Conklin will not be offered, Holland "not optimistic" about Hossa

by motownchollis on Jun 27, 2009 11:01 PM CDT in News Comment 13 comments

Will Marian Hossa be fist pumping with another team next year? (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

On the heels of a great draft for the Detroit Red Wings, some news that is a bit less encouraging.

"If there's a (salary) cap number we think can fit in, we'll sign him. We're prepared to do a long-term deal," Holland said. "(Hossa's agent) Ritch Winter is hoping for a bigger cap number, more than what we're offering.

"He's talking to Marian. We'll talk in the next couple of days. I'm not optimistic, but we'll see."

Holland also said the team will not offer backup goaltender Ty Conklin a contract. That means Jimmy Howard will back up Chris Osgood next season.

It shouldn't be a big surprise to see Conklin head out, based on Ken Holland and Jim Nill's recent comments in support of Howard. However, Conklin was a hard-working, "everyman" kind of player that was a fan favorite in Detroit, so there will be more than a few fans that are sad to see him go.

In terms of Marian Hossa: It honestly sounds less and less likely that he will be with the Wings next season. The Wings will obviously continue to pursue him, but Holland is also preparing to listen to offers for Hossa's negotiating rights. While Hossa is one of the top prospects in this year's fee agent class, there is other talent to be had around the league, and Hossa could become one very large bargaining chip for the Wings. That said, nothing is done yet, so let's see what Holland, Nill and company have up their sleeve over the next couple of days.

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Well... We'll see

Glad to see Howard is getting a chance now, I just hope he is up to the task, in case we suffer through another dismal regular season for Osgood.

by ZWC11 on Jun 27, 2009 11:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Kinda bummed about Conklin, he’s pretty solid. I’m not sold on Hossa because of his playoff disappearing act. Good luck to both wherever they may end up except when they play the Wings

by JazzyBBP on Jun 28, 2009 1:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hossa apparently on the trade blocks

From some of the rumors swirling around the league/internet, Hossa is on the trade blocks and will likely go to the Kings, likely for draft picks. Interesting thing is the Kings have enough money to sign Hossa and someone like Marian Gaborik, could turn them from semi-threat to real contender if they get both Marians.

Winging It In Motown

by MrNorrisTrophy on Jun 28, 2009 8:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

When you say draft picks do you mean from this year’s draft or future picks? I’d hope it’d be from this year’s draft so we can see some instant gratification, especially considering LA may just be able to contend next year making next year’s draft picks slightly less valuable.

by Zegarek88 on Jun 28, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i would imagine next year

Winging It In Motown

by MrNorrisTrophy on Jun 28, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Poor Hossa

If Hossa ends up in LA, I actually feel bad for him. I don’t see them being a contender even with both Marians, which I doubt they’ll get. LA has too many holes for a few power forwards to make all the difference. I really think that if Hossa goes to LA the Cup he wants is going to drift further and further out of reach.

by Brobz on Jun 28, 2009 2:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn’t exactly say that yet. The Kings are building for the future and I like where they are heading with their young stars in Brown, Kopitar and Jack Johnson. If they can stabilize their goaltending situation, then they can go from upstart to in the hunt for the playoffs. And, of course, having a couple more scoring threats like Hossa and Gaborik doesn’t hurt, either.

by Crocosaur on Jun 28, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Despite Bitter Dissappointment,Hossa Still A Must Have!

It certainly was depressing to watch Hossa struggle in the Finals….If he had scored in Game 6 at The Igloo,there probably wouldn’t have been a Game 7,and The Wings skate Back-to-Back Stanley Cups in front of Crosby and Malkin…..(A decidedly delightful thought! :) ….Irregardless,The Wings CANNOT allow a 40 Goal-Scorer to leave for “Greener Pastures.” I don’t EVER wish to see #81 skating The Cup for ANY other team but the Wings…..Whatever it takes to lock Him up,Yes I mean WHATEVER it takes,Everyone!….Time to move Heaven and Earth on this one! Get it done Ken!

by weststar73 on Jun 28, 2009 6:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you.

Hossa may be one of the most laughed at players in the league right now – but he’s got talent.

by JenLovesWings on Jun 28, 2009 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about the salary cap?

If the Wings sign Hossa (his agent is say $6M and the Wings are offering $4M), who goes because they do not have the cap space to sign Hossa for that much and keep a guy like Samuelson or Hudler.

Now, I’d love to see Hossa stay but not at the cost of losing a winning team. Toughen up our 3rd and 4th lines and add another rugged defenseman.

Here’s a list of possible Free Agents, the Freep, thinks the Wings should target. For the most part I agree.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=C4&Date=20090620&Category=SPORTS05&ArtNo=906200803&Ref=PH&Profile=1048

by jryno on Jun 28, 2009 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nik Antropov...

still seems like a good fit for the Wings. If i was Ken Holland i would definitely pursue him and maybe even Chad Larose.

by jackson1234 on Jun 29, 2009 1:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

eh, all along.....

i’ve said ditch hossa. let’s save some cap money, pick up a winger & a couple of brain-fartless defensemen who can actually pass the puck to a red wing in our own zone, trade stuart as well…..captain brain-fart, never recovered from the head knock i suppose.
we’ll be back, without hossa.
go wings!!

by puckyou2 on Jun 29, 2009 7:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs