assists, 27 points, +11, 16 PIM, 4 GWG Datsyuk: 22 games, 10 goals, 13 assists, 23 points, +13, 6 PIM, 1 GWG Franzen: 16 games, 13 goals, 5 assists, 18 points, +13, 14 PIM, 5 GWG Crosby: 20 games, 6 goals, 21 assists, 27 points, +7, 12 PIM, 1 GWG Osgood: 19 games, 14 wins, 3 shutouts, 30 GA, .930 SV%, 1.55 GA, 22 shots per game Fleury: 20 games, 14 wins, 3 shutouts, 41 GA, .933 SV%, 1.97 GA, 31 shots per game Going with purely statistics, Hossa and Crosby both outscored Zetterberg, even if they lost. Fleury faced more shots per game and had nearly similar statistics, while Osgood was playing for the best defensive team in the league. I would then argue that the only thing that put Zetterberg ahead of the pack was his defensive play, which again, culminated during one game of the Stanley Cup finals. It was an obvious bias, especially when he didn't and will never win a Selke. Saying that Zetterberg was head and shoulders above the rest is just wrong, any of the three (Datsyuk, Zetterberg or Franzen) could have won, along with Hossa or Crosby. Z didn't dominate in any fashion, he played well but the Conn Smyth is not indicative of overall ability. Theres no reason that either Zetterberg or Hossa deserves more salary per season over Datsyuk or Lidstrom. Both players took pretty sizeable discounts to stay in Detroit and thats pretty much the only reason they have been successful post lockout. If Datsyuk really wanted to cash out, he would have signed for eight million per season with Philly and Lidstrom would be making nine or ten million for the Rangers. Both players took a discount to continue winning, so I don't see how the so called "Future captain" can justify making $8.5 million a season, especially with the current economy and lowered salary cap. If Hossa is willing to take less for the same time frame, than sign him, even if it means losing Zetterberg, its not like we don't have secondary scoring that wouldn't replace him.

Regardless of how you feel about Zetterberg vs Hossa. The fact is, Datsyuk, who has led the team in scoring for three years(Would have been four without the lockout), has two Stanley Cups and an equally nice trophy case, makes $6.7 million per season. NOTHING, either Zetterberg or Hossa has done justifies making anything more than Datsyuk and its that simple. The cap is going down next season and we have an allstar team of players taking less than market value to play in Detroit. Crosby, Ovechkin and Malkin all make over $8.5 mill and quite frankly Zetterberg isn't that kind of player, never has been and never will be. And yes, he won the Conn Smyth but it could have easily went to Crosby, Hossa or Datsyuk and no one would have questioned it, so he wasn't head and shoulders above the competition. Everything ive read about Hossa gives me the impression that he'll play for less, less than $8.5

Because even though the fans perceive some kind of "Importance" of these players, that still doesn't outweigh the $50 million naming rights most new arenas receive. You have a better chance of seeing Pavel Datsyuk Place before you see Steve Yzerman Arena, it WONT happen. Hell, Illitch is more than likely to name it after Little Ceasars before any player, its just not financially respondsible.

I have for sale, one autographed puck, signed by Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman. I bought this puck in the year 2000 from Hockeytown Authentics in Troy and it comes with a COA from the store. The puck is signed in gold ink and is in good condition. The puck also comes with an acrylic puck holder with the Red Wings logo. This would be an amazing Christmas gift for any Wings fan. I only accept paypal and if you purchase over the weekend, I can get it to you for Christmas. I know it goes without saying but times are pretty tough financially and while I would prefer not to sell this puck, I really need to do so. My price is $100 but im flexible. If you consider that price high, I originally paid $115 + tax for the puck. Message me if you need any details.