ElCapitan

Done!  We'll need to see a pic.

Could be an easier, cheaper way to try and acquire Yandle...

Trade Flip in a package for Yandle.  Yotes fold.  Sign Flip as a FA!

What good is the regular season if you are not competative in the playoffs.  I would prefer to be competative when it matters most.

This is exactly why Hudler had to go.  He was constantly pushed around in the Nashville series & proved to be ineffective because of his size.  The regular season is completely different.  Even if the Wings don't get big the pieces together to make a cup run this year, I'll be happy if they become physically much tougher to play against.  Bring back the aura they had in 97 & 98 please.

As I see it there are 2 factors that have lead to a tarnished image for free agents.

1. Fear.  Teams used to fear playing the Wings.  Not only was there talent on both ends of the ice but there were personnel that would punish you when they didn't have the puck.  They would also fight when needed.  I think this has been realized by evidence of the Tootoo signing, but I hope it doesn't stop there.  Free agents are more attracted to a winning franchise that is feared.

2. Risk.  Holland's fatal flaw is that he would rather go with a known commodity than take risks on either young players or signing a "risky" free agent.  It was exciting to see Holland go after Hossa, but signing Hossa was not that risky of a  proposition.  It was also nice to see him go after the Minny Twins, but I'm glad we aren't saddled with 2 crippling contracts.  This off season will force Holland out of his comfort zone & it remains to be seen if he'll pull it off.  It will take risk to do whatever it takes, which is another element that will attract top tier UFA's.

I'm no Kenny Kool-Aid drinker but I think he will still make some significant changes to the roster.  It's not over yet.

Something tells me that signing Lidstrom this season was not an option. I don't think that you can reasonably lay that one at Holland's feet. Suter and Parise chose to go a non-contender. Schultz was not willing to consider non-Canadian teams.

Crym, Axe boy is an anti-Holland shill.  He's new here & has 30 posts, most of which I've read are drumming up sentiment against Holland.  Don't bother wasting your keystrokes.

So is parise really choosing between 2 teams? if so which ones? The thread title seems misleading otherwise...

No one knows jack right now.  It's been amusing though.  Everyone's put their Pop Tart in the toaster and are pissed that the toaster hasn't pop up yet.

Little focker changed his tune from a year or so ago.... Wonder why...

Idealism --> Experience --> Wisdom --> Maturity    (repeat as necessary)

It's really too bad so many threads end up being Hudler threads. Haven't we beaten this horse to death?

Back to the topic, I'm excited that Holland has given Brunnstrom a try-out.  At worst case, it creates more competition in camp and that's always a good thing.

How about notably worse numbers? We can bring up these guys:

Ruslan Fedotenko, Rangers
Marc Savard, Boston
Jason Arnott, Washington
Radek Dvorak, Atlanta

Marc Savard?  Really?  A healthy Hudler (which he is) couldn't dream of putting up the numbers of a healthy, non-concussed Marc Savard...who wouldn't be on the 3rd line.

Well at least we didn't sign Souray.