Datsyuk, Delmore, and Legace news
The Detroit News reports that the Wings still have a long ways to go to sign Pavel Datsyuk. Moscow Dynamo needs to hear a commitment from Datsyuk by September 1 when all European contracts must be registered. Apparently, he has been working out with the Dynamo team and scored a goal in Finland while at a tournament. Datsyuk’s agent, Gary Greenstin, has told Dynamo that Datsyuk would rather play for the Wings, but if a deal can’t be reached he will return for a second year in Moscow. “A beautiful, highlight goal from what people told me,” Greenstin said.
In a nutshell, a decision should be made within a week regarding Datsyuk’s future. For the future of the Detroit Red Wings, I sure hope Holland can work something out.
“It’s up to Ken Holland (Wings general manager) and myself to work on this and come to some sort of an agreement,” Greenstin said. “It’s a slow process. We’re going to continue to work. As we’ve said, Pavel’s first priority is to remain with the Wings.”Â
Besides Datsyuk, Holland still has to sign Niklas Kronwall, Henrik Zetterberg, and one other player (probably a defenseman). The Wings have $7 million left to sign those players.
Delmore grew up idolizing Yzerman
The Detroit News ran an article regarding Andy Delmore’s excitement to play for the Wings. Last week, the defeseman signed a contract for one year worth $450,000 (the league’s minimum). Even if Delmore doesn’t make the Wings roster, he’s excited for the opportunity to be just a phone call away. He grew up in Windsor cheering for the Red Wings.
“Let’s face it, a lot of players don’t get an opportunity for their hometown team,” Delmore said. “The chance to come back home, and play for the Wings, it really is exciting. Definitely a guy like Steve Yzerman, for everything he’s accomplished in his career, the way he carries himself on and off the ice,” Delmore said. “Then guys like Bob Probert (another Windsor native) and Joe Kocur. There were so many good memories and moments. But I was always a Wings fan, not the (Toronto Maple) Leafs.”Â
Holland believes Delmore could give the Wings depth especially with some of the new rule changes. “He’s got skill, and he gives us depth,” general manager Ken Holland said. “He’s a guy who could help us.”
Over the lockout, Delmore played for Adler Mannheim (a Germany team) alongside the Sabres’ Jochen Hochet and the Flames’ Rene Corbet. In his 50 games, he scored seven goals and had 16 assists.
“No doubt, it was a little different,” he said of having games twice a week, on weekends. It really was like a college (hockey) schedule. We’d play on Friday and Sunday, have Monday off, and practiced the rest of the week. The atmosphere and intensity was real good because you’d only (have) those two games, and the crowds were really into it. It was good hockey, as good as any of the other leagues (in Europe). Our team made it into the finals, and there were quite a few NHL players (in Germany). It was a good experience.”Â
Since the Wings want a minimum of seven defensemen and money is tight, Jason Woolley will probably be playing another year with the Wings. “They’re giving me an opportunity,” Woolley said.
Legace’s golf charity event next Monday
Next Monday at the Meadowbrook Country Club in Northville, Manny Legace will be holding a charity golf event with proceeds going towards breast cancer research. Legace’s mom along with a close family friend have fought breast cancer. “This (the golf outing) is something that I’ve wanted to do for some time,” Legace said, “and everything has worked out.” The Wings that are scheduled to attend include Chris Osgood, Jason Williams, Kirk Maltby, and Darryl Bootland. Legace is encouraging fants to attend for autograph opportunities. Donations will be accepted.
I hope to attend the event since it’s about 5-10 minutes from my house. I’ll call the golf club tomorrow to see when the event starts. If I am able to attend, I plan on getting some autographs and taking pictures to be posted here. If you can attend, come support the fight against breast cancer along with watching our beloved Wings players golf! Hope to see you there!
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