I am really starting to think Pens will land both Suter and Parise.

cripes, we're going to get nothing this FA period. terrible.
- BooBoo997

Pens have only $11 mil in cap space with 20 players signed for next season. Not saying it is impossible, but signing both would mean they'd have to sign one more player yet shed 4-5 million in cap.

EDIT: They wouldn't have to sign one more player, as they could just have 22 on the roster, but that would be an issue if they piled up injuries.

Pens have only $11 mil in cap space with 20 players signed for next season. Not saying it is impossible, but signing both would mean they'd have to sign one more player yet shed 4-5 million in cap.

EDIT: They wouldn't have to sign one more player, as they could just have 22 on the roster, but that would be an issue if they piled up injuries.
- Striker7

Good points.

I think I am worried about not landing Suter, but reality is because its a need vs Suter himself. Today looks like some decisions will be made... hopefully Suter joins the darkside!

“We’re stepping out of our comfort zone,” Holland said.

Holland called the agent for Tootoo in the afternoon and asked what it would take to get him. “All our staff felt it was something we wanted to accomplish this season, was to try to get a little more physicality to our lineup,” Holland said. “Jordin gives us a little bit of an edge.”
- PukMeInThe5Hole

I really like the Tootoo signing, the Samuelsson one is a bit confusing. I guess he'll just slot in where Hudler was though, weird though.

I really like the Tootoo signing, the Samuelsson one is a bit confusing. I guess he'll just slot in where Hudler was though, weird though.
- tmanv

It really is, considering he's making more now than he ever has in his career, coming off his least amount of games played in years. Initial reaction I was thinking maybe trade bait? But after seeing the amount he signed for, I don't know what to think.

It really is, considering he's making more now than he ever has in his career, coming off his least amount of games played in years. Initial reaction I was thinking maybe trade bait? But after seeing the amount he signed for, I don't know what to think.
- snipesydangle

I doubt the Wings would sign someone just to trade him, but he could be a "pre-enforcement" if the Wings do trade a guy like Val or Mule in order to land a bigger fish.

But again, I am already on record for saying that I do not hate the Samuelsson deal, and may end up genuinely liking it (depending on what else the Wings pull off before next season). I know for a lot of Wings fans it seems like exchanging the current whipping boy (Hudler) for the old one, but I do think Samuelsson is a better, more versatile, more useful player who fills a need better than Hudler did.

Samuelsson will still do things that piss us all off, but next to Hudler he is larger, he's more physical, he's more pugnacious, he's a better defender, and he's good for about the same amount of points. And he signed for less than what Hudler will probably receive on the open market.

Suter is going to get 24-26 million from now til next July first. An obscene amount of money for a hell of a good hockey player who lets not forget has always been the number two man on his own team.
That said, Holland has checkmated himself into having to make a move for him if possible, we had cap room up the wazzoo at the trade deadline and he sat on his wallet, the 2011-12 season died from malnutrition and starvation for a few key players that we desperately needed. If we had traded for a few key players then our season wouldnt have ended so poorly and we would have been in a better position than we are now, instead we are bidding against the Wild, the Pens, the Devils, the preds and whoever for a couple of damn good hockey players who will break the bank and if we dont get one of them we are in big, big trouble. Holland sat on his rep last spring and it is costing him and the team dearly.

hudler to the flames 4 years 4mil per year

hudler to the flames 4 years 4mil per year
- krk181

Guess I won't be going to any playoffs games here for a while. Franking Feaster.

Quoting Capgeek:

The #Flames now have the second-highest cap payroll in the #NHL at $65.9M http://t.co/eNaaIbvB

Mark Masters ‏@markhmasters
Being told Parise will talk to reporters here in about 5 mins
Retweeted by Helene St. James

Mark Masters ‏@markhmasters
Being told Parise will talk to reporters here in about 5 mins
Retweeted by Helene St. James
- drice97

Is the talk with reporters about needing more time to think about it? Or is this something new?

edit: hurry up and wait. Might as well go mow the yard. See ya'll tomorrow!

Trade Breaker ‏@NHLTradesFirst
For all the people annoyed with Parise, you guys would do the same thing if it determined the rest of your career. Wild, Pens still in ...

Trade Breaker ‏@NHLTradesFirst
but today, he knocked the Wings off of his list. Hawks then made an offer and is mulling over it with Wild, Pens PLUS Devils who everyone ..


And then:

Trade Breaker ‏@NHLTradesFirst
Here's the Ryan Suter scoop: He wants to stay in the West, but also wants to play with Parise (they are friends). If Parise signs in the ...

Trade Breaker ‏@NHLTradesFirst
East, Ryan Suter will be a Red Wing. If Parise signs with the Wild, I was told Suter will follow him there. Interesting.



This account seems to be fairly reliable, but as always speculation is what it is.

Per Holland via Khan, looks like the Wings will try to move Joey MacDonald this summer to a team with a need for a No. 2, as MacDonald does not want to play in the AHL (I don't blame him) and his lack of a two-way deal this season would make him eligible for re-entry waivers when called up (something the Wings wouldn't want to risk).

While in the grand scheme of things, losing a No. 2/3 goalie is not a huge deal, I am not convinced that Gustavsson is any better than MacDonald. I am also not thrilled about the possibility of Jordan Pearce or Thomas McCollum being the third line of defense (I'm still hoping that Petr Mrazek will be able to win the starting job as a first-year pro and actually give the Griffins some solid goaltending this year).

In any case, good luck to Joey wherever and whenever he finds new employment.

Any wings fans have thought on who gets the C next year? I would assume either Datsyuk or Zetterberg, I'd say if it were best player on the team then it would be Datsyuk who gets it. But maybe Zetterberg is a better communicator?

Any wings fans have thought on who gets the C next year? I would assume either Datsyuk or Zetterberg, I'd say if it were best player on the team then it would be Datsyuk who gets it. But maybe Zetterberg is a better communicator?
- 13sundin13

I would be surprised if it went to anyone but Zetterberg. Kronwall would probably be a somewhat distant second.

I would be surprised if it went to anyone but Zetterberg. Kronwall would probably be a somewhat distant second.
- Sven22

Not Datsyuk eh?

Not Datsyuk eh?
- 13sundin13

I doubt it. Not that it would be a terrible choice or that it couldn't ever happen, but Zetterberg has been the heir apparent for several years now, and I don't think Datsyuk is really angling for the C anyway. He's kind of a humble, quiet, somewhat shy guy -- though there's no doubt he's loved by his teammates and commands a lot of respect in the room.

Zetterberg with the C, Kronwall and Datsyuk with the As. That's probably how it will shake down.

I doubt it. Not that it would be a terrible choice or that it couldn't ever happen, but Zetterberg has been the heir apparent for several years now, and I don't think Datsyuk is really angling for the C anyway. He's kind of a humble, quiet, somewhat shy guy -- though there's no doubt he's loved by his teammates and commands a lot of respect in the room.

Zetterberg with the C, Kronwall and Datsyuk with the As. That's probably how it will shake down.
- Sven22

Nice, Datsyuk is one of my fav players to watch. Gonna be fun to watch the 24/7 stuff next year for the Leafs and Wings, though I'm afraid the Leaf segments will be depressing and the game itself lopsided. I hope the Leafs are in a playoff hunt at least so the game is meaningful.

Per Holland via Khan, looks like the Wings will try to move Joey MacDonald this summer to a team with a need for a No. 2, as MacDonald does not want to play in the AHL (I don't blame him) and his lack of a two-way deal this season would make him eligible for re-entry waivers when called up (something the Wings wouldn't want to risk).

While in the grand scheme of things, losing a No. 2/3 goalie is not a huge deal, I am not convinced that Gustavsson is any better than MacDonald. I am also not thrilled about the possibility of Jordan Pearce or Thomas McCollum being the third line of defense (I'm still hoping that Petr Mrazek will be able to win the starting job as a first-year pro and actually give the Griffins some solid goaltending this year).

In any case, good luck to Joey wherever and whenever he finds new employment.
- Sven22

It is interesting they would automatically give Gustavsson the backup goaltending job. I don't know much about "Monster"... but MacDonald has proven he's a capable NHL backup goaltender. Wonder if their concerned about his injuries and/or health issues going forward. They must see something in Gustavsson to bring him in and then move Joey Mac. Hope they didn't screw this up... The goaltending in Grand Rapids has been a disaster for the last few seasons and heaven help us if either Pearce or especailly McCollum actually have to get called up to Detroit. Neither Pearce or McCollum have panned out. Next !! I'm tired of not seeing the Griffins in the playoffs... Glad they got rid of the old coach Fraser,... hopefully Blashill can turn things around like he did at Western Michigan (my Alma Mater).

And still, no love for Joey Mac in the Detroit area...Head scratcher..

Has he been moved??

And still, no love for Joey Mac in the Detroit area...Head scratcher..

Has he been moved??
- bixll

Bix, as they say, the two hardest jobs in Detroit are Lions QB and Red Wings goalie; and not necessarily in that order. I always feel bad for the guys who either bounce from team to team and never really catch a break, despite working hard and having a great attitude. I feel bad for Joey, and I wish him the best.

Thinking back to something Holland said after he signed Tootoo, 'we're getting out of our comfort zone,' I wonder if the signing of "Monster" isn't part of that as well. Looking at Rinne (physical stature, not talent, per se) in Nashville, I wonder if Holland is looking to copy that model, perhaps? But then, as I type this, Jimmy Howard is our #1, so who knows what the crap Holland is thinking or doing these days...

Bix, as they say, the two hardest jobs in Detroit are Lions QB and Red Wings goalie; and not necessarily in that order. I always feel bad for the guys who either bounce from team to team and never really catch a break, despite working hard and having a great attitude. I feel bad for Joey, and I wish him the best.

Thinking back to something Holland said after he signed Tootoo, 'we're getting out of our comfort zone,' I wonder if the signing of "Monster" isn't part of that as well. Looking at Rinne (physical stature, not talent, per se) in Nashville, I wonder if Holland is looking to copy that model, perhaps? But then, as I type this, Jimmy Howard is our #1, so who knows what the crap Holland is thinking or doing these days...
- drice97

That is (frank)in poor.. Can't believe after all of the time he put in for the Wings in GR, then to play so well, only to be stabbed in the back again.. not such a great move by Kenny, lost some respect for him.. The Big wiener..

That is (frank)in poor.. Can't believe after all of the time he put in for the Wings in GR, then to play so well, only to be stabbed in the back again.. not such a great move by Kenny, lost some respect for him..
- bixll

I feel your frustration, and I also feel for Joey. He has played pretty well for the Wings -- better than expected. He has been excellent in his stints with my hometown Griffins.

I don't think he "deserves" a guaranteed job as the backup -- the unfortunate thing with goaltenders is that teams really only get to have two. You can't just keep cutting ice time or finding smaller roles for lesser goalies, like you can with skaters. If the team thinks it can upgrade, it will, loyalty and attitude be damned (see: Osgood in 2002). My problem is that I'm not as sure as Kenny is that Gustavsson is actually an upgrade.

I suppose it's possible that, if Kenny can't find a dance partner he's comfortable with, MacDonald goes to camp and we see what happens. Still, I can't imagine the Wings sending their new $6 million man to GR, and I also can't imagine the Wings carrying three goalies on their 23-man roster.

It does seem like Holland will at least do the honorable thing by trying to find MacDonald a good situation where he will get to play.

And who knows: Kenny has an annual retread quota to fill, and Joey's a free agent next year ...

Phil K. ‏@clipper377
@Buccigross Flight data says a gulfstream registered to the Red Wings left Madison WI 40 mins ago. Bringing Suter? http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N559LC

Phil K. ‏@clipper377
@Buccigross Flight data says a gulfstream registered to the Red Wings left Madison WI 40 mins ago. Bringing Suter? http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N559LC


- drice97

Unfortunately, all it proves is that the Wings sent a plane there in the first place. It's not like they were gonna fly to Madison, make a pitch, and then drive home.

Unfortunately, all it proves is that the Wings sent a plane there in the first place. It's not like they were gonna fly to Madison, make a pitch, and then drive home.
- Sven22

I realize that. Just found it interesting that a contingent of Wings brass went in the first place. Last we heard, Suter and his agent were only taking phone calls; no visits. If that was still the case, then it would appear there's some movement?