Red Wings

[Tom]

I've never been a big fan of Modano and I'd rather he didn't come here now. I'd rather they bring in somebody younger and someone who's hungry.

[WingsFan]

Easier said then done with the Cap, I trust Holland, he could be helpful... like I said come playoff time.

[jaadam4]

Not that I am in the position to question Hollands philosophy but, not knowing what he is offering Modano, he likely will have 10-11MM tied up in two players that are really getting long in the tooth.

Who the heck do we have eating up that much money to be long in the tooth?

Mod's will only cost a 1mil and Bert is 1.5 or something like that.

[WingsFan]

Maltby's situation appears to be directly related to what Modano does. If the Wings end up signing the former Dallas Star, then there will be even less roster space than before, likely leaving Maltby without a spot to even compete to make the team, let alone end up on the final roster.
The other issue with Maltby is whether or not he would receive a one- or two-way contract. Maltby obviously would prefer a one-way deal, but the Wings want the flexibility a two-way contract would offer. The problem is that Maltby likely won't want to end up in the minors, so if he can't get an offer elsewhere or a guarantee to be part of the Red Wings' roster, retirement may be his only option.


As for Lilja, the Wings are staying in contact with him in case he doesn't get an offer to his liking from another team. Ansar Khan reports that Lilja wants a deal worth $1.5 million per year, but the Wings do not have the room for a contract that large, nor would they likely be willing to pay him that much even if they did.
Detroit does want to add another defenseman to compete for the sixth D-man spot in the lineup, but they aren't going to break the bank to do that. Basically, if Lilja can't find a deal that he likes and is still a free agent in the summer, the Red Wings will try to re-sign him for something more in their price range. Lilja may not want to consider that option right now, but if the free agent market isn't all that receptive to him, then returning to Detroit could end up being the best option.

[jaadam4]

There's not a chance that Maltby makes this team. He'll be a scout by training camp. Lilja is a different story. I'm actually surprised he's still on the market with a reasonable price tag.

He's a very good on the pk and def worth a roster spot on some team as a stay at home guy. Just not for the Wings.

[jaadam4]

and as far as Modano is concerned, I want the Wings to get younger not older but if a player like him comes along and wants to take a vastly reduced roll to play on a 3rd line.. you take it.

Cleary - Modano - Hudler

Shit that instantly gives you 3 very good lines if he has anything left in the tank and also a nice weapon on the 2nd PP. You dont pass on talent like that. If he misses, oh well. 1.2million which is peanuts for his aging star power.

but if he hits... man look out. The Wings could be deep.

[Drew]

Lilja cannot handle the puck. He doesn't pass well. He panicks. He avoids contact. That's why he isn't getting big offers. Someone will sign him, but only teams in dire defensemen straights will bite.

[Rocky Bleier]

What's next, Johnny Bower in goal?

[WingsFan]

There's not a chance that Maltby makes this team.

He served his time well here 4 Cups, time to hang up up. I like Lilja and I sure hope we don't lose him, he's not that bad Drew and you never can have enough quality defensemen.

[jaadam4]

I agree. He's not a bad 6th D. When we had him playing with Lids a few years back I wanted to strangle Babs but he's right where he should be if he signs for peanuts.

[Malto Marko]

Who the heck do we have eating up that much money to be long in the tooth?

Mod's will only cost a 1mil and Bert is 1.5 or something like that.

We are paying Lids 6 MM and I was figuring Modano would command at least 4.

[jaadam4]

The set in stone offer for Modano is 1.25 and are you seriously saying Lids should retire? Man I hope/pray he plays for another 2. We'd be screwed without him even if he has lost half a step.

He's still one of the games best. We've been spoiled.

[maxw3ll]

True that just sharpen up those skates a little more. He is good for it.

[Malto Marko]

The set in stone offer for Modano is 1.25 and are you seriously saying Lids should retire? Man I hope/pray he plays for another 2. We'd be screwed without him even if he has lost half a step.

He's still one of the games best. We've been spoiled.

Didn't hear what the offer to Modano was.

.....about Lids.

am I saying he should retire? No, he still has value to this team albiet in a reduced roll that we got spoiled with. He deserves to retire on his own timetable however, father time is catching up with him and he still seems to have lingering issues with the injury he got two years ago in the playoffs.

Even being long in the tooth, he is still better than 80% of the rest of the defensmen in the league.

[FCRhodes]

80%? He would still be the #1 D-man on every team in the league.