Wings run is finally over. I have to say it was a great season coming up just short in the conference finals. I don't think many expected Wings to go this far. I would expect some changes, some moves by management to be ready for the next season. There are a few question marks on the team at this point. One of the biggest ones is Hasek. Is he going to come back next year and will he be able to go through another season? He's up there in the age category and it is difficult to say how well he'll hold up if he decides to come back. If he retires, we are going to have some goaltending issues. I just don't see Wings resigning Calder and Lang after this playoff run. As far as Bertuzzi goes, we saw flashes of what he can provide, but at what cost and how healthy he is going to be. He already said he wants to stay and so far he fit in rather well, so that's a good sign. Cheli is 45 and how longer he can perform is another question mark. Markov is not the guy to stick around so the book is open on him. We are going to need another center to replace Lang. Hopefully someone with the passion for the game. There are a few free agents that are available on the market: Buffalo's Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, New Jersey's Scott Gomez, and the Islanders' Jason Blake and Ryan Smyth. There are even rumors about bringing back Kozlov to play with Dats.
At this point Wings have $32 million tied up with 15 players. They need to resign Cheli, Schneider, and possibly Markov. Bert may command a hefty salary. The cap for the next year should be somewhere around $47 million, so that leaves some room to maneuver, but will be interesting.

We need to add another quality blueliner and 2 quality forwards.

Something that irked me on the CBC broadcast, during the second intermission, was an interview with Brian Murray (Ottawa Coach) and how he helped construct the Ducks when he was the GM in Anaheim.

He said, the blueprint was to draft big, fast and CANADIAN.

Most of the Wings best high energy players are Canucks. Maltby, Cleary, Draper. But none of them are particularly big.

Lang has got to go. The guy is every European stereotype. Skilled but with questionable motivation. Can disappear for long stretches (games).

I'm not too impressed with Lebda, but I would like to see Quincy get some more opportunities with the big club. Lilja has developed into a quality D-man, but he just has to avoid getting too cute and overhandling the puck.

Zetts and Dats took the next step, but have several yet to go.

Bertuzzi shouldn't come back unless the Wings medical staff is 100% sure his back problems aren't chronic.

He said, the blueprint was to draft big, fast and CANADIAN.



Maybe the Pistons should try that strategy!

Liked the Red Wings season..Played very well during the regular season. Caught some bad breaks in the Ducks series. Roster looks fine to me, except I'd say bye-bye to Lang. He disappears so much that nobody would notice he's gone. Like Bertuzzi, Chelios, and Hasek for another season.......at a fair price. Maybe one free agent, but also look at our young talent...........

Maybe the Pistons should try that strategy!
Are there any other Canadians in the NBA besides Nash (actually born in South Africa)?

Off the top of my head, Jamal Magloire.

Rick Fox, Bill Wennington and Todd MacCulloch are former Canadian NBAers.

Chelios re-signs for one-year deal
Chelios re-signs for one-year deal - Red Wings Snapshots - MLive.com (http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2007/06/chelios_resigns_for_oneyear_de.html)

Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland today announced the team has re-signed defenseman Chris Chelios to a one-year contract. In keeping with club policy, additional terms of the deal are not available.

Some other Wings happenings:
MLive.com: Everything Michigan (http://www.mlive.com/redwings/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1180815004271150.xml&coll=1)

Holland said he has between $10 million and $13 million to spend on a goaltender, three defensemen and two forwards, most of whom will be the team's own free agents.

This is not really much, I wonder what can Holland get for that.

Dom is back!!! This was very very important.

Hasek returning to Wings (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/UPDATE/706130496)

"I talked with Dom and his agent Ritch Winter, and Dom has informed me he is excited and can't wait to get to Traverse City (for training camp)," Holland said.

Award Winners:
Norris Trophy (defenseman) —Nicklas Lidstrom (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=62)
Detroit: This is Lidstrom's fifth trophy in six years and second in a row. He led all defensemen with a plus-40 rating. He tied Ray Bourque (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=17) for third all-time on the Norris list behind Bobby Orr (eight) and Doug Harvey (seven).
Lady Byng Trophy (gentlemanly play)—Pavel Datsyuk (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1351)
Also a back-to-back winner. He had 87 points in both seasons, but his penalty minutes dropped from 22 to 20.
Hart Trophy (MVP to his team)—Sidney Crosby (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1794)
Vezina Trophy (goaltender)—Martin Brodeur (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=334)
Calder Trophy (rookie)—Evgeni Malkin (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1810)
Jack Adams Award (coach) — Alain Vigneault
Selke Trophy (defensive forward)—Rod Brind'Amour (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=39)
Lester Pearson Award (MVP as voted by players)— Crosby
Masterton Trophy (perseverance)—Phil Kessel (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=2038)
King Clancy Trophy (humanitarian)—Saku Koivu (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=562)
All-Star teams
First team: C Sidney Crosby (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1794), Pittsburgh; RW Dany Heatley (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1182), Ottawa; LW Alex Ovechkin (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1790), Washington; Ds Nicklas Lidstrom (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=62), Detroit, and Scott Niedermayer (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=285), Anaheim; G Martin Brodeur (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=334), New Jersey.
Second team: C Vincent Lecavalier (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=820), Tampa Bay; RW Martin St. Louis (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=824), Tampa Bay; LW Thomas Vanek (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1644), Buffalo; Ds Chris Pronger (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=309), Anaheim, and Dan Boyle (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=895), Tampa Bay; G Roberto Luongo (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=842), Vancouver.
link: NHL awards analysis - USATODAY.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2007-06-14-awards-analysis_N.htm?csp=34)

Hart Trophy (MVP to his team)—Sidney Crosby (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1794)
Vezina Trophy (goaltender)—Martin Brodeur (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=334)
Calder Trophy (rookie)—Evgeni Malkin (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1810)
Jack Adams Award (coach) — Alain Vigneault
Selke Trophy (defensive forward)—Rod Brind'Amour (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=39)
Lester Pearson Award (MVP as voted by players)— Crosby
Masterton Trophy (perseverance)—Phil Kessel (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=2038)
King Clancy Trophy (humanitarian)—Saku Koivu (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=562)
All-Star teams
First team: C Sidney Crosby (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1794), Pittsburgh; RW Dany Heatley (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1182), Ottawa; LW Alex Ovechkin (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1790), Washington; Ds Nicklas Lidstrom (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=62), Detroit, and Scott Niedermayer (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=285), Anaheim; G Martin Brodeur (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=334), New Jersey.
Second team: C Vincent Lecavalier (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=820), Tampa Bay; RW Martin St. Louis (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=824), Tampa Bay; LW Thomas Vanek (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=1644), Buffalo; Ds Chris Pronger (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=309), Anaheim, and Dan Boyle (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=895), Tampa Bay; G Roberto Luongo (http://fantasyhockey.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NHL&id=842), Vancouver.
link: NHL awards analysis - USATODAY.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2007-06-14-awards-analysis_N.htm?csp=34)
__________________
Let's see how many of these guys become Wings!!!

Dom is back!!! This was very very important.

Hasek returning to Wings (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/UPDATE/706130496)
Maybe he realizes the Wings were always his best chance.

I think his son goes to school in Michigan.

I think his son goes to school in Michigan.

I believe this is the case as well. And I think he has a business in Birmingham.

According to Free Press, some interesting muttering out of Toronto:

Maple Leafs CEO Richard Peddie met with Red Wings consultant Scotty Bowman "to discuss a senior position, quite possibly team president," the Toronto Sun reports.
Citing unnamed sources, the Sun said the Leafs are interested not only in Bowman, but also Wings GM Ken Holland and his assistant, Jim Nill.
That's all? What about Al Sobotka? Anyway, Scotty denies the meeting happened.
"I have no interest at all," he told the Sun. "I'm set with Detroit. I like the team. I like the job. The Wings know my position. I told them, if anyone calls, tell them I'm not interested."
Why should he be? Scotty's 73 and has it pretty good, advising the Wings, scouting hockey -- a lot of it in Florida -- doing personal appearances, playing golf.
The Sun said Peddie neither confirmed nor denied the story.


THE TICKER: Do the Leafs covet Scotty? (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070615/SPORTS21/706150406/1053/SPORTS05)

Here's another rumour out of D-town:

One squeaky wheel doesn't want Bertuzzi back - Red Wings Snapshots - MLive.com (http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2007/06/one_squeaky_wheel_doesnt_want.html)

Here's a pretty good review of Wings farm system by Hockey's future magazine:

Hockey's Future: The #1 Online Prospects Magazine (Covering the WHL, QMJHL, AHL, OHL, College, The NHL Entry Draft, and All Junior Hockey) (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/9755)

Red Wings Top 10 prospects

1. Jimmy Howard (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/james_howard), G
2. Jakub Kindl (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/jakub_kindl), D
3. Johan Ryno (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/johan_ryno), RW
4. Jan Mursak (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/jan_mursak), LW
5. Justin Abdelkader (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/justin_abdelkader), LW
6. Igor Grigorenko (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/igor_grigorenko), RW
7. Jonathan Ericsson (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/jonathan_ericsson), D
8. Dick Axelsson (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/dick_axelsson), LW
9. Kyle Quincey (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/kyle_quincey), D
10. Darren Helm (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/darren_helm), C

A thing to note: Grigorenko is fairly high on that list. Hopefully he can come back close to the form he's displayed before the accident.

Off-Season Game Plan: Red Wings
With some veteran free agents set to hit the market, the Wings' first choice may be to retain Todd Bertuzzi (http://www.pistonsforum.com/nhl/player_bio.asp?player_id=943) or they may turn to the free agent market to try and pick up another scoring forward or two, with Vyacheslav Kozlov (http://www.pistonsforum.com/nhl/player_bio.asp?player_id=1465), Scott Hartnell (http://www.pistonsforum.com/nhl/player_bio.asp?player_id=2167), Chris Drury (http://www.pistonsforum.com/nhl/player_bio.asp?player_id=12), Mike Comrie (http://www.pistonsforum.com/nhl/player_bio.asp?player_id=1872), Ryan Smyth (http://www.pistonsforum.com/nhl/player_bio.asp?player_id=1342) or perhaps a longshot like Peter Forsberg (http://www.pistonsforum.com/nhl/player_bio.asp?player_id=816) providing the kind of offensive ability to bolster Detroit's second line.
FREE AGENCY
The Red Wings have approximately $33-million committed to salaries for next season.
Needs: Two top six forwards, one top four defenceman
link: TSN : NHL - Canada's Sports Leader (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=211135&hubname)=

FYI, the cap is expected to be around $48~$49 million next season.

I never thought I would see the Wings have most of their core locked up with 80% of the cap. lol

The Ilitch family must decide if the Detroit Red Wings will continue to call the Joe Louis Arena their home. In August the Ilitch family will decide between ending their exclusive 20-year lease agreement with the Joe Louis Arena or if they will construct a new arena.
The August deadline may spark some intense negotiations between the city of Detroit and the Ilitch family-owned company, Olympia Arenas, which manages and operates all concessions and has exclusive rights for other events at the Joe Louis Arena and the Cobo Hall.
link: Ilitch to Decide On Future Home Of Detroit Red Wings - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/s/wdiv/20070618/lo_wdiv/13524311)

General manager Ken Holland has informed Lang's agent, Petr Svoboda , the Wings will not be offering a contract to the potential unrestricted free agent. Lang can begin negotiating with other teams July 1.
In 81 games, Lang had 19 goals and 33 assists for 52 games, while averaging 16 minutes, 49 seconds of ice time. Arguably the Wings' most consistent forward his first two playoffs with the Wings, Lang slumped this season with eight points (two goals, six assists) in 18 games.
Still, Lang had one of the biggest goals of the playoffs for the Wings, scoring in the last minute against San Jose to force overtime in Game 4 and enabling the Wings to win on defenseman Mathieu Schneider 's power-play goal and even the series 2-2. The Wings eventually would win the series in six games.
Lang earned $3.8 million this season, the second-highest paid forward on the team behind Pavel Datsyuk ($3.9 million).
"With the salary cap, you can't bring back everyone," Holland said. "It forces you to make decisions."
Holland will meet with agents for Schneider and defenseman Danny Markov , and goalie Dominik Hasek this weekend at the NHL draft in Columbus, Ohio. Because of salary cap limitations, it's likely one -- or both -- might not return.

The Red Wings selected defenseman Brendan Smith of St. Michael’s of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League with the 27th overall pick in Friday night’s first round of the NHL draft in Columbus, Ohio. Rounds 2-7 will take place Saturday.
link: Wings take defenseman with 27th pick (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070622/SPORTS05/70622057)

Not so good news from the free agent signings. This is from Ted Kulfan (Det News Blog):

Just talked to Ken Holland and he said the team will have to make some tough decisions in the days ahead. Evidently Schneider, Markov, Bertuzzi and Hasek's agents all have much higher salary expectations than Holland had expected. Holland said the team will sign one or two of those players, but not likely more than that. Holland blamed the large salaries being dished out over the last few weeks as the primary reason expectations for agents/players have skyrocketed.

I thought there was a cap or something?

The Detroit Red Wings made four picks in Saturday’s second day of the NHL draft, including Swedish center Joakim Andersson in the third round.
The 6-foot-2, 198-pound Anderson played in 2006-07 for Frolunda Sweden of the Swedish Junior League, where he had 20 goals and 26 assists for 46 points in 41 games.

Detroit picked Cameron in the fifth round (148th overall). A native of Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound Cameron played in 2006-07 with Moncton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Detroit closed out the day by selecting center Zack Torquato in the sixth round (178th overall) and defenseman Bryan Rufenach in the seventh (208th overall).

link: 2007 NHL DRAFT: Wings draft three centers on day 2 (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070623/SPORTS05/70623014)

I thought there was a cap or something?

Looks like NHL begins to resemble NBA somewhat. You have a few stars that you pay top dollar for, and then you fill the rest with the bunch of scrubs and hope that they hold up.

Seems already out of control.

It doesn't make much sense as far as how the other teams manage to offer these guys all that dough. Everyone is under the same cap.

The Wings were very close to the new cap after the first year of its inception. Some other teams weren't. Cap expected to be something like 44 million for next season. Not much when compared to other leagues.

Here's a very good summary of Wings contracts:

nhlnumbers.com » NHL Team Salaries » Detroit Red Wings (http://www.nhlnumbers.com/det.html)

This is from ESPN:

In spite of troubling trends in attendance in many American markets, the NHL is expecting another bump in revenues this season and a 4-5 percent jump in the salary cap next season, the board of governors was told Monday. Based largely on ticket increases in at least 25 of 30 NHL markets this season, it's believed the salary cap will jump from this season's $44 million to between $46 million and $47.5 million next season.

That's about where most teams were before the strike.
Of course the Wings lead the way at about $55M.
Let's see Hasek and Jiggy go at it again.

No more Schneider...
For the third straight offseason, the Anaheim Ducks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=ana) have apparently locked up a big defenseman. According to a report from TSN of Canada, the defending Stanley Cup champions have signed unrestricted free agent Mathieu Schneider (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=831) to a two-year deal worth $11.25 million.
Schneider, 38, spent the past four seasons with the Detroit Red Wings (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=det) and had 11 goals and 41 assists and averaged 23:35 in ice time over 68 goals in 2006-07.
link: ESPN - Schneider reportedly signs two-year deal with Ducks - NHL (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2922547)

Reason:
From Schneider's point of view, this is an ideal situation. He is now near his off-season home in Southern California, and he no longer has to deal with coach Mike Babcock, with whom he didn't exactly see eye-to-eye. And money.

Replacement:
Free agency began at noon today, and Schneider is the first "big-name" signing. The Wings have known for a while he was going to test the market, and so had backup plans ready for today. They looked at free agent Brian Rafalski, but he's apparently seeking Kimmo Timonen-like money — in the $6-million plus range — and the Wings can't really swing that. They've already got their one high-prized defenseman, and that's Nicklas Lidstrom.

Other alternatives include Sheldon Souray, though he's a defensive liability and probably also too expensive; Andy Sutton, Brad Stuart and Tom Preissing.
link: Helene St. James' blog: Schneider signs with Ducks (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/BLOG09/70701015)

And the Red Wings make a move:
Free agent defenceman Brian Rafalski (http://www.pistonsforum.com/nhl/player_bio.asp?player_id=1846) has agreed to a five-year, $30 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. Rafalski is regarded as one of the top defencemen on this year's free agent market.
For the second year in a row, Rafalski played in all 82 games and posted eight goals and 47 assists for a career-high 55 points. The three-time All-Star has played his entire seven-year career with the New Jersey Devils, recording 44 goals and 311 points.
link:Detroit Red Wings sign veteran blue-liner Brian Rafalski - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/s/cpress/20070701/ca_pr_on_ho/nhl_wings_rafalski_2)

Rafalski interview from TSN.

James Duthie: And, joining us on the line right now is Brian Rafalski, the newest member of the Detroit Red Wings. Brian, first of all, have you absorbed all this? Is it true that, up until the last hours, you fully expected to be going back to New Jersey?
Brian Rafalski: Um, as of last night, you know, we didn't know what was going to happen, the only team we talked to was New Jersey, but, um, come today, we entertained other offers, and Detroit really wanted me, and I really wanted to go there. It's a great opportunity for me to come home, with my family, and my family in Detroit's really excited, you know, to have me coming home.
Duthie: Born in Dearborn, Michigan, did the Red Wings get a hometown discount, at 5 years and $30 million dollars, were you offered more elsewhere?
Rafalski: Um, well, regardless, it was a very generous offer for the Red Wings, and there were other offers out there, I'm not going to get into details, but it was enough for me to go to a franchise where we have a very good chance of winning the Stanley CUp, and it's a situation where I'm going to feel very comfortable, and enjoy every aspect of life, whether it's at home, at the rink, everything, and that was pretty important. Outside of New Jersey, I'd say that Detroit was my...Um, you know, Detroit is obviously my #1 choice now, that's why I'm there, but it didn't work out in New Jersey, and I understand, and, you know, it's time to move on and go to a new start.
Duthie: What do you think happened with New Jersey, and is there any bitterness there as to how things went down?
Rafalski: Nope. I finished, just got off the phone with Mr. Lamoriello, and um, we've had a very good relationship, and it just didn't work out. It was, you know, a decision made by him, and myself, and it's just the way things go. It's a business, and I think we both understand that, um...I'm very grateful for New Jersey for giving me the opportunity to come into the league and win two Stanley Cups, and I'll always hold that, very close...But my focus now has to move forward to Detroit, and getting them back to where they want to be, and that's winning Stanley Cups, and that's one of the reasons why I wanted to go to Detroit, because they have the chance of winning the Stanley Cup every year, and it was an opportunity I could not pass up.

If he played for the Devils his Defense is impeccable.

I didn't see this posted. Maybe I missed it.

Good riddance.

Ducks sign Bertuzzi - NHL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AhtOb.1VBDwN7fUMcUeoLpM5nYcB?slug=ap-ducks-bertuzzi&prov=ap&type=lgns)

I didn't see this posted. Maybe I missed it.

Good riddance.

Ducks sign Bertuzzi - NHL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AhtOb.1VBDwN7fUMcUeoLpM5nYcB?slug=ap-ducks-bertuzzi&prov=ap&type=lgns)

Ducks seem to like BIG players..........Wonder if they tried to sign Tank Johnson yet..

Wings weren't going to give Bertuzzi $8mil over 2 years. I believe Lang got the same from Blackhawks.

Rafalski is a solid D-man and IMO is an upgrade over Schneider at this point in his career.

Souray is a joke. Sure he'll give you PPG's, but he'll also give up more goals than he contributes. Defensive liability is an understatement.

I'm glad that the Habs won't be resigning him. They offered him a 4yr, $22 million contract which him and his -28 plus/minus from last season promptly refused. So the Habs offered the exact same deal to Roman Hamrlik and his +22 who promptly accepted. Although they overpaid for Hamrlik, the Habs also gained an actual defenseman in the deal (a swing of 50 in the +/- category). I'll take that any day. Give me a defenseman who can defend and let the forwards worry about scoring. A D man that can add some O is a great bonus, but not at the expense of his defensive responsibilities.

If teams didn't have a defensive zone to worry about, Souray would be one of the best in the game. Unfortunately for the team that signs him, he's a defenseless defenseman.

Souray is a specialist. I wish I could remember the guy's name, he played for LA (St. Louis?) and then later Calgary. Same deal. Points guy, but not a 25 MPG defenseman.

The most important thing about Rafalski is that he comes from a culture of winning, he's a vet and he will fit right into the Detroit locker room.

I'm happy to see Bertuzzi go. Same with Lang. I did like Schneider, but as long as we have Lidstrom making too much, we won't have money to spend on the blueline.

Phil Housley.

http://www.legendsofhockey.net:8080/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=10667

Souray is a great Fantasy Player. I had him on my team last season and he was solid in every category except +/-. But in the real world of hockey, +/- is the most important stat for a D-man, IMO.

In the right system, with a solid stay-at-home defensive defenseman as his partner, Souray could help.

You're right about Rafalski, he came from a very professional, winning franchise in NJ.

Maybe now Bertuzzi can afford pay some hospital bills for that guy whos neck he broke. Spearing his limp body into the ice.

Maybe now Bertuzzi can afford pay some hospital bills for that guy whos neck he broke. Spearing his limp body into the ice.

Hey Thee, quit your belly aching and sign up your Fantasy Football team already! You're the last one to join!:)

If you didn't get my PM with the details, let me know and I can re-send it.

The Detroit Red Wings announced Thursday that the club has re-signed forward Jiri Hudler (http://www.pistonsforum.com/nhl/player_bio.asp?player_id=2898) to a two-year contract.
In keeping with club policy, additional terms of the deal are not available.
In his first full season in 2006-07, Hudler appeared in 76 games and led all Detroit rookies in goals (15), assists (10) and points (25).
link: TSN : NHL - Canada's Sports Leader (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=212826&hubname)=

Dominik Hasek and the Detroit Red Wings agreed to terms of a one-year contract Thursday that is worth more than $2 million in base salary and gives the 42-year-old goalie a chance to earn an additional $2 million in bonuses.
"It's a lot less than he should be making," Hasek's agent Ritch Winter said. "It's one of the few deals that I do in which the player, the club and the agent agree the player is worth $5 (million) or $6 million and we talk it down from there.
"Dom didn't want more. He's taking one for the team. It's not one of my fun deals, but Dom is happy and that's important."
link: Red Wings Re-Sign Goalie Dominik Hasek - washingtonpost.com (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/05/AR2007070502295.html)

Pistons and Chauncey Billups need to do this. Start at 12 million and go down from there.............Congrats to the Wings and Dom for coming to an agreement. He's played well for a long time...............

Dom wants to win. He knows if he gets 5-6 mil Wings won't be able to get anyone else to help the cause.

You mean GREED didn't prevail?
Wonderful

The NHL is one league where players have been known to take less money to play on a contender, or stay loyal with a franchise.

Paul Kariya did it when he signed with the Avalanche a few years back.

We're very lucky that Detroit is one of the top franchises that attracts free agents. Everyone knows we will be a playoff team, and the locker room doesn't have a lot of drama going on.

I love my Wings.

Harmony is so wonderful.
Now let's get back to Bertuzzi NOT breaking necks.

Bert is gone. Signed with Anaheim.

I'm ok with that.

Not if we meet in the playoffs again.
He seemed civil last playoffs. But if he goes psycho again...I hope it gets ugly on his face.

You mean GREED didn't prevail?
Wonderful

That's what I love about Hasek. He's trying to make sure that while he's not left out the team can go and get more help. Remember, a few years back when he got injured he refused to take money from the Wings for the remainder of his contract since he couldn't play.

We're very lucky that Detroit is one of the top franchises that attracts free agents. Everyone knows we will be a playoff team, and the locker room doesn't have a lot of drama going on.

I love my Wings.

With the firesale in Nashville we have no opponent in our division and should take 1st which will guarantee at least the 3rd seed for the playoffs.

"I love my Wings."
Mild or Hot
Barbie or Honey Must.
-
"a few years back when he got injured he refused to take money from the Wings for the remainder of his contract since he couldn't play."
That didn't go forgotten. Huge key move.

I have to admit I haven't seen this coming:
Wings sign Dallas Drake - Red Wings Snapshots - MLive.com (http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2007/07/wings_sign_dallas_drake.html)

As per a release from the Wings this morning, the team has agreed to contract terms with forward Dallas Drake on a one-year contract. Additional terms of the deal are not available.
"We're very pleased to have Dallas join the Red Wings," said Holland. "He's a very physical player who will add grit to our lineup and make our team even more difficult to play against. He's a veteran player and you can never have enough experience and leadership on a team."
In 14 NHL seasons, Drake has appeared in 944 NHL games, tallying 174 goals, 297 assists for 471 points and 844 penalty minutes

I have to admit I haven't seen this coming:
Wings sign Dallas Drake - Red Wings Snapshots - MLive.com (http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2007/07/wings_sign_dallas_drake.html)

Hope he's better than the Dallas Drake we had about 15 years ago........

Hope he's better than the Dallas Drake we had about 15 years ago........
:rofl: :rofl:

It's the same guy?

It's the same guy?

Sure is. He played for Wings before and they were trying to get him back for the past few years.

Yeah, but he's only been gone 6? yr ?

Yeah, but he's only been gone 6? yr ?
He was traded to Winnipeg in 1994. That would make it 13 years.
:nerd2:

Detroit Red Wings Regular Season Schedule:

OCTOBER
3, Wed., ANAHEIM, Joe Louis Arena, 7:00
6, Sat., At Chicago, United Center, 8:30
8, Mon., EDMONTON, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
10, Wed., CALGARY, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
12, Fri., CHICAGO, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
14, Sun., At Los Angeles, Staples Center, 10:30
15, Mon., At Anaheim, Honda Center, 10:00
18, Thu., At San Jose, HP Pavilion, 10:30
20, Sat., At Phoenix, Glendale Arena, 9:00
24, Wed., VANCOUVER, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
26, Fri., SAN JOSE, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
28, Sun., At Vancouver, GM Place, 10:00
30, Tue., At Edmonton, Rexall Place, 9:00
NOVEMBER
1, Thu., At Calgary Pengrowth, Saddledome, 9:00
7, Wed., NASHVILLE, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
9, Fri., COLUMBUS, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
11, Sun., At Chicago, United Center, 7:00
13, Tue., At St. Louis, Savvis Center, 7:00
17, Sat., CHICAGO, Joe Louis Arena, 7:00
18, Sun., At Columbus, Nationwide Arena, 5:00
21, Wed., ST. LOUIS, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
22, Thu., At Nashville, Sommet Center, 8:00
24, Sat., At Columbus, Nationwide Arena, 7:00
27, Tue., CALGARY, Joe Louis Arena, 7:00
29, Thu., TAMPA BAY, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
DECEMBER
1, Sat., PHOENIX, Joe Louis Arena, 7:00
4, Tue., At Montreal, Bell Centre, 7:00
7, Fri., MINNESOTA, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
9, Sun., CAROLINA, Joe Louis Arena, 5:00
10, Mon., At Nashville, Sommet Center, 8:00
13, Thu., EDMONTON, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
15, Sat., FLORIDA, Joe Louis Arena, 7:00
17, Mon., WASHINGTON, Joe Louis Arena, 7:00
19, Wed., LOS ANGELES, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
20, Thu., At St. Louis, Savvis Center, 8:30
22, Sat., At Minnesota, Excel Energy Center, 8:00
26, Wed., At St. Louis, Savvis Center, 8:30
27, Thu., At Colorado, Pepsi Center, 9:00
29, Sat., At Phoenix, Glendale Arena, 9:00
31, Mon., ST. LOUIS, Joe Louis Arena 7:00
JANUARY
2, Wed., DALLAS, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
5, Sat., At Dallas, American Airlines Center, 3:00
6, Sun., At Chicago, United Center, 7:00
8, Tue., COLORADO, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
10, Thu., MINNESOTA, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
12, Sat., At Ottawa, Scotiabank Place, 7:00
15, Tue., ATLANTA, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
17, Thu., VANCOUVER, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
19, Sat., At San Jose, HP Pavilion, 10:30
22, Tue., At Los Angeles, Staples Center, 10:30
23, Wed., At Anaheim, Honda Center, 10:00
(ALL-STAR BREAK)
30, Wed., PHOENIX, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
FEBRUARY
1, Fri., COLORADO, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
2, Sat., At Boston, TD Banknorth Garden, 7:00
5, Tue., At Minnesota, Excel Energy Center, 8:00
7, Thu., LOS ANGELES, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
9, Sat., At Toronto, Air Canada Centre, 3:00
10, Sun., ANAHEIM, Joe Louis Arena, 1:00
12, Tue., At Nashville, Sommet Center, 8:00
15, Fri., COLUMBUS, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
17, Sun., At Dallas, American Airlines Center, 1:00
18, Mon., At Colorado, Pepsi Center, 8:00
22, Fri., At Calgary, Pengrowth Saddledome, 9:00
23, Sat., At Vancouver, GM Place, 10:00
26, Tue., At Edmonton, Rexall Place, 9:00
29, Fri., SAN JOSE, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
MARCH
2, Sun., At Buffalo, HSBC Arena, 3:00
5, Wed., ST. LOUIS, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
9, Sun., NASHVILLE, Joe Louis Arena, 3:00
11, Tue., CHICAGO, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
13, Thu., DALLAS, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
15, Sat., NASHVILLE, Joe Louis Arena, 1:00
16, Sun., At Columbus, Nationwide Arena, 3:00
19, Wed., COLUMBUS, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
20, Thu., At Nashville, Sommet Center, 8:00
22, Sat., At Columbus, Nationwide Arena, 7:00
25, Tue., At St. Louis, Savvis Center, 8:30
28, Fri., ST. LOUIS, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
30, Sun., NASHVILLE, Joe Louis Arena, 3:00
APRIL
2, Wed., At Chicago, United Center, 8:30
3, Thu., COLUMBUS, Joe Louis Arena, 7:30
6, Sun., CHICAGO, Joe Louis Arena, 3:00

Time flys.