I assume you're asking about Eric Nystrom from Dallas...

You guys got a great player and person in Alfie. He will not be a 30 goal guy but can chip in at least 20 and will compete every second he is on the ice. The guy has so much game left and I think he will play more than just this season. Hopefully he resigns in Ottawa after. But seriously, Detroit was my original team before the Sens came to town so I will dust off my Red Wings jersey and cheer for Alfie.

Don't want to know the Wings because they have one of the best management teams, but I don't know how much Alfie can help them. 5 years ago is one thing at 40 don't know if his body will hold up all year.





See the wives and girlfriends of NHL players

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Forward lines:

Bert Dats Z

Mule Weiss Alfie

Nyquist Helm Tatar

Miller Andersson Abdelkader

Reserves
Eaves Emmerton and Sammy

top three lines can all put the puck in the net, fourth line great grinding crew with a bit more offensive acumen than most fourth lines.

I know I have Bert on a top line but if healthy, big if he always clicked with Pavel.

Its somewhat obvious from your post that you could use an education about the finances of Hockey.

You talk about getting rid of Samuelsson and Bert like they can do that with a magic wand. If buying out Samuelsson was an option I'm sure they would have but the CBA doesn't allow for injured players to be bought out.

In addition Sammy and Burt both have no-trade clauses. In other words, if they are healthy they will be on the Roster whether it makes hockey sense or not.

To get talent you have to give up talent. A trade package of Tatar, Quincy, and a 1st round pick may be enough to upgrade the D-corp. No reason not to do it since they need to shed cap and roster spots anyways.

With the development of Nyquist, Tatar is a surplus to requirements.

Toughness isn't a problem on the Wings either. They don't fight, but they do block shots, get scrappy in the corners and work the front of the net. Toughness isn't about fighting its about persevering through adversity.
- NikolusMaximus

I don't need any education about hockey especially from someone like you. NTC's can still be waived in case you didn't know so yeah there are many ways a team can get rid of a player especially if all they need is to clear a roster spot more than cap space.

Trading Tatar, Quincey and a 1st for who? I still wouldn't trade Tatar anyways he looked better than Nyquist early on last season with the Wings and also in the AHL.

Yeah fighting is part of toughness and you and the Wings are going to find that out next season when teams start going after the Wings best players and nobody does anything about it. Every other team blocks shots, get scrappy in the corners and work the front of the net...it's called playing hockey and fighting is also part of that.

Welcome to the East... It's going to get nasty with Boston, Ottawa and Toronto.
- Captain_Quiffe

If the Wings bring the Western conference style they pioneered over to the East and don't start playing sloppy Eastern conference style they'll be fine.

In the regular season the brawl games can be fun to watch. The Wings should avoid that when possible and You just have to make sure your guys don't get hurt.

In the playoffs the Wings don't care about that stuff. Bruins are the only threat out of those three teams because they can play too.

The mistake other teams make the the Wings don't is trying to "out Bruins" the Bruins or the old Ducks teams etc. The Wings aren't physically intimidating but they're tougher than people give them credit for. They will take the hits and not let it get them off their game.

Nobody ever beat the Wings with cheap shots, lots of teams have lost because of trying to "intimidate" the Wings. Instead they just ending up frustrating themselves and taking stupid penalties. If anything the Wings will encourage it. The Ducks last year are a prime example and the Hawks almost blew that series by losing their cool too.

Don't want to know the Wings because they have one of the best management teams, but I don't know how much Alfie can help them. 5 years ago is one thing at 40 don't know if his body will hold up all year.





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- acpappas

Guys often get rejuvenated when the come to play for the Wings and just have to do their job and not answer for a whole team.

I don't need any education about hockey especially from someone like you. NTC's can still be waived in case you didn't know so yeah there are many ways a team can get rid of a player especially if all they need is to clear a roster spot more than cap space.

Trading Tatar, Quincey and a 1st for who? I still wouldn't trade Tatar anyways he looked better than Nyquist early on last season with the Wings and also in the AHL.

Yeah fighting is part of toughness and you and the Wings are going to find that out next season when teams start going after the Wings best players and nobody does anything about it. Every other team blocks shots, get scrappy in the corners and work the front of the net...it's called playing hockey and fighting is also part of that.
- dcz28

I don't think they want to trade Bert. I'm pretty sure they'll tell Sammy he owes them for not buying him out so poop up and go wherever and get your 3 million.

has to be trades coming, not nearly enough roster spots.

I don't think they want to trade Bert. I'm pretty sure they'll tell Sammy he owes them for not buying him out so poop up and go wherever and get your 3 million.
- noffsin6

I don't mind keeping Bert but I never wanted Sammy back and right now he is the obvious player to get rid of. He brought nothing last season (yes I know it was because of injuries) so the Wings can obviously do without him and his 3 million cap hit.

Wings are going to sign Cleary for 3 years 2.6 million per year I hope this is a very bad joke. That would give the Wings another overpaid injury prone forward on his last leg that should have been let go.

http://www.mlive.com/redw..._cleary.html#incart_river


On another note Jim Nill has already started to steal people away from Detroit.

http://nhl.com/tmr/commen...lvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

I guess the Bertuzzi pick in the 2nd round now makes a bit more sense He already knew he was gone to Dallas after the draft.

Wings are going to sign Cleary for 3 years 2.6 million per year I hope this is a very bad joke. That would give the Wings another overpaid injury prone forward on his last leg that should have been let go.

http://www.mlive.com/redw..._cleary.html#incart_river


On another note Jim Nill has already started to steal people away from Detroit.

http://nhl.com/tmr/commen...lvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

I guess the Bertuzzi pick in the 2nd round now makes a bit more sense He already knew he was gone to Dallas after the draft.
- dcz28

As stated in my other post: PLEASE... say this is NOT true !! We DO NOT want him back.... Complete waste of cap space and a roster spot. We don't need another useless overpaid, injury prone veteran. Good grief... this signing would be a stupid move. No way is he worth anywhere near what he is asking for. Brendan Morrow would be a huge upgrade over Cleary... Cleary is a TURNOVER machine...especially along the boards and behind the net. His best days are WAY behind him. I heard Jim Nill in Dallas has an offer out to him... let's all PRAY he takes it. Save the money for Brunner or Grabovski... for the love of all that is hockey !! I have not seen any official confirmation that Cleary is back in Detroit. I'm curious where Brunner or Grabovski will end up. Hopefully the Wings are still in the mix.

As stated in my other post: PLEASE... say this is NOT true !! We DO NOT want him back.... Complete waste of cap space and a roster spot. We don't need another useless overpaid, injury prone veteran. Good grief... this signing would be a stupid move. No way is he worth anywhere near what he is asking for. Brendan Morrow would be a huge upgrade over Cleary... Cleary is a TURNOVER machine...especially along the boards and behind the net. His best days are WAY behind him. I heard Jim Nill in Dallas has an offer out to him... let's all PRAY he takes it. Save the money for Brunner or Grabovski... for the love of all that is hockey !! I have not seen any official confirmation that Cleary is back in Detroit. I'm curious where Brunner or Grabovski will end up. Hopefully the Wings are still in the mix.
- Vladdie_Kon1

As stated in my other post: PLEASE... say this is NOT true !! We DO NOT want him back.... Complete waste of cap space and a roster spot. We don't need another useless overpaid, injury prone veteran. Good grief... this signing would be a stupid move. No way is he worth anywhere near what he is asking for. Brendan Morrow would be a huge upgrade over Cleary... Cleary is a TURNOVER machine...especially along the boards and behind the net. His best days are WAY behind him. I heard Jim Nill in Dallas has an offer out to him... let's all PRAY he takes it. Save the money for Brunner or Grabovski... for the love of all that is hockey !! I have not seen any official confirmation that Cleary is back in Detroit. I'm curious where Brunner or Grabovski will end up. Hopefully the Wings are still in the mix.
- Vladdie_Kon1

I think Holland gets too close and friendly with Wings players and that clouds his judgement making him hang on to players too long at the expense of younger guys or better options.

Trading Tatar, Quincey and a 1st for who? I still wouldn't trade Tatar anyways he looked better than Nyquist early on last season with the Wings and also in the AHL.

Yeah fighting is part of toughness and you and the Wings are going to find that out next season when teams start going after the Wings best players and nobody does anything about it. Every other team blocks shots, get scrappy in the corners and work the front of the net...it's called playing hockey and fighting is also part of that.
- dcz28

You just don't get it, NO GM IN THE NHL WANTS SAMUELSSON AT 3m!! NOBODY!!! He is overpaid trash.

Tatar, Quincy and a 1st round pick could fetch a D-man. Were I making the offers I would start with Zach Bogosian and work my way down the list. Mike Green would be next on it. Then Alex Edler, Keith Yandle. I mean hoenstly Quincy is so bad it almost doesn't matter who you replace him with.

As stated in my other post: PLEASE... say this is NOT true !! We DO NOT want him back.... Complete waste of cap space and a roster spot. We don't need another useless overpaid, injury prone veteran. Good grief... this signing would be a stupid move. No way is he worth anywhere near what he is asking for. Brendan Morrow would be a huge upgrade over Cleary... Cleary is a TURNOVER machine...especially along the boards and behind the net. His best days are WAY behind him. I heard Jim Nill in Dallas has an offer out to him... let's all PRAY he takes it. Save the money for Brunner or Grabovski... for the love of all that is hockey !! I have not seen any official confirmation that Cleary is back in Detroit. I'm curious where Brunner or Grabovski will end up. Hopefully the Wings are still in the mix.
- Vladdie_Kon1

1) Cleary is great when he's healthy. The depth they have added could help keep him healthy

2) Cleary WAS offered 3/yrs at a reduced rate but that offer was recinded after free agency started. He will likely sign a 1 or 2 year deal for 2m, basically what Bert makes

3) Brendan Morrow? 5 years ago I would have agreed with you, but have you seen him play lately? Injuries have taken there toll on him. He isn't much more than a grinder at this point. Maybe good for 10 goals this season if he's healthy... and he is at least as injury prone as Cleary if not more so

You just don't get it, NO GM IN THE NHL WANTS SAMUELSSON AT 3m!! NOBODY!!! He is overpaid trash.

Tatar, Quincy and a 1st round pick could fetch a D-man. Were I making the offers I would start with Zach Bogosian and work my way down the list. Mike Green would be next on it. Then Alex Edler, Keith Yandle. I mean hoenstly Quincy is so bad it almost doesn't matter who you replace him with.
- NikolusMaximus

So now you know what every GM in the league want or don't want...Holland wanted him Besides the Wings could throw in something (a so so prospect that have fallen down their depth chart due to numbers, a draft pick or even keep a bit of his salary or make him a throw in in a deal. There is lots of ways to get rid of a player. If Sather was able to unload Gomez and that contract and actually get something good for him, Holland should be able to just get rid of him without really getting anything of value back.

Funny that you say nobody wants Sammy because he sucks but yet you say Quincey sucks but add a prospect and a 1st rounder and you can get quality for him...maybe Holland should of added a prospect and a 1st round pick with Sammy and gotten Bobby Ryan or another good winger. Sure Tatar, Quincey and a first might have some GMs interested but it might not be the package they want in the end if they even want to move the players you want...maybe they want one or two of Kindl, Smith, DeKeyser, Jurco, Frk, Jarnkrok or Mrazek instead. Might be easier to just dump Sammy on a team looking for offensive depth than to actually find a GM that wants that exact package from the Wings to "downgrade" their defense.

1) Cleary is great when he's healthy. The depth they have added could help keep him healthy

2) Cleary WAS offered 3/yrs at a reduced rate but that offer was recinded after free agency started. He will likely sign a 1 or 2 year deal for 2m, basically what Bert makes

3) Brendan Morrow? 5 years ago I would have agreed with you, but have you seen him play lately? Injuries have taken there toll on him. He isn't much more than a grinder at this point. Maybe good for 10 goals this season if he's healthy... and he is at least as injury prone as Cleary if not more so
- NikolusMaximus

1) maybe 3 years ago I would agree but not anymore. He was killing plays all season whenever he touched the puck.

2) Might be right on that but still not worth it imo.

3) Morrow ended up with 10 points more than Cleary this season in 4 games less played. Also out hit him by almost 30 hits. Shooting % for Morrow this season almost 22% to Cleary's 9.68%. Morrow is still a better point producer and scorer than Cleary at this point and he is also more physical and can drop the gloves. I would take Morrow over Cleary if the salary was the same all day long.

1) maybe 3 years ago I would agree but not anymore. He was killing plays all season whenever he touched the puck.

2) Might be right on that but still not worth it imo.

3) Morrow ended up with 10 points more than Cleary this season in 4 games less played. Also out hit him by almost 30 hits. Shooting % for Morrow this season almost 22% to Cleary's 9.68%. Morrow is still a better point producer and scorer than Cleary at this point and he is also more physical and can drop the gloves. I would take Morrow over Cleary if the salary was the same all day long.
- dcz28

i would take morrow or cleary for one year, thats it. then they could go away like samuelsson/bertuzzi are next season.

1) maybe 3 years ago I would agree but not anymore. He was killing plays all season whenever he touched the puck.

2) Might be right on that but still not worth it imo.

3) Morrow ended up with 10 points more than Cleary this season in 4 games less played. Also out hit him by almost 30 hits. Shooting % for Morrow this season almost 22% to Cleary's 9.68%. Morrow is still a better point producer and scorer than Cleary at this point and he is also more physical and can drop the gloves. I would take Morrow over Cleary if the salary was the same all day long.
- dcz28

Samuelsson has played a grand total of 58 games in the last 3 seasons and scored 14 goals. He costs a disgusting $3mil. I don't need to talk to any NHL GMs to do math. NOBODY wants to piss away money like that.

The cap situation is bad enough, where they may even have to throw in picks to get someone to take him off our hands. They do that in the NBA all the time.


With regard to Morrow/Cleary, if the salary was the same Morrow would win. I don't think there would much question about it... but that is a very big IF.

1) Cleary is great when he's healthy. The depth they have added could help keep him healthy

2) Cleary WAS offered 3/yrs at a reduced rate but that offer was recinded after free agency started. He will likely sign a 1 or 2 year deal for 2m, basically what Bert makes

3) Brendan Morrow? 5 years ago I would have agreed with you, but have you seen him play lately? Injuries have taken there toll on him. He isn't much more than a grinder at this point. Maybe good for 10 goals this season if he's healthy... and he is at least as injury prone as Cleary if not more so
- NikolusMaximus

You think Cleary is great when he's healthy ? Maybe 3-4 years ago... but now he's an older, injury prone, turnover machine. Good grief... he gets out-muscled off the puck all season long along the boards, in the corners and behind the net. He also doesn't produce much offense anymore either. He did add some grit in the playoffs... but he can be replaced with some of our new younger guys. Seeing him on the second line all season was nuts... he's a 4th liner at best now. Holland should not even consider resigning him now that the roster is so full. Not sure if there is any chance Holland will still make a trade for Edler. Grabovski is also still a possibility if he can get creative and make the cap room for him. I definitely hope Holland does not trade Eaves. I'd say Emmerton is their best asset they can afford to trade. Nobody will touch Bertuzzi or Sammy with a 10 foot pole. The best thing that could happen at this point is for Cleary to take some other team's offer... let's hope that happens.

And as dcz pointed out... the numbers reaffirm what I already thought about Morrow vs. Cleary. And Morrow will still drop the gloves and fight... which would only increase his value to the Wings in the East.

Agree with everything you said about Samuelsson... he is a cancer on our payroll. One of the worst contract decision by Holland in the last 10 years... especially given the amount and the fact it has a no-trade clause and the player is now 37 years old.

Here's how I see the Wings lines heading into the 2013-14 season

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Abdelkader
Franzen-Weiss-Alfredsson
Nyquist-Andersson-Tatar
Miller-Helm-Eaves

Kronwall-Ericsson
DeKeyser-Quincey
Smith-Kindl

Howard
Gustavsson

Scratched: Emmerton, Samuelsson, Bertuzzi, Tootoo

I'm thinking Babcock is going to keep Abdelkader on a line with Hank and Pavel just so they have somebody that will be there to help protect the euro twins. That and I know Pavel enjoys playing with Abby. I've seen most people immediately place Helm at the 3C spot but we need to remember that this guy hasn't played many games in the last two seasons AND Andersson did well as the season went on in the 3C role. Moving to the east Andersson's size will make him a more attractive 3C and we could eventually see Helm slide over to the wing.

I don't think we're going to get rid of Emmerton because his cap hit is marginal at $533,333 and I really don't think that moving Tatar is going to be an option due to his age and another marginal cap hit ($833,333). In the end I think we'll see Eaves get traded to someone needed depth at the wing (and PK help) while also seeing Samuelsson (and possibly Bertuzzi) on the LTIR.

I do agree with several other posters that we're going to run into an issue with the physicality of several of our new division rivals. What makes it even more troubling is there's only 2 players in the regular lineup that I can see even attempting to fight (Abdelkader and Smith), this is why I think Tootoo will remain with the team instead of getting traded.

All of this talk is without taking into consideration that Holland is still trying to sign Cleary. Personally, I'm hoping that doesn't happen and Holland finds a way to sign Brendan Morrow instead. He's a big bodied, physical guy that could bring the grit needed on our 3/4 lines while also bringing added leadership. I've liked what Cleary's done in his tenure as a Wing but I'm having a hard time finding a suitable place for him on any of the lines with the FA moves we've made and the infusion of young talent from the 2013 season. Looking at our lineup I'm happy with what Holland's done while slowly rebuilding on the fly.

Here's how I see the Wings lines heading into the 2013-14 season

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Abdelkader
Franzen-Weiss-Alfredsson
Nyquist-Andersson-Tatar
Miller-Helm-Eaves

Kronwall-Ericsson
DeKeyser-Quincey
Smith-Kindl

Howard
Gustavsson

Scratched: Emmerton, Samuelsson, Bertuzzi, Tootoo

I'm thinking Babcock is going to keep Abdelkader on a line with Hank and Pavel just so they have somebody that will be there to help protect the euro twins. That and I know Pavel enjoys playing with Abby. I've seen most people immediately place Helm at the 3C spot but we need to remember that this guy hasn't played many games in the last two seasons AND Andersson did well as the season went on in the 3C role. Moving to the east Andersson's size will make him a more attractive 3C and we could eventually see Helm slide over to the wing.

I don't think we're going to get rid of Emmerton because his cap hit is marginal at $533,333 and I really don't think that moving Tatar is going to be an option due to his age and another marginal cap hit ($833,333). In the end I think we'll see Eaves get traded to someone needed depth at the wing (and PK help) while also seeing Samuelsson (and possibly Bertuzzi) on the LTIR.

I do agree with several other posters that we're going to run into an issue with the physicality of several of our new division rivals. What makes it even more troubling is there's only 2 players in the regular lineup that I can see even attempting to fight (Abdelkader and Smith), this is why I think Tootoo will remain with the team instead of getting traded.

All of this talk is without taking into consideration that Holland is still trying to sign Cleary. Personally, I'm hoping that doesn't happen and Holland finds a way to sign Brendan Morrow instead. He's a big bodied, physical guy that could bring the grit needed on our 3/4 lines while also bringing added leadership. I've liked what Cleary's done in his tenure as a Wing but I'm having a hard time finding a suitable place for him on any of the lines with the FA moves we've made and the infusion of young talent from the 2013 season. Looking at our lineup I'm happy with what Holland's done while slowly rebuilding on the fly.
- RedDog18

I really like these line combinations... although I'm still not a fan of Abdelkader on the top line (I'd rather have somebody who can finish better). At least he does add some muscle and will forecheck. Love the third line of Nyquist, Andersson and Tatar. That line is amazing to watch... if Babcock actually keeps that line intact it will put up a TON of points. I guess the big question mark is still Helm... but I agree he should be centering the 4th line until he proves and earns the right to move up. Andersson has more size and the Wings need as much as they can get. I agree with you that I do NOT want Holland to resign Cleary... big waste of a roster spot and salary.

It's amazing how much better this team is when they cut out the dead wood of Cleary, Samusellson, Bert. Emmerton should be traded. I like Tootoo... but there just isn't enough roster spots for him. I do NOT want the Wings to trade Eaves... that would be a big mistake. He is a very solid depth player with great speed.

The one thing I wanted to mention is that I think Mrazek has earned the right to challenge Gustavson for the backup goalie job. He won the Calder... what more can I say ?? I have way more confidence in Mrazek than Gustavson. I watched Mrazek play a lot this year and what most impresses me about him is his ability to see the puck with lots of traffic and players in front and make a big save... especially short-handed. Gustavson is a big goalie... but I don't think he has the natural athletic talent needed. I think Mrazek is better.