2009 NHL Free Agency Open Thread

Man I wish it was not about money…what ever happened to playing the game because you love it..I think we all would love to have Hossa back I think if he did agree on the contract we would have a better shot at winning next yr and maybe two cups in the next five…. He stays he gets his ring and maybe a few more.. he gets dealt it may be to a team that may not have that chance……lets sign him..

I’ll be with you throughout the entire day, updating you in real-time on all the big happenings for both the Red Wings and the entire NHL (obviously, a much stronger focus on the Wings).

Happy FA Day everyone!

5 year deals worth 6.1 million a season.

Here’s the quick n’ dirty of it:

- Still talking to Hossa, but he is likely on his way out the door for Minnesota or LA.
- Samuelsson will likely test the free agent waters today. Reports are that he and the Wings are not close on terms.
- Hudler is reportedly less than thrilled with the Wings offer to him. However, he is an RFA, so expect him to be a top priority for the Wings to re-sign.
- Kopecky will be testing out the FA waters today.

I understand that professional hockey players get the least amount of money as far as sports athlete’s go, but taking a pay cut in order to play with the Wings is not a bad idea. We didn’t win this year?—Okay. People think that Hossa’s worst decision was leaving the Penguins, especially since they won the cup this year.

But they’ve only won it a total of three times… Ever.

Just in my lifetime, Detroit has won it four times. Leaving Detroit—Hossa can bet that will be the worst career move he’s ever made.

Peace out.

It’s starting to sound a bit more likely. Stay tuned.

At least he doesn’t have to worry about getting exposed in the playoffs…

Wow. There’s a special place in hell for people like him.

Have to imagine they are going hard to the hoop for him.

12 years, 5.2 mil a season.

2 year, 1.3 million average

“Whats the best way to piss off the Peguins? sign w/Detroit.
Whats the best way to burn your bridge with detroit? Sign with Chitown
How does Chi stop Hossa’s chances of a piss off my last team world tour? sign him to a 12 year deal.
Karma predicts he will get traded back to Ott or ATL before that contract runs out. "

Found that comment on the Puck Daddy blog.

I’ve been real high on Hossa even with his poor playoff performance. I really thought he’d stick around in Detroit, even though the money wouldn’t be as good. I mean seriously, you turn down a ten year contract? What, you didn’t think the Wings would win again in the next 10 years?

Honestly, his signing in Chicago surprises me big time. Not a great move cap wise for the Hawks, and not a great move Lord Stanley wise for Hossa. Chicago will be a bit more formidable now, at least for the next few years, but I’m not sure Hossa is the missing piece to a championship team.

I really thought this guy wanted a cup more than money. Seriously, you can’t live on 1 mil less a year? I hate to say it, but I think I’m beginning to understand a bit of the way Pens fans felt when Hossa left them last year.

Here’s hoping to see Detroit beat Chicago in the playoffs again next year, and seeing Hossa choke against his former teammates like he did this year in the finals.

Brashear to NY Rangers. Knuble to Caps. Montador to Buffalo.

I’m bummed the Wings couldn’t keep him
I’m not bummed at all about Hossa. Chicago just screwed themselves for resigning their young studs for next offseason.
Should the Wings go after Havlet?
Whats the word on Scudari?