Abel to Yzerman
Next entry: Cap Raised. Lockout Accomplished Nothing. Listen To Malik.
Previous entry: Fun Time For Leaf Fans: October 9th In Hockeytown
Note To Kenny: I’ve Got Another One For You
by IwoCPO on 06/26/08 at 09:14 AM ET
Comments (106)
Memo below inspired by A2Y logic Czar, Grampa Pinhead.
Dear Tick Tock,
I know I said I’d leave you alone this summer. I said this was the true “Summer of Ken.” Your time to relax and enjoy the accolades and the rainbows, the puppies and bonfires and stuff.
But I take it back. I take it all back and I’m not ashamed.
Because Kenny?
We want you to sign Darcy Tucker.
We want you to sign him quickly, like July 1st at 0001. We’d like you to sign him because we saw what Dallas Drake did for this team last year and we think Tucker would offer at least that.
We’d like you to sign him because as much as we enjoy antagonizing the Dive fans and the Bitter Bitch Blues fans, the instinct to give it to the TO faithful is ingrained in us like nothing else.
We think you can get Tucker for relatively cheap, Kenny. We’re thinking 4 mil/year for two years? Yep. Fits the structure doesn’t it? I told you it would.
Kenny, you’re our friend. We like you.
Now get it done bitch.
Sincerely,
(Some of) The A2Y 19
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Comments
man, wouldn’t it be sweet to open the season against the Leafs with at least one of their ex-core players in our lineup?
tick tock
I swear to god, sometimes i feel like captain hook ...
tick tock
tick tock
Posted by ColdWar on 06/26/08 at 09:44 AM ET
A2Y logic Czar, Grampa Pinhead.
I like that.
Thanks, Duke
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 06/26/08 at 09:53 AM ET
I don’t know. He can be a pain in the butt in the room. But with Lids, Draper and Chelios I’m sure he would mellow. Can be a liability out on the ice temper wise. Takes a lot of stupid penalties. Needs to improve his off ice workouts especially in the off season.
Dallas Drake wasn’t such a liability temper wise and a good guy with his teammates in the room.
Tucker would really have to mellow on a team like Detroit.
Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 06/26/08 at 09:55 AM ET
Not to mention he made 3mil last season. Kinda high for him. Kenny won’t pay him more then Drapes.
Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 06/26/08 at 10:01 AM ET
Not to mention he made 3mil last season. Kinda high for him. Kenny won’t pay him more then Drapes.
Even better. Kenny gets him for 2.5/season. Minimal dent to the cap.
Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 06/26/08 at 10:02 AM ET
Not to mention he made 3mil last season. Kinda high for him. Kenny won’t pay him more then Drapes.
Even better. Kenny gets him for 2.5/season. Minimal dent to the cap.
I’m thinking even less, don’t forget the 6 mil subsidy he gets from the Toronto buyout….
How bad does he want his name on OUR Stanley..?
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 06/26/08 at 10:06 AM ET
2.5 is still to much when you consider the balance of contrats. hank’s deal is three years old mind you but he makes like 2.6 homer makes 2.2 cleary 2.8 and drapes 1.6. tucker would have to take less, much less!
Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 06/26/08 at 10:07 AM ET
I’m not so sure. I personally wouldn’t invest in Tucker. As others have said, he’s an on-ice liability, takes dumb penalties, etc. I don’t see him mellowing out anytime soon, either.
I would pass, but that’s just me.
Posted by Alan from Atlanta on 06/26/08 at 10:15 AM ET
The more I hear about this, the more I think it’s actually a good, sensible idea. He’s still got offense, and with regular PP time could bring 20-25 goals. As far as character issues, yeah, he takes some stupid penalties, but team-wise, all I’ve seen is a heart-and-soul player. He fights for his team mates, stands up and is counted, and most reports I’ve seen have him as a warrior in the locker room. And he’d have the fire that a potential Cup would bring. He’d be abrasive, which is something we’ll need if Drake retires and we can’t re-sign Stuart. And he’d be CHEEP.
The fact is, I hated seeing the guy play whenever NASN aired a Laffs game. I thought he was a thug and a sneaky goalscorer. I thought he was an agitator and a loudmouth. A royal pain in the ass. And that’s exactly why I would want a guy like him on MY team.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Tuck-Summer '69...er, 2008 on 06/26/08 at 10:16 AM ET
The very thought of Tucker agitating the likes of Ian Laperriere, Corey Perry, Barret Jackman, and Jordin Tootoo into stupid penalties?
Sure, why not?
Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 06/26/08 at 10:24 AM ET
If he keeps his mouth shut, plays heart and soul, cuts down on penalties and takes 1.5mil then he might be a good fit. I just don’t see it any other way thats all. Mac or downey will have to go and I think it would be downey which is no real loss.
Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 06/26/08 at 10:25 AM ET
I’d love to see either him or Avery on the team next year if Drake retires.
Posted by Hippy Dave from Portland by way of Detroit on 06/26/08 at 10:26 AM ET
He just got cut, but I think he’ll go to a higher bidder with more need for veteran leadership.
Posted by Osrt on 06/26/08 at 10:29 AM ET
F@#$ Avery; I don’t want that idiot associated with the Wings.
Posted by Osrt on 06/26/08 at 10:30 AM ET
Avery??
RWBill doesn’t need him competing for Karen Newman’s affections.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 06/26/08 at 10:35 AM ET
Cheif are you high? Maybe two mil per year. The absolute max you can offer him is what Dan Cleary is making… so I think 2.8? And that’s honestly too high, because Tucker can’t play defense the way Cleary can.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 06/26/08 at 10:36 AM ET
Oh phuck no.
I’d take Chris Simon on my team before Tucker. They’re both complete idiots, but one of them doesn’t think he’s the sh!t for no good reason. One is +28 for his career, the other is -70. One of them may think he has something to prove, the other thinks he’s already proved it.
If you need a more juvenile reason, there’s the whole girl-name thing. Kris, Valtteri, and (groan) Andreas are as close as I want to get.
(please don’t think the above means I’m lobbying to get Simon, it was just to make a point)
Posted by shep from california on 06/26/08 at 10:37 AM ET
About Tucker….He’s got some of the necessary grit and is a PITA but also can play hockey pretty well when he wants. he likes the rough stuff like Dally does but has better hands (not just for pugilism).
Avery was a non-issue in our room and off the ice he wasn’t running his gums to the media as a Wing (was just a kid too but just the same he by rights should have been lass mature then). Me thinks we’d be able to have Tucker behave and he might actually elevate his behavior to fit in & keep ice time IF IF IF. Nice to have someone like him in that “depth” forward position.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 06/26/08 at 10:43 AM ET
If he keeps his mouth shut, plays heart and soul, cuts down on penalties and takes 1.5mil then he might be a good fit.
Even under those conditions—which I seriously doubt will occur (especially $1.5 mil)—the thought of Tucker on the Wings gives me indigestion. Kinda like the acquisitions of Bertuzzi, D. Hatcher, U. Samuelsson, Wendy Clark and Federko did. In fairness, I have to admit Chelios was once on that list too. So never say never, I guess. But Tucker? Uuuuh, I hope not.
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 06/26/08 at 10:45 AM ET
the whole girl-name thing. Kris, Valtteri, and (groan) Andreas are as close as I want to get.
Andreas=Swedish ‘Andrew.’
Valtteri=Finnish ‘Walter.’
So your point is…? I only agree with you on Kris, because my high school art teacher had that name.
I think I’ve made my views on Avery clear already. If we’d had any idea just what kind of uber-pest he’d become, we would never have traded him. And shouldn’t have.
But Tucker would be taking a more ‘D-Mac of the Second Line’ role. A scorer, hitter, enforcer that can play more minutes, has better hockey sense, and can score a few more goals. He shouldn’t be overpaid (four mil is way out, should be closer to two), and if anyone can keep him from taking boneheaded penalties, it’s Mike Babcock.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the debating podium, slowly backing away... on 06/26/08 at 10:48 AM ET
I heard the same argument over and over last summer after we landed Drake.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 06/26/08 at 10:50 AM ET
a little too quick on the mouse…
the thought of Tucker on the Wings gives me indigestion. Kinda like the acquisitions of Bertuzzi, D. Hatcher, U. Samuelsson, Wendy Clark and Federko did.
I heard the same argument over and over last summer after we landed Drake.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 06/26/08 at 10:52 AM ET
I can’t see paying him more then Draper. kris is a top ten face-off guy, kills penalty’s, still agitates, former selke winner, a heart and soul guy and takes his fitness and off ice workouts more serious then anyone in the room. He knows how to lead, he knows how to handle the media and he shows up every game. The only thing he doesn’t do is fight. No biggie there. Draper took less to stay in this organization because he knows how great it is. That is leadership alone.
Tucker might be a third line player who gets time on the pp but that could take away time from Homer and Franzen in front of the net.
Does anyone know what Drake made last season? under a mil I’d guess.
Can’t upset the balance of payroll in Detroit, it alone has helped them win cups!
We will find someone who wants to take less and play for us and the cup.
Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 06/26/08 at 11:09 AM ET
I heard the same argument over and over last summer after we landed Drake.
Not from me. (Unlike some others, I’m almost always happy to see former Wings return to the fold. For example, I’d love it if they got Mike Knuble back. I don’t think they will, but I’d be very happy if they did. Wow, as I’m thinking about it, I can’t remember any case—even ones that were probably questionable, like Doug Brown—where I was unhappy about reacquiring a former Red Wing.)
If we’d had any idea just what kind of uber-pest he’d [Avery] become, we would never have traded him. And shouldn’t have.
From what I understand, the organ-I-zation didn’t really want to, but it was “No Avery, no Schneider.”
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 06/26/08 at 11:14 AM ET
I may be both mainstream and boring in thinking Sundin would be a great fit for the Wings and vise-versa.
Sundin (6’5”/230 lb) and Franzen (6’3”/220 lb) on the same line would be a pretty daunting task for any defense. They both routinely make fantastic plays and are extremely strong on the skates. Who do you go for as a defender cause containing both will be very difficult?
Posted by lilja4ever on 06/26/08 at 11:22 AM ET
I am in the “no thanks” camp on Darcy Tucker. He would have to take a huge cut, I think $1.5 mil is about right for him but I could see him being a problem in a lot of ways. He takes extremely dumb penalties at very bad times and runs his mouth way too much. Could the Wings environment change that? I am not so sure.
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 06/26/08 at 11:32 AM ET
I may be both mainstream and boring in thinking Sundin would be a great fit for the Wings and vise-versa.
No argument here. What I’m finding hard to believe it that he suppposedly wants to go to the Rangers.
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 06/26/08 at 11:32 AM ET
it that he suppposedly
“is that he supposedly”
(whoops)
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 06/26/08 at 11:35 AM ET
I dunno…..shouldn’t a guy who agitates and fights a lot occasionally WIN one of those fights? Tucker gets his ass beat down more often than a red-headed stepchild. That can’t be a good thing.
Posted by dougie on 06/26/08 at 11:42 AM ET
Has anybody looked at Tucker’s stats from last year? 74 Games. 18 goals. 16 assists. 18 goals is nothing to sneeze at, especially considering Drake’s 3-3 statline. But to insinuate that he brings an offensive presence, and thats the reason to sign him, is absurd. He won’t play above the third line. His actualy worth is probably less than 2 million, given his reputation. Pay him for what you will use him for, which is a solid forecheck, and to chip in the occassional goal. He won’t score 18 with the Wings, too much scoring depth.
That being said, I highly doubt he mellows. If he can’t control himself with Sundin as his captain, why is there any reason to think he will with Lids running the show? I think this says it best.
If he keeps his mouth shut, plays heart and soul, cuts down on penalties and takes 1.5mil then he might be a good fit.
The Wings are dominant because they are in harmony, everyone has their role. Throw a wrench in there, and it could seriously dampen things. I think someone said in the last post that Drake knew what his role would be, and did it, which is dead. Tucker thinks he sh!ts ice cream and pisses sunshine. He won’t take that role.
Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 06/26/08 at 11:45 AM ET
I say no to Darcy Tucker. Too many bad penalties - I think he’s started to believe his own press and think he is more of a scorer than an agitator. Let someone else pay for his late penalties instead of Detroit.
I wonder if Toronto is going to sign Avery to replace Tucker. Younger and even more of an irritating cockroach.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/26/08 at 11:48 AM ET
which is dead
should be “dead on”
Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 06/26/08 at 11:50 AM ET
Oh, HELL no.
Please, don’t sign that post from the A2Y 19, Chief. From the sounds of the responses I’d guess you need to edit that down to the A2Y 10 or 11… the other 8 of us have big problems with it.
Posted by HockeyinHD on 06/26/08 at 11:50 AM ET
I’m not into all this “disagree with the Chief” crap.
I’m going back on vacation. Bitches.
Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 06/26/08 at 11:52 AM ET
I am in the NO Tucker camp. You see, when you play for the Leafs, you really do not worry about winning. Cujo was a bust, and he was of the mentality that he was going to be worshiped. Win, lose, or draw. That is the prevailing attitude in Toronto.
I’m sure if Tucker had something to offer, he would still be a Leaf. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 06/26/08 at 11:57 AM ET
I’m going back on vacation. Bitches.
Sweet. Break out the keg and let’s talk Classical!
So, what’s on your iPod? 
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the party store on Huron on 06/26/08 at 11:59 AM ET
Oops. I meant, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Bitches!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 06/26/08 at 11:59 AM ET
Valtteri=Finnish ‘Walter.’
Does this blow anyone else’s mind?
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 06/26/08 at 12:09 PM ET
Valtteri=Finnish ‘Walter.’
Does this blow anyone else’s mind?
Not unless people start calling him “Walt” instead of “Fil” or “Val.”
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 06/26/08 at 12:13 PM ET
980 songs are on my Ipod. I’ll leave it at that. 
Posted by hankyspanky40 from Michigan on 06/26/08 at 12:16 PM ET
If Kenny has one smart brain cell left in his head ( and I know he has billions), he would NEVER!!!!!!!!! sign this cheap-shot, trailer trash, diver, loudmouth, whiner, crybaby, punk of a player who is clearly past his prime…worst of all he played for the Maple Losers, who I have absolutely no respect for and will always hate…(The Ducks are a close second though) A guy like Tucker has never had a huge role with Team Canada even though he put up ok numbers and do you know why? Because he sucks! Its that simple. We do not need to overpay for this loser of a player, because he will want more then he is worth even though he is making money from his buyout… PLEASE MR. HOLLAND I know you will do better then Tucker, because you are the best GM in the League by far.
Posted by yzer19man from Chicago on 06/26/08 at 12:17 PM ET
Firmly in the “hell no” camp, for all the reasons stated above and because he’s simply a turd.
Agitators are overrated. Besides, we’ve got Sammy’s smug Sweedishness to stir the shit.
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 06/26/08 at 12:23 PM ET
980 songs are on my Ipod. I’ll leave it at that.
I have 5,5790 songs on my iPod. I need a bigger one than the 30g. Sigh. Even worse, I left it at home so I have no music at work today. WHINE.
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 06/26/08 at 12:31 PM ET
Ladies and gentleman, your Americanized Detroit Red Wings:
Henrik (Henry/Hank) Zetterberg
Andreas (Andrew/Andy) Lilja
Valtteri (Walter/Walt/Wally) Filppula
Johan (John/Johnny) Franzen
Pavel (Paul?) Datsyuk
Jiri (Jerome?/Jerry?) Hudler
Plus, in the pipeline:
Jakub (Jacob/Jake) Kindl
Jan (John/Johnny) Mursak
Ville (Willie) Leino
Joakim (??????) Andersson
Mattias (Matthew/Matt) Ritola
Johan (John/Johnny) Ryno
Sergei (??????) Kolosov
If you want to see something even more weird, check out the depth chart on the Red Wings web site:
http://redwings.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=DepthChartPage&dcid=17
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 06/26/08 at 12:43 PM ET
Lets be clear about what’s necessary here. A second line goal scorer/ shooter. If Kenny thought Hudler was ready for that role, or that Franzen is a lock to produce like he did in the playoffs (or reasonably close), then there wouldn’t be this search.
So space #1: A second line scorer/ shooter. This is *not* Tucker. His 18 goals last season is fine but it’s much harder to produce when you’re getting used to a new defense first system; Stevie talked about having to adjust his offensive thinking so that he wouldn’t be caught in a bad position.
I also wonder about Linio (sp?) stepping in.
Space #2: The need for a gritty, potential Pk, veteran. Role opened by Drake’s most likely absence. This is most likely where Tucker would fit in, but I’m coming to think he may not be necessary. Given that Mac and Downey are both coming back and Kopecky is due to have a Kronwall like rise (i.e. one freaking injury free season & playoffs).
Thinking out loud
Posted by Osrt on 06/26/08 at 12:46 PM ET
I have 5,5790 songs on my iPod
New Math? (I have that song on mine).
I have over 12,000 tracks on my Creative 60 gig player, but a lot of those are at a higher bitrate than I prefer, so could probably squeeze a fair few more on. But that’s my entire music collection (and then some), so I’m not really complaining.
What I wouldn’t give to know what Nick Lidstrom has on his…
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from an embarassment of musical riches on 06/26/08 at 12:48 PM ET
Pavel (Paul?) Datsyuk
Got it in one.
Jiri (Jerome?/Jerry?) Hudler
Don’t know, but ‘Gerald’ wouldn’t surprise me. One to look up.
Joakim (??????) Andersson
This one’s good. No literal ‘white bread’ translation of this. The closest approximation is the Hispanic ‘Joaquim’ (as in Phoenix), but it’s pronounced vastly different (Zho-Ah-Keem). The Swedish are suckers for Spanish things (should be, there are loads of them on the Iberain costas every summer)—just ask my friend Manuela from Stockholm.
Sergei (??????) Kolosov
Again, I’m not sure there’s any English approximation. Slavic names are tough.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the multilingual hotpot of Europe on 06/26/08 at 12:57 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Most Recent Blog Posts
GDT - Game #56: Red Wings host Ducks (7:30)
GDT - Game #55: Red Wings host Oilers (7:30)
The F Stands For Finger And The Finger Could Really ______ Us All
GDT - Game #54: Red Wings at Coyotes (8:00)
So Far 4 In 2, Why Not 6 in 3?
About Abel to Yzerman
Welcome to Abel to Yzerman, a Red Wing blog since 1977. No other site on the internet has better-researched, fact-laden and better prepared discussions than A2Y. Re-phrase: we do little research, find facts and stats highly overrated and claim little to no preparation. There are 19 readers of A2Y. No more, no less. All of them, except maybe one, are juvenile in nature. Reminding them of that in the comment section will only encourage them to prove that. Your suggestions and critiques are welcome: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When learning from experts it’s best to learn personally from them, or from their blog. We can provide that with poker lessons blog, your home to learn poker personally.
Do you get shocked from the luck in the game of poker? Stop getting shocked and start being a Poker Shoker
Get the top online sports betting bonuses available to sports betters!
Agreed, as I did in a comment last post too.
go Gramps!
Posted by Osrt on 06/26/08 at 09:42 AM ET