2009 NHL Free Agency: Detroit Red Wings Preview

by Christy on Jun 29, 2009 12:00 PM CDT Comment 9 comments

The NHL free agency period kicks off this Wednesday at noon EDT. In the few days between the draft and the start of free agency, we as fans have a chance to debate what the Wings should or should not do this offseason. The blogging crew here at WIM should have some more in-depth posts up about specific players/news until then, but here's a summary to kick off discussions.

2009 NHL Free Agency: What The Wings Should Do
Pending UFAs: Marian Hossa, Mikael Samuelsson, Ty Conklin, Chris Chelios, Darren McCarty, Aaron Downey, Tomas Kopecky
Pending RFAs: Jiri Hudler, Ville Leino, Evan McGrath, Ryan Oulahen
Salary cap space: $4.5-million (approximately)
Projected budget: $56.8-million
Key needs: With the Wings up against the salary cap, don't expect any big splashes in the offseason. Holland will likely find a role player or two to fit our needs on offense for the fourth line, but Detroit is mostly set this year. A lot depends on Hossa. If he stays, the Wings will need to trade away guys to make room under the cap and find some cheap talent and fast. If he goes, there will be more money to target a second or third line player.
Potential targets: Samuel Pahlsson, Chad LaRose, John Madden, P.J. Axelsson, Ian Laperriere
What our Central Division opponents want: Second City Hockey (Blackhawks), The Cannon (Blue Jackets), On the Forecheck (Predators), and St. Louis Game Time (Blues)

What We Do Know: The Red Wings have informed Ty Conklin (goaltender) and Chris Chelios (defenseman) that they will not be offering them deals. Due to the salary cap and Jimmy Howard having to clear waivers now, there's just not room for Conklin. Detroit has offered Darren McCarty a two-way contract, which would allow him to stay with the Wings but will keep him down in Grand Rapids for most of the season. He has not made his decision yet.

If Marian Hossa is not re-signed by today, GM Ken Holland could try to trade away the negotiating rights to the star forward. As we pointed out on Sunday, it's not looking like the Wings are going to get a deal done. If that's the case, let's hope Detroit can get something positive out of it.

Based on their playoff performances, Darren Helm (forward) and Jonathan Ericsson (defenseman) have earned spots on the roster so that will help offset whatever personnel losses the Wings experience during free agency. If Holland can re-sign RFA Ville Leino, he should also join the Red Wings' lineup this upcoming season. Should Hossa stay and the roster is short a few players, expect Holland to insert Justin Abdelkader into the lineup purely for financial reasons.

Now It's Your Turn: Who do you want to see stay or go? Who do you want to see Detroit target this summer? Tell us know in the comments.

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Comments

Still Chugging

I’m still on the Travis Moen train. Would love to see him in Detroit. Either that or U of M alum John Madden.

Find me on twitter @chollis

by motownchollis on Jun 29, 2009 12:42 PM CDT reply actions

If all is lost...

If everyone rumored to leave does, I like brining in Leino, Ericsson, Helm, Abdelkader, etc.

I’d also like to see an inexpensive energy/team oriented guy, like potential UFA Stéphane Veilleux from Minnesota. Everything I’ve heard makes me think he’d be a good 3rd or 4th line guy for the Wings.

by ChiWingsFan on Jun 29, 2009 12:58 PM CDT reply actions

Opinion....

Chelios ok, even though I appreciate what he has done. I’m a big McCarty fan, but not sure why we are keeping him on the books. That to me is money that could be spent better. I think if you have Leno, Franzen, Helm, and Kronwall you have size. Even though McCarty can still fight, sometimes a nice big hit does the same. Samuelsson will stand up for a fight, Lilja may too if someone teaches him a thing or two about fighting i.e. don’t take on Webber if your not ready lol.

Goalies are hard to come by, and maybe I am wrong and not seeing the overall picture, but why the heck is Conklin going and Howard staying??

I’m not sure if I’d keep Hudler, Downey,and Stuart though… You do have Meech and Lebda (when he is on his game).

The younger guys that brought everything they have for the playoffs, sign ’em up Coach!!

by djohnsonphotos on Jun 29, 2009 1:13 PM CDT reply actions

If the Wings...

want a good 3rd or 4th liner I’d go with Chad LaRose. But I’ve been on the Nik Antropov train since I saw him on the free agent list. Sign him cheap and get him on board with the winged wheel.

by jackson1234 on Jun 29, 2009 2:21 PM CDT reply actions

I'd really like to see...

the Wings keep as many in house players as possible. And i’m not sure what many are talking about as far as getting rid of Brad Stuart. Yeah, he’s had spotty play at bad times but throughout the playoffs he was actually one of the most consistent. He’s one of the most physical players on the team and I think getting rid of him would be a mistake. That being said, I’d really like to see Leino, Hudler, and Kopecky stay but will likely only get to see two of those three since Kopecky is probably going to be looking to step into a new spotlight.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jun 29, 2009 4:23 PM CDT reply actions

They're still mad because of game 7...

I’m not, I want Stuart to stay. Why would we get rid of him?

I’m getting on the Madden train, I loved him while he was with New Jersey, and as a former U of M player.

by ZWC11 on Jun 29, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions

I really would like to see...

Chris Neal in a Red Wings jersey.

by Wingman52 on Jun 29, 2009 11:47 PM CDT reply actions

I'm a bit nostalgic

There’s a good post on Babcock’s Death Stare on this subject. He mentions a few old Wings who could be effective in a limited role (for limited pay) and might like to end their careers on the Wings in a last bid for a cup: Knuble, Sillinger, Shanahan.

by Krazzid on Jun 30, 2009 12:41 PM CDT reply actions