Powerless - A Look At Free Agency So Far
Tick Tock. The waiting is killing me. Not just for Suter / Parise news, but for my power to be restored. Haven't had power since Friday. Life is tough when you live like the Amish.
I've been doing my best to follow Twitter (hey, there IS a use for Twitter!) for updates...but all I've been updated on is that no decision is imminent. I don't like the feel that I've been getting on Parise and have no idea what to think of Suter's wait. I'd say if we pick up one the two right now, and get a solid plan B player for the other spot, I'd say it's been a successful free agency.
Even though I'm a few days late, I still figure I'll comment on the other surprising moves that Detroit has made. Hit the jump for my thoughts while we wait.
Jonas Gustavsson:
Can I say called that? Twice? Is this proof that Kenny reads NOHS? I'm going to say it is. This might be my proudest internet moment. I couldn't be happier with this move and I think this gives us two goaltenders that can win a series; something that only a few people can say. Boom. Grade: A
Mikael Samuelsson:
I hated this move at first. I always used to hate Sammy and his shoot not-withstanding any reason attitude and the stupid way he spells his name. But he's a guy who actually fits pretty well into the Hudler hole. He can be counted on for around 18-22 goals this year and actually played solid defense. For 3 million in this new era of cap spending, that's pretty reasonable. I'm ok with this. Plus, this means that TTD can interview Sammy more often.
Jordan Tootoo:
First thing I texted back to Drew was "WTF???" I was pissed about this signing. Tootoo, at least on the ice, is a douche. Holland said that he wanted someone outside his comfort-zone and he found him. But then someone explained how much easier our 4th line was to play against this year as compared to 2008. Tootoo adds that level of grit and dirt that we haven't had since McCarty, Drake, and Maltby. I wish this was for a little less money, but putting him with Abby on the 4th line makes that line hell to play against. He's said the right things too:
"It's definitely a great honor to be able to have that opportunity to put on a Red Wings jersey. Original Six team. There's a lot of history with the Red Wings. I obviously played against them the last (eight) years. It's always been a great rivalry. I know a lot about the team. It was a great fit for me.
"A few teams were interested and Mr. Holland made a quick phone call," Tootoo said. "I thought this was the best opportunity for me to win a Stanley Cup. Ultimately, that's my goal and I feel the Red Wings are right there.
Now, Tootoo, needs to get on the horn with Suter and remind him that yes, Detroit is consistantly the best opportunity to win the Stanley Cup. And remember this, as TPL put it:
Remember, the Flames committed 16M to Hudler. The Red Wings committed 16.05M to Samuelsson, Tootoo, Gustavsson, and Brunner combined.
I wish I knew why TooTolo was in and out of the doghouse this past year. More alcohol problems? Let's hope not.
We may have to face the fact that Eaves may never be a factor again. Last I heard he still wouldn't risk any kind of contact and after sitting out a year, if he is cleared to play, how long would it take him to find his schwag again?
Who is getting traded? Miller? Abby? Nyquist? I have not the foggiest idea at this point.
I love the Tootoo signing, the more I watch and read about him the more I like. He is fearless and can hit like Kronwall. Also a very charitable guy
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From this point I'm calling that we get Suter and Semin. If that's so I'll be happy-ish. If we get neither Suter or Parise I'll be pissed. If we don't even get Semin as consolation, I'll be more pissed.
I know Babcock has mentioned Tootoo playing with Abbie. You mentioned playing with Abbie. We currently have 15 forwards signed. It has been made pretty clear we plan on signing another forward, as in Parise or Plan B (Semin). At 16 forwards signed, what do you make of Abbie's future with the team? Where are we going to find the money to pay him when we sign Parise / Plan B, and where does he fit in as Forward #17?
@ThroatShot It's a bit early IMO to think that Abby wouldn't fit in.
In no particular order:
Datsyuk / Franzen / ZetterbergFA / Bertuzzi / Fil
Cleary / Sammy / Helm
Tootoo / Miller / Abby / Eaves
Emmerton / MursakI can't see Abby sitting over Eaves, even if he should. I sorta see Miller as the man out. I thnk more changes will be made soon to sort this out. I like our bottom six though.
@moorecha You left Brunner and Nyquist off your lines. Babs has said Brunner is already penciled in the Top 6 and Nyquist would be back in the AHL?
A couple things:
I also hated the Sammy signing at first but have started to come around on it. I still don't like it that much but he is better defensively and a little bigger and stronger than Hudler which is something they obviously wanted to address. I would have preferred someone new but that just isn't Holland's style and we have to accept that.
As for the Tootoo signing, how am I the only one who LOVES this?! I gotta say, this is one of my proudest moments. I wanted him on our team two years ago when he was an UFA. The only reason why everyone hates this guy is because he's good at what he does. He doesn't play dirty for the sake of playing dirty. He plays tough and is strong as hell and the only reason why he get's under everyone's skin is because he hits everything that moves...with force. and those train whistles. Can you imagine the forecheck we're going to have if he's with Helm? To me, any offense we get from him is a bonus. He's here to hit people and get them off their game through physical play.
@marti783 Even though I love the Tootoo signing as much as you, I was shocked by it.
I just didn't think the Wing's brass could put their ego's aside and sign a guy that could very well be suspended a few times. Would they be willing to take a step back to the days where McCarty was beating the piss out of Lemiux?
Well they finally did it. Several years coming.
If I hear one of the damn whistles I may just break my TV though. No whistles. We aren't Nashville and don't need our own version of the vuvuzela.
Does anyone else sense that Plan B is a trade? Are we even sure that all of these guys we picked up will remain on the team after we find out Parise signs elsewhere?
From what it appears I am guessing that Holland has cut the offers a little to much like Red Wing's home town discounts and both of our coveted free agents will end up elsewhere. But I still have a small amount of hope in Suter.
