7/01 Wings Notes
More on the Lidstrom signing
The Detroit newspapers have some quotes from GM Ken Holland and defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom regarding his signing a two year contract worth $7.6 million each year. He is not going to get an increase in salary even after winning his 4th Norris and didn’t even ask for the salary maximum of $8.8 million. He gave us a nice hometown discount if you ask me. If Yzerman retires, I’m convinced that Lidstrom should be named the new captain after making a “move” like that.
“I wanted to stay with the Red Wings,” Lidstrom said. “I never asked for the maximum (allowed in the salary cap, $8.8 million). Talking with Kenny (Holland), if I could take a little less, that would help in signing other players.”“I don’t think Nick had any intention of going anywhere else, and we wanted to keep Nick as a Red Wing,” Holland said. “Over the last month we discussed what was a fair contract, and what Nick could do to help our team in the new salary-cap world.
“Nick decided he was happy keeping his contract the same. We have more percentage of money to spend in the new cap. Nick has really helped us out.”
“I still believe we have a Stanley Cup-caliber team,” said Lidstrom, who added his desire to win a fourth Stanley Cup is a key reason he’ll continue to play.
“One of Kenny’s arguments all along was that if I take less, we can still be a competitive team and go out and sign another player,” Lidstrom said Friday via phone from Sweden. “I wanted to sign with the Wings, but I didn’t want to take less than what I was making. I’m pleased with my salary. I never asked for the max. I always felt if I took a little less, we’d still have some flexibility.”
What amazes me is that with 14 seasons in the NHL, Lidstrom has only missed 20 games. That’s impressive if you ask me.
Brendan Shanahan
Forward Brendan Shanahan has decided to test the free agent market. The Wings offered him a raise from his $2.28 million salary this year. If any other team offers him too much more, the Wings will be unable to afford him.
“Brendan wants to see what’s out there,” Holland said. “He knows where we’re at (financially) and what we can afford.”“I’m never optimistic or pessimistic,” Holland said about the chances of signing a player once he hits the open market. “Talking to Rick Curran (Shanahan’s agent), Brendan owes it to himself what the market will bear for him. He knows what we want to do. Brendan will go into the open market and decide where he goes.”
Steve Yzerman
Even though Yzerman wanted to make a decision by today, it’s not looking likely.
“I know he’s in his cabin in northern Ontario, and by not hearing from him, that’s telling me he’s struggling with his decision,” said Holland, who will not give Yzerman a deadline. “It doesn’t surprise me. He has the passion and desire to play; and it’s driving him to play, but he has to really decide about his knee and if he’s prepared to go through everything he has to go through to play another year. Steve wants to know he’s coming back to contribute, not just to come back to be back.”
“For me to try to put pressure on Steve to make a decision he isn’t ready to make I don’t think is right,” Holland said. “So I’m prepared to wait all summer, and whatever decision he makes is fine with me, whenever he makes it. For what he’s done for this city and this franchise, if he wants to take a little longer making his decision he should have that time.”
Chris Osgood
Apparently, Osgood has been “tendered” a one year and two year offer with the two year offer for less money. I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear something today.
Qualifying Offers
Detroit has made qualifying offers for Jason Williams, Johan Franzen, and Dan Cleary. Assuming they sign, they’d cost the Wings around $1.6 million.
Wings Wish List
GM Holland is looking for a starting goaltender, gritty forward, and a physical defenseman. Dwayne Roloson has re-signed with Edmonton so he is no longer an option. Ed Belfour was bought out by Toronto so he’s a possibility, but I’m hoping we look elsewhere (ie. Martin Gerber).
The Detroit News: “In goal, we’ll look at all options,” Holland said. “Anybody with experience, we’re interested in.”Detroit Free Press: “I’ve got a little extra money to do some things,” Holland said. “Over the next few days, we’ll find out who’s available and how much they want.”
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