Abel to Yzerman
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by IwoCPO on 07/02/09 at 02:31 AM ET
Comments (302)
Here’s what you do when you reach the Conference Finals and you fall short. You spend some money. And you spend it with one thing in mind and that’s taking the next step. You came so close that getting past the team that beat you is an obsession. We know all this. The Wings have been there. Twice in the last twelve years. A Conference Finals loss does weird things to you.
In Chicago’s case, it led them to sign Marian Hossa and his Mini-Marian, Tomas Kopecky. They also signed John Madden. They became stronger and they are going to be giving the Wings one heck of a run for the Central Division title next year. We knew this the moment Hossa signed.
But…
Like I said, they’re going to have a real nice regular season.
Huet and Crawford. Is that the tandem that is going to unseat the Wings as Western Conference Champs?
Oh. We’ve got ourselves a barn burner. Don’t get me wrong. It’s got all the ingredients. A defection last year of a hockey god. Some good regular season games followed by a fairly decent playoff series where the vanquished got a bit violent at the tail end of each loss. Young Hawks learning how to lose. A cheap shot that affected the Wings for the Final. And now a superstar switching sides under our noses.
But rivalry or not, unless Dale Tallon makes one more move before April of 2010? This thing is nothing more than a regular season sideshow because the Hawks aren’t doing squat with that goaltending. And while the core of the Wings is locked up for the better part of the next decade? The three most important Hawks are all up for new deals next summer with precious little cap room to maneuver under.
Oh, and don’t forget the Wing Bitch behind the bench. Woops.
Table that. Yes, they’ve got Hossa so we’ll be talking Chicago all year. And we’re going to address his signing here in a few. First, though, forget about Chicago for a second and let’s strictly deal with what the Wings have in front of them. Here are the cards Tick Tock’s dealt Uncle Mike, and it looks like this hand isn’t going to change.
Zetterberg, Franzen, Datsyuk. Filppula, Cleary, Hudler (assuming).
Draper, Helm, Homer, Maltby, Leino (assuming). And at least one spot for one more whether that’s Abdelkader or a UFA. A core of twelve forwards as deep as any across the NHL.
Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Ericsson, Stuart (thanks George). A top five better than any in the league. Period. Add Lilja into the mix, subtracting Chelios and, somehow, Meech. Lebda stays unless something else better comes along and the blue line is still stacked.
And the inevitable regular season resurgence of Chris Osgood is a discussion for another time. Jimmy Howard’s place in the organ-I-zation is also tabled for now.
The depth isn’t what it was with Hossa. No getting around that. The firepower isn’t either. But a few things will make up for that, namely chemistry. Not to say it was bad with Hoss. I’m not claiming that. But I will say that I believe a team responds when the players who choose to stay...stay. Does that makes sense?
Now. It makes no difference how you feel about the departure of Hossa. It matters little to him and it definitely has no bearing on anything that happened the last twenty four hours. But it’s something to discuss because the emotion of this situation drives everything we, as fans and as readers of this blog, do.
Despite some sort of telepathic game I tried to play with Kenny Holland the last few months, where I honestly believed that every time I wrote “he’s staying”, Tick Tock was taking notes and nodding his head? The signing of Franzen probably sealed Hossa’s departure and the less reactionary of us understood and accepted that. There just wasn’t enough pizza dough to go around.
Oh. Re-phrase. There’s plenty of money to spend. But because of Little Gary’s lockout and his perverse CBA and the Cap number that he has flashing in neon next to the blown up picture of him and Rosby at Neverland Ranch? Because of all that, the money just sits there.
And because it does, Hossa had to move. He had to and we understand it. The idea that he’d stay for far less, that he’d take so much less to try and win again in Detroit...it could have happened, but we all knew the likelihood wasn’t great. And that’s not even really understanding all the economics of it. Maybe you do. I know I don’t. I’m certain I have no concept. Guess who does though? The anti-Digger.
Read this to see how Marian Hossa, when he made the decision to give himself one year’s run for a Cup, cost himself 30 million bucks.
So how do we handle this? Marian Hossa, on the surface, left Detroit...where he could have made forty-five million over ten, to play in Chicago where he’ll make approximately 1.2 or 3 million more per season. And while it is disturbing to see him go to a team obviously stacking up to compete with the Best Team in Hockey, you have to respect that he didn’t go to LA or somewhere else only to lose for 7 or 8/season.
And no, LA is not making the playoffs this year.
And he didn’t want to leave Detroit. Unlike last year, when his comments leaving Pittsburgh sent that city into a tailspin? Does this really piss you off? Are you Hossa haters now, after reading this?
“Ken was saying after he signed Henrik Zetterberg he was going to try to sign either me or (Johan) Franzen and you have to be happy for the guy (Franzen), he improved big time and he deserved everything he got. With the salary cap, it would be tough for me to return.,” Hossa said. “Otherwise, if there was no salary cap, I was sure I’d still be in Detroit.”
Not exactly, “I’m going to the team I feel gives me the best chance to win the Cup.”
Hate the guy if you want, but I know you won’t. Boo him if you must, but you won’t do that either. You’ll have three chances to do so if you want to, but I don’t see it happening. Economics forced his hand and his competitive nature sent him to a contender. It’s as simple as that.
It’s troubling that Chicago has another gun, but it’s not enough to cause me to break out the pitchforks or the voodoo dolls. The guy gave us a good run, a good shot and a good year. He gave himself one season to throw some caution and a lot of money out the window. Now it was time to get down to business and that’s what he did.
But, unfortunately for him and fortunately for us, his glove hand isn’t as good as his wrister. And the Hawks are going to need that glove a lot more come April or May.
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Comments
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Totally OT - I’ve managed to find a sweet job in Grand Haven that doesn’t seem totally auto-industry dependent.
Should I make a play for it and get out of NY state tax hell or are things so grim in MI that it’s not worth coming home?
Posted by thethirdcoast from Rottenchester on 07/02/09 at 11:00 AM ET
Holland is some demigod that doesn’t get caught up in anything.
Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 07/02/09 at 11:01 AM ET
Should I make a play for it and get out of NY state tax hell or are things so grim in MI that it’s not worth coming home?
What, you don’t like our tax money going to Albany to pay legislators to not meet, and play games like our favorite A2Y word: petulant?
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 07/02/09 at 11:03 AM ET
Totally OT - I’ve managed to find a sweet job in Grand Haven that doesn’t seem totally auto-industry dependent.
Should I make a play for it and get out of NY state tax hell or are things so grim in MI that it’s not worth coming home?
Posted by thethirdcoast from Rottenchester on 07/02/09 at 12:00 PM ET
I’m gainfully employed in Michigan.
You can lose a job anywhere in the country, even if you are highly qualified. One of my sisters has a friend who is an accomplished engineer, as is her husband, they both live around Chicago, and both recently lost their jobs. Yet some people are quite secure.
If you like the job and it is a good opportunity for you to stretch your skills, then go for it. There are no guarantees, so you have to be flexible and keep learning wherever you go.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/02/09 at 11:05 AM ET
I’ve managed to find a sweet job in Grand Haven that doesn’t seem totally auto-industry dependent.
Should I make a play for it and get out of NY state tax hell or are things so grim in MI that it’s not worth coming home?
Can’t comment on the job itself, but Grand Haven is a great place to live. Because it’s a lakeshore community, it’s pricier than most, but now is a great time to buy a home even in that area.
You can check out the MLS listings for Grand Haven here. Just select Grand Haven from the School Didtrict list and enter your price range.
Good luck to you, THC.
Oh, almost forgot, don’t forget the advantage of being able to watch Ken & Mick broadcast games on FSN Detroit. That alone would be reason enough to move. 
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 07/02/09 at 11:08 AM ET
Should I make a play for it and get out of NY state tax hell or are things so grim in MI that it’s not worth coming home?
What, you don’t like our tax money going to Albany to pay legislators to not meet, and play games like our favorite A2Y word: petulant?
Posted by MarkK from Ithaca on 07/02/09 at 12:03 PM ET
And for the Governor to pay for hookers?
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/02/09 at 11:09 AM ET
And it is possible to mine coal without filling streams full of crap because they people have no clout and you can get away with it - it just isn’t as cheap. Just like it is possible for any industry to not dump chemicals in the environment, but it’s cheaper - or it’s possible for a city to not use tainted well water for 20 years and lie to their citizens about it, but it’s cheaper if they don’t have to purchase as much water from a safe source - or it’s possible to produce things in safe factories or other facilities in local areas, but it (seems) cheaper to outsource.
Just don’t be lazy and cheap and leave a *#$%@& mess for someone else to clean up after you because you can’t be bothered to spend the time, effort, or money. Lazy bastards.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/02/09 at 11:10 AM ET
That response was to the guy saying that Holland is some demigod that doesn’t get caught up in anything.
That was me. But whatever.
I was writing a response until JJ beat me to it. I’m not sure what you’re arguing anymore. If I follow you, Holland spent time/ energy trying to sign Hossa (after wrapping up his top priorities in Z and Mule) and that proves your point that he did indeed spend some time (even 1 second) and energy (even a cereal bowl worth) on signing Hossa. Got it.
And the point is? I’m seriously asking.
Oh and our future HOF GM is a demigod, as is our HOF pizza boy owner.
Posted by Osrt on 07/02/09 at 11:11 AM ET
Totally OT - I’ve managed to find a sweet job in Grand Haven that doesn’t seem totally auto-industry dependent.
Should I make a play for it and get out of NY state tax hell or are things so grim in MI that it’s not worth coming home?
As long as that partially auto industry dependent gig is not with one of the 50% of suppliers that Ford is trying to cut loose.
Two issues to consider: 1) the financial health of the company, and 2) job security.
First, do some basic business research, due diligence type stuff. If the balance sheet looks good and the co. has been around a while, etc., then it may be a good move.
Second, are they offering you an employment contract or will you be an at-will employee? You would be relocating from another state and incurring many expenses to do so, if they are not willing to guarantee you (IN WRITING) even one year of employment, you may want to think hard about taking that job.
Don’t rely on oral representations. Any legit company that sees you as part of their future will be happy to put things in writing.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 07/02/09 at 11:15 AM ET
As I read more about Hossa, I wonder how much his departure was a foregone conclusion, known by him, Ken Holland, and perhaps teammates, well before things played out in the media the last few days. It certainly may explain a few things, like Osgood’s farewell to him and his backing off any criticism of Crosby. He simply was no longer a Wing, despite any formalities.
All this drama was just PR. Holland would look bad not making an effort to re-sign Hossa. And when asked whether he wanted to stay in Detroit, do you really think Hossa is going to step in that soft pile again? He certainly wasn’t going to say anything to slight the Wings, or that his fiancee was still whispering LA and NY into his ear. (I’ve read that rumor on a few sites now.)
Hossa took a big risk doing a 1 year in Detroit, both in terms of salary and injury. What if he had an off year? What if he was hurt? Either would have dinged up his value significantly, and without the security of a contract, he would now be making less money elsewhere. Granted, we can complain about the millions, but when you trade in salary, it can be hard to get back.
Supposedly, Ken Holland let Hossa talk to teams last week. Makes perfect sense when you knew you couldn’t keep him, and the guy did you a huge favor by taking a career risk to play for your team for less money for a year.
Boo Hossa? Never. I’m pulling for the guy against anyone not in a Winged wheel.
Quick note on Huet. Remember the very last we saw of him this year? If the guy can muster any pride next year, he just might surprise us and be servicable.
Posted by ThirtyNineDegrees on 07/02/09 at 11:16 AM ET
And it is possible to mine coal without filling streams full of crap because they people have no clout and you can get away with it - it just isn’t as cheap. Just like it is possible for any industry to not dump chemicals in the environment, but it’s cheaper - or it’s possible for a city to not use tainted well water for 20 years and lie to their citizens about it, but it’s cheaper if they don’t have to purchase as much water from a safe source - or it’s possible to produce things in safe factories or other facilities in local areas, but it (seems) cheaper to outsource.
Just don’t be lazy and cheap and leave a *#$%@& mess for someone else to clean up after you because you can’t be bothered to spend the time, effort, or money. Lazy bastards.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/02/09 at 12:10 PM ET
That was then, Baroque. Nobody does that anymore. It’s the case with any job or any group of people really, where in the past, failures to take even a minimal amount of responsibility ruin it for everyone. I’m certain all active mines in WV are as clean as they can possibly operate, MSHA is strict and the CFR 30 (Code of Federal Regulations) is pretty clear and direct, not to mention state regulations have to ‘either meet or exceed the expectations set in the CFR 30’ and in most mining states, it’s much more stringent. So relax, what’s done is done. I feel just as bad about the waste from the 1970’s and before as anyone else.
It’s the simpletons in WV that concern me, have you ever heard one talk?
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/02/09 at 11:22 AM ET
Totally OT - I’ve managed to find a sweet job in Grand Haven that doesn’t seem totally auto-industry dependent.
Should I make a play for it and get out of NY state tax hell or are things so grim in MI that it’s not worth coming home?
I live in Grand Haven most of the year. The property values that OTC mentioned are only really higher near the lake, and you can find great deals just a few blocks inland. If you like beaches and people, summers are great. If you like beaches and loathe people, spring and fall are nice. Loathe beaches and people? Winter. The place is friggin Dagobah. In a good way.
Posted by ThirtyNineDegrees on 07/02/09 at 11:25 AM ET
That was then, Baroque. Nobody does that anymore. It’s the case with any job or any group of people really, where in the past, failures to take even a minimal amount of responsibility ruin it for everyone. I’m certain all active mines in WV are as clean as they can possibly operate, MSHA is strict and the CFR 30 (Code of Federal Regulations) is pretty clear and direct, not to mention state regulations have to ‘either meet or exceed the expectations set in the CFR 30’ and in most mining states, it’s much more stringent.
Sully, I think you are referencing all the safety regs for underground mining. But I think Baroque is referencing Mountain Top Removal mining. Fewer meddlesome regulations and much much worse for the environment.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 07/02/09 at 11:28 AM ET
Personally, I don’t trust anybody in the mining industry. If miners are such good people, how come schoolteachers keep getting arrested for indecencies with them?
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 07/02/09 at 11:31 AM ET
Personally, I don’t trust anybody in the mining industry. If miners are such good people, how come schoolteachers keep getting arrested for indecencies with them?
Nicely played. 
That reminds me of another one. Why are the Right to Life people so upset about euthanasia? Those little kids never hurt anybody.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 07/02/09 at 11:34 AM ET
How the hell did we get on this topic?
... is it October yet?
Posted by CaptNorris5 from Chicago via Detroit on 07/02/09 at 11:35 AM ET
I love you, 19. Where else do people transition from ”Little Gary’s lockout and his perverse CBA and the Cap number that he has flashing in neon next to the blown up picture of him and Rosby at Neverland Ranch” to the repercussions of coal mining in less than 120 posts? Jimmy from Windsor will be so confused.
P.S. Congrats to Charlie Buckets for being invited to Team Canada’s summer camp.
P.P.S. Welcome back, Mandingo. OMG mised u!!!1111
Posted by Bella on 07/02/09 at 11:39 AM ET
Sully, I think you are referencing all the safety regs for underground mining. But I think Baroque is referencing Mountain Top Removal mining. Fewer meddlesome regulations and much much worse for the environment.
Not at all, MSHA, state and CFR apply to both surface and underground. I work in the surface mining biz. It’s ugly, but it keeps the auto-industries fed with metal, the lights turned on and the indoors room temperature. Not to mention the ice frozen in many arenas. I’ll grant you that’s not a scenic photo, but energy and metal come from somewhere. Besides, the surface area disturbance of mines (as photo’d above) take up less than 1/10th of a percent that of the surface area covered by pavement and urban developments. So pick your battles. Besides, I’m a mining engineer (Same as Mike Babcock, Sr) commenting on a Red Wings blog. Not a mining engineer commenting on a “Go Green” blog.
Sources: http://www.mb-soft.com/public3/asphalt.html
and http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cache:EVh3-LLjS6UJ:www.fisheries.org/afs/docs/policy_13f.pdf+total+surface+area+covered+surface+mining+united+states&hl=en&gl=us&pli=1
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/02/09 at 11:41 AM ET
Yes, I was speaking of mountaintop removal mining - thanks Captain. Not only are there extremely damaging environmental results, but the data on human health effects are looking quite sad. Plus the fact that in more than a few cases people have lost their land because of contamination with coal waste, and it became unsuitable for cultivation.
(Sometimes I pick up a conversation on a topic with an entirely different group of people than I was talking with when the conversation started originally. I forgot I was talking with different people today than I was yesterday. My bad.)
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/02/09 at 11:43 AM ET
Meant to say 1/10th of a percent of land and 1% of that of roads. Anyway, you get the idea.
Personally, I don’t trust anybody in the mining industry. If miners are such good people, how come schoolteachers keep getting arrested for indecencies with them?
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 07/02/09 at 12:31 PM ET
Nice!
How come I don’t see you on the idiocy standings on the right of the screen anymore? Chief just gonna retire the big three up there or what? I always wanted my place there. But I feel it’s too late.
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/02/09 at 11:44 AM ET
Plus the fact that in more than a few cases people have lost their land because of contamination with coal waste, and it became unsuitable for cultivation.
Hmm I dunno. Removing a mountaintop is more straightforward than miles-deep shafts that can further down the road endanger entire towns.
And like Sully said, it comes from somewhere. Better the middle of nowhere, even if it’s a gorgeous place, than in the mainstream suburbs. People don’t want to put up with that.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 07/02/09 at 11:47 AM ET
(Those last two sentences were tongue in cheek)
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 07/02/09 at 11:50 AM ET
OMFG BASTARDS
a laboratory analysis of Kentucky Fried Chicken: “The sample of coating mix was found to contain four and only four ingredients: flour, salt, monosodium glutamate, and black pepper. There were no eleven herbs and spices — no herbs at all in fact… Nothing was found in the sample that couldn’t be identified.”
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 07/02/09 at 11:53 AM ET
Better the middle of nowhere, even if it’s a gorgeous place,
We’re looking at you, Jon! Speaking of which,
but the data on human health effects are looking quite sad.
, once again...she’s looking at you, Jon!
No, I kid. Seriously, it’s a small “everybody knows everybody” type of industry. And if Jon works in the industry, chances are I’ll meet him. And he’ll be much larger than me. And I’ll say “Yea, F*** that Sullyosis guy, we love we some Wess Vuhginians, don’t we Jonboy? How how how...”
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/02/09 at 11:53 AM ET
How come I don’t see you on the idiocy standings on the right of the screen anymore? Chief just gonna retire the big three up there or what? I always wanted my place there. But I feel it’s too late.
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/02/09 at 12:44 PM ET
It just got lost in the shuffle of all the stuff we were doing this year. I was lucky enough to hit stride right as Chief started it, but am dead sure that if it had kept up all season, I’d have been buried by some of the heavy hitters here.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 07/02/09 at 11:55 AM ET
Sully, I am not at all informed on this issue and don’t have an opinion that MTR is good or bad, but your argument needs a little work. If I read it correctly, you are saying that “Mankind has already paved over most everything and MTR isn’t detroying much of what’s left so where’s the harm?”
You’re other argument about the needing access to natural resources to power and develop our society has more merit.
Because I like to lob grenades at both sides of issues, I just read that our President Greenie’s new and improved EPA has approved more permits for this type of mining in 6 months than Bush did in 8 years.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 07/02/09 at 11:57 AM ET
Mountain top mining posts=Troll repellant.
Mandingo… nice to see you back. Did you happen to bump into RWBill when you stocked up on razors?
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 07/02/09 at 11:58 AM ET
Because I like to lob grenades at both sides of issues
There’s that lawyer in ya Cap’n. 
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 07/02/09 at 12:01 PM ET
Because I like to lob grenades at both sides of issues, I just read that our President Greenie’s new and improved EPA has approved more permits for this type of mining in 6 months than Bush did in 8 years.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 07/02/09 at 12:57 PM ET
Quite right Captain. Every mine ‘waiting for the land grant’ to become a developing operation, as they usually have to buy the land from the Federal Government, waits for a new president to begin. It’s too much paperwork to begin near one president’s outgoing term, especially if there’s a chance he will be a lame duck president (see also: Clinton, Bill). So they wait for the new one and it usually gets signed over.
My argument is not that mining can eat up what’s left of what humanity paved over, it’s simply that from a bird’s eye view, land is disturbed much more by the everyday roads than by a surface mine. So complaining about how we disturb the topography isn’t valid to me unless you complain about the much greater covering up of natural topo by roads. The last part, and I really want to talk hockey after this, is the one you say ‘has more merit.’ I’ve got nothing to add, other than what my bumper stickers say: “If it can’t be grown, it’s gotta be mined” and “Ban Mining: Let the f*ckers freeze in the dark.”
Someone, please, pick a new topic. I only graduated with my degree a month and a half ago, I’m dying here!
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/02/09 at 12:03 PM ET
ANYWAY,
Roster for next year
Cleary - Dats - Z
Mule - Fil - ____ (Leino?)
____ (Happy?) - Helm - Homer
Malts - Drapes - ____ (FA?)
Capt. Norris - Raffi
Stewie - Kronners
Big Rig - Lebda / Meech / Lilja (drop one; I pick Lilja)
Ozzie
Howard (until he’s put on waivers sometime in November)
-----
So, who fills in the holes. And don’t use the “fill in the holes” as a way to reference back to mining.
Posted by CaptNorris5 from Chicago via Detroit on 07/02/09 at 12:04 PM ET
Mountain top mining posts=Troll repellant.
Next time they try to invade, we could try discussing monetary policies of the IMF and World Bank and their impact on developing nations. But that would probably repel more than trolls.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 07/02/09 at 12:04 PM ET
Congrats to Dan Cleary for the Canada Team invite.
What about Stuart?
I’m surprised he didn’t get an invite at least.
Posted by Osrt on 07/02/09 at 12:05 PM ET
Here is a real grenade: Now that Hossa has officially left, I want Sammy back!!! That will fill in one of your blanks CaptNorris.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 07/02/09 at 12:06 PM ET
So, who fills in the holes.
Ooo is this one of those Mad Libs things?
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 07/02/09 at 12:06 PM ET
I see what you’re saying about Babcock. Hossa did often seem to react negatively when playing on the second line
Yes he did and, I did comment on that fact earlier in the season. I think I said his attitude wasn’t Wing like.
He was promised to play with the best players which did upset the chemistry on the team.
I think he really did not buy into our system. Uncle Mike demands the best effort. 200% effort and I didn’t see that from Hossa.
I know 40 goals but come on even Homer scored 30 goals when playing with Pavs.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 07/02/09 at 12:11 PM ET
Now that Hossa has officially left, I want Sammy back!!! That will fill in one of your blanks CaptNorris
While I’d love Sammy back, I just don’t see that happening without a trade somewhere to shed some salary. Either Sammy or Happy will have to take a discount to stick around if only one of them gets signed. If they both get signed, they’re looking at less than $2m cap hit each in order to squeeze them and Leino in. Between Sammy and Happy, I’ve got to think that Happy is going to be cheaper. A team like NJ or Carolina that has lost some of its scoring in the FA madness would be happy to pay him, and there are plenty of other teams with tons of cap room (Habs, LA, Min). Unfortunately I think Sammy won’t be a Wing much longer.
Posted by CaptNorris5 from Chicago via Detroit on 07/02/09 at 12:12 PM ET
Ooo is this one of those Mad Libs things?
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 07/02/09 at 12:13 PM ET
Hi Mandingo! Forgive my rudeness for not welcoming you back earlier.
Hail, Hail, the gang’s all here!
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 07/02/09 at 12:14 PM ET
Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to my job question, lots of good points all around.
I don’t want to derail the discussion any further, so people are welcome to PM or email if they think of other salient points.
Thanks again,
TTC
Posted by thethirdcoast from Rottenchester on 07/02/09 at 12:18 PM ET
All this drama was just PR. Holland would look bad not making an effort to re-sign Hossa. And when asked whether he wanted to stay in Detroit, do you really think Hossa is going to step in that soft pile again?
I’ve been thinking similar things the last couple of days. Personally, I don’t mind that Hossa wasn’t resigned as the lack of cap flexibility hurt the Wings being able to call up players. Good luck to him in Chicago. I would love to see the Wings sign someone (if there is anyone out there like him) comparable to Dallas Drake. It’s all well and good to make teams pay via the PP when they take physical liberties but after a while all those shots lead to injuries. Be nice to have a foot soldier that can drop the gloves on this team.
As to what the mining industry has done here in this country, it’s a venal crime compared to what the communist toads in the USSR did to the Aral Sea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aral_Sea
Posted by Deuce from Brooklyn on 07/02/09 at 12:18 PM ET
Havlat to the Wild, 5 years, $30M.
Someone explain this: The contract increases in value over time....
4M, 5M, 5M, 5M, 6M. Do you really think he is going to be worth what he was in ‘08-’09 again in ‘14-’15? I guess he is in his prime; I just dont understand the point of a contract like that.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 07/02/09 at 12:21 PM ET
As to what the mining industry has done here in this country, it’s a venal crime compared to what the communist toads in the USSR did to the Aral Sea.
Yes, and the Kazakhs and Uzbeks are paying for it now.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 07/02/09 at 12:21 PM ET
What do folks know / think about Manny Malhotra? Gritty enough for a 3d or 4th line position if he’d take something similar to his CBJ contract?
Posted by CaptNorris5 from Chicago via Detroit on 07/02/09 at 12:23 PM ET
Gritty enough for a 3d or 4th line position if he’d take something similar to his CBJ contract?
Absolutely, especially with some new direction from Uncle Mike.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 07/02/09 at 12:25 PM ET
I haven’t read through all the posts yet to catch up, so forgive me if it’s already been said, but the dynasty argument is fairly simple:
To win three or four consecutive Cups makes a great team, composed of great players. To win three or four Cups in a sustained period of success lasting over a decade, despite nearly-complete roster turnover, management upheaval, coaching changes, and varied opposition, makes a dynasty.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 07/02/09 at 12:51 PM ET
everyone keeps saying Hossa was only offered $40 for 10 from Detroit but reading this morning and Detroit made a second offer of $50 mil for 12 years which Hossa also turned down.
July 2, Detroit Free Press: The Wings had hoped to extend the relationship with Hossa but the Blackhawks took Detroit’s offer of $50 million over 12 years and increased it to $62.8 million over 12 years.
Posted by MsRedWingFan on 07/02/09 at 12:58 PM ET
Coming in here late (as usual). Chief, I had the same reaction yesterday. Chicago got better up front but Huet? Not going to happen.
It is going to take me a month just to get used to who is on what team now. I thought CBJ payed an awful lot for Pahlsson.
I think Hossa did buy into the system, he was such a monster on the puck during the regular season. Just not sure what happened during the playoffs other than he was never really the same after he was out for a few games with the head/neck injury.
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 07/02/09 at 01:02 PM ET
this board lives in the past
the truth is that the pens are rising and the wings are fading, you guys had a great run, and lidstrom is looking pretty old.
Posted by jon from wv on 07/02/09 at 10:30 AM ET
You keep shooting yourself in both of your feet: the guys the Chief listed up there are UNDER 30 years old. Idiot…
Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 07/02/09 at 01:02 PM ET
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Heh, yeah, that’s sort of what we do here. Anyway, I didn’t say that but is it really crazy to think that in the time it took Hossa to decide, Kenny Holland was setting something magical up? Another thing is that, on this issue, pen(i)s fans and Detroit fans just will NOT see eye to eye because Kenny Holland has been doing this a long, long time and last year was Shero’s first time at trying to ink the big guys to longer term deals. It blew up in his face, sure, but he learned, what with the trade deadline acquisitions and all. My point is, Holland is a pro at this, Shero is learning, that reflects on the fans. Wings fans have been through this, pen(i)s fans are still young at this. But we’ll take the hate. Anything to spoil your day
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/02/09 at 11:00 AM ET