Rumor: Kozlov to the Wings?
I’ve seen plenty of people speculating about who the Wings may sign this off-season including the return of Slava Kozlov to Detroit on forums. I never mentioned it before because the only newspaper to mention it (that I saw) was the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
We’re getting close to the point where we can ramp up the off-season speculation about the Thrashers free agents. I’ve now read in multiple places where Slava Kozlov is being rumored to be on the Red Wings radar. Now, right now it is more media speculation suggesting he’d be a good fit with the Red Wings, but it’s not out of the question. Before he re-signed with the Thrashers in 2003, Kozlov was interested in returning to Detroit but the Red Wings never made an offer. If they’re interested in the veteran winger this time around, I think they’d have to be the front-runner.
Well, Larry Wigge @ NHL.com has also heard the rumor about Kozlov.
The other scuttlebut that appears to be hottest in Detroit surrounds Atlanta Thrashers’ free-agent center Slava Kozlov, who played his first 10 years in the NHL with the Wings. Kozlov, now 35, had a career-year with 80 points on 28 goals and 52 assists last season. Slava’s best season before that was in 1995-96, when he had 36 goals and 37 assists in Detroit. Those with inside information on the Wings hint they’d like to sign Slava and put him on a line with Pavel Datsyuk.
This past season, Kozlov had 80 points with the Atlanta Thrashers (28 goals and 52 assists) and was +9. It also can’t hurt being on the same line as Marian Hossa, who had 57 assists during the past season.
Ted Kulfan at the Detroit News also speculates we could see Kozlov in the Winged Wheel once again.
It’s never too early to begin speculating who might wind up where, and here’s one name to keep an eye on regarding the Wings — forward Slava Kozlov .
Yes, Kozlov, the former Wing who they traded to Buffalo back in 2001 to acquire Dominik Hasek (the first time).
Kozlov wasn’t productive in Buffalo but after arriving in Atlanta, he gradually has become the type of player many thought he’d become. Also, Kozlov, 35, was a good veteran influence on young Thrashers star Ilya Kovalchuk . He had 28 goals and 52 assists this past season.
Kozlov has always had good things to say about the Wings organization and likes the area. He could be a nice complement to Pavel Datsyuk , and new arrival Igor Grigorenko.
Spector had this to say about Kozlov’s chances of returning to Detroit.
The Wings will likely shop around in this summer’s UFA market for potential replacements for players they lose via free agency but don’t expect them to pursue the marquee names, as their cap space simply won’t accommodate those signings. I like Wigge’s suggestion of bringing back Kozlov if he’s available. As for Bertuzzi, the only way he’ll be back in a Wings jersey is if as Duff suggests he accepts less money on a shorter term.
Kozlov received the 2007 Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy this season for his hard work.
The award, named in honor of former Thrasher Dan Snyder, is given annually to the team’s player who best embodies perseverance, dedication and hard work without reward or recognition, so that his team and teammates might succeed. Former winners of the award are Garnet Exelby (2004) and Niclas Havelid (2006).
Kozlov, in his fourth season with the Thrashers, has been instrumental in helping the team capture its first-ever Southeast Division title and has set career highs for points (79) and assists (52) in 80 games.
What do I think? I would not be against this signing especially if we could get Kozlov at an affordable salary for a year or two. It seems he is interested in returning to Detroit and a team with a good shot in the playoffs next season. It also seems like he has matured with the Thrashers and would do well on Datsyuk’s line or even Filppula’s line as George @ Snapshots suggested.
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2 Responses to “Rumor: Kozlov to the Wings?”
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June 9th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
The Hasek and Osgood stops on the Kenny Holland “Bring ‘Em Back!” tour seem to have gone well. Plus Slava’s current $2 mil salary is almost half of Lang’s. He’ll cost a bit more than what he’s making now but he’d be a great replacement for Lang.
June 9th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
It is funny that we’re signing players for a second try here in Detroit, but I think Kozlov could fit pretty well and as long as it’s an affordable salary, I’m for it.