It's September in Detroit, and we all know what that means—the Tigers are out of contention, the Lions haven't won yet, and everyone here is looking forward to hockey.
But before we look to the future and examine the 2008-09 Detroit Red Wings season, let's take a trip back to July 3.
The season was over, the awards had been handed out, and the GMs of the NHL were knee-deep in the free agent market. Then, an announcement came over the wire that made 29 GMs collectively say "F@$k!"—the Wings had signed Marian Hossa.
The team that the salary cap was supposed to stop from loading up on stars, the "Yankees of the NHL," had done it again—and they did it cheaper than everyone else, talking Hossa into a one-year deal.
This signing was genius for both sides. The Wings get a great player in his prime for a one-season rental, with plenty of cap room to re-sign Zetterberg and Franzen, and pursue any other free agents they want next season. That may include Hossa, who could be on their shopping list again if he fits in with the team and the price is right.
Meanwhile, Hossa gets a bunch of money, he gets to a great chance play for a Cup in Detroit, he gets to skate alongside players like Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom and Chelios, and he stands to make more money after this season. It's a win-win situation—on paper. But as any Tigers fan will tell you, the games aren't played on paper.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Here's a breakdown of the team heading into the preseason:
Forwards
Take a group that scored 212 goals last season, remove Dallas Drake's three goals, and factor in Hossa's 29. Seems like a fair trade-off.
The only problem will be finding them all ice time. Barring injuries, they could lead the NHL is scoring this season. And they're not too bad in their own end, either, posting a combined plus-158.
The signing of Hossa will free up either Henrik Zetterberg or Pavel Datsyuk to center the second line, a move coach Mike Babcock has wanted to implement permanently for at least two years.
Losing a character guy like Dallas Drake always stings a little, but Darren McCarty has been brought back to fill that role, if his body holds up.
With 20-goal scorers Tomas Holmstrom, Dan Cleary, and Johan Franzen, opposing goalies will have their jobs cut out for them.
Defense
Last season, the Wings gave up a league-low 179 goals, a tribute to their blue liners. Having hard-hitting Niklas Kronwall healthy to start the season will be a luxury, given the depth on defense. The top four of Niklas Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski, Brad Stuart, and Kronwall is almost unfair to the rest of the league.
Bringing Chris Chelios back for another season at his age is a mystery, but since he'll be relegated to part-time third-line D, any negative impact his re-signing may have will be offset by having Stuart—and hopefully Kronwall—for a full season.
Brett Lebda, Andreas Lilja, Derek Meech, and Kyle Quincey will all get time with the big club.
Goaltenders
Chris Osgood led all goaltenders with a 2.09 GAA last season—not bad for a backup. With Hasek retired (again), he'll get the starting job between Detroit's pipes.
With the signing of Ty Conklin, there will be a battle at number two between him and up-and-coming Jimmy Howard. Either way, Detroit's net will be secure for the upcoming season.
I do not envy Mike Babcock. Granted, he's coaching a Cup winner that only got better in the offseason. But finding ice time and balance for everyone will be his greatest trial.
He seems up to the task, though, and I'll look forward to seeing the Red Wings in the Finals again this June.
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2 months ago
I think keeping Chris Chelios on is a smart move. He's old, sure, but he acts as a mentor to the younger defense men. Plus, he's still a horrible cxxt to play against.
2 months ago
True, very true. I'm just still bitter about all those years in Chicago...I don't think I'll ever like the guy. Like if Roenick or Belfour ever signed with the Wings. I mean, it was bad enough to have to try to like Wendel Clark and Pat Verbeek, fer Chrissakes...
2 months ago
I agree with Ryan when it comes to Chelios. He was a number one defenseman just a few, ok, ten years ago. The fact still remains that the only two multiple Norris trophy winners still playing are on the Wings. Lidstrom with six, Chelios with three. You really can't buy that kind of experience.
A couple guys Chris failed to mention are; Justin Abdelkader, an awesome winger from MSU, and Jonathan Ericsson, a huge, six four defenseman. These two might be a little too green for the roster, but they could be great go to guys if needed.
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