Abel to Yzerman

Home Again, Home Again

IwoCPO — 2009-07-08T13:50:50-05:00

Back in Michigan for a week’s vacation...which is why I’ve avoided each of you for more than five days. Consider this a brief interruption before I get back to remaining unshaven and 12 ounces heavier.

Two guys. Two “snipers”. And a couple issues.

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See Ya Sammy

IwoCPO — 2009-07-03T18:21:20-05:00

Vancouver Province, via Malik

“I liked it in Detroit, I have no hard feelings for them,” Samuelsson said. “But they came up too short, and too late. In my mind they made their choices when they signed guys through the year.”

If we had a dollar for every time one of the 19 complained about Mikael Samuelsson playing the point on the Wing powerplay? We’d be able to pay the 2.5 million he’ll be making per year in Vancouver. In truth, Sammy provided some clutch play, a little grit and plenty of conversation.

Another inevitable departure, but a little surprising at how much he’s getting paid. Sammy’s happy with the cash.

“Obviously that (the money) was the key, I shouldn’t lie,” Samuelsson said.

No you shouldn’t Sammy. Discuss.

Quenneville: Hossa May Start Next Season In Goal

IwoCPO — 2009-07-02T06:31:29-05:00

Here’s what you do when you reach the Conference Finals and you fall short. You spend some money. And you spend it with one thing in mind and that’s taking the next step. You came so close that getting past the team that beat you is an obsession. We know all this. The Wings have been there. Twice in the last twelve years. A Conference Finals loss does weird things to you.

In Chicago’s case, it led them to sign Marian Hossa and his Mini-Marian, Tomas Kopecky. They also signed John Madden. They became stronger and they are going to be giving the Wings one heck of a run for the Central Division title next year. We knew this the moment Hossa signed.

But…

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Mirtle: Hossa a Hawk

IwoCPO — 2009-07-01T17:55:56-05:00

Kopecky a Hawk too, and this is interesting from Kevin Allen,

With Hossa signed with Chi 4 12 yrs, I have ‘Hawks at $34 mill for 8 players in 10-11 with no Kane, Toews, Keith

From Elliot Friedman’s Twitter account,

Pierre LeBrun (the real one) reports it is 12 years, $5.2 million per season for Hossa.

Via TSN, then James Mirtle. No word on money or term.

And so, I’m thinking the rivalry with Chicago? Just got a bit more intense.

Here’s What We Do: Live Blogging A Day That Will Probably Be Uneventful For The Wings

IwoCPO — 2009-07-01T15:34:56-05:00

And we can start with this biotch.

Not sure if Sportsnet is referring to last night’s rebuttal or if another has taken place this morning. Kenny, you stubborn bastard you.

Marian Hossa has turned down yet another long-term deal to try his luck as a mercenary on the free agent market. The Red Wings were prepared to keep Hossa in Hockeytown for 10 years.

Anyway, it’s a Live Blog. And we’ll even open it up to you Pens fans who want to take a break from peeking around the corner to see who’s going to steal your Cup.

Well Hoss…Catch You On The Flip Side?

IwoCPO — 2009-07-01T11:42:14-05:00

As I predicted early and often, it looks as though Marian Hossa isn’t going to sign with the Wings.

I mean, he turned down a decade from Tick Tock, so obviously a deal’s not in the cards, right?

Not so fast says Craig Custance.

...the possibility of a deal still exists.

An NHL source told SportingNews.com late Tuesday night that discussions between the two sides will continue.

It’s not an issue of either side wanting to get a deal completed, it’s a matter of finding common ground. The Red Wings would like to keep Hossa at a annual salary cap number in the $4 million range, which would be considerably less than he’d earn on the open market.

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Only 48 More Tuesdays Without The Cup…Better Hurry Hoss

IwoCPO — 2009-06-30T15:55:51-05:00

The longer this thing with Marian Hossa drags on, the greater the chance that the Hasek may burn to the ground. Angry readers. Frustrated and irritable. Sniping and spitting. I blame myself. I don’t give you guys fodder for conversation and all of a sudden the knives come out.

So we’ll address that because we have to. We must. Break time is over. Ikea sucked.

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A Cold Winter

IwoCPO — 2009-06-28T13:51:30-05:00

Checking in from my unannounced, but very obvious, break from blogging...to ask this question:

Does Rich Winter belong in the Jackatoreum?

He’s doing his job, or at least he’s looking out for his own very personal interests. He wants as much cash as he can gather. Everybody’s momma’s got to eat. So he’s going to push this thing as far as he can, for as long as he can.

Tell me. Do you think Marian Hossa is going to ok a deal with LA, so that he can earn two million more per season? On the face of things, that’s an idiotic question. Two million more? Of course he has to consider it. He has to. But with that two million comes a lot of losses.

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All Uncle Mike

IwoCPO — 2009-06-25T15:45:32-05:00

He was ours first. That’s all I’m saying. Well, he was Anaheim’s first, but...you get the idea.

Canada’s got a new golden boy and his name’s Babcock. Feature stories are all over the place, and this one is better than most.

NHL.com

“We’re real fortunate in Detroit. We have a good family here with the Red Wings people. That’s what we’re about here. We have great people. We try to acquire great people and to me, that’s what it’s all about. It’s about integrity and trust. And if you have good people around you, you can get things done.”

Hey 19….He’s In

IwoCPO — 2009-06-23T19:43:05-05:00

As if there was ever any doubt.

No doubt he’d get in. No doubt as to the greatest Captain in hockey history. No doubt regarding his status as one of the top 2 Detroit Red Wings of all time.

Legends of Hockey

“I truly had chills down my spine when I got the news.”

We know the feeling.