More on Belfour, Shanny, and Arbitration
Belfour coming to Detroit?
The Wings are supposedly 2-3 days away from informing Ed Belfour of their decision. He was at Joe Louis Arena today before heading on to the doctors for his physical to see how his back is recovering from surgery in April.
“He didn’t have a very good year, statistically, then got hurt at the end of the year,” Holland said. “I wanted to get his back checked out. There’s obviously concerns. Did he have an off-year, or can he can play another year or two? He obviously feels he has some hockey left in him.”
An article that just came out by Helene St. James says that if he passes his physical (which was 3 hours long at DMC) then the Wings will make an offer. Belfour has since left Detroit.
A dark shadow has been cast over the Detroit fans…
When I first saw the photo of Eddie below, two things came to mind: (1) His nickname, “Psycho Eddie,” and (2) the movie Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It took no stretch of the imagination for me to picture this image below:
This is stuff that can give you nightmares. Here is a sampling of Wings fans reactions over the possibility of Belfour or Hasek in net.
Hoser: And somewhere, small groups of small market fans are grinning fiendishly - their perverse joy nearly toxic: Red Wings fans agonizing over an inability to do … anything. All Hail the Triumph of the ‘new’ NHL.
58Miles2Joe: If Belfour plays for the Wings, this may be the year I lockout the NHL.
Clouddead: Kenny said we needed something different, and this sure is different…I’m scared every time I look on tsn…
Crymson: Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice…you’re not gonna fool me again.
Muse: I’m hoping that the Belfour exam is more out of curiosity and to be used as a negotiating tool (so we don’t look too desperate - though you have to be mighty desperate to be seriously considering Crazy Eddie). I certainly hope part of his exam will include a psychological review. In fact, while they’re at it, let the Psychiatrist take a look at Kenny for even considering Crazy Eddie.
Now Doomsberry is usually forecasting dark depressing days in Hockeytown and it’s usually a pretty fun read. Sadly, his latest comments seem pretty easy to imagine.
Storm clouds continue to build around Hockeytown. Prepare for the worst.The worst is yet to come. It is time for some serious preparation.
Shanahan talk
Holland actually won’t be hearing from Shanahan’s agent until this weekend at the earliest. We have apparently offered him a one year contract for $4 million or, if he prefers, a two year contract for less money. I don’t know which one I’d prefer.
One LGW user said, “Then why are they chasing Shanahan like an obsessed ex-boyfriend? I think everyone has called Shanahan but the Mayor.” So true.
Update: That Helene St. James article says that both of our offers (1 year and 2 years) were for about $4 million each year. Please let this not be true. 2 years, $4 million apiece for Shanny? Come on…I’m trying to be patient Holland, I really am. But I’m struggling, I really am.
“There’s not much I can say with regard to Brendan’s situation,” agent Rick Curran said. “Everyone realizes he has to make a decision - perhaps sooner rather than later. I have no problem saying the Wings are still very much in the picture. He has options.”
Salary Arbitration
Both Daniel Cleary and Jason Williams have filed for salary arbitration. Today was the deadline. The Wings and the two players have until July 20th to reach a deal. Arbitration goes from July 20th through August 4th.
Yzerman Gallery
I promise a large gallery of Yzerman photos to be posted sometime tomorrow.
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