Quote:
Originally Posted by Sylvanfan
It does appear that he's having to pay his own players more, and can't have his pick of UFA guys to sign.
Which does bring up the question...should the Wings be looking to move out a Datsyuk, or Zetterberg for more prospects if this team is done winning Stanley Cups. A lot of people are ripping on the Flames for not trading Iginla, Kiprusoff, and the likes 3 years ago. Detroit is a better team, and still in the playoff mix. But these guys are on the downside now, and do they have the players to become an elite team in the next couple of years?
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I think it is easier to hold on to these guys when part of their legacy is multiple Cups and a string of top of the league finishes.
I think that Datsyuk is likely a Detroit or Russia guy based on reports and Zeterberg with his deal is likely a lifer as well. The fact that they don't seem to rely on their physical skills as much as say Jarome and still can likely be effective 2nd line defensive guys also makes it easier to keep them.
It will be interesting to see what happens when the bottom falls out in Detroit because the management, coaching staff and players have all built up so much good will/benefit of the doubt but with the economy/city in the toilet and Illitch with one foot in the grave can the team afford to go on a big rebuild and keep those guys in 2-3 years?
