Rockin good times.

Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 07/01/08 at 11:07 AM ET

Does 3.75 bust the salary structure?

Glad to have him back, but I thought for sure he was heading out to the west coast.

Posted by John from Pittsburgh, PA (Wings fan for life!) on 07/01/08 at 11:08 AM ET

Great start!  Defense won’t be an issue next season, for sure.

Posted by lilja4ever on 07/01/08 at 11:09 AM ET

That’s more like it.  More than makes up for the pain that Lilja is sure to bring me in the coming season.

Posted by Sadie from Ann Arbor, MI on 07/01/08 at 11:10 AM ET

Let me be the first one to predict his inevitable divorce….

Posted by kevin from boston on 07/01/08 at 11:10 AM ET

Like I said yonder:

This gives the Wings a great blueline next year, but stunts their growth. Jonathon Ericsson will have to be sent down to Grand Rapids for another year, and the Wings will still have to trade or waive a defenseman to get down to eight.

And I’m surprised by the cap hit. Not that it’s more than Kronwall, just that I didn’t think he was worth that, and that it’s going to make things real tight come Z/Mule free agency next year. But then again, Ken Holland is the most savvy GM in the league. I am a less savvy GM. But still a very good one! For example, look at this puck I drew.

Posted by Pete K from Chicago, IL on 07/01/08 at 11:11 AM ET

Half a mil more than KH wanted, but a good signing.  His family gets stability, and that’s what he wanted.

Posted by George Malik from South Lyon, MI on 07/01/08 at 11:11 AM ET

This signing is already looking brilliant considering the Devils signed a bum like Bryce Salvador for four years at $2.9 per.

Posted by HockeyJoe from NY on 07/01/08 at 11:11 AM ET

Does 3.75 bust the salary structure?

My figures show that, with a $2M cushion for the trade deadline, Kenny still has a healthy $5,927,000 to play with.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 07/01/08 at 11:13 AM ET

This made my day/off-season :D

Posted by movesfan13 from Grand Rapids, MI on 07/01/08 at 11:15 AM ET

Probably more than Holland wanted, but much less then he could have gotten (I heard numbers ranging up to $5 million per from some peoples).  Pretty good compromise.

I don’t think it needs to stunt Ericsson’s growth, actually.  He converted over to being a defenseman from a forward, I think, so he could probably benefit from being an injury callup and stepping in for Lilja in the playoffs when he comes down with mono. 

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/01/08 at 11:16 AM ET

Now can we just get a “Detroit signs Rolston at $12M for 3 years” headline?

Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 07/01/08 at 11:16 AM ET

OlderThanChelios - the bigger question is, does it bust the cap next year, when you throw in new contracts for Filppula, Franzen, and Zetterberg. And Hudler too.

Posted by Pete K from Chicago, IL on 07/01/08 at 11:16 AM ET

Is that nearly 6 mil enough to get us Sundin? If not, what forwards do any of you see us adding?

Posted by A II R from Rome, ITA on 07/01/08 at 11:16 AM ET

the bigger question is, does it bust the cap next year, when you throw in new contracts for Filppula, Franzen, and Zetterberg. And Hudler too.

Nope…unless Kenny signs Hossa to four years at $7M per. Otherwise the increase in cap space alone will cover about 2/3 of the raise that Hank and Mule will get.

Besides, it Ken Holland were talkin’ about here. He’s not going to do something stupid. In Ken we trust.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 07/01/08 at 11:19 AM ET

I think the Stuie signing is frigging awesome!  Big, bruising “D” man, and had an incredible post-season for the Wings (only a few gaffes I recall, one an ill-advised open ice hit), numbers from TSN.ca:

seven points and a plus-15 rating, while playing 21:40 per game in 21 games

Shores up the blueline.  Holland’s article at The Hockey News specifically mentioned his desire to acquire players that fit the Wings style of play.  Stuie is no Lidstrom or Rafalski at moving the puck, but he is pretty good at it.  Plus he brings a good “physical” element to the blueline. 

Kuddos to the Organization.  I didn’t think they would be able to resign him.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 07/01/08 at 11:21 AM ET

I do trust in Kenny, but we can’t predict what the cap will do next year.

Also, TSN is reporting that Stuart’s deal includes a no-trade clause. That’s very interesting.

Posted by Pete K from Chicago, IL on 07/01/08 at 11:21 AM ET

By the way, this is from hockeybuzz earlier:

Brad Stuart to Return to Kings (E4)
“From a source, “Almost a certainty.”“
- Eklund

What a joke…Who buys season passes to this guys website, unless its to pull information to laugh at his willingness to put anything on his website.

Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 07/01/08 at 11:24 AM ET

This gives the Wings a great blueline next year, but stunts their growth.
Posted by Pete K from Chicago, IL on 07/01 at 12:11 PM

Pete it’s not the Stuart signing that stunts their growth, it’s keeping Lils and Cheli, or at least both.  The youngsters on D should be given plenty of 5-6 Dmen time this year, more time during injuries or resting on back to back games.

Nailing down a top 4 D line up is awesome, but the young guys need to develop during the regular season in the 5 and 6 positions.

Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/01/08 at 11:26 AM ET

Holland’s article at The Hockey News specifically mentioned his desire to acquire players that fit the Wings style of play.

Stuart not only does that, in spades, but he fits perfectly with Nick Jr. His defense-first approach lets Kronner do what he just loves to do…step up and flatten wingers who skate with their heads down. It’s a huge plus for the Wings to have him back.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids on 07/01/08 at 11:27 AM ET

Is that nearly 6 mil enough to get us Sundin? If not, what forwards do any of you see us adding?

Maybe, since he made $5 million or $5.5 million last year, and although he could get $7 million he might be willing to take less to play on a contender.

Otherwise, I think Detroit might have their eyes on Brian Rolston - and as someone mentioned, it would be strange to see them add a “Brian R.” to the roster in consecutive years. 

I don’t think Hossa is in the picture - if the team only had either Datsyuk or Zetterberg, yes - but with two players like that, nope.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/01/08 at 11:27 AM ET

BTW -

Posted by A II R from Rome, ITA on 07/01 at 12:16 PM

What time is it in Rome, anyway? 

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/01/08 at 11:29 AM ET

I think that you are looking at a trade this fall after training camp. 
1 or 2 of Lebda, Lilja, Quincey & Meech will go.

Posted by w2j2 on 07/01/08 at 11:31 AM ET

Doubtful Lilja gets traded no matter what happens at camp- why re-sign him just to trade him later?  So, I think that competition is between Lebda, Quincey, and Meech, with Lebda getting his “experience” counted in his favor… I’m betting Meech is the odd man out, though I’d much prefer to see Lebda go…

Slow news day or what?

Posted by mudshark on 07/01/08 at 11:33 AM ET

w2j2, I would agree, But we wont get much for any of them. The situation forces us to release one if not trade, that’ll mean 3rd round pick at best.

Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 07/01/08 at 11:34 AM ET

Thanks Baroque. It’s 6:33pm. 6 hour difference between here and East Coast time. Thinking about hockey is about the only thing that can keep me cool these days——it’s hot!

Posted by A II R from Rome, ITA on 07/01/08 at 11:35 AM ET

Considering worse defensemen like Redden will get 6 million per, that is a bargain.

This is the new NHL, and the prices will keep getting hiked until there’s another lockout.

Posted by Huss from Sarasota, FL on 07/01/08 at 11:36 AM ET

Well, I think Lilja is actually pretty decent trade bait now. You just signed him to a relatively cheap, two year contract, which makes him desirable for teams short on D, like phoenix. The issue here is that it’d be pretty messed up to sign him to that discount contract then ship him out. Wings organ-I-zation is all business but not cold-blooded.

Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 07/01/08 at 11:36 AM ET

I wish i had gotten this security word a couple of threads ago:

why68

Posted by rwingscup19 from Dallas on 07/01/08 at 11:38 AM ET

stepping in for Lilja in the playoffs when he comes down with mono.

Baroque, I’ll thank you not to discuss our ‘mono’ plan until I can get the guy with the lead pipe lined up, okay?

What time is it in Rome, anyway?

Well, it’s 6:40 PM um…here…so it’ll be the same time in Rome.

I must confess I didn’t see the Stuart signing coming, but it’s not a bad move.  Good point about Bryce Salvador.  I suspect that’s our summer UFA signing done now though, unless Sundin will take a pay cut on a one-year deal.  And I see trades galore coming before the season starts.  Hopefully Lebda so we can keep Meech.

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from heading for the UFA auctioneer's market on 07/01/08 at 11:44 AM ET

Agreed with the GREATNESS of solidifying our #2 D pair. Kronner’s got a rock solid partner.
I’m thinking Lebbie or Lils will be shipped out…. but in Kenny I trust.

Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 07/01/08 at 11:46 AM ET

Lebda DID drop the cup….

Posted by w2j2 on 07/01/08 at 11:49 AM ET

Well, it’s 6:40 PM um…here…so it’ll be the same time in Rome.

Well, I didn’t know you were in Rome specifically - just somewhere on the continent.

Besides, I’m really bad with time zone stuff - that’s why I hate Stupid Daylight Savings Time (plus all the morons saying, “we have more hours of sunlight!” when NO, YOU DON’T - THE NUMBER OF HOURS ARE IDENTICAL, THEY JUST HAVE DIRRECT NUMBERS ATTACHED TO THEM ON THE CLOCK, IDIOTS!).

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/01/08 at 11:50 AM ET

As usual, Bruce “The Highlander” MacLeod has comments from Holland on the Stuart signing.  Holland also said:

“We’re obviously done on defense,” added Holland. “We’re still looking for a back-up goalie. If we can find a forward on a short-term deal to fill out our needs, great. But will that be this week or later in the summer, who knows.”

Forward, short-term???  Interesting!

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 07/01/08 at 11:50 AM ET

*DIFFERENT* numbers…

Not sure what happened, there.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/01/08 at 11:51 AM ET

+15 in 21 playoff games is very very strong.

i’m glad to see it even if the price is just slightly high.  if the structure is what was released yesterday it starts out around 3.25 and climbs each year as the cap may climb also.

Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/01/08 at 11:51 AM ET

I really thought Stuart was going to bolt so I’m relieved to hear the Wings were able to sign him to an extension.  It’s a reasonable amount of money and term.  If Lidstrom signs for another two years after his current contract expires that means four years of:

Lidstrom-Rafalski
Kronwall-Stuart

That is a rock solid top 4, arguably the best Detroit has had over that past 15 years of dominant play.

Great start to free agency!

Posted by Dave on 07/01/08 at 11:53 AM ET

Anyone else see CBJ picked up Raffi effing Torres? GREAT. Add another sumbitch to the Central Division on par with Jordin Freaking Tootoo.

Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 07/01/08 at 11:54 AM ET

Anyone else see CBJ picked up Raffi effing Torres? GREAT. Add another sumbitch to the Central Division on par with Jordin Freaking Tootoo.

Yep, for a stalled-development youngster - Oilers fans aren’t all that happy about it, either.

http://lowetide.blogspot.com/2008/07/oilers-trade-torres-for-brule.html

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/01/08 at 11:57 AM ET

Good news indeed.  I think Kenny must have decided to jump on it after he saw what the Caps gave Green.
(5.5 for 4 yrs…a 22 yr old ??)

As far as giving him a little more than Kronner…
I suppose it can be justified when you consider Kronners injury record.

Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 07/01/08 at 11:58 AM ET

Forward, short-term???  Interesting!
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from Wind-Swept-Plains on 07/01 at 12:50 PM

Yeah does that mean they would NOT consider 3-4 years for Rolston?

Does this mean they are interested in one year for Sundin?

Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 07/01/08 at 11:58 AM ET

“We’re obviously done on defense,” added Holland

Wait a minute. If I’m not mistaken, Chelios hasn’t been signed yet. Could this be a signal that he won’t be?

Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 07/01/08 at 11:59 AM ET

Thinking about hockey is about the only thing that can keep me cool these days——it’s hot!

Beaten to it by the OP!  It’s hot here too, AIIR, so I’ve got the curtains down and the windows open, but I don’t have the luxury that you do of getting down to a gelateria and cooling off in the Fontina di Trevi…so what are you doing here?

I wonder if the braintrust has paid attention to the Group 6 free agency rule for Ericsson…or maybe they think that they can re-sign him to a multi-year deal?  I do think GR would be the better place for him next year, but would rather not lose him.  Regardless, I think Lebda (hopefully) is gone this summer.  If we sign a forward, it’ll be William Tell…which is why I think we stand pat now.  And with Stuart back in the fold, I’m happy with that.  Mats who?

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from inside my home, hiding from the sun on 07/01/08 at 11:59 AM ET

And I’m surprised by the cap hit. Not that it’s more than Kronwall, just that I didn’t think he was worth that, and that it’s going to make things real tight come Z/Mule free agency next year. But then again, Ken Holland is the most savvy GM in the league.

I highly doubt that Holland would sign Brad Friggin’ Stuart if he had any doubts about his ability to resign, at the very least, Henrik Zetterberg, and at least one of Filppula or Franzen. In Kenny we trust.

And as for talk about stunting the growth of the young guys? Hard to argue with an organization that has one of the best track records in all of world sports when it comes to developing talent.

If anything, I would think that this signing indicates a potential trade, though likely minor, of Lebda, Meech, or Quincey.

Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 07/01/08 at 12:00 PM ET

As far as giving him a little more than Kronner…
I suppose it can be justified when you consider Kronners injury record.

I suspect also that Kronwall will make up for it when he gets his next contract, too.

Now that you mention it, there were a few dubious opinions in the MSM when Detroit signed him to such a long deal, because of the injury history he had up to that time.

And yes, those numbers on Green are amazing.  I hope he can deliver quickly, since defensemen often take longer to develop than forwards.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/01/08 at 12:01 PM ET

Wait a minute. If I’m not mistaken, Chelios hasn’t been signed yet. Could this be a signal that he won’t be?

I think they have a verbal agreement - besides, who else is going to babysit when they call up kids from Grand Rapids?

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 07/01/08 at 12:05 PM ET

Well, I didn’t know you were in Rome specifically - just somewhere on the continent.

Not in Rome…hence AIIR being able to take advantage of lovely Italian ice-cream parlors and marble fountains in the sun, but not me.  Just in the same time zone, but that covers a lot of territory.

I’m only bad with time zones when I have to cross waaaaaay too many of them—going back to Michigan for Thanksgiving, for example…ugh.

Anyone else see CBJ picked up Raffi effing Torres? GREAT.

Yep.  That’ll be both Downey and D-Mac re-signed, then…

And I’d forgotten about the backup goalie.  Modest one-year deal for Kolzig, or are we all in consensus that he won’t take a backup role?

I’m just glad I’m not a betting man, because I would have been tempted to put a c-note on Stuart returning to California.

What’s the general idea about Sundin?  Do we still go for him in a couple of weeks or whenever he makes his mind up?

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the puzzle, watching the pieces fall into place on 07/01/08 at 12:09 PM ET

GREAT. Add another sumbitch to the Central Division on par with Jordin Freaking Tootoo.

Tootoo was pretty invisible as long as Drake dressed for the game….that is why we need Tucker, or Nolan.

Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 07/01/08 at 12:12 PM ET

I don’t know about Green.  He had a GREAT regular season, and was a rock for the Caps in the playoffs, despite them losing in the first round.  Even if he IS young, he’s pretty well-established already.  If he can build on last season, he’ll be worth every penny of that contract.  And to think, he could’ve been ours if it weren’t for the Enigma and his mullet!

Ah well, if he had been ours, we might have been fretting over re-signing him now, so…

Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the auction block, waiting for Alexei Yashin on 07/01/08 at 12:13 PM ET

happy happy joy joy!

Posted by cowboycoffee from Boston, but usually San Francisco on 07/01/08 at 12:14 PM ET