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.
