Abel to Yzerman
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Quenneville: Hossa May Start Next Season In Goal
by IwoCPO on 07/02/09 at 01:31 AM ET
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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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Wings fans do the same, saying that Cindy is a whiner
Also wanted to touch on this little gem I saw earlier in the thread…I’m gonna have to go ahead and say it’s not so much Wings fans that say that as it’s EVERYONE who isn’t a Pens fan and even some Pens fans…and wait…just a sec…oh yeah, that whole like, PLAYERS OF THE NHL group who overwhelmingly voted him whiniest player in the league.
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 07/03/09 at 05:33 AM ET
I dunno, I still have issues with the first generation being hyphenated. One of my coworkers is Anglo-Irish—born and raised in England of Irish parents, but I know way more about Ireland and the Irish (even more of the language) than she does because of my wife. How is she in any way remotely Irish, when everything nurtured in her, everything cultural, linguistic, and psychological is entirely English? The same thing with the first generations. Unless their parents taught them the ‘ways of the old country,’ what makes them in any way part of the old culture? For another example, the Italian-Canadian side of my family in Windsor has held strongly to its Italian roots—everyone of them are observant Catholics, the festivals are celebrated the Tuscan way, summers are spent in Italy, and even the third generation, children younger than I am, speak fluent Italian. By contrast, the American side of the family in Detroit is lapsed in everything. My mother speaks some Italian, but her younger sister speaks none, hasn’t been to church since her first Communion over forty years ago, and has never set foot in Italy—and dislikes panettone, as well. She’s first-generation, but I’d hesitate to call her Italian-American. I still love her, though. My mother’s the confusing one—American with some Italian culture who converted to Judaism as a teenager. You’re going to need a lot of hyphens there.
********
Good news about Leino—I really do want to see what he can do with a full season of North American hockey under his belt, and with a full season in the Big Show. If all goes well, I really woudn’t be suprised to find him in contention for the Calder. If things go even BETTER, his main competitors for the Calder will be Helm and Ericsson.
Sammy I could say goodbye to (though I think he may end up coming back cap in hand), but Hudler going to arbitration worries me if we can’t get anything done before the date. How do you price 57 points? That may be out of our range. If arbitrators take playoff performances into account, that may bring his price down, but I don’t know. Given the contracts handed out to other FA forwards this summer,..
Though they haven’t been as insance as previous summers, that’s for sure, but I’m still not ruling out a trade. And arbitration in general is a pretty nasty process if it gets that far. Anyone know who initiated it? Happy or the team?
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 07/03/09 at 06:04 AM ET
hi guys just wanted to pop in and say hello to see how you all are doing
hello
and yes whoever gave me this flu a curse on you it sux ass
scuderi leaving hurts hal gil kinda slow but he was never brought here for speed
as for jon the cocksucking assfucker who claims he is a pens fan is has forgotten that pittsburghs own Mike Zigamanis is from Bahran .. correct me if I am wrong but isn’t that an Arab country and Jimmy Paek was Asain .. Douche
and Baroque.. girl 2 things please no more Jagr talk it breaks my poor lil heart I loved that man ( dont ask weird obession )
and you do away with that pink shit and you have my vote for comish for LIFE
and to the rest of the 19 have a wonderful day
is it october yet ??
Posted by M71 on 07/03/09 at 06:23 AM ET
According to George, Hudler plans on filing for arbitration.
It could indeed get ugly, if it gets that far, but don’t forget that Wally filed for arbitration and that kept offer sheets from Vancouver away so Osrt didn’t lose his new mancrush and spend his time sad and lonely.
The only reason I don’t have problems with hyphens is that traditionally they’ve been used - but I skip them myself because they are unwieldy and sometimes pretty irrelevant. Most people in the US are ethnic mutts, anyway - I’m Polish-Irish-German-some others if you go back a few generations (so feel free to make as many cracks about being stubborn as you want). 
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 06:30 AM ET
That video made me miss Igor. And Pavel. :(
If someone needs to kill some time before October, read “The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team” by Wayne Coffey, foreword by Jim Craig. (on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Boys-Winter-Untold-Olympic-Hockey/dp/1400047668/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246622792&sr=1-1
only $10.94 plus shipping - a great deal, peoples!)
Really an excelelnt book, and it does cover parts of the story that haven’t been covered in the multiple movies on the game, as to where the players and coaches came from to get to that point, what happened to them afterwards, and it also covers the Soviet side as well. It was a great success for the U.S. but a national tragedy for them.
One of the characters covered quite a bit was Anatoly Tarasov, the Soviet coach who gave rise to the Soviet style with all the passing and creativity that was such a cultural shock to the complacent Canadians when they first encountered it. He didn’t keep it to himself, but spread his ideas everywhere, including to the Americans as he liked the country and didn’t see them as a threat. He told Lou Vairo, an executive with US Hockey, that “Your people can build the world’s tallest buildings. You can make forty-nine different kinds of mayonnaise. You can teach dolphins to do the most complex tasks. Why can’t you teach your hockey players to pass the puck more than two meters?”
Especially read it if you are too young to remember what a huge deal it was at the time because of the situation in the US and the world. It had an impact far beyond just a game in a hockey tournament that is held every four years somewhere with a lot of pomp and circumstance, and that accounts for why the echoes still can be heard nearly three decades later.
Something to read on the beach or out by the grill while you’re waiting for training camps. I don’t think you’ll be sorry.
(It has the box score in the back, and wow was the US ever outshot: 18-8 in the first, 12-2 in the second, and 9-6 in the third. How they ever managed to win is incredible.)
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 07:21 AM ET
I’m Polish-Irish-German-some others
Back in Belfast, I used to follow a singer-songwriter from Boston named Eileen Rose—she’s since moved back to Boston and gotten married, but when she was based over here the press used to refer to her as an Irish-Italian-American (full name Eileen Rose Giadone) as if this was some sort of cachet, not realizing just how awkward that sounded.
Most people in Europe are ethnic mutts as well—a consequence of invading each other’s countries over and over again over a process of a couple thousand years—but it still doesn’t stop an awful lot of them from ranting about ‘ethnic purity’ and ‘immigrants’ and other nationalistic crap like that. Funny how a lot of them have a problem with dark-skinned immigrants (even though many of those said immigrants have been in the countries three or more generations), yet obvious immigrants like myself who happen to be white are welcomed with open arms. But that’s a topic for another day.
I know that Wally filed for arbitration, but that was kind of my point about it getting that far—he was re-signed the day before his arbitration hearing. I’d like to see the same thing happen here, because if it does come to tearing him down to lower his price, he’ll be gone after the next contract. Not the Red Wing Way.
And if Osrt is allowed his mancrush on Wally, I think I’m going to have to say something about your canine crush on Hudler—your constant statements about how you love the scrappy little terrier give you away…
(In case you’re offended, don’t worry—I like him too. Just wish TR Goodman would find some way to turn him into a mini-tank so he weren’t so easy to knock around.)
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 07/03/09 at 07:23 AM ET
How they ever managed to win is incredible.
Two words: Jim Craig. The unsung hero of the game.
“You can make forty-nine different kinds of mayonnaise.”
Not including Baconnaise.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 07/03/09 at 07:26 AM ET
as for jon the cocksucking assfucker who claims he is a pens fan is has forgotten that pittsburghs own Mike Zigamanis is from Bahran .. correct me if I am wrong but isn’t that an Arab country and Jimmy Paek was Asain .. Douche
I like her.
As for Hudler, the arbitration could get ugly, but I consider it a positive that Hudler was the one who filed. It tells me that he wants to stay with the team, which is better than testing the market and then when the player can’t find a good enough deal elsewhere, comes back.
All this talk of ethnicity, culture, social stratification, etc. has inspired me to pull out my sociology books, so thanks to the 19. Have a good day all, and to my sick brethren, I hope you get well soon.
Posted by Aphaea from Pennsylvania on 07/03/09 at 07:37 AM ET
Recent Wings history suggests that Hudler’s arbitration will be friendly. Granted, Filppula got a better deal than Kenny wanted to give him, but that was in large part due to the fact that the Wings didn’t engage in any player devaluation tactics. Flip will more than earn the salary he’s got and the team didn’t have to drag him through the mud to get him. Maybe it goes differently with Hudler, but I doubt it.
Chad LaRose got $1.7M/yr in Carolina and he’s pretty close to Sammy. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got around $2M elsewhere. If not, I’d gladly take him back for $1.5M. It’s probably the low limit of what he’s worth, but when you factor in what playing for the Red Wings is worth, it’s not unreasonable.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 07/03/09 at 07:47 AM ET
Seriously, if they don’t keep Hudler, I may cry. :(
And if he goes somewhere that makes me unhappy, I will hurt people and break stuff. I don’t know who, and I don’t know what, but I’ll take nominations if the time comes.
Jim Craig was phenomenal. His NHL career might have been only 30 games, but he could have played 300 games and probably would still have been remembered more for the Olympics.
And Tarasov had a thing for condiments, apparently. 
.
.
.
(But my main crush is still Lidstrom. It’s just that Hudler is more approachable.)
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 07:52 AM ET
Am I the only one shedding a tear over how beautiful that is?
No.
Why can’t you teach your hockey players to pass the puck more than two meters?
Or just hang on to the puck and not dump it in all the time.
Part of what made the Soviet system so productive was the harsh military style training. But the guys were also forced to play soccer, and their foot speed/ dexterity was so much better for it.
Glad to see Leino on board.
For my second Stonecutters reference of the thread…
You shall be give the Stone of Triumph
Posted by Osrt on 07/03/09 at 08:03 AM ET
You shall be give the Stone of Triumph
D’oh! Have you seen my birthmark? It looks more like a burrito.
I’ll take nominations if the time comes.
Early suggestIon for bashing? Dion Phaneuf. Happy would like that.
And who DOESN’T have a crush on Lidstrom? Aside from his amazing smarts, there’s those piercing blue eyes and the MMA physique. I’d totally forget my heterosexuality for him. Only thing is the bald spot—but I can overlook his if he can overlook mine.
JJ, I’d take Sammy back at $1.5 million, but I suppose it depends on the agreed figure with Leino and whatever we come up regarding Hudler. Without him, we’ll have to put up a sign outside the Joe: “Goats Wanted.”
Your Wings conspiracy theory du jour: What if Hossa walked because he learned the awful truth about what Kenny planned to do to his good friend Brad McCrimmon for screwing up the PK and the entire system that had worked so well for the past decade?
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 07/03/09 at 08:27 AM ET
All indications are that you guys are lost in the nothingness of losing in the 7th game, and skipping the main page:
From the article: Yzerman does the Right Thing
That’s why the Canadian orientation camp includes players like Daniel Cleary, Milan Lucic, Derek Roy, Francois Beauchemin, Stephane Robidas and Patrick Sharp. Asked about a number of those players, Yzerman said they weren’t interested in having four lines with the same type of player.
Cleary, for instance, can play all three forward positions and, during the past couple of years, showed he is as comfortable playing on the top line with skilled players as he is playing a checking role on a third line, not to mention working on both the power play and penalty kill.
“He’s a versatile guy that had a very, very good playoff,” Yzerman said of Cleary, who, with Detroit, won a Cup in 2007-08 and lost to Pittsburgh in the Cup finals last month.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 07/02/09 at 10:07 PM ET
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 07/03/09 at 09:04 AM ET
Wings fans do the same, saying that Cindy is a whiner
Also wanted to touch on this little gem I saw earlier in the thread…I’m gonna have to go ahead and say it’s not so much Wings fans that say that as it’s EVERYONE who isn’t a Pens fan and even some Pens fans…and wait…just a sec…oh yeah, that whole like, PLAYERS OF THE NHL group who overwhelmingly voted him whiniest player in the league.
Concur. We don’t like to call him a whiner, we have to. It’s a title that he has earned fair and square. He deserves it. We can’t take it from him. No one can.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 07/03/09 at 09:16 AM ET
To the American contingent of the 19 (hyphenated or otherwise), have a safe holiday weekend. Happy 4th, bitches.
Posted by Bella on 07/03/09 at 09:26 AM ET
Seriously, if they don’t keep Hudler, I may cry. :(
I don’t know… I was on that boat until I read that he is looking to make $3.5m - $4m. That is insane. Crazy, certifiably, makes Hasek look like Einstein Insane.
1) No way that the Wings could afford that, so if he’s really looking for that, he’s not interested in staying in Detroit;
2) That’s getting pretty close to what the Wings were offering HOSSA, except without the term
3) That’s more than Filpulla makes, who is defensively responsible and will likely develop even further into a much better all around player than Happy
C’mon Happy, do the right thing and sign for $2ish. If you are going to hold out for more, I’ll be happy to see you go. Team first; take the discount and remain a Wing. Otherwise, farewell you crazy bastard.
Posted by CaptNorris5 from The Winged Wheel, stuck in Chicago on 07/03/09 at 10:40 AM ET
Sportsnet has narrowed Sammy’s potential landing spot to one of the six teams north of the border.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/07/03/wings_samuelsson/
Personally, I think he’d be the best fit in Vancouver, where they could use the grit and willingness to shoot, but Edmonton would also be a team looking for his talents. Calgary is pretty much the only team I’m ruling out, but I’d be surprised if he went to Montreal too.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 07/03/09 at 10:51 AM ET
I say we sign Huds for a 10 year, $36M deal and then trade him to Chicago for Kane
Posted by John W. from a bubble wrap cocoon on 07/03/09 at 11:00 AM ET
I’d be surprised if he went to Montreal too.
The Enigma and William Tell on the same line? HAHAHAHA
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 07/03/09 at 11:01 AM ET
(But my main crush is still Lidstrom. It’s just that Hudler is more approachable.) LOL
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 08:52 AM ET
And who DOESN’T have a crush on Lidstrom? Aside from his amazing smarts, there’s those piercing blue eyes and the MMA physique. I’d totally forget my heterosexuality for him.
I told my GF once that my mancrush on Z was enough to do the same. Now I’ve moved on to Jonny Ericsson. Any person who doesn’t want to be ravaged by Jonny Ericsson either already has or needs to have their vitals checked.
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/03/09 at 11:04 AM ET
Confirmed: Sammy to the ‘Nucks…
Posted by CaptNorris5 from The Winged Wheel, stuck in Chicago on 07/03/09 at 11:19 AM ET
I have a mining friend from UBC who’s a big ‘Nucks fan. I told him about our lil pet name for Sammy. He seems to like William Tell. I told him “His style, tenacity and scoring will be missed. His marksmanship, will not.”
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/03/09 at 11:24 AM ET
You boys are so shallow.
It has nothing to do with looks, it’s all Lidstrom’s incomparable talent and smarts. Thinking about him sliding the puck along the blueline wearing any other uniform causes me actual physical pain. I even have a hard time watching him in the Sweden jersey for that reason.
Dumping Hudler would be like getting rid of my kid brother. :(
And I think the $3.5 to $4 million value is what he could be awarded in arbitration based on contracts for comparable players. He likely won’t get that - I’m betting it gets settled before arbitration, less than he and his agent want, maybe a little more than Holland wants, like things went with Wally.
The Enigma and William Tell on the same line? HAHAHAHA
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 07/03/09 at 12:01 PM ET
Lang had a ruptured achilles tendon end his season, and in the late 30’s you don’t heal nearly as quickly as when younger. Maybe Lang will retire if his injury is too much of a pain.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 11:25 AM ET
I told my GF once that my mancrush on Z was enough to do the same. Now I’ve moved on to Jonny Ericsson. Any person who doesn’t want to be ravaged by Jonny Ericsson either already has or needs to have their vitals checked.
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/03/09 at 12:04 PM ET
Was that after he rag-dolled Corey Perry?
That was all sorts of awesome.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 11:27 AM ET
Three years.
Salary wasn’t disclosed, so we have to wait a few until it leaks out.
Good for him. It will be a nice fit with the other Swedes.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 11:31 AM ET
Was that after he rag-dolled Corey Perry?
That was all sorts of awesome.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 12:27 PM ET
I had Ericsson pinged before he fed Perry his lunch. Before he even knocked Drew Stafford’s lights out. I seriously almost, ALMOST felt bad for Stafford. You watch the tapes and you see Ericsson not really want to start anything. Not even want to fight. But he had to. And it was too easy for him.
Anyway, Z, Jonny and The Perfect Human are all Swedes. Is there a trend to our crushes? I thought that, at least in regards to lust, the Swedes were supposed to be known for their women?
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/03/09 at 11:33 AM ET
Anyway, Z, Jonny and The Perfect Human are all Swedes. Is there a trend to our crushes? I thought that, at least in regards to lust, the Swedes were supposed to be known for their women?
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/03/09 at 12:33 PM ET
I’m actually partial to Datsyuk myself. I know he’s no looker, but when I go for a mancrush, it’s all in the sense of humor…and the hands 
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 07/03/09 at 11:35 AM ET
I’m actually partial to Datsyuk myself. I know he’s no looker, but when I go for a mancrush, it’s all in the sense of humor…and the hands
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 07/03/09 at 12:35 PM ET
Well played, well f***ing played there. Although it makes Datsyuk your mancrush and just edging out Toman Holmstrom for your affection. Another Swede with the hands and the humour equally developed. Plus a rockin beard.
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/03/09 at 11:40 AM ET
Reports about Sammy have it at 3 years @ $7.5 million. That makes for a $2.5m cap hit.
After the news about Happy looking for around $4m, I would have rather had Sammy at $2m ... ah well.
Posted by CaptNorris5 from The Winged Wheel, stuck in Chicago on 07/03/09 at 11:40 AM ET
I think Datsyuk is hilarious - and I actually love the fact that the MSM is too lazy to bother talking to him most of the time, because then they leave him alone to do those magical things he can do with a hockey puck.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 11:43 AM ET
George said that supposedly Holland was thinking more along the lines of a $1.5 million hit for Sammy, and he was looking for more than $2 million a year - so good for him.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 11:46 AM ET
I’m actually partial to Datsyuk myself. I know he’s no looker, but when I go for a mancrush, it’s all in the sense of humor…and the hands wink
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 07/03/09 at 12:35 PM ET
I am totally in the Datsyuk camp. I have never seen a player as complete. It just gives me the chills thinking about how effing good he is.
This is a man who’s character speaks loud and clear but, has a quiet demeanor. He seem to be very deep and, and has a humility about him that is equal to that of, dare I say, “The Captain”?
He is the total package and he’s a Red Wing.Bitches
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 07/03/09 at 11:46 AM ET
Reports about Sammy have it at 3 years @ $7.5 million. That makes for a $2.5m cap hit.
If those numbers are correct, I see why Kenny kissed him goodbye.
At 32, it is probably downhill from here. Not sure the ‘Nucks will use him in the right situations, due to unreasonable expectations.
I would like to have seen him stay, but for about the same as before.
Good luck Sammy….easy on the Wings, they treated you right.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 07/03/09 at 11:49 AM ET
No more Sammy on the point on the PP makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Posted by John W. from a bubble wrap cocoon on 07/03/09 at 12:09 PM ET
Reports about Sammy have it at 3 years @ $7.5 million. That makes for a $2.5m cap hit.
No way is he ever going to justify that salary in Vancouver, unless they’re going to plug him in on the top line, and then they risk Daniel Sedin having to eat liquefied lutefisk through a straw around Christmas time. But hey, they’re free to put him on the point if that’s their jones. I just wouldn’t want Alanah to come in here foaming at the mouth and cursing us for creating and unleashing a monster.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 07/03/09 at 12:10 PM ET
Awh does anyone know if Sammy reads this blog?
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/03/09 at 12:25 PM ET
Without Sammy or Chelli, that brings our number of Right-Handed shooters down to 2 - Malts and Raffi. Think Tick Tock will be in the market for a Righty or is he ok with a team of nothing but southpaws?
Posted by CaptNorris5 from The Winged Wheel, stuck in Chicago on 07/03/09 at 12:30 PM ET
As for Hossa—I wonder how fired-up the rest of the team will be next year to prove something, given that he’s gone to our current fiercest division rival?
I would expect that the Wings would be as fired up as Hossa was to play against the Penguins in the SCF. That really motivated old Hossa to take his game to the next level.
JOKES.
Posted by Uncle Mike on 07/03/09 at 12:32 PM ET
It’s probably the low limit of what he’s worth, but when you factor in what playing for the Red Wings is worth, it’s not unreasonable.
Do you guys really believe this $hit? What exactly is playing for the Red Wings worth…ah, nothing. You lost the SCF, and the outlook of your aging team would suggest that you are on the decline.
JOKES.
Posted by Uncle Mike on 07/03/09 at 12:39 PM ET
$2.5 million per year for Sammy is stupid money. Not worth that much money nor aggravation.
Posted by HockeyJoe from Upstate New York on 07/03/09 at 12:47 PM ET
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.
I don’t see the importance of Hossa having to play the Penguins (the best team in hockey)? Other than 2 games during the regular season, they would only possibly meet in the SCF?
This stuff is hilarious. Do you guys sit around all day circle jerking?
JOKES.
Posted by Uncle Mike on 07/03/09 at 12:49 PM ET
Can we get some better trolls around here so they can keep up when we change topics, please? It would be much appreciated.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 12:51 PM ET
Here is your better idea, Baroque….
Maybe Paul could set this up so if the comments contain the name Hossa, they get bounced. Continuously flogging a dead horse makes me look forward to a retirement home.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 07/03/09 at 12:58 PM ET
Can we get some better trolls around here so they can keep up when we change topics, please? It would be much appreciated. LOL
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 01:51 PM ET
We’ve been awaiting a new shipment of trolls all week. Think they’re really backed up in Gary’s.Ass with a hamster or maybe Sid’s face. Either way, when they get released we’ll be up to our knees in trolls, which is saying a lot, actually.
Does anyone know what line Coke’n'Pepsi will be on in Chi-Town? He’s making good money, and when we were really injured he played some PP and PK. Personally, I thought his puck-clearing abilities in his defensive zone were atrocious. But if he’s a second or or third line guy in Chicago I don’t think I’ll be able to hold back the laughter. For serious.
Posted by Sullyosis from A hateful lair in Post Apocalyptic US (or Arizona) on 07/03/09 at 12:59 PM ET
If someone needs to kill some time before October, read “The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team” by Wayne Coffey, foreword by Jim Craig.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/03/09 at 08:21 AM ET
Hey thanks for the reminder, I’ve been meaning to pick that up. That was the first time I remember watching hockey. That is really what started this whole obsession. Must get it.
I hope Happy comes to his senses and signs for what he is worth and stays in Detroit.
Posted by jennyquarx on 07/03/09 at 01:34 PM ET
Well, Sammy leaving seemed pre-determined before this past year even started. None of the #‘s worked for him and he’s probably looking for as much $ as he can snag considering that this is likely his last contract and certainly his last contract of any value.
I get the impression that Tick Tock will wait into the season to see what the call-ups provide (how many right-handed forwards are there in GR?) before he decides on any particular veteran player to sign. Either that, or he finds someone for the right price in a month. If you’re Axelson or Grier and you’re looking at September looming with no great offers but a decent low-end offer with the Red Wings do you take it? I bet there are enough decent, gritty vets out there that Tick Tock can bring in when the time is right. Hell, he probably already knows who it is.
* * * * *
One last thing about human genetics, I come from a long line of Indians (so I’m told) but most of that is an oral history based on familial middle names. To say any one ethnic group is “pure” in any sense is astonishingly stupid. When the DNA tests become cheap enough, I can’t wait to take one just to see how much weirdness is in my blood (Mongol, Persian, Pastun genes for sure and who knows what else).
Posted by Deuce from Brooklyn on 07/03/09 at 01:47 PM ET
From griffinshockey.com/home/:
Well, in GR, among forwards:
8 Cory Emmerton C 06/01/1988 6’ 0” 185 lbs R St. Thomas, Ontario
13 Jan Mursak RW 01/20/1988 5’ 11” 182 lbs R Maribor, Slovenia
17 Francis Pare RW 06/30/1987 5’ 10” 185 lbs R Lemoyne, Quebec
20 Darren Haydar RW 10/22/1979 5’ 9” 175 lbs R Milton, Ontario
23 Jamie Tardif RW 01/23/1985 6’ 0” 200 lbs R Welland, Ontario
Even Helm and Abbadawhackforthedaddyol are left-handed shooters.
Among defensemen:
3 Logan Pyett D 05/26/1988 5’ 10” 205 lbs R Regina, Saskatchewan
10 Jason Jozsa D 04/04/1981 6’ 1” 195 lbs R Calgary, Alberta
12 Tom Galvin D 11/02/1979 5’ 10” 195 lbs R Staten Island, New York
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 07/03/09 at 02:07 PM ET
Guys I am a Pens Fan who really enjoys reading this blog .. and the opinons and the Knowledge of the 19 that is whyI come here ..I can gloss over the sid whiner remarks and the shots at the pens and everyother team Because I understand this is a RED WINGS BLOG I only ask no I beg you please don’t judge me by the other ass clowns who claim to be “pens” fans who come in here , I try my best to keep my comments to Hockey and positive to you guys becuase I respect you all
but if I ever go the way of the douche all you have to do is say so and I shall leave quietly ..
thanks guys
and cheif keep up the good work I really enjoy it
I am a fan of not just the pens but of the Sport of Hockey
Posted by M71 on 07/03/09 at 02:34 PM ET
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I just love how that troll IMMEDIATELY dropped out the second the confirmation of Scuderi’s move surfaced. Not to bring that up again, but I really just found it funny. He was getting really annoying. Anyways, that video of the Soviets is just unreal. So. Freaking. Fast. I swear I saw Helmer in there somewhere…
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 07/03/09 at 05:27 AM ET