But this one, if you believe in counting sources among the MSM, seems to have a pair of legs. Slava Kozlov returning to his rightful home amongst the banners of Hockeytown?
Wing blogger George Malik at MLive found this in the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Now, right now it is more media speculation suggesting he’d be a good fit with the Red Wings, but it’s not out of the question. Before he re-signed with the Thrashers in 2003, Kozlov was interested in returning to Detroit but the Red Wings never made an offer. If they’re interested in the veteran winger this time around, I think they’d have to be the front-runner.
George sees Kozlov on a line with Filpulla. I see anyone on any line that doesn’t include Bob Lang as an improvement. For those of you who’ve forgotten our boy Slava, he seemed to enjoy a little playoff pressure now and then.
Spector pointed us this morning to Larry Wigge, who had this to say for NHL.com,
Larry Wigge reported the worst thing that could happen for the Wings in the off-season is if goalie Dominik Hasek retires again. Wigge also suggests a good signing for next season would be former Wing Slava Kozlov, who’d be a good, affordable fit on their second line replacing Robert Lang.
Agreed, particularly on the Hasek viewpoint. Losing him, right now, would be troublesome. Despite some half-assed columnist’s view out of Detroit that the Boy Wonder has to break the bank on Frenchie, the best move is no move at all...at least as far as goaltending is concerned. Plus, Giguere’s not going anywhere.
Kozlov will be looking for the deal that will set him up until the end of his playing days, I’d guess. He made 2.04 last year. If the Smyth Dream falls through, paying Slava The Enigma’s 3.8 wouldn’t be a horrendous move. I’d bet he’d return to hockeytown for 3mil per for 3 years though.
Agreed. Bringing Hasek back, with our solid backup in Osgood and a young Jimmy Howard waiting in the Wings, is the smartest play out there IMO. He’s clearly the best goalie on the UFA list, outside of Jiggy.
Let’s see: The Wings have 10-13 million dollars to spend on 1 goalie, 3 defensemen and 2 forwards. So, why would they want to tie up 5-7 million dollars in one positional player like Giguere? It just doesn’t make economic sense and it’s not like Hasek was vastly outplayed by Giguere. If Dom comes back, and he is healthy and hungry, he is just as dangerous as Giguere and he will come at a hell of a lot cheaper price too.
Then, we can use that extra cash to go after guys like Kozlov, Hartnell, Ryan Smyth (a long shot), etc. Our going after another top four defenseman.
I enjoy your blog here. I’m just starting my own. Whenever I get the chance I will blog on it. Hopefully you can take a look at let me know what you think! If you have any tips, advice, words of wisdom or what-not, please let me know!
Love this site!
-Miah
Posted by Jeremiah on 05/30 at 12:04 AM