Hmm. I would think teams would only acquire rights to a guy if that knew with relative certainty that a deal would be reached. Otherwise its like pissing in the wind. But fair enough. Sign Rolston to a 5 year contract, I need a new jersey.

Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 06/30/08 at 10:55 AM ET

Sundin. I would chew off my own leg for it to happen.

Rolston is a close second. Short term deal though. 1 or 2 years. Stillwuzzi is a last resort.

Posted by Pete K from Chicago, IL on 06/30/08 at 11:01 AM ET

a case can be made both ways - between Sundin and Rolston.  there are pros and cons on both sides.

but there is one pro for Sundin that sticks in my mind.  he’s Swedish.  since team chemistry is obviously so important, many times moreso than talent alone, it seems like a logical choice to pick up Sundin.

I think it really comes down to the goal here.  can we (or do we want to) deal with a mostly offensive superstar, or pick up a non-superstar with a great two-way ethic?  which fits the Wings’ system more?  Rolston.  which fits the Wings’ needs more?  not sure.

Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 06/30/08 at 11:02 AM ET

I think Rolston is probably the best overall fit. However, given term and other future cap considerations (i.e., Zetterberg, Franzen, Filppula, etc.), I have to go with Sundin as #1. After that, I’d say Rolston. Then, I think I’d start looking for some sleepers...maybe Cory Stillman or Miro Satan at forward, Mike Commodore on D. (If Stuart leaves, I’m still not sold a replacement is needed.) If Tucker and/or Stillwuzzi end up here, I will grudgingly accept the decision of the Braintrust(TM), but they would both need to prove themselves big time before they win me over.

Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 06/30/08 at 11:09 AM ET

I’d gladly take either player Allen mentioned but if I have to choose I’d go with Rolston.  That preference is based almost entirely on him being a great fit.

-Allows Fil to stay at center and makes the second line much more dangerous.

-Replaces William Tell on the point on the second power play unit.  No more headshots for guys in front of the net would be nice.

-Can replace Drake’s PK time.

Posted by Dave on 06/30/08 at 11:15 AM ET

since when does Sundin not play defense? plus if he’s on a line with Wally and Mule, he can slack a tiny bit.

and here’s one thing that Rolston has that Sundin doesn’t:
a Cup

Rolston won with the Devils in ‘95. Mats still wants it. what better way to get it than with his countrymen. and it’s not far from Toronto (if he wants to stay close to home).

it fits our team better if we can lock up Mats for a year (bonuses and such might bring the cap hit down a bit) and then have him retire on top next summer. then, we wait for the Z/Mule extensions to kick in while we hunt some more parts down.

change of subject------
when does Z sign his extension? what about Mule?

i say Zets signs his in the next week or two. Mule, later on in the summer or training camp. also, i predict we trade Lebda during camp (i stole this from Pete at YIG).

Posted by Alex from San Francisco on 06/30/08 at 11:20 AM ET

You can’t go wrong with Rolston… Sundin is old and would provide leadership but we have an excess of quality leadership already...how can you not like the cannon that Rolston has?  We would be golden for the shootouts.  No goalie wants to face that!  Sure, Sundin may have enough desire in him to play hard considering he hasn’t won yet, but this guy played for the Laughs, the suckiest team in the league, a joke of an organization!  We don’t want a player from the frickin Maple Losers! Comon Wings Fans! That would be hell!

Posted by yzer19man from Chicago on 06/30/08 at 11:21 AM ET

Don’t you mean 24 hours? Free agency starts at noon eastern on Tuesday.

Posted by Logan on 06/30/08 at 11:24 AM ET

If Mats would sign for $4M or less for no more than two years, I’d have to say, “Välkommen till Detroit stora stipendiaten.” (Welcome to Detroit big fellow.)

As someone (HTD?) mentioned the other day, having Mats play center on the second line would give Fil a chance to mature a bit more before he becomes the second-line center of the future for the Wings. And Mats and Mule on the same line spells BIG trouble for any team’s second-best checking line.

If Mats wants a big payday ($5M-$7M) then he’d have to take a one-year deal. One shot at the Cup for big money or two shots at the Cup (or two Cups) for less money. Interesting decision for the big Swede.

If Mats isn’t interested, my second choice would be Rolston, but he’s almost certain to be overpaid by the Lightning. Third choice? Michael Ryder! He’s a proven 30-goal scorer coming off a bad year. He might be had for $3M or less. Or he might sign a 10-year deal with the Bolts for $60M.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 06/30/08 at 11:26 AM ET

Sundin. I would chew off my own leg for it to happen.

Is that before or after you set yourself on fire, Pete?

Sundin is tempting - but the bigger “bang for the buck” might be Rolston, because Sundid is liable to be so expensive.  Besides, although another major scorer would be nice, it isn’t essential.

I don’t think that Roston having one Cup ring makes any difference - it was 1995, and by that logic the players on Detroit who won in 2002 shouldn’t really have cared all that much.  Fourteen years is an awfully long time.

Wonder what pitch Tampa is making to him? “You will be able to be part of history by playing on the first NHL team to have nothing but forwards at every position?”

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/30/08 at 11:31 AM ET

Baroque- I suppose that would be before I set myself on fire. Mhm.

Either Rolston or Sundin would allow the Wings to roll three potent scoring lines. Rolston’s PK ability doesn’t sell me that much because the Wings don’t really need it (Draper/Maltby, Franzen/Cleary, Dats/Z, Fil and Kopy in a pinch). And I think Meech and/or Ericsson are ready to QB the PP next year. So to me Sundin fills the biggest need the best, which is secondary scoring.

Posted by Pete K from Chicago, IL on 06/30/08 at 11:39 AM ET

Is it possible that Sundin won’t come here because there is too much leadership here already? The guy is used to being tops in the locker room. I mean, he seems like a nice enough guy where he would gladly except a non-leadership role, but you’ve got an awful lot of chiefs (as in native americans, not sailor) in there if Sundin comes to town. Do the Wings want/need more leadership? For veteran leaders then you Drapes, Lids, Cheli, (Rafalski?), Sundin, plus younger guys like Zetterberg and Datsyuk. How do you have Sundin on your team and not make him an alternate? Then you have to take it from someone else. I don’t know, I’m bored and rambling, deal with it.

Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 06/30/08 at 11:40 AM ET

I voted for Kodos.

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the bio-duplication unit with Lyndon Larouche on 06/30/08 at 11:48 AM ET

Brian Rafalski won a Cup or two in New Jersey and he seemed to do okay for Detroit last season.

Posted by Dave on 06/30/08 at 11:48 AM ET

Also, according to Mirtle’s stats for the UFAs, Rolston was -1 on a very good defensive Minnesota team. Hm.

Posted by Pete K from Chicago, IL on 06/30/08 at 11:49 AM ET

What’s up with all this “leadership” mumbo jumbo?  That’s an intangible everybody tries to attribute that’s completely unprovable.  Let’s just focus on the talents and merits of the players at hand.

I love Rolston, but he’s probably going to warrant a longer term deal than Sundin.  Sundin can probably be had for a 1 or 2 year deal, which is perfect with the negotiations of Zeta and Franzen forthcoming.

So realistically, I’d go with Sundin.  Tremendous second-line addition and good defensively.  I personally love everything about Rolston, but he’ll probably be out of our price range.

Posted by Huss from Sarasota, FL on 06/30/08 at 11:50 AM ET

Sundin and if no Sundin then Tucker.

Posted by bababooey on 06/30/08 at 11:54 AM ET

Seriously though, in a dream world, it’d be Sundin.  I’m not sure that’s happening though.  Realism says Rolston or even Bertuzzi or even nothing.  We’ve got a glut of forwards as well as defensemen, a couple of whom can play on the third or fourth lines in a pinch.  I wouldn’t put it past the Tick-Tock Man to sit pat.

And I’m pretty sure that Tampa Bay actually believes that the Brad Richards trade solved all their goaltending and defense issues.  “Mike Smith and a couple of centers?  Who needs a blue line?!?  Stanley Cup, here we come!”

As for excess, I still maintain as I have for months that Lebda is trade bait if Stuart re-signs, and William Tell becomes such if we sign a UFA forward; and Ericsson plays top-pairing minutes for the Griffs next year.  Stuart goes then Lilja stays and plays in the top four (ugh), with Cheli, Lebda, Meech, and Quincey rotating the third pairing.  Don’t ask where the hell Leino fits in.  On the corner of Hakktui and Lehtonen in Ironwood is my guess.  That’s enough pulling predictions out of my ass for now.

For my next trick, I’m going to set my assistant Pete on fire and then chew his leg off!

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the office of the Prognosticating Proctologist on 06/30/08 at 12:01 PM ET

We don’t want a player from the frickin Maple Losers! Comon Wings Fans! That would be hell!

Oh, I don’t know, I thought Macoun, Rouse and Murphy all worked out pretty well. Wendel not so much, but three out of four ain’t bad.

Posted by Arthur2sheds on 06/30/08 at 12:08 PM ET

If Sundin signs with The Red Wings will all things at The Joe (signs, banners, programs, etc.) become bi-lingual - the second language Not being French or Spanish?

Posted by Cal on 06/30/08 at 12:10 PM ET

I wouldn’t say leadership is unprovable. You can’t quantify it, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an impact (see “Yzerman”)

Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 06/30/08 at 12:22 PM ET

Thank you God, Rolston is still a possibility. Now sign him tomorrow ken!!!!!

Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 06/30/08 at 12:29 PM ET

Rolston is the best pick. Would Sundin take a diminished role on a Dynasty team?  The guy was captain at a franchise that sees itself as the heart of the NHL for quite some time.  I don’t know how he’d fit.  Tucker and Bert I just don’t feel terribly comfortable with.  Rolston?  That has “Rafalski Part Deux” written all over it.  It’s perfect for us.

Posted by TDeters on 06/30/08 at 01:28 PM ET

So Holland cannot talk to these UFA-Loopas prior to noon tomorrow. 
Does that mean he cannot talk to their agents?

That Rafalski deal happened so fast last year that there HAD to be communication before the bell.

Posted by w2j2 on 06/30/08 at 01:42 PM ET

I am so excited, It feels like Christmas eve

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.  in hopes that Brian Rolston would soon be there
To slap a Filppula pass in the fricken net!!!!!

YES YES YES!!!!!!

Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 06/30/08 at 01:48 PM ET

So Holland cannot talk to these UFA-Loopas prior to noon tomorrow.
Does that mean he cannot talk to their agents?

Lil’ Gary warned the GMs at their meeting during the Cup Finals the anyone doing anything remotely “illegal” would be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”. I’m sure that includes approaching another team’s player without their permission before he’s officially a UFA.

I think that “fullest extent of the law” penalty means the offending GM would have to spend an entire day listening to the midget explain how he’s saved the League from destruction. And no one wants to go through that. So I’m guessing everyone will be on their best behavior this year.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 06/30/08 at 01:58 PM ET

-Allows Fil to stay at center and makes the second line much more dangerous.

-Replaces William Tell on the point on the second power play unit.  No more headshots for guys in front of the net would be nice.

-Can replace Drake’s PK time.

Dave called it.

Rolston fits like a glove on both special teams, and will have a shot to win a Cup with his home-state team later in his career. And the price is right, unlike Sundin.

Posted by Nathan from Jonny Ericsson's ice cream truck on 06/30/08 at 01:59 PM ET

The Wings have enough money to get Sundin. Or anyone. The only thing keeping them from Hossa is term, not value.

Although Rolston is sounding better and better. Still, Sundin is the more capable player. Plus, how weird would it be to sign a Brian R. from Michigan two years in a row?

Posted by Pete K from Chicago, IL on 06/30/08 at 02:03 PM ET

So Holland cannot talk to these UFA-Loopas prior to noon tomorrow. 
Does that mean he cannot talk to their agents?
That Rafalski deal happened so fast last year that there HAD to be communication before the bell.

It’s up to their agents to make the calls to GMs and chat and get a lay of the land.  I’m sure Raffi’s agent knew that if Schneider walked the Wings would be in the mkt for a #2 D-Man and once Schneider was signed away, the Wings moved fast

Posted by bababooey on 06/30/08 at 02:21 PM ET

Third choice? Michael Ryder!

Agreed OTC.

How do you have Sundin on your team and not make him an alternate?

The same way you have Chelios and Rafalski not wear an ‘A’; doesn’t stop either from leading though.

I vote Rolly for all the reasons stated above. I also think he would be a great influence on Abbadabbadoo. I think he’ll pull a Raffy and take less with enough term, which in turn will stabilize our top six forwards for a few years, given that Z and Mule stay; if they don’t, I call dibs on Pete’s grilled leg

Meech is going to be top 6 unless he chokes during TC. No rational reason, but I like Meech more than Lebda, and I like Lebda quite a bit; unfortunately, he kinda sucked when called on to be a #1 guy while Meech ate it up.

Posted by Osrt on 06/30/08 at 03:33 PM ET

If Sundin signs with The Red Wings will all things at The Joe (signs, banners, programs, etc.) become bi-lingual - the second language Not being French or Spanish?

No need.  Many of the Swedes speak better English than a lot of North Americans I’ve run across!

They could translate everything into Homer and really confuse everyone.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/30/08 at 04:24 PM ET

Roger that Osrt.

Maybe its just me, but I get pumped whenever a Wings number pops up in my security word, especially if the word applies to the player.

Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 06/30/08 at 04:53 PM ET

Lilja just signed a two year deal.

Posted by Kate from Pa. on 06/30/08 at 05:35 PM ET

Lilja just signed a two year deal.

Thanks, I was having a good day…

Posted by cementslinger from Midland MI on 06/30/08 at 05:47 PM ET

At least it wasn’t, “Tucker just signed a two year deal.”

Posted by Kate from Pa. on 06/30/08 at 05:52 PM ET

Sundin is tired of LEADing...he just wants to play hockey and get his name on the mug.

Rolston is def a better fit, but he is going to Tampa Bay.

I think Sundin or nothing....we did just decimate the entire league and win the cup. Perhaps it’s me, but I would think Kenny is going conservative on this one. If it ain’t broke, etc. etc.

/Still Cup Crazy
//Still enjoying my break away from the Douche Canoe.
///Still waiting for Gary, StrawBarry Melrose, Cindy Crosslegs, and Chris Schlonger to release their sex tape entitled “Brother Puckers.”
////Also bored....

Posted by Scott H from Kalamazoo on 06/30/08 at 05:53 PM ET

Khan confirms it. sounds like Stuart is gone. no worries. leaves the door open for a killer camp from Ericcson and/or Meech. wouldn’t mind either of them on the 2nd pairing. Chelios is coming back too, later this week.

don’t understand Wally’s situation. sounds like Kenny’s gonna see how Tuesday goes and work his figures from there. not worried about it.

#1 choice) Sundin
#2 choice) Rolston
#3 choice) Naslund/cheap Bertuzzi

or what about bringing Jason Williams back? umm...no.

Posted by Alex from San Francisco on 06/30/08 at 05:56 PM ET

Lilja just signed a two year deal.

Well, just let me grab my hidden stash of JD...here’s to two more years of turnovers and cries of “F@#*ing Lilja!”

Next year’s scapegoat? Check.

Posted by Aphaea from Pennsylvania on 06/30/08 at 06:02 PM ET

At least it wasn’t, “Tucker just signed a two year deal.”

Posted by Kate from Pa.  on 06/30 at 06:52 PM

Amen.  Good perspective.

Posted by RWBill from jabbing a six inch sewing needle into my eye. on 06/30/08 at 06:34 PM ET

I’m not giving up hope yet on Stuart re-signing.  My gut and what I read tell me it’s a family issue, not a monetary one.  After that, I’ll take Rolston, because I do think he’d be a great fit—the best fit.  But if not Rolston then nobody… let the kids play as much as possible.  They’ve got some darn good ones, and we all should get to see how they can play.

the first NHL team to have nothing but forwards at every position

And should Tampa Bay take the cup next year, can you imagine how expensive the UFA forwards will be on July 1, 2009???

Posted by BobTheZee on 06/30/08 at 11:52 PM ET

This team for several years has leaned toward strengthening the “D” in the UFA Market.  The run to The Cup gave a taste of what it is like to have two top-tier pairings.  If Stuart does not get signed then my belief is that all bets are off on signing a top forward.  Lilja and Chelios will get platooned next year, which leave Lebda and two rookies to fill spots four through six.  It’s not customary for the management to put that much faith in inexperienced (at the NHL level) players going into camp.  Signing a top D-Man would put Sundin out of reach.  Rolston might be had for the right price if given a three to four year deal.

Posted by Cal on 07/01/08 at 12:56 AM ET

@Bob

That’s interesting because they only quotes I’ve seen from Ken Holland seem to suggest it’s entirely a money issue with regards to Stuart.  Holland says they are “close” but it doesn’t sound like they are getting any closer.

Posted by Dave on 07/01/08 at 10:21 AM ET