joshy207

They didn't trust Gustavsson to play in regular season games, what makes you think they trust him in the playoffs?????  The only way Howard comes out is if he dies.  Even then, he might be better than Gustavsson.

Lest we forget the great Gordie Howe left Detroit because he wanted more money too?

Where did you hear that?  Gordie was basically forced to retire after the 1970-71 season.  He was given a front-office "job" where he basically had nothing to do.  In 1973, when Houston of the WHA wanted to sign his sons, his wife talked to them about signing Gordie, too, who wanted to play and felt he still could.  (Obviously, he was right!!)  It wasn't a money issue, the Wings didn't even want him playing.

Here's what I would do for next year: (no trades included)

Get rid of some of the dead weight, bad contracts, and guys who are taking up roster space that is needed for the young guys.  Then add a few pieces that would make the team more competitive.

Step 1: Internal free agents

Re-sign Brunner ($2M), Nyquist ($1.25M), Andersson ($1.05M), Smith ($1.5M), Kindl ($1.15M).

Let walk Filppula, White, Cleary, Miller.

Step 2: Buyouts

Compliance buyouts for Samuelsson and Quincey, $0 cap hit.  Standard buyouts for Bertuzzi ($625K), Colaiacovo ($600K), and Gustavsson (500K).

Step 3: Free agency

*IF these guys reach UFA status, I would go after them hard, especially the forwards.  Aggressive contracts, probably 2 years, maybe 3 if necessary.

Sign C Mike Ribeiro ($6.5M), RW Michael Ryder ($5.25M), D Scott Hannan ($1M), G Ray Emery ($2M).  I realize Ribeiro, Ryder, and Emery may be longshots, but IF they do hit UFA, those are the guys I'd want.  Ribeiro is a solid playmaker who can produce, he's been a good fit in Washington, and they don't have much else to re-sign, so I don't see them letting him walk...an alternative could be Tyler Bozak from Toronto.  Any other option would probably have to come from RFA or trade though, all other UFAs' careers are falling off.  Ryder is another guy who can still put up points, he's been a consistent goal scorer.  He has bounced around a bit over the last couple years, but I don't think that's a negative reflection on him.  Montreal may have to make some moves to keep him.  Other options include Iginla or Jagr, again any other option via RFA or trade.  I wanted Hannan for this year, I still think he'd be a nice 7th D who can step in and play decent minutes, block shots... a little upgrade over Huskins.  Other, lesser options would be readily available.  Emery has had a great season with Chicago.  He and Crawford make a very solid tandem, either guy can go any night.  Money will be tight in Chicago, maybe Emery looks for a better offer... but he may want regular playing time, too.  Other backup options include Jason LaBarbera and Anton Khudobin.

LIneup:

Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Brunner

Franzen-Ribeiro-Ryder

Nyquist-Helm-Tatar

Abdelkader-Andersson-Eaves

Tootoo-Emmerton

Kronwall-DeKeyser

Ericsson-Smith

Kindl-Lashoff

Hannan

Howard

Emery

http://flames.nhl.com/club/roster.htm

http://flames.nhl.co...vid=DL|CGY|home

 

 

Look at the Flames roster. They called up seven (!!!) players but Wings can't recall one? Just a bad joke?

Abbotsford's season is done, they didn't make the playoffs.  Detroit would have been free to do the same had Grand Rapids not qualified.

Actual sweaters.

No forward passing.

Goalies not being able to leave their feet.

The rover.