Red Wings re-sign Zetterberg for 12 years, Franzen signs 11 year extension 4/11/09

[Hornz Over Halos]

Zetterberg:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=264864&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl







DETROIT - A report says the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a contract extension with left-wing Henrik Zetterberg that could pay him more than $7 million a year for 10 years.

A story on The Ann Arbor News's website says the team plans a news conference Wednesday afternoon in Detroit. The story says owners Mike and Marian Ilitch, general manager Ken Holland, coach Mike Babc:spawnskulck and vice president Steve Yzerman will attend.

The 28-year-old native of Sweden is in his sixth NHL season, all with Detroit. He has 43 points in 45 games this season.

A message seeking comment was left late Tuesday for team spokesman John Hahn.

Zetterberg agent Gunnar Svensson tells the Swedish paper Aftonbladet his client might sign a 10-year deal worth about $71 million.




Franzen:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=274629




Johan Franzen and the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a long-term contract extension.

The deal is for 11 years in order to keep the salary cap hit to a manageable level for the Red Wings. The deal is worth $43 million and the average annual salary for the cap is $3.9 million.

"We are thrilled that Johan will remain a member of the Detroit Red Wings," general manager Ken Holland said in a media release. "His production over the past year and a half, both regular season and playoffs, has been remarkable and we feel, at 29 years old, that he is just now entering the prime of his career."

Franzen was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

The 29-year-old has 34 goals and 25 assists with a plus-23 ranking over his 69 games this season. He has had some injury woes and missed time due to knee, hip and hand issues.

[Hornz Over Halos]

w00t!

[Wardo30]

a 10 year deal...impressive...under contract til he is 38

[Hornz Over Halos]

I kinda wanna see how this deal is drawn out.

Hopefully there's still room for Hossa, but unless he REALLY wants to stick around, I doubt there will be.

Nik Lidstrom's contract is up after next season (I think) and not sure if he's gonna retire or keep going.

If he retires, that's almost $7.5 mil freed up.

Holland will have to see what he can get Hudler to sign for, but this pretty much is Samuelsson's last year with the Wings, I'm sure.

[Wardo30]

doesn't leave alot of room for flexibility down the road when one guy is locked for 7 mil a year but at least you don't have to worry about him walking away for a bigger payday

[cflames89]

With the cap not going up next season, and quite possibly going down, I don't know if the Wings will have room to do anything past this one.

[Hornz Over Halos]

Yah, we got:

Datsyuk - 2013-14
Filppula - 2012-13
Cleary- 2012-13
Stuart - 2011-12
Rafalski - 2011-12
Lidstrom - 2009-10
Kronwall - 2011-12
Zetterberg - 2019-20

[Yzerman19c]

May actually be 12 years as he agreed to tack on 2 extra years at $1million per to lower the cap hit

[mattyt]

I read that it was a 12 year, $72M deal...they put two years on the end at $1M per to bring the cap hit down to $6M.

Maybe what I read was wrong. I also thought that there were rules in the CBA governing how much a player's pay can drop from one year to the next. $6M is a pretty big drop and would certainly violate that rule (if it exists).

[Yzerman19c]

Red Wings, Henrik Zetterberg agree on 12-year, $72-million deal
by Ansar Khan
Tuesday January 27, 2009, 11:00 PM

Henrik ZetterbergCOLUMBUS, Ohio -- Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg left Tuesday's game during the first period due to back spasms.

Perhaps a new contract will make him feel better Wednesday.

In a 2 p.m. news conference at Joe Louis Arena, the Red Wings will announce they have signed Zetterberg to a long-term extension. It will be a 12-year deal worth slightly more than $72 million, making it the longest and most lucrative (in total value) contract in franchise history.

The Red Wings were able to lower the salary-cap figure to slightly more than $6 million per season by adding two years at $1 million per season to a 10-year deal they had been negotiating with Zetterberg's agent, Marc Levine.

Meanwhile, Zetterberg, who has a history of back trouble, said he doesn't believe the latest flare-up is related to any past issues.

"I don't think it's anything to do with what happened years before," Zetterberg said after his team's 3-2 overtime loss to Columbus at Nationwide Arena. "It just got tweaked kind of funny. I feel pretty good right now, so we'll see (today) how it feels, if we're going to take some time or not."

He doesn't believe he needs any type of tests. He said this is the first time all season he has experienced any problem. It happened during a battle for the puck in offensive zone with about six minutes to play in the first period of what was his 400th NHL game.

"I went to the corner, they came from behind, kind of pushed me in," Zetterberg said. "Went back to the bench, felt kind of stiff and it kind of stiffened up on me (more). Just decided to be safe, take the rest of the night off."

Zetterberg said it was too soon to know if he could play Thursday against Dallas.

[Hornz Over Halos]

With the cap not going up next season, and quite possibly going down, I don't know if the Wings will have room to do anything past this one.



True, but the main core of the team is still intact.

As usual, Holland will just have to find some cheap plug-ins through trades or FAs, but with the depth in Grand Rapids and overseas, I really don't see many problems.

Guys like Cleary, Maltby, McCarty, Draper, Samuelsson, Holmstrom are awesome, but are nearing their ends too so there's some work to be done.


UFAs after this season:

Hossa
Samuelsson
Franzen
Kopecky
Conklin


RFAs after this season:

Hudler


With the caliber of his play, I'd think Conklin will be offered a new deal, giving Jimmy Howard a little bit more time to hone his game.

Hossa will be negotiated with, but if the Wings win the Cup again, he might take off for a payday.

I think Sammy will be let go and Franzen and Kopecky will be re-signed.

I also think we'll see Ville Leino take Sammy's spot, Justin Abdelkader, Darren Helm and Mattias Ritola will all compete for a spot, and we might see Jonathan Ericsson & Jakub Kindl take Lilja & Chelios's spots.

I can see the Wings maybe dropping to second in some years to come with the youth movement and with Chicago becoming stronger and stronger but I think we'll still be a powerhouse

[cflames89]

Rick, I still think you are dreaming if you think Hossa will be in Detroit next season.

[Mats_44]

I just don't understand these ridiculously long term deals.

In today's NHL with all the serious injuries and concussions that occur constantly, I just don't understand how a team can commit to such a long term deal knowing that if this guys career gets cut short to a major injury your salary cap is pretty much screwed.........

Look at the Islanders with their brilliant 16 year contract for Rick Dipietro. The guy is already proving to be an injury boy who is always hurt.

[Yzerman19c]

I just don't understand these ridiculously long term deals.

In today's NHL with all the serious injuries and concussions that occur constantly, I just don't understand how a team can commit to such a long term deal knowing that if this guys career gets cut short to a major injury your salary cap is pretty much screwed.........

Look at the Islanders with their brilliant 16 year contract for Rick Dipietro. The guy is already proving to be an injury boy who is always hurt.

Long term injuries come off the Cap. Here is the logic with the long term deals . You frontload them with salary then lower the cap hit with term. the real problem comes with the motivation of the player . you have to sign the right guys or else they play like fat cats ie Yashin. guys like Mike Richards and Henrik Zetterberg have always played hard without needing to be motivated. the trick is to sign the right guys

Zetterberg took a huge hometown discount . he would of had 9 million/year on the table from the likes of Edmonton etc

[Poochiesdead]

It's actually a 12 year deal. Dayum. I would say good move, but like Mats said locking someone up for that long is a risk no matter who the player. I wouldn't want anyone locked up more than 6 years.

[Hornz Over Halos]

Rick, I still think you are dreaming if you think Hossa will be in Detroit next season.


I never said he would be. All I said was that he will be negotiated with.



I just don't understand these ridiculously long term deals.

In today's NHL with all the serious injuries and concussions that occur constantly, I just don't understand how a team can commit to such a long term deal knowing that if this guys career gets cut short to a major injury your salary cap is pretty much screwed.........

Look at the Islanders with their brilliant 16 year contract for Rick Dipietro. The guy is already proving to be an injury boy who is always hurt.


The Isles won't look as bad because they also purchased insurance on the deal, so it's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

The Flyers did the same with Mike Richards as well.

All teams have to get insurance on these long term deals in case of an injury - be it one season or long term.

[Hornz Over Halos]

Long term injuries come off the Cap. Here is the logic with the long term deals . You frontload them with salary then lower the cap hit with term. the real problem comes with the motivation of the player . you have to sign the right guys or else they play like fat cats ie Yashin. guys like Mike Richards and Henrik Zetterberg have always played hard without needing to be motivated. the trick is to sign the right guys

Zetterberg took a huge hometown discount . he would of had 9 million/year on the table from the likes of Edmonton etc




Finally .... someone else who understands. :D

[cflames89]

Finally .... someone else who understands. :D

Hey look, it was another guy with rose coloured glasses. :p

[Hornz Over Halos]

Hey look, it was another guy with rose coloured glasses. :p



I was defending the Pretty Ricky contract, so rose colored glasses don't have anything to do with it.

While long term contracts are lucrative and sometimes silly (depends on the player - ie. Yashin and his infamous laziness), but on the right player, these long term deals are pretty smart.

Now let's see if Holland can do the same with The Mule.

[PrimeBane]

Good deal... long term and at what's probably below market value had Zetterberg hit the UFA market.

This is why Detroit is the premiere franchise in the NHL.

[Mats_44]

Long term injuries come off the Cap. Here is the logic with the long term deals . You frontload them with salary then lower the cap hit with term. the real problem comes with the motivation of the player . you have to sign the right guys or else they play like fat cats ie Yashin. guys like Mike Richards and Henrik Zetterberg have always played hard without needing to be motivated. the trick is to sign the right guys

Zetterberg took a huge hometown discount . he would of had 9 million/year on the table from the likes of Edmonton etc

I don't understand..........are you saying that if you sign a player to a 16 year deal and he has a career ending injury in his 3rd season and is done forever the team is not responsible for his salary against the cap???

What a great collective bargaining agreement that is!

[Mats_44]

I never said he would be. All I said was that he will be negotiated with.






The Isles won't look as bad because they also purchased insurance on the deal, so it's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

The Flyers did the same with Mike Richards as well.

All teams have to get insurance on these long term deals in case of an injury - be it one season or long term.

I heard them talking about this on sports radio and they said that you can only get insurance on deals that are up to 7 years in length. Any deals longer than that can not be insured. That's why you are seeing a lot of 7 year deals being signed, that can't be a coincidence. Anything longer than that is financial suicide for a team..........

[right between the eyes]

.......so how much is the take home after the 25% Bettmen Elscoro fund.

Scott made the point of Detroit being one of the Premier francises in the NHL.....as a Red Neck from the west, how much difference can there be between Edmonton and Detroit. Can most pro athletes live a normal family life in Detroit. Guess the players are tired of getting treated like rock stars in Edmonton.

How many feel Edmonton will grovel at Hossa's feet again next summer?

[cflames89]

.......so how much is the take home after the 25% Bettmen Elscoro fund.

Scott made the point of Detroit being one of the Premier francises in the NHL.....as a Red Neck from the west, how much difference can there be between Edmonton and Detroit. Can most pro athletes live a normal family life in Detroit. Guess the players are tired of getting treated like rock stars in Edmonton.

How many feel Edmonton will grovel at Hossa's feet again next summer?

I think that will be a given on July 1st.

[PhillyWing19]

Outstanding news! Glad to see Hank get signed to a long-term deal. He fits the mold of a hard-working, highly-skilled, team-first, somewhat humble superstar a la Yzerman and Lidstrom. I am very happy to see that he'll be wearing the Winged Wheel for the balance of his career, so it seems.

Agree that it is a big commitment, but players of Hank's caliber are rare, factoring in the tangibles and intangibles. It's nice to see that he and his buddy Pavel will be playing together for a long time.

When does the official cap number for the forthcoming season come out? I know it is after the season concludes, but does it come out before UFA begins on July 1st? It'll be interesting to see how Holland approaches the decision between Franzen and Hossa. Being homegrown, and given the combination of his size and skill, my guess is that they'll lean toward keeping Franzen, especially because he'll likely come cheaper than Hossa. Rafalski's cap hit is $6M also, I believe, but he is clearly the heir apparent for whenever Lidstrom does decide to hang them up, so I am assuming he is safe. Filppula signed a fairly rich medium-term deal for what he is contributing right now, but he has a lot of potential and with one of the other top 2 line forwards likely departing, my guess is that he is more likely destined for a larger role than trade bait. Stuart is also a $4+ guy, so with all the big, young d-men in Grand Rapids, I wonder if he'll be in the plans next year or if he gets moved.

I remember having this debate with someone over the summer when the Wings signed Hossa, so I'll try to find that thread. It was similar to Hornz's assessment on who stays and who goes, and guys like Ville Leino and Darren Helm are absolutely more than likely going to be in Detroit next year, rather than down on the farm.

Good stuff!

[Yzerman19c]

I don't understand..........are you saying that if you sign a player to a 16 year deal and he has a career ending injury in his 3rd season and is done forever the team is not responsible for his salary against the cap???

What a great collective bargaining agreement that is!


Yes the only salaries that count on the cap are 1) guys on your NHL roster 2)guys salaries you bought out or lost on reentry waivers(half).

Guys that are on Long term injury whether short term or long term do not count against the cap. Guys you bury in the minors do not count against the cap

[WingNut 25]

I love the signing and like has been mentioned, Zetter is the type of player who warrants such a contract. Not to stray too much, but the DiPietro contact was insane given he's a goalie. Back on topic though.

I think Holland will now shift his focus to Hossa. I love Franzen, but Hossa is the better all-around player. Franzen is also 29 years old. It has been said on a few sites that Franzen's agent(s) is/are very difficult to deal with, so this may play into things. Franzen got his Cup ring and may just be after a big payday, but that is anyone's guess outside the walls of the organization. Hossa has expressed himself and through his agent that he is happy in Detroit. Now it is all a matter of finding a number that works for all. I hope Franzen will stay and take what I think a lot of people feel he is really worth, which is somewhere in the $3-$4 million range. If he hits the market, someone will overpay him. I truly think a 1 year deal needs to be thrown at Hudler. This is the 1st season he's consistently produced and I'd hate to see the Wings overpay for a career year. Let Hudler prove this is who he really is and get more money the following summer when more money is available.

I truly think Filppula is overpaid for his production, and I hope the Wings explore a trade after the season ends. That'll free up money for the others who right now are worthy of it. I believe that Lidstrom will come back after his contract ends after next season and take considerably less money to help the future of the franchise given that economists are predicting the cap could drop considerably that summer. Guys like Samuelsson, Chelios and Maltby will be gone and there are kids in the system who can step into that role. I also wonder if the Wings don't consider trading Stuart given his contract. There are several kids in the system on D (Ericsson and Kindl at the top of the list) who can step in. The forward crop is very strong as well with Leino, Ritola, Abdelkader and Helm at the top of the list. Bottom line is the cap has actually done the opposite of what it was intended. Teams are actually having to part with kids, not because of fat contracts being thrown at them on the open market, but because they don't have the cap space to keep them. Look how bad the Pens have been burned by this and the cap was supposed to help teams like them.

I'm loving the play of Conklin, but I believe Howard is out of minor league options so either he gets promoted next year to back-up or he's gone. Larsson is looking like a hell of prospect though and McCollum has really played great since the World Juniors.

[WingNut 25]

http://www.letsgowings.com/salarychart/

[Hockeyfan74]

Ken Holland is a lock for the hockey HOF as a GM. He consistently pulls the right moves when Bettman and the NHL have changed the rules to shake things up.

I think he may be able to pull it off and keep both Hossa and Franzen.

[bigpoppad]

WOW!!! Incredible news!!!! Yeah and Rick, your assessment is spot on there fella ;)

[Yzerman19c]

Ken Holland is a lock for the hockey HOF as a GM. He consistently pulls the right moves when Bettman and the NHL have changed the rules to shake things up.

I think he may be able to pull it off and keep both Hossa and Franzen.

Unfortunately the numbers just don't work to keep both

[Eazy-D66]

I'm as hardcore a Pens fan as they come, but you have GOT to have MAJOR RESPECT for Kenny Holland, and players like Zetterberg. Crazy good deal to get a player like that at a cap hit of only 6 million per season. I wish Pittsburgh was able to do the same thing with Crosby and Malkin. Frankly, I think we're gonna be crippled by the cap while the Wings continue to prosper. Much respect for that franchise and the man behind it.

[WingNut 25]

Unfortunately the numbers just don't work to keep both

Not at present, but a trade could change that.

[RoninJai]

So could more "Holland magic."

[NotoriousVesaToskala]

Long term injuries come off the Cap. Here is the logic with the long term deals . You frontload them with salary then lower the cap hit with term. the real problem comes with the motivation of the player . you have to sign the right guys or else they play like fat cats ie Yashin. guys like Mike Richards and Henrik Zetterberg have always played hard without needing to be motivated. the trick is to sign the right guys

Zetterberg took a huge hometown discount . he would of had 9 million/year on the table from the likes of Edmonton etc

Don't forget the Ovechkin contract.

I was with Mats especially last year when the Pretty Ricky deal was starting to look bad but I then realized that long-term deals, while huge risks, are incredibly worthwhile if your front office does their job and signs the right guy.

The Islanders simply did not sign the right guy so instead of bringing up the Pretty Ricky contract everytime someone signs a 10+ year deal, we should probably look at it case by case and realize that the Ovechkin, Zetterberg, Richards, etc. deals will save their teams a ton of money and are worth the risk of the long term especially cap wise.

[WingNut 25]

Holland made a good point that these long term deals are really only for special players, and Z and Ovie certainly fit that bill.

[shegone]

superstar player deserves the $

[motor-city-sports-fan]

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Hornz Over Halos]

Ken Holland is a lock for the hockey HOF as a GM. He consistently pulls the right moves when Bettman and the NHL have changed the rules to shake things up.

I think he may be able to pull it off and keep both Hossa and Franzen.




Here's how it can be done....


http://www.usatoday.com/community/profile.htm?UID=7f199720956b03f0&plckController=PersonaBlog&plckScript=personaScript&plckElementId=personaDest&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a7f199720956b03f0Post%3aec4d2d8e-66c6-4ad0-a4a3-efaaf8d85753


Here's how the Red Wings can also re-sign Franzen and Hossa
Posted 1/29/2009 2:05 PM EST
Clearly the Detroit Red Wings set up the Henrik Zetterberg 12-year deal with an eye on giving themselves a shot at keeping all three of their crucial potential unrestricted free agents.

At the beginning of the season when Detroit general manager Ken Holland faced the challenge of trying to keep Marian Hossa, Johan Franzen and Henrik Zetterberg, Holland said publicly that he probably could keep only two of those players and stay under the cap.

Now that he was able to bring in Zetterberg with a cap number just above $6 million, he now has an outside chance of keeping all three.

The Red Wings are pressed up against the cap ceiling already, and here’s my take on what could be done to allow the Red Wings to sign all three players:

+ Detroit will have to put together a similar long-term, front-loaded deal with Hossa, only the cap number has to end up in the $5-$5.5 million range. You can still give Hossa $7 million per season for several years and still get down close to $5 million cap number as long as the last three years are similar to Zetterberg’s deal. In his contracts, Zetterberg earns $3.35 million,$1 million and $1 million in his last three seasons.

(By the way, there are those around the NHL that believe that these front-loaded contracts violate at least the spirit of the NHL's economic system because the objective is beat the cap system. Some call these last years “phony years” because the player will likely be retired or be bought out by then.)

+ If Hossa is in the $5 million range, then Franzen’s cap number is going to have to be in the $4 million range. I don’t know how much he believes he’s worth. Probably he could get more on the open market. However, he likely won’t be surrounded by the level of talent that he has in Detroit. If Detroit employs the same front-load tactics on a lengthier deal, then Franzen could have some salaries in $5 million range.

+ Even if Franzen and Hossa would agree to that, there would still be work be done to get Detroit under the cap. Essentially, Zetterberg’s cap number is going up $3.4 million for next season and Franzen’s would be going up $3.1 under my plan. Hossa’s deal could actually lower his cap number from $7.4 million to $5 million. If the Cap remains the same, the Red Wings will then have to cut roughly $4 million more dollars to make room for the new contracts. Mikael Samuelsson’s $1.2 million contract expires this season and Chris Chelios’ $750,000 will be off the books. Now Holland would have to lop about $2 million.

+ Although the economy is horrid right now, next year’s cap is based on this year’s revenue, and much of that came in prior to the country’s economic collapse. It’s not unthinkable that the cap could grow by $1.6 million or so next season (before it falls dramatically the following season.) If the cap does grow just a little bit, Holland essentially could make my plan work.

+ Of course, he has other options to help his cap outlook. The Red Wings will want to give young prospect Jonathan Ericsson a chance to play on defense next season, so Holland could choose to move out Andreas Lilja. There are other veterans on the team, such as Kirk Maltby and Kris Draper, that could be vulnerable to a trade, particularly if Holland decided to make a run at keeping Samuelsson as well. Jiri Hudler could also be trade bait if Detroit needs to cut payroll,

Of course my scenario only works if Hossa and Franzen are willing to give Detroit a hometown discount.

[cflames89]

I truly think that Hossa is gone. I would rather have Franzen then him anyways.

[Mats_44]

I would never sign Franzen to a long term deal. 2 years at a time max. The way that guy plays and the amount of injuries and concussions he gets I would never take that risk.

I will now prepare to get flamed again by all the Wings fan who are insulted by that! :p :D

[cflames89]

I will now prepare to get flamed again by all the Wings fan who are insulted by that! :p :D

Well, at least you are prepared. :p

[Yzerman19c]

Not happening . I hate to sound negative because i would love for the wings to keep both , maybe its the accountant in me but the numbers just don't work. Its fine to say players are up like Samuelsson and Chelios just dont renew them but you have to replace them with bodies Ericcson is already signed at $900000 , Leino is making $850000 this year and would probably be signed to the same amount. Hudler is getting a raise either from the Wings or someone else . Holland will not tie up 2 more players in long term Zetterberg type deals .

[Mats_44]

Well, at least you are prepared. :p

Hmmm they must be all sleeping. I hear Wings fans are all vampires who only come out at night.........:D

[cflames89]

Hmmm they must be all sleeping. I hear Wings fans are all vampires who only come out at night.........:D

I heard they were reverse-vampires, hence all the empty seats on game nights. :D:D:D

[Grozzy]

I would never sign Franzen to a long term deal. 2 years at a time max. The way that guy plays and the amount of injuries and concussions he gets I would never take that risk.

I will now prepare to get flamed again by all the Wings fan who are insulted by that! :p :D

Technically if I'm not mistaken, he has only had one concussion. The injury in the playoffs was a subdural hematoma which is long gone and of no risk of return like it is with concussions.

[Mats_44]

Technically if I'm not mistaken, he has only had one concussion. The injury in the playoffs was a subdural hematoma which is long gone and of no risk of return like it is with concussions.

Fair enough but you can't deny that with the way he plays the game and the physical beating he takes in front of the net will make him much more susceptible to serious injury.........

[Yzerman19c]

I heard they were reverse-vampires, hence all the empty seats on game nights. :D:D:D


yeah its wierd the economy is complete crap in Michigan and they are still 3rd in average attendance behind Chicago and Montreal

[Grozzy]

Fair enough but you can't deny that with the way he plays the game and the physical beating he takes in front of the net will make him much more susceptible to serious injury.........

Oh, no doubt. I don't think Kenny will sign him for any more than 5 years, so the whole front-loaded contract isn't going to work with him. Franzen has proved he is a very hard-nosed player, and it takes a toll on players like that. So injuries aren't really shocking news. But if he can avoid concussions, I can see his career going the way of Holmstrom.

Oh, and it's not like we're vampires, we just like to sleep in.:p

[Mats_44]

yeah its wierd the economy is complete crap in Michigan and they are still 3rd in average attendance behind Chicago and Montreal

I'm not sure how that's possible considering the Leafs have sold out every game since the beginning of time??

How can Toronto not be in that list of top 3 teams??

[cflames89]

yeah its wierd the economy is complete crap in Michigan and they are still 3rd in average attendance behind Chicago and Montreal

So, what, do most fans dress as seat cushions?

I am not talking about paid attendance, I am talking about asses in seats.

[Yzerman19c]

I'm not sure how that's possible considering the Leafs have sold out every game since the beginning of time??

How can Toronto not be in that list of top 3 teams??
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/attendance?year=2009

Simple math Detroit has more seats to sell than Toronto . Im sure Toronto leads the league in gate Receipts

[Yzerman19c]

So, what, do most fans dress as seat cushions?

I am not talking about paid attendance, I am talking about asses in seats.


GM execs couldn't find a place to park their private jets:D

[Mats_44]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/attendance?year=2009

Simple math Detroit has more seats to sell than Toronto . Im sure Toronto leads the league in gate Receipts

ah ok I see what you're saying.

Ya I'll never understand why the Leafs didn't build a bigger arena???

[Yzerman19c]

ah ok I see what you're saying.

Ya I'll never understand why the Leafs didn't build a bigger arena???

me too you know all the seats would of been sold

[cflames89]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/attendance?year=2009

Simple math Detroit has more seats to sell than Toronto . Im sure Toronto leads the league in gate Receipts

What's even better, and more altruistic, is looking at % of tickets sold, tough break for the Wings at 16th in that category eh.

[Mats_44]

LOL owned

[Yzerman19c]

What's even better, and more altruistic, is looking at % of tickets sold, tough break for the Wings at 16th in that category eh.

yeah like that is news to anyone . Its going to get worse the empty seats that are sold come playoff time wont be sold or renewed as season tickets. economy is bad in the auto industry and in michigan that is not news. what are you saying they should of built a smaller building so they could be sold at a 102% capacity .

They are nowwhere near 16th in revenue per game right now . over a 5 year period they are likely second in the league in attendance and right up there in total revenue

[WingNut 25]

Mats - You're wrong on Franzen and the way he plays. He does get to the net, but does not take the beating a guy like Holmstrom does and Franzen also does a lot more "floating" around the net than Homer.

I think the Wings first move in the off-season will be to trade Filppula to free up his $3.5 million. That is essentially Franzen's contract (which I have stated repeatedly in recent weeks). Holland will get one of them signed before July 1st and start working on how to trim payroll. I love Draper and Maltby, but they are not as effective as they once were. Guys like Helm and Abdelkader can slide into their roles. I don't see Samuelsson coming back regardless of what moves are made, unless he takes a huge paycut. I truly think Holland can pull off the impossible and keep Franzen and Hossa.

And I'd take Hossa any day over Franzen. He's the more complete player. Check the link I put on page 1 for the salary chart.

[WingNut 25]

Part of me thinks Lebda will be moved too.

[NotoriousVesaToskala]

Franzen gets done too, looks like a 9-10 year deal.

Link (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=274629)

I wonder what we're looking at for him, $4.5-5 mill a season or higher?

[Eazy-D66]

9-10 years? Holy schappppppppp.......hopefully it's a good deal - with Holland at the helm I bet it is.

[johnnyknoxsvill]

I hope we can work something out with Hossa, it seems that he wants to stay with the wings.

[NotoriousVesaToskala]

TSN just updated their report, it's an 11-year deal for a 29-year old player who hadn't had a 40+ point season until this year. For that kind of term, he's probably not making more than $3-3.5 million.

[Yzerman19c]

TSN just updated their report, it's an 11-year deal for a 29-year old player who hadn't had a 40+ point season until this year. For that kind of term, he's probably not making more than $3-3.5 million.


I believe its front loaded, no trade for 5-6 years with a cap hit of 3.9 per year

[Eazy-D66]

It's pretty ******ed. "Based on the last season and a half...." lol

[WingNut 25]

Great deal for a player who has clearly emerged as a top line player. He easily could have gotten $5 million a year from some team. Now let's hope we can keep Hossa after the season ends!

[Eazy-D66]

Great deal for a player who has clearly emerged as a top line player. He easily could have gotten $5 million a year from some team. Now let's hope we can keep Hossa after the season ends!


If he's only getting a cap hit of under 4 it's an amazing deal......but wow....11 years. I'm going to guess that once the breakdown is revealed it would not have been possible without all those extra years.

[NotoriousVesaToskala]

He easily could have gotten $5 million a year from some team.

Yeah maybe but he wasn't going to get $40+ million guaranteed from any other team out there or anywhere near that amount.

[Hornz Over Halos]

Wow. Not sure how I feel about this just yet, but glad he's staying.

Now, hopefully Hossa will be signed this summer.

[Hockeyfan74]

I can see how some might perceive this as a gamble. But my god, Franzen has some of the softest hands around the net for a big guy. In fact, he consistently scores several different types of goals like wristers, deflections, rebounds, slappers. He's been a clutch player. He has the size to muscle his way to the net, but he makes some slick moves as well. I am definitely happy he's going to be with the Wings for a while.

[the_red_wings_fan]

I can see how some might perceive this as a gamble. But my god, Franzen has some of the softest hands around the net for a big guy. In fact, he consistently scores several different types of goals like wristers, deflections, rebounds, slappers. He's been a clutch player. He has the size to muscle his way to the net, but he makes some slick moves as well. I am definitely happy he's going to be with the Wings for a while.

I know what you mean. Other players with far less talent have gotten big time deals. Maybe not as long term but still big deals for less talent and more risk. i.e dustin penner
scott gomez chris drury

[WingNut 25]

I guarantee a team would have thrown $40 million at Franzen in the offseason, just not for 11 years.

[Yzerman19c]

the only numbers that matter in this deal is the cap hit of 3.9 and how long the no trade clause is for and whether there is a no movement clause. If it gets to year 6 and Franzen is not playing like he is worth his 3.9 million cap hit the contract can be buried assigned to Sweden , minors .or traded and remember this deal is front loaded so after the initial years the cheaper salary and larger cap hit can but attractive for teams trying to reach the cap floor without paying out the money(ie Florida with Mccabe cap hit of 5.75 salary of 4)

[Yzerman19c]

Because of the tagging rule i do not believe that if they are going to sign Hossa they can do so before July 1

[WingNut 25]

Because of the tagging rule i do not believe that if they are going to sign Hossa they can do so before July 1

Yup. They have to wait now.

[PhillyWing19]

I was hoping that one of the 2 big remaining UFAs (Franzen or Hossa) would get signed this weekend, so glad to see that one did get done.

I think that this is the move the Ken Holland had to make. Given the uncertainty about where the salary cap will net out for 2009/2010, I think he had to sign Franzen before he signed Hossa, knowing that the yearly cap hit would be a lower number for Mule as compared to Hoss, With this deal now done, Holland can plan multiple scenarios, and then when the official cap number comes out in June, he can make his moves accordingly once July 1st hits.

I also think that he had to send a message to the existing players and players in Grand Rapids that the Wings take care of their own first. Knowing that guys like Lidstrom, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Filppula, Kronwall -- all of whom have been drafted by the Wings -- come first when it comes to being offered long-term deals, yet ones that come with the hometown discount in exchange for a good shot at a Stanley Cup Championship year-in, year-out.

Hossa may be the more complete player, but he is, technically a hired gun that came in from the outside. Don't get me wrong, as I think he is a stud and I really want the Wings to keep him at a reduced annual cap hit rate, but in doing so, they will likely lose Hudler (who has really grown on me this past year or two) and Samulesson (who I could see going still given Helm, Abdelkader, Rittola et al down in Grand Rapids). If the cap goes up appreciably, we still may see Holland keep Hossa and Hudler, while losing Sammy and maybe a d-man such as Stuart, who could be replaced by guys like Ericsson or Jakub Kindl, etc.

To get Franzen at an annual cap hit of $3.9 is great, especially if he can keep up the pace he has shown the last 2 seasons. Remember that he came on with the Wings in 2005/2006 when guys like Yzerman, Shanahan, and Robert Lang were still around, so he just did not see enough playing time, esp on the PP, to put up crazy numbers back then. And I completely agree that someone would certainly have thrown crazy dollars at him in July, a la Dustin Penner, so even at that term, the cap hit is very friendly.

I have heard a lot of naysayers mention that Franzen is injury prone and has a history of concussions. For what it is worth, he has missed games on two occasions for head-related injuries. November-December 2006 he missed 9 games due to a proper concussion. And in last year's playoffs he missed 6 games with a brain injury, which was technically not a concussion (I know, technicalities, but still, by the book, it was not a pure concussion). For those that will ask, here is the source:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=3802

Bottom line, the length of term is a little nerve-wracking, but I think this is what had to be done. If he starts to slow down in 5-6 years, the Ilitches certainly have plenty of cash to buy him out, or his NYC will be over so they could move him or send him down to GR, etc.

I would say it would be safe to have a Wings jersey personalized to Franzen now, LOL!

BTW, what is the "tagging rule" mentioned that prohibits them from signing Hossa long-term now, say even if they could get it done tomorrow (Sunday) before the playoffs start?

Glad to keep more of the core together and glad to have Johan signed on for more runs at The Stanley Cup. GO WINGS!

[Hornz Over Halos]

I was hoping that one of the 2 big remaining UFAs (Franzen or Hossa) would get signed this weekend, so glad to see that one did get done.

I think that this is the move the Ken Holland had to make. Given the uncertainty about where the salary cap will net out for 2009/2010, I think he had to sign Franzen before he signed Hossa, knowing that the yearly cap hit would be a lower number for Mule as compared to Hoss, With this deal now done, Holland can plan multiple scenarios, and then when the official cap number comes out in June, he can make his moves accordingly once July 1st hits.

I also think that he had to send a message to the existing players and players in Grand Rapids that the Wings take care of their own first. Knowing that guys like Lidstrom, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Filppula, Kronwall -- all of whom have been drafted by the Wings -- come first when it comes to being offered long-term deals, yet ones that come with the hometown discount in exchange for a good shot at a Stanley Cup Championship year-in, year-out.

Hossa may be the more complete player, but he is, technically a hired gun that came in from the outside. Don't get me wrong, as I think he is a stud and I really want the Wings to keep him at a reduced annual cap hit rate, but in doing so, they will likely lose Hudler (who has really grown on me this past year or two) and Samulesson (who I could see going still given Helm, Abdelkader, Rittola et al down in Grand Rapids). If the cap goes up appreciably, we still may see Holland keep Hossa and Hudler, while losing Sammy and maybe a d-man such as Stuart, who could be replaced by guys like Ericsson or Jakub Kindl, etc.

To get Franzen at an annual cap hit of $3.9 is great, especially if he can keep up the pace he has shown the last 2 seasons. Remember that he came on with the Wings in 2005/2006 when guys like Yzerman, Shanahan, and Robert Lang were still around, so he just did not see enough playing time, esp on the PP, to put up crazy numbers back then. And I completely agree that someone would certainly have thrown crazy dollars at him in July, a la Dustin Penner, so even at that term, the cap hit is very friendly.

I have heard a lot of naysayers mention that Franzen is injury prone and has a history of concussions. For what it is worth, he has missed games on two occasions for head-related injuries. November-December 2006 he missed 9 games due to a proper concussion. And in last year's playoffs he missed 6 games with a brain injury, which was technically not a concussion (I know, technicalities, but still, by the book, it was not a pure concussion). For those that will ask, here is the source:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=3802

Bottom line, the length of term is a little nerve-wracking, but I think this is what had to be done. If he starts to slow down in 5-6 years, the Ilitches certainly have plenty of cash to buy him out, or his NYC will be over so they could move him or send him down to GR, etc.

I would say it would be safe to have a Wings jersey personalized to Franzen now, LOL!

BTW, what is the "tagging rule" mentioned that prohibits them from signing Hossa long-term now, say even if they could get it done tomorrow (Sunday) before the playoffs start?

Glad to keep more of the core together and glad to have Johan signed on for more runs at The Stanley Cup. GO WINGS!



Not sure why, but you can only sign one of your pending UFAs before the 7/1 deadline.

Holland has been saying he's been closest to signing Franzen, so he worked with him and got it done.

With Stuart signed on for another 3 years, I'd see Chelly or Lilja go before Stewie.

I think Sammy will be gone and possibly Hudler or Filppula. Abdelkader, Rittola, Ericsson, Helm are all about ready.

Holland also has a tough decision in net. Re-sign Conklin and Ozzie and risk letting Jimmy Howard go?

I've gotta think he's not gonna re-sign again if he has to toil in GR again. One of the other 29 teams will be looking for a young, NHL ready goalie.

[Yzerman19c]

Stuart has a not trade clause i believe untiil year 4 of his deal . he isn't going anywhere unless he wants to

Jimmy Howard is out of options for the minors so he is either on the roster next year(which Holland says he will be) or he will have to clear waivers to get to the minors. Im not sold on him one bit

[Hornz Over Halos]

Stuart has a not trade clause i believe untiil year 4 of his deal . he isn't going anywhere unless he wants to

Jimmy Howard is out of options for the minors so he is either on the roster next year(which Holland says he will be) or he will have to clear waivers to get to the minors. Im not sold on him one bit



As much as it sucks to say, I think Jimmy's gonna be another Manny Legace.

Ride the bench as a backup with 20-30 games a year.

[kdmmw]

I am just wondering, how the wings can stay under the cap in two years? It is expected that the cap will drop down from 10 to 12 Million. With 5 players taking up anout 25 mill how are they going to get 15 to 16 players under 20 million? Not saying these are bad signing. Just wondering out loud. I heard most of the teams at the trade deadline didn't want anyone with more than a year(next year) left on the contract, because they are afraid of what the cap will drop to.

[Hornz Over Halos]

I am just wondering, how the wings can stay under the cap in two years? It is expected that the cap will drop down from 10 to 12 Million. With 5 players taking up anout 25 mill how are they going to get 15 to 16 players under 20 million? Not saying these are bad signing. Just wondering out loud. I heard most of the teams at the trade deadline didn't want anyone with more than a year(next year) left on the contract, because they are afraid of what the cap will drop to.



There's speculation that Draper, Maltby, McCarty, Chelios, Lilja, Samuelsson, Downey and Osgood will all be gone from this off season to 4 years.

As stated previously, there are a boatload of prospects who are already NHL ready but were kept down for another year.

Ericsson, Kindl, Abdelkader, Leino, Helm, Haydar, Ritola, Howard, Larsson and McCollum will all be either up in the Bigs or right on the cusp in the next 1-5 years.

The older players salaries will be gone and the newer players will have cheaper contracts, so HOPEFULLY it won't be as difficult for Holland to juggle the roster.

[Yzerman19c]

I am just wondering, how the wings can stay under the cap in two years? It is expected that the cap will drop down from 10 to 12 Million. With 5 players taking up anout 25 mill how are they going to get 15 to 16 players under 20 million? Not saying these are bad signing. Just wondering out loud. I heard most of the teams at the trade deadline didn't want anyone with more than a year(next year) left on the contract, because they are afraid of what the cap will drop to.


Like Hornz said they have lots of guys ready to step in and I believe Holland knows that Lidstrom is retiring after next season

[Hornz Over Halos]

Like Hornz said they have lots of guys ready to step in and I believe Holland knows that Lidstrom is retiring after next season



Crap ... I forgot to take that out of my "Things to never think about" section of my brain. :(

[pensfan71]

2 questions. 1.) Are they going to have enough money to sign Hossa? 2.) What are they going to do to address their goaltending situation?

[WingNut 25]

I am just wondering, how the wings can stay under the cap in two years? It is expected that the cap will drop down from 10 to 12 Million. With 5 players taking up anout 25 mill how are they going to get 15 to 16 players under 20 million? Not saying these are bad signing. Just wondering out loud. I heard most of the teams at the trade deadline didn't want anyone with more than a year(next year) left on the contract, because they are afraid of what the cap will drop to.

It will not drop that dramatically. In fact, I've not read or heard that number one time and Bettman as recently as 2 weeks ago said he was very surprised at how well the NHL has survived in this economic climate. The Wings will have a lot of flexibility in coming years.

http://www.letsgowings.com/salarychart/

[WingNut 25]

With the depth of the goaltending in the organization, Conklin is as good as gone. It'll be Ozzie/Howard next year.

I have been wanting them to deal Filppula to keep Hudler, but they have stated they love Filppula. He won't be going anywhere.