Wings Rumor and Innuendo: UFA Edition

Ok so this is the Friday edition of a little game I like to call RIFO: “Rumor, Innuendo, Fact, and Opinion in the Off Season”.

Post Post Edit: RIFO updates please feel free to check my blog from Sunday June 29 entitled “Perfecting Perfection” if you know,

you just can’t get enough…

Wings ….


Rumor/Innuendo/Fact/Opinion


Scotty Bowman.


Rumor: Going to spend quality time with his son in Shytown attempting the greatest father and son tandem as GM- AGM since well, crap, I can’t think of any good father son legendary teams. Oh Wait- Gordie and Mark, geez how do you forget the WHA????


Facts: Tuesday, when asked by the Detroit Free Press, Bowman directly denied the rumor. Some are insisting that no matter what Scotty says a meeting in the Windy City actually took place.


Opinion: Well, Scotty holds the cards close to his chest. But I think Scotty would not leave Detroit without getting a pretty sweet deal. You know, “World domination” (credit to Chrono on that one). Curiously, however, after the Cup was won, he seemed to pop up in the media and limelight way way more than is his typical style.


The RFAs:


Filppula, Oulahen, Quincey, Ericsson, Howard.

Rumor: Filppula turned down a long-term deal earlier this season, will likely get an offer sheet from another club after July 1.


Fact: Holland has said this: “Fil is very happy here. We’ve done a good job developing Fil,” Holland said. “Offer sheets don’t concern me. (We’ve) got tons of (salary cap) space. We’re in a position to match any offer sheet he receives.”


Opinion: Filps is coming back, but probably holding out for $3.5MM.


Howard- No details, but He’ll be signed. Management is talking about their plans for him next year.


Other kids-I have heard nothing maybe because there is no real threat that offer sheets will come in after July 1
Stuart:


Rumor: Being offered less than he made last year to come back.


Fact: Ken Holland has said signing Stuart is his Number One Priority. Stuart has an unspecified shoulder injury Wings didn’t reveal during the playoffs that is holding up negotiations.

(“Kids, take notes” (thx grapes): Wings play through the pain, even career jeopardizing pain and keep their mouths absolutely shut. During these playoffs you never heard Stuart, Franzen, Drapes, Homer or ANYONE complain.

HEDHS- Franzen had to be dragged off the ice, he had cartoon birds and stars circling over head and he kept asking why they replaced Ozzie with a Pink Elephant but STILL wanted to play!


Opinion: If Brad is healthy, then this is a bit of a climb for Ken- how the hell do you negotiate a guy down after he helps win a cup? If he does it, it is testament to two things: Ken’s Genius and Stuart’s Character.

So let me just take the time to say this: If Stuart comes back for less then NO ONE NO ONE and I mean NO ONE gets to ever doubt his commitment to a team effort- Ever.

Case fricking closed.

That said- How does anyone personally justify taking LESS money after being bought at the deadline, and coming into a new team, and producing like Stuart did in the playoffs (Don’t start on mistakes and the goal producing give aways- because Stuart’s +/- was 15 in the playoffs.


FIFTEEN PEOPLE!

hellya he’s coming back. (I hope)


Chelios:


Rumor: Cheli takes Asst. Coach position.


Fact: Cheli is coming back to team, one year deal.


Opinion: I like the Asst. Coach idea, but I think Cheli will play one more year. Then again since the position opened up, maybe they all are discussing it. Nothing happens before July 1.


Dmac/Downey:


Rumor: getting offers this week.


Facts: Ken Holland has said he will offer Dmac something by July 1.


Opinion: Two way deal coming July 1 for Dmac, he’ll take it. Downey- not sure. stay tuned.


Lilja:


Rumor: Coming back, working on two year deal.


Fact: Holland said they are close to a two year deal.


Opinion: I like it!


Drake:


Rumor: May retire.


Facts: He said again to day and this rumor has been around since the Cup was hoisted.


Opinion: Drake is gonna retire. I’m ok with this because we have some kids who need to get their feet wet and get some playing time. Drake might make a pretty good Asst. Coach too, its just that Cheli has been with the organization for so long and has the youngins in the palm of his hand (cant say as much for the Cup tho….)


Bringing people in? another blog another time, but I will tease on two things to watch for:

1. Kenny wants a seasoned vet to bring some grit in and help develop Meech and play on a line with the kid.


2. Detroit has been vocal about Sundin. I think if Mats wanted to come, Ken would make it happen.


Stay tooned….

Originally published Friday June 27, 2008 @ 10:56 AM EDT

at http://fans.nhl.com/members/JuiceinLA/blogs/17405