Jeremy Laura: Detroit has a history of survival, NHL facing a new era

First wings game I went to was in the 09 playoffs, probably have been 8 or so times since with the latest being in February. It may not be something you would notice if you weren’t looking for it but the change in the city since that first time is astronomical. The work the illitch family has put into restoring the entire city is widely regarded by many. They may not have built skyscrapers like katz in Edmonton but restoring and repurposing the old buildings that have been abandoned has been detrimental to revitalizing the city.

First wings game I went to was in the 09 playoffs, probably have been 8 or so times since with the latest being in February. It may not be something you would notice if you weren’t looking for it but the change in the city since that first time is astronomical. The work the illitch family has put into restoring the entire city is widely regarded by many. They may not have built skyscrapers like katz in Edmonton but restoring and repurposing the old buildings that have been abandoned has been detrimental to revitalizing the city.
- RedC21

At one point they owned entire blocks. My favorite bit about Mike is that he paid for Rosa Park’s apartment. It was little known until he passed away. Just a different type of owner who worked his way up from having very little. Thanks for what you said. Detroit may not be here without that family

Thanks for the correction. 1996 was a hard loss to take after winning 62 games. But 1997 was great! Incredible to be in the building. I remember them playing "Oh What a Night" as it rained confetti.

At one point they owned entire blocks. My favorite bit about Mike is that he paid for Rosa Park’s apartment. It was little known until he passed away. Just a different type of owner who worked his way up from having very little. Thanks for what you said. Detroit may not be here without that family
- Jeremy Laura

The current regime is taking heat, some of it deserved, but politics in the city can make it interesting. I just wish Chris would show the passion that his father had in restoring a winner, at all costs.

I trust Stevie, just know it could’ve been different had they started earlier with “ On the fly”.

As much as we point to Pav and Z, they lost Rafalski, Lidstrom and Stuart on the back end without any good replacements... It was the beginning of the end in my mind.

The current regime is taking heat, some of it deserved, but politics in the city can make it interesting. I just wish Chris would show the passion that his father had in restoring a winner, at all costs.

I trust Stevie, just know it could’ve been different had they started earlier with “ On the fly”.

As much as we point to Pav and Z, they lost Rafalski, Lidstrom and Stuart on the back end without any good replacements... It was the beginning of the end in my mind.
- Manthamania

You are comparing two different times. Back in the day there was no salary cap and Mr. I was willing to spend whatever it took to win a cup. In 2002 the Wings spent $65mil on the roster. The cap itself did not clear that number until the 14-15 season. It is very hard to rebuild when draft late in the first or not at all. Add in the fact that players aren't UFAs until the earliest 27 and usually closer to 30. Very rarely do these signing workout because they all want their long contracts.

Yzerman is doing it the right way, through the draft. Once you get your own established core then it becomes easier to make filler moves.

Marc Bergevin announced Tuesday that the Canadiens had signed a new goaltender, Vasili Demchenko, to a one year (2020-2021) contract.
He is from the KHL.
Stevie, I hope you are looking for that "free" signing option.