When July 1 rolls around, the Western Conference is apt to take a strange turn.
Then again, if the same team that appears to be in the best possible position to make the biggest noise that day does as expected, it could also be a different conference or division that is impacted the most.
We speak here of the Detroit Red Wings and the approximately $20 million they have at their disposal to chase free agents, and an owner, Mike Ilitch, with the track record indicating he’s going to do just that. Question is, will realignment go ahead after Collective Bargaining Agreement talks are finished or not?
Players like Ryan Suter and Zach Parise are apt to be stoked about joining a team that already has the likes of Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and quite likely a returning Nicklas Lidstrom, and also boasts a long tradition of winning despite this year’s early exit from the playoffs.
The Wings figure to have the inside track on both these prize catches, just as perhaps the Vancouver Canucks have a possible similar advantage if Nashville flames out in the second round and the Predators determine they must do something with restricted free agent Shea Weber sooner than later if he decides not to stay. But that’s several steps removed.
If in fact it is going to be “business as usual” July 1, as all the GMs have been instructed to say, the Wings will be loading up. And given the Devils are expected to lose close to $20 million (before playoff revenue that is) this season, the chances they’ll be shelling out massively to retain Parise is as likely as he is to believe that he will get help around him in such a budget crisis. So many feel the gifted young forward is a goner in New Jersey.
Both he and Suter have already been asked about that possibility of going to Detroit and both declined to comment, of course. But both talked about the great tradition the Wings have developed over the years, not the least of which is their reputation for treating players well.
Doubtless other teams will come out of their boots for both of these young Americans and Minny might even throw a bank in the direction of hometown boy Parise, but it’s not likely to cut much mustard given how poorly the Wild have performed.
It's all speculation, but it's exciting.
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From a GM, "Detroit is the best team we've played this year. It's not even close. Their puck control is incredible...You have to hope your goalie has a great night to give you a chance."
I want them as much as this next guy but this is getting out of hand. Not saying we definitely won't get one of them but too many people are setting themselves up for disappointment.
I'm bout to start a Jokinen/Jackman thread just to change it up.
I am not holding my breath for anyone, or anything.
I still feel the Wings were fine last year, and just got injured for the playoffs which affected them greatly...
Sure a piece or two can be added... but some of the speculation, is a bit much, and more so of wishful thinking
Detroit is not fine. Injuries were not the reason they were dispatched in the first round, Nashville was better. If you don't agree with me watch the teams that are left in the playoffs, you will see a difference between them and Detroit.
I am not holding my breath for anyone, or anything.
I still feel the Wings were fine last year, and just got injured for the playoffs which affected them greatly...
Sure a piece or two can be added... but some of the speculation, is a bit much, and more so of wishful thinking
If you honestly feel the wings were "fine" and have been cup contenders since the post Marian Hossa era, you are delusional. There was so much wrong with this team, the only reason we finished so well was Howard going into god mode.
