Abel to Yzerman
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Tuesday With The Diggers
by IwoCPO on 02/10/09 at 03:38 AM ET
Comments (52)
Hello. Good morning. A few ditties I’d like to bring to your attention today as we emotionally prepare ourselves for another stirring Original 30 matchup. Tick Tock’s being shady. Charlie Buckets is kicking Slugworth ass again. The circus is back together and there is so much joy. So much of it. Plus, the Predators have announced they’ll be unveiling the “Kiss Your Cousin Cam” tonite at the SoGay.
That last part is not true.
Oh, and we have some magical juvenilicity at the bottom.
But first, let’s get serious.
WingfaninBeanland with the brilliance. It’ll be a full house soon bitches.
Like I said. It’s time to get serious.
Tick Tock’s not even denying it anymore. He’s being asked the question every day and he’s to the point where he’s just telling the world…“Yes, it’s my intent to sign all three of them.” But that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy.
“Can you sign Hossa and Franzen and keep the majority of the team together, that’s the question,” Holland said.
So, can you?
“Maybe,” Holland said.
To keep both, the Wings will have to trade some players in the supporting cast before next season and/or not sign some of their other potential free agents such as forwards Jiri Hudler, Mikael Samuelsson and Tomas Kopecky, goaltender Ty Conklin and defenseman Chris Chelios
.
Chelios is playing his farewell season in Detroit. Of that, there is no doubt. Discussion about his value, the logic of keeping him this year, can wait until later. And there is validity on either side of that discussion. But the bottom line is that he’s gone, back to Chicago most likely, after this season. And Samuelsson is gone too. If they’re going to keep Franzen, sacrifices will need to be made. Sammy? You know we dig you, but you have to leave.
Oh, and just for the sake of conversation? Jimmy Howard and Daniel Larsson will make 750 and 685, respectively, next season. Compared to, you know, Chris Osgood’s 1.45.
Did you need a reminder today of why the Detroit Red Wings organ-I-zation is the class of professional sports? Yes? Ok. Here we go.
As he worked his way through the packaging, Marcel Pronovost couldn’t remember being this curious about a gift since he was a child.
When he reached the bottom and opened another tiny box, he felt like a kid again too.
Staring back at him was a glittering version of the 2008 Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup ring with his name on one side with four extra diamonds symbolizing the quartet of cups he won with Detroit in the 1950s.
Pronovost was one of 20 to 30 retired Red Wings to receive a gift last week.
The team sent rings to every living Wings’ players that won a cup in Detroit prior to their 1997 championship.
“It was Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch’s idea,” Wings general manager Ken Holland said.
“They’re special owners.”
Understatement.
Dan Cleary’s blocking shots. Doing the dirty work. Working, working, working. Anything he can do to stay with his favorite friends Pavel and Hank. I know you’ve seen this evidence of his dedication. But I’ve decided to bring it to you again, if only for Mickey’s riveting commentary…along with a barely coherent Larry Murphy chiming in with some geometry.
“I just got to make sure I work as hard as (Datsyuk and Zetterberg) and be at the front of the net for them,’’ Cleary said.
Uncle Mike has put the key components of the Flying Circus back together, without sacrificing secondary scoring. I guess that’s possible when one of your “secondary” scorers has a chick’s name and likes to laugh at dumb bitches who boo him.
Anyway, Hank and Pavel are happy.
Helene St. James
The two have paired up on a scoring play three straight games, helping the Wings take a four-game winning streak into tonight’s game at Nashville. It’s the first time all season the two former linemates have been together.
“Even though we’ve been apart now for almost 50 games, it feels like yesterday and it’s fun to be out there together again,” Zetterberg said. “I think both me and Pav are really excited.”
Know who else is happy?
Little Gary Bettman. Puck Daddy pointed us to this and it seems that with every game the Versus!! crew just keeps getting better, keeps underscoring the brilliance of Gary’s decision to put our game on that network. Insight. Analysis. Quality.
Thanks Gary. Ass.
Speaking of ass, Gary Bettman and punkass bitches from Pittsburgh?
Remember I asked you to send in photoshopped suggestions for the The Pens Blog new banner? Sure you do. Well, I received a couple and yesterday was the deadline. I made a command decision and decided this one would be the piece of art we send forward, couresy of Gabe.
I thought it was neat.
Have a good one and we’ll see you at the Live Blog that I won’t be participating in tonite because I’ve been banned by the rest of you. Bitches.
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Comments
at least he’ll depart with a ring or two.
Or three. Sober up.
Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 02/10/09 at 05:27 AM ET
if we lose Hudler i’ll be pissed…
he’s essential
Posted by Pharazon from England on 02/10/09 at 06:16 AM ET
Chelios has just run out of room and been crowded out, I think. He still has value, but on a team that would have more space to actually fit him into the lineup, and Detroit isn’t that team anymore.
Samuelsson, I have nothing against (except his horrible aim), but the role of abrasive checking forward capable of scoring some goals might be a good fit for Abdelkader. He was a checking maniac the year the Spartans won the championship, and scored the winning goal with seconds left. And he never broke the jaw of a teammate, either.
Hudler stays. I just like him. And it brings down the average size of the team so the MSM still has their easy “Detroit is so small!” crutch for when deadlines get close. 
Anyone else think that all the time Datsyuk and Zetterberg were playing on separate lines, they felt like they were humouring Babcock because they knew it was only a matter of time before he would put them back together and they would play as well as if they had never been separated? It seemed like every time they talked about centering separate lines they were trying not to chuckle; “Yes, yes, the coach thinks this is a better option, but just wait - we’ll be back together soon enough. We always are eventually.”
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/10/09 at 06:32 AM ET
if we lose Hudler i’ll be pissed…
he’s essential
Who could have predicted two years ago that would have ever been written here, or anywhere.
But I agree.
Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 02/10/09 at 06:38 AM ET
Good morning Chief. I’ll remind you one more time that the term is Cousband.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 02/10/09 at 06:49 AM ET
Hudler’s actually one of the most replaceable guys on the roster. I’d much rather try and find a guy who only plays 8 minutes a night ES and 4 minutes a night on the PP (slight exaggerations) than I would other guys who have much bigger ES roles.
There are plenty of offense-first guys in the league.
Posted by HockeyinHD on 02/10/09 at 07:18 AM ET
Great banner Gabe! Love details, the “M” and the utter lack of external genitalia.
.....because I’ve been banned by the rest of you. Bitches.
Such bitterness. By the way, who has the Gamewrecker title of late? I’m just asking…....
Posted by Rumbear from Top O da Hasek, sippin rum & catchin some rays on 02/10/09 at 07:29 AM ET
By the way, who has the Gamewrecker title of late? I’m just asking…....
Aimee, RWBill and the rest of the drunks who went to the Caps game. I was just there as a working blogger, honing my craft.
Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 02/10/09 at 07:32 AM ET
Or three. Sober up.
Papa caught me. I was out stalking the Olson twins.
Posted by Osrt on 02/10/09 at 07:52 AM ET
Hudler’s actually one of the most replaceable guys on the roster. I’d much rather try and find a guy who only plays 8 minutes a night ES and 4 minutes a night on the PP (slight exaggerations) than I would other guys who have much bigger ES roles.
There are plenty of offense-first guys in the league.
Sounds like ViIlle Leino…
The attraction of keeping Hudler is that he’s a known quantity, and has really bought into the Red Wing way and the Babcock way.
Best case scenario? Honestly? Would be for some stupid team to give him and offer sheet over that magic number (2.6 million, I think) that gets Detroit a first round pick. Then they’ll nab a couple extra picks in the first half of the draft, and free up cap space guilt-free.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 02/10/09 at 08:03 AM ET
Too many numbers this early in the morning confuses me :( Combine that with a ridiculously heavy, and poorly timed work-load; and any thoughtful research and number-crunching takes a backseat.
Tick Tock signs Hoss = Wings right up against the cap, maybe $1 mil or a little more room, so he has to shed salary if he wants to keep the Mule;
Cheli, Osgood, William Tell, have to go = .750, 1.2. and 1.1 = +3
The Wings need a net-minder = + 750;
Maybe Tick Tock works magic and gets Hoss at a 6 cap number and Mule at a 3 cap number?
It could happen, but we likely have seen the last of the Oompa Loompa too. Unfortunate, I’ve really admired the kids grit and talent. I’m really thinking it cannot be done. Mule might be on the outs, but the Willie Wonka worker re-signs. Too much top end talent, and the Wings may start to resemble the Sens or Lightning.
The Illitch’s are all about class, right alongside the Rooney’s. Special, special people. It is little wonder then that the rest of the organization mirror the ownership. The City of Detroit caught a real break when Mr. I decided to open his first pizza store in Garden City.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 02/10/09 at 08:55 AM ET
Too much top end talent, and the Wings may start to resemble the Sens or Lightning.
Not really a fair comparison. The Wings have a top four D that is significantly better than what those two teams had, and have secondary forwards like Filppula and Homer signed already. And as we have seen, the AHL cupboard is fully stocked right now.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 02/10/09 at 09:22 AM ET
I agree, to some extent Nathan; especially about the “D”.
What I was trying to convey, rather poorly, is was whether Tick Tock is interested in having 2 top-flite lines and filling out the roster with the K-Wings;
or perhaps having 1 dominant line and three really good lines. Helm, Evil and Abbadabbadoo are NHL caliber and can probably be very good. But I think, at least at the moment, they are not Sammy (20 goals/season, and plays point on the PP) or Hudler level talent (ridiculous points/minute).
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 02/10/09 at 09:35 AM ET
Is everyone assuming that Filppula won’t be traded? He’s a solid player with great potential, but they’ve got a lot of money tied up in him right now. If they’re really serious about signing Franzen, they’ve got to be willing to get rid of at least one higher-salary player. Is there another likely candidate that I’m missing?
Posted by Sadie from Ann Arbor, MI on 02/10/09 at 09:36 AM ET
And Samuelsson is gone too.
I realize he can’t hit the side of a barn (but strangely can hit an opposing player’s shin pad while blindfolded), and probably twice a game he does somthing that makes me yell “Oh, for f*ck’s sake, Sammy,” but I’m a big fan of Mikael Samuelsson.
I don’t know what it is. I’ve always liked the guy. I think it’s that he always seems to be so angry about everything. Just pissed off for no particular reason. Like he just got stung by a hornet or something.
And he’s got the best “angry face” in the league, bar none. Watch Sammy sometime when he’s scuffling with an opposing player. He gives that look that says “If we weren’t in front of 20,000 people, I’d rip your head off and sh*t down your throat.” I always thought Sammy’s physical game was underrated.
Seems like a foregone conclusion he’ll be gone after this year, though. Too bad.
Posted by Mandingo from The Garage on 02/10/09 at 09:39 AM ET
Sadie makes a good point, Fil gets 2.5 next season, then 3.5 for the next three seasons.
Fil’s numbers this season: 53 g/p, 6 g, 20 a, 26 pts, 16:00 atoi.
last year: 19 g,17 a, 36 pts.
Of course, you have to wonder whether anyone else wants to make a trade for that kind of money at that production level.
Chief should make a voter list for players to be “moved”!!
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 02/10/09 at 09:53 AM ET
Jeff a team that needs a second line center might take fills contract in the hope that his flashes pan out and to pair him with a Winger that needs a passer.
Edmonton needs a center for Hemsky for example.
Posted by moocat on 02/10/09 at 10:01 AM ET
I don’t see Fil being moved. He’s just to versatile.
He’s played on the wing for Z and Pav. He can center Hoss. He can play the PP, and he can PK. His cap hit is a bit high for his production at the moment, but he’s had minutes stolen by the acquisition of Hossa. Also, keep in mind, he’s 24 and just starting to learn to shoot and drive the net. He will be a bargain in 3 years.
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 02/10/09 at 10:10 AM ET
Flip’s production will increase as his contract rolls on, I’m not concerned about his progress at all. If he continues to center Hossa down the stretch, that’ll help a tad. I think that’s a better way to go. You know you have dominance with Dats and Z together, and Hossa has clearly shown he’s a Selanne-type winger in that he can elevate a center’s game. I think Hossa can do for Flip what Selanne did for McDonald, for instance. And with respect to McDonald, Filppula’s got a higher ceiling of potential and a better natural instinct and dedication for the defensive and PK sides of the game.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 02/10/09 at 10:12 AM ET
Have a good one and we’ll see you at the Live Blog that I won’t be participating in tonite
You know Chief….I don’t think I’ve participated in the last two either. Although I almost did with the edm game because we scored all those goals in the first…actually held back posting that you shouldn’t be allowed to watch the games ...ah well
Posted by eyesris from Asheville, NC on 02/10/09 at 10:30 AM ET
Christ. The weekend gives us a (probably fleeting) reprieve from wanting to throw ourselves on, in and under the Hasek, and now this freakin’ cap talk has me reaching for the tequila again at 9 in the morning.
Still, how lucky are we? All these guys we talk about moving—I think most of us would be at least a little sorry to see go. And no one is talking about getting rid of Lilja any more! Motherfu*@ing Red Wings. No wonder other fans need to build Jackatoreums to get themselves through the season.
Posted by Bella from Clark St. on 02/10/09 at 10:33 AM ET
Wow. Mike and Marian Ilitch are all class!
I think Chelios would do well to finish his career in Chi-town. I bet Tic - Tock is already working on it.
I agree that you cannot measure Wally’s value by points alone. You need a center who can play the boards and get the puck to Hossa and Franzen on the Wings. And his defensive play is very good.
Posted by w2j2 on 02/10/09 at 10:38 AM ET
I agree with Mandingo that Sammy brings a mean edge to the rink every night. I’ve seen that streak out of Franzen too though. I think if Flip gets good second line minutes next season with Franzen and Hossa, he could have a real break-out year. Keeping with the big guy / mucker - passer - shooter that works so well on the top two lines, who’s the best three-man combo for the third?
Cleary is better at the mucker/grinder/goalie-pisser-offer role than Kopecky, even though the Czech has size on him. Happy’s got the best dangle-dangle of anybody that’s left, and I think Dr. eVille stays up. Odd-man out is Sammy. Draper stays one more year to center Helm and Kopecky on the fourth line and I think we have our best collection of talent.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/10/09 at 10:48 AM ET
Fil earned some pretty with high praise from Stevie a couple years ago now, I’ll take that at face value + what NateA said.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 02/10/09 at 10:49 AM ET
“Plus, the Predators have announced they’ll be unveiling the “Kiss Your Cousin Cam” tonite at the SoGay. That last part is not true.”
Um, actually Chief, that last part IS true. Of course they just call it the “Kiss Cam” but when you’ve seen about a dozen 500-pound couples, both with moustaches, mashed together at the lips, you start to put 2 and 2 together (you’d be amazed how many people CAN’T do that down here). It makes you want to puke your nachos into your lap and take a bath in it.
I hope to sweet 8 pound, 6 ounce, adorable, Baby Jesus that we can continue this win streak tonight. I have developed quite a hatred for Bubba over the years and it really ruins my day when we lose to those idiots who have no business even being in the same arena as the Wings (how’s that for arrogance?). On paper and in the standings, we should be able to kick the sh*t out of them, but for some unexplained, extra-terrestrial phenomenon, the boys always seem to play like they have rectal-cranial inversion almost when they play this damn team. I get so stressed everytime they play. The ‘Turds announcers don’t make it any easier to watch either. I won’t even get into how much I hate those two idiots.
Posted by Chris in Hockey Hell from COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE on 02/10/09 at 10:50 AM ET
Mandingo makes a good point about Sammy. Always looks pissed.
Mr. and Mrs. I. All class as usual.
I do not see much player movement at all after the season except for some attrition. Tick Tock will work his magic with minimal loss of talent.
Little Gary and the baby boy are getting me in trouble with the wife. My six and eight year old boy’s use those references regularily around the house along with the jackatoreum. She say’s they should call him Mr. Bettman. I say no way.
Posted by Jeff from Loveland, CO on 02/10/09 at 10:57 AM ET
She say’s they should call him Mr. Bettman.
This would be a good opportunity to teach your children that the term “Mr.” is a show of respect…
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 02/10/09 at 11:00 AM ET
Sammy doesn’t bring a mean edge, he’s just kind of a douchebag out there. He’s not an agitator, he’s not a fighter, and he’s not a low-class scumbag like Matt Cooke or Jarkko Ruutu. He’s out there, he spits out some Swedish slime and people like to try and scrub his face with their glove when they hear it. He’s a cagey veteran.
Jeff in OK: Rolling two high quality scoring lines is more than fine since no other team really does that in the NHL. Take a look around, no one in the league can crank out two mega loaded scoring lines. Then take what Detroit’s been doing with their youth movement and the higher quality of guys you can roll out there… That’s not like what Tampa or Ottawa has going on at all - those teams wish they had scouted and cultivated their homegrown programs like that because then they wouldn’t be wondering about which big scoring piece to maybe trade off to help fill ranks better.
Posted by HockeyJoe from Upstate New York on 02/10/09 at 11:10 AM ET
I don’t like this talk about handing out one-way tickets outta here. I want them all to stay.
But
If someone’s gotta go, I would definitely keep Fil and Sammy,,,You just do not abandon
players that reliably skate through checks, play a team game, good acceleration and have you’re best opponents looking over their shoulders. They’re stats suffer due to limited ice time. but step up when called upon.
Resigning of Fragile Franzen should be a summer event, if at all….
If the Wings bow out in the early rounds, they’re gonna need a scapegoat.
Tick Tock’s priority list should have Conk just below Hoss.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 02/10/09 at 11:21 AM ET
Sammy doesn’t bring a mean edge, he’s just kind of a douchebag out there. He’s not an agitator, he’s not a fighter, and he’s not a low-class scumbag like Matt Cooke or Jarkko Ruutu. He’s out there, he spits out some Swedish slime and people like to try and scrub his face with their glove when they hear it. He’s a cagey veteran.
Maybe the best assessment of Sammy’s game I’ve ever heard or read.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 02/10/09 at 11:27 AM ET
honing my craft.
Is that what they’re calling it these days?
If Hossa signs then Franzen’s deal will strictly be a numbers game. Like 3 mil maybe? Is that enough for him? Don’t know, don’t care. Somebody of significance has to go and if I have to choose it’d be Johan. Particularly if that means we keep Oompa. I can live with:
Dats-Zetts-Homer
Hossa-Fil-Leino
Hudler-Helm-Cleary
Kopy-Draper-Maltby(Abadabadoo)
But then, what the hell do I know anyway?
Posted by calquake on 02/10/09 at 11:44 AM ET
Great story about Mr and Mrs. I. I love hearing that the team continually finds ways to take care of their own.
As for the current form of play going on, I think I’m out of live blogs myself until the next L. Just keep playing like the game on Sunday, that’s all I ask!
Posted by clemshady from Greenwood, SC on 02/10/09 at 11:58 AM ET
honing my craft.
is that what you Navy types call your time in the jacketoreum these days? honing your “craft”?
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 02/10/09 at 12:00 PM ET
“Too many men on the bench”......classic. Lets resign Versus for 7 more years too, GaryAss.
Posted by Surfer Ken from San Clemente on 02/10/09 at 12:08 PM ET
Somebody of significance has to go and if I have to choose it’d be Johan. Particularly if that means we keep Oompa.
Agreed.
I’m just trying to figure out what Holland means when he says he can “maybe” sign Hossa and Franzen and keep the majority of the team together. That looks pretty f’ing impossible from where I’m sitting.
Posted by Sadie from Ann Arbor, MI on 02/10/09 at 12:54 PM ET
Last season aside and just by evidence of this season, I would rather have Hudles than Franzen. He has just been a mad man on the PP and getting clutch goals. I have no stats to back that up; just my memory. I don’t need stats to make a point.
Posted by Tuba Guy from Royal Oak, MI on 02/10/09 at 01:08 PM ET
iirc, Tick-Tock “let” an RFA player go to arbitration last year.
The net result was that no team offer him a contract that the Wings would have to match.
They say that arbitration is really hard on both player and team, but that one was settled just days before the meeting.
Given how crafty TT is, I would expect our RFA’s that we want to keep file for arbitration every year.
Posted by _Jon from NC on 02/10/09 at 02:12 PM ET
iirc, Tick-Tock “let” an RFA player go to arbitration last year.
The net result was that no team offer him a contract that the Wings would have to match.They say that arbitration is really hard on both player and team, but that one was settled just days before the meeting.
Given how crafty TT is, I would expect our RFA’s that we want to keep file for arbitration every year.
The problem with arbitration as it relates to Hudler is that it’s realistic to think that the arbiter will look to Filppula as a baseline for what Hudler deserves. If the team’s up against the cap already, and Hudler is given something in the 3 million dollar area for a single year by arbitration, the Wings will be stuck and have to essentially trade Hudler to any taker for literally nothing. That is, if the other 29 teams don’t stick it to the Wings, ignore their calls, and force them to waive a valuable player, like Hudler.
Basically, unless I’m missing something, Tick Tock will have to trade Hudler’s rights before July 1st to avoid this problem, if he thinks he can keep Hossa, or Hossa and Franzen. If he can’t get a deal done with Hossa, then he can hold onto Hudler and try to keep Franzen in the mix.
Unless Hudler agrees to an insanely unfair hometown discount in the million dollar area, he’s the odd man out, barring a trade of a player like Filppula or Kronwall, or trades of multiple players like Lebda/Lilja/Meech.
It will be very hard to get this done. We’ll see what happens. One thing is sure—the Wings will still probably start next season with as much talent as any other club, if not more (Detroit and San Jose will both have a lot of talent returning next year).
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 02/10/09 at 02:22 PM ET
He has just been a mad man on the PP and getting clutch goals. I have no stats to back that up; just my memory.
Hudler IS clutch. He has a knack for scoring gamebreakers, timely goals that may not be game-winners, but have the same effect when the game is stalemated and big points are on the line. A couple of years ago, when Nashville was our main divisional rival and was chasing us for the lead with a star-studded team, we had a crucial home-and-home series against them. Hudler was the difference maker in those two games, leading the team in scoring over them. We kept the divisional lead and made the conference finals. This year, our main divisional rival is Chicago. In the home-and-home culminating in the Winter Classic, again, he made the difference. I believe he led the team in scoring again, and in the WC itself, with the game tied (or us trailing by one, I forget) he scored and we had ourselves a GAME. Inspired, the team went on to win.
His defensive game is virtually nonexistent, but he’s not a liability on the ice like he could be a few years ago. He’s got real spirit and plays with heart and grit and is ferocious, going toe to toe with guys he gives up six inches and fifty pounds on because it’s not the size of the dog in the fight…He is an offensive force, and there is no other player in the League that produces what he does given the ice time. He makes more happen with less, more so than even the top players.
Unfortunately, getting realistic the most points per minutes played can be expensive to retain. If he’s determined to get paid, then there’s very little we can do to keep him (although we’d be certain to if neither Franzen nor Hossa re-signed). MAYBE if Hossa signed for a low cap hit and we let Franzen walk we might be able to give him a couple million, but I’m not sure. The thing is, he doesn’t have to sign any offer sheet he doesn’t want to, and if he’s determined to stay, he will, perhaps for a cap hit of under one million. That hardly seems likely, though.
My prediction is a team with no real offensive spark in their top lines such as Minnesota or Edmonton (whose scouts originally urged to draft him in the first round) will offer him a regular scoring spot in their top six (not something he gets regularly with us). Out of loyalty to the team (and a little bit of greed), he’ll push for the most he can get so that our return in draft picks is as lucrative as possible.
Bottom line—I’d love to see him stick around, probably even at the cost of Franzen. But if he doesn’t, I’m glad we can get some return for him and wish him the best of luck wherever he ends up.
Oh, and Gabe, well done. I laughed my balls off.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 02/10/09 at 02:37 PM ET
Oh, and Gabe, well done. I laughed my balls off.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on
(in a very high voice) Me too Gabe!
Posted by calquake on 02/10/09 at 03:15 PM ET
He didn’t go to arbitration, he just filed for it.
Big difference in that by filing he is essentially ineligible for offer sheets, but because he signed before the arbitration hearing, none of the bad stuff of arbitration came to pass.
Posted by _Jon from NC on 02/10/09 at 03:29 PM ET
After getting into Gary’s Baby Boy’s face by grabbing his sweater like a Capo demanding his overdue protection money in that 3-nil drubbing of the Pens, I have a newfound respect for Samuelsson. I used to cringe whenever he’s on the ice against the top players in the league. Uncle Mike must see something in him we don’t. To echo Gramps, he’s a cagey veteran who knows how to get under someone’s skin…much like a certain jackass who turtled under the fists of one Darren McCarty but without the cheap shots.
While I’m just thrilled with the class act of the Ilitches giving the old-timer Wings that outstanding gift of a retro-ring, I still wonder about Larry Aurie and why he is still shunned like a black sheep in the organization. I’ve searched all over the ‘Net for about two hours last night trying to get the scoop to no avail. I’m not looking to stir trouble and I will butt out when told; I’m just curious as to what the story is. That’s all.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 02/10/09 at 03:50 PM ET
While I’m just thrilled with the class act of the Ilitches giving the old-timer Wings that outstanding gift of a retro-ring, I still wonder about Larry Aurie and why he is still shunned like a black sheep in the organization. I’ve searched all over the ‘Net for about two hours last night trying to get the scoop to no avail. I’m not looking to stir trouble and I will butt out when told; I’m just curious as to what the story is. That’s all.
Butt out? Not necessary SYF. Frankly, I’m surprised it took someone this long to mention Aurie. It’s something I should have brought up when I posted that this morning.
Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 02/10/09 at 03:55 PM ET
To echo Gramps, he’s a cagey veteran who knows how to get under someone’s skin…much like a certain jackass who turtled under the fists of one Darren McCarty but without the cheap shots.
Gramps?? I haven’t even turned 30 yet and I’m Gramps?!
Posted by HockeyJoe from Upstate New York on 02/10/09 at 04:04 PM ET
[looks back]
Aww crap…sorry, Joe. Didn’t mean the slight, man.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 02/10/09 at 04:28 PM ET
What really sucks about this whole “who stays, who goes” situation is that whoever the odd man out is, it’s going to suck. I’m sure almost everyone will agree that we absolutely should sign Hoss, seems like he’s determined to stay. I’m also certain that everyone would be freakin’ ecstatic if we could keep Hoss and Johan. Now if that does indeed happen, that means someone that most of us like WILL be gone. Whether it be Sammy, Oompa, Fil, etc. Now while no one wants to see any of these guys go (except Cheli?), it’s the nature of the beast thanks to Little Gary. If it weren’t for him, Mule would have already been signed, and Tick Tock would give Hoss his 8-million-a-year and we’d be able to remedy our “questionable” goaltending situation and then we could all go on our merry way, waiting for Gary to have to hand Nick Cup #12 (which he’s probably going to have to do anyway). Given the choice, if I were to pick someone to go, it would be Fil. He’s making 3 million a year, and really hasn’t produced (point-wise) and just can’t seem to find his game this season. I know he has tons of “upside” but that doesn’t guarantee results. While Sammy drives us crazy always missing the net, at least he has scored points this year on a relatively consistent basis. Hulder, well, he just has a “nose for the net”. I think he should stay. I think Leino could take Fil’s spot and do a better job at it. Let someone take Fil’s contract off our hands and we could use that money on someone who knows how to put the puck in the net.
Posted by Chris in Hockey Hell from COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE on 02/10/09 at 05:25 PM ET
I think Chelios would do well to finish his career in Chi-town. I bet Tic - Tock is already working on it.
He should get booed when he comes to Detroit, then - not as a disrespect, but because it would be funny. 
With Filppula filing for arbitration - the tough part is if a player and a team actually go before the arbitrator to make their respective cases as to how much salary the player is worth. That’s why most cases are settled out of court, as it were, and an agreement is reached before the arbitration hearing. With Filppula filing for arbitration, it meant that no other team could toss an offer sheet at him and Detroit wouldn’t have that possibility to deal with in the negotiations. Remember the rumours about Vancouver tossing a bunch of money at Wally? I recall several internet warnings for Shamu to back off and keep their grubby mitts off him.
And stop all this talk of spunky Hudler going elsewhere. I’m getting depressed with all that.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/10/09 at 05:40 PM ET
Filppula is a center and Leino is a winger. Besides, it was Filppula who asked the Wings to take a look at Leino while the rest of the league was jacking off to Brunnstrom’s V. And in that game against the Pens, I thought the two of them worked real well together - which is expected when you have fellow countrymen playing together. Keep them together and we could be looking at a THIRD scoring line that can play a gritty hustling game.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 02/10/09 at 06:01 PM ET
Whats the Larry Auri story, Chief?
Posted by Surfer Ken from San Clemente on 02/10/09 at 06:08 PM ET
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Good job Gabe!
It’s a damn shame but you’re right Chief; we’re simply too deep on D to keep Cheli around, but at least he’ll depart with a ring or two.
Sammy can definitely go, but he does play with some grit. Given that and Babbles’ man-crush, I’m not sure we’ll see him replaced by Abadabadoo or Leino yet.
Posted by Osrt on 02/10/09 at 05:11 AM ET