Lidstrom

[hamstercaster 2]

Lidstrom just sign a 7.6 million dollar a year contract. I guess he won't have to worry about putting bread and butter on his familie's table lol

[LoXish 0]

No doubt, 7.6?

So, you wings fans, is he worth it?

He's a humble player, but really does perform... how's this contract going to balance with the rest of the roster's salary?

[lee92 2]

No doubt, 7.6?

So, you wings fans, is he worth it?

He's a humble player, but really does perform... how's this contract going to balance with the rest of the roster's salary?

wasn't his contract last season the same amount? i know it was in the 7 million range, at the max, and i believe he's worth every penny of it.

[chippa13 1844]

No doubt, 7.6?

So, you wings fans, is he worth it?

He's a humble player, but really does perform... how's this contract going to balance with the rest of the roster's salary?

Considering he basically owns the Norris trophy until the day he retires, I'd say he is worth it.

[LoXish 0]

Was it? I wasn't sure.

I mean, I think he's worth it too -- it's hard for me to really grasp how the Wings can hold onto so may big names when they're throwing 7.6 million at Lidstrom..

I mean, Yzerman, Shanahan, Datsyuk, Draper, Zetterberg, Lang, Kronwell, Maltby... even Chelios, lol.

These guys are all big names -- I guess it's just wierd for me to think that Chelios only makes 800K when Lidstrom makes 7.6 million... haha.

[chippa13 1844]

Considering that Lidstrom has probably taken Bourque's spot as third on the all-time greatest defensemen list, I don't find it strange that he's making the big bucks and Chelios is making chump change as an also-ran on the Wings.

[LoXish 0]

Yeah, I understand that... I'm not arguing it, I just have to comprehend, I suppose. That's a lot of money.

[warrior37 0]

i say Lidstrom is one of the top 3 players in the world right now

[kosydar 0]

i say Lidstrom is one of the top 3 players in the world right now

Who is better? I give it to Lidstrom over Forsberg because he can actually play a full season.

[Chadd 916]

Considering that Lidstrom has probably taken Bourque's spot as third on the all-time greatest defensemen list, I don't find it strange that he's making the big bucks and Chelios is making chump change as an also-ran on the Wings.

I can't agree with the Bourque coment. Ray did everything that Lidstrom does and he could play physically as well.

[kosydar 0]

I don't remember a lot of Bourque's career, but I think that Lidstrom's lack of physical play is a testament to how good he is. He doesn't need to be overly physical to have his presence felt on the ice.

[chippa13 1844]

Lidstrom just has that smoothness about his game. As much as I loved Bourque and all he did for Boston, I have to say I think I'd slot Lidstrom ahead of him.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Agreed. He makes it look effortless.

[notorious#29 0]

Was it? I wasn't sure.

I mean, I think he's worth it too -- it's hard for me to really grasp how the Wings can hold onto so may big names when they're throwing 7.6 million at Lidstrom..

I mean, Yzerman, Shanahan, Datsyuk, Draper, Zetterberg, Lang, Kronwell, Maltby... even Chelios, lol.

These guys are all big names -- I guess it's just wierd for me to think that Chelios only makes 800K when Lidstrom makes 7.6 million... haha.

There were rumors that they were trying to get Lidstrom to stay here, but at a discounted price. Since 7.6 isn't really much of a discounted price, this leads me to believe that one or more of those big names might not be a Wing much longer. As much as I love Shanny, I wouldn't mind seeing him gone. Same goes with Draper.

[kosydar 0]

I really don't get why people keep bringing up Draper's name. He is already signed through the year, maybe even through next year as well.

[Chadd 916]

I really don't get why people keep bringing up Draper's name. He is already signed through the year, maybe even through next year as well.

He's overpaid and overrated.

[warrior37 0]

datsyuk, lang, maltby, shanahan, drapes all can go, chelly took a mean pay cut, and stevie y might do the same if he decides to return

[chippa13 1844]

I really don't get why people keep bringing up Draper's name.  He is already signed through the year, maybe even through next year as well.

He's overpaid and overrated.

He may be overpaid but I think he's still a solid checking center that can chip in here and there.

[Chadd 916]

I really don't get why people keep bringing up Draper's name.  He is already signed through the year, maybe even through next year as well.

He's overpaid and overrated.

He may be overpaid but I think he's still a solid checking center that can chip in here and there.

I'll agree with that but people talk about him like he's a top 6 guy and he shouldn't be.

[hip check 0]

I think he is worth the money. It's not like Ken Holland is a dummy (okay, maybe he overpaid Draper...).

Lidstrom plays a style that revolves around good positioning and an active stick. He's never been the physical player that someone like Pronger or Blake is. He is smart with the puck, skates smoothly and doesn't get wound up emotionally. He's a great quarterback on the power play, makes smart break-out passes and has an excellent, though maybe not overpowering, shot. He reads the play well and knows when to jump up or hang back. What more do you need in a top-flight defenseman?

If Detroit didn't sign him, how many teams would be in line to get him? Twenty or more?

[technophile 0]

If Detroit didn't sign him, how many teams would be in line to get him? Twenty or more?

Twenty-nine, I would guess. ;)

[lee92 2]

Was it? I wasn't sure.

I mean, I think he's worth it too -- it's hard for me to really grasp how the Wings can hold onto so may big names when they're throwing 7.6 million at Lidstrom..

I mean, Yzerman, Shanahan, Datsyuk, Draper, Zetterberg, Lang, Kronwell, Maltby... even Chelios, lol.

These guys are all big names -- I guess it's just wierd for me to think that Chelios only makes 800K when Lidstrom makes 7.6 million... haha.

There were rumors that they were trying to get Lidstrom to stay here, but at a discounted price. Since 7.6 isn't really much of a discounted price, this leads me to believe that one or more of those big names might not be a Wing much longer. As much as I love Shanny, I wouldn't mind seeing him gone. Same goes with Draper.

I wanna know why people keep harping on Shanahan. Maybe I'm missing something, but I thought he had a great season this year. If anyone should go, it should be Lang, who's been sub-par since he came over.

[kosydar 0]

datsyuk, lang, maltby, shanahan, drapes all can go, chelly took a mean pay cut, and stevie y might do the same if he decides to return

Datsyuk? You're crazy.

[chippa13 1844]

I don't get the hate for Datsyuk either. He and Zetterberg could be the next Yzerman/Federov tandem for the Wings.

[McCabe24 0]

Was it? I wasn't sure.

I mean, I think he's worth it too -- it's hard for me to really grasp how the Wings can hold onto so may big names when they're throwing 7.6 million at Lidstrom..

I mean, Yzerman, Shanahan, Datsyuk, Draper, Zetterberg, Lang, Kronwell, Maltby... even Chelios, lol.

These guys are all big names -- I guess it's just wierd for me to think that Chelios only makes 800K when Lidstrom makes 7.6 million... haha.

Yzerman is the franchise and has taken less money to keep playing on the team.

Shanahan may actually leave this free agency period.

Datsyuk is young and hasn't signed a true to market contract for his production.

Draper is an overrated checker who played on a great team for 10 years now.

Zetterberg is in the same boat as Datsyuk but can play defence and is less offensive.

Lang had one great season in Washington and is otherwise pretty average.

Kronwall hasn't even been on the roster for a full year.

Maltby is a lesser known Draper because people only think centers can be prominent checkers.

Chelios is washed up but can still play in the league.

Maybe it's the fact that most of those players you mentioned are great Wings but not great NHLers? They have a lot of money in Datsyuk, Lidstrom and Zetterberg but got by this year by buying out other players like McCarty and Whitney. Now they will lose more players this year. As time goes on the trend will continue. Don't forgot the cap has been in place for one year and Detroit doesn't have a goalie.

As for the Lidstrom contract, it isn't surprising and he is worth it by comparison but I wouldn't want him on my team.